Month: August 2020

By Christine Graf
Hudson Valley Community College is responding to the skilled labor shortage in the area and across the state by pursuing plans to build a new $65 million facility for skilled trades education.
The proposed 130,000-square-foot Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) will allow the college to expand its training of the skilled technical workforce.
A capital campaign is underway, and a concept plan of the project has been prepared by JMZ Architects and Planners of Glens Falls.
Construction of ATEC, a net energy zero building, is in the planning phase. The architectural bidding process will begin in one to two months.

Businesses in the Lake George area may be heading into their busiest months of 2020 yet, with almost 62 percent of nearly 6,000 customers surveyed planning to visit in August or the fall, according to an online survey conducted by Warren County Tourism, Mannix Marketing and the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The survey results came in as the region continues to experience an unexpectedly strong July.
“The survey confirms that there is a strong pent up demand for travel and Lake George offers just what travelers want,” said Sara Mannix, owner of LakeGeorge.com and Mannix Marketing.
“Survey respondents stated they had the most interest in visiting the beaches, touring the lake on a cruise ship and experiencing the area’s lakes on paddleboards, kayaks and boats. The most desired activity that was not on the lake was outlet mall shopping and Lake George is home to more than 50 outlet stores. Therefore, we anticipate we will see even more visitors as the fall and back-to-school shopping season approaches,” she noted.

The ECHL Board of Governors, in conjunction with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, has approved a revised start date for the 2020-21 ECHL Season, which includes the Adirondack Thunder which plays at Cool Insuring Arena.
The anticipated start date is Dec. 4 for a full 72-game schedule. The league did not comment on whether fans will be allowed to attend.
The ECHL 2020-21 Season was originally scheduled to start Oct. 16. Adjustments to the 2020-21 ECHL Schedule will be announced at a later date, officials said.
“We are eager to return to hockey, but at this time we believe this decision is prudent for the safety of our Players, Employees and Fans,” said ECHL Commissioner, Ryan Crelin.
“The ECHL and our Board of Governors are focused on the 2020-21 Season and remain optimistic for the safe reopening of our venues across the continent. We appreciate our partners and fans continued support and patience, as we work together with our venues, local health officials and the members of the PHPA’s Executive Committee toward the safe return of ECHL hockey.”

Edward M. Bartholomew Jr., president of the EDC Warren County and the lead voice for economic development in the Glens Falls/Lake George Region, died on July 21 at the age of 70.
He was responsible for many projects in the county including the Glens Falls Civic Center, a project which he oversaw as mayor in 1979. He continued his economic development efforts right up to his death, officials said.
“Throughout the COVID-19 (pandemic), Ed was a fixture at economic response and recovery meetings and was an integral partner in stabilizing the future of Warren County’s local economy post-pandemic,” said Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore said.
Matthew Fuller, chairman of the county EDC, said Bartholomew was “tireless” in his pursuit of progress and entirely bipartisan in his approach to solving problems.
Fuller said Bartholomew died from complications from a medical procedure.

State Sen. Betty Little has been nominated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and confirmed by the Senate as a member of the Olympic Regional Development Authority.
She was one of several appointments made on July 24.
“The COVID pandemic was a stress test on governments across the country, but New York showed what it means for government to perform for the people it serves,” Cuomo said. “The new additions to our team bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge that will be invaluable as we work to build back better from the COVID crisis and continue our record of delivering bold, progressive accomplishments for the people of New York state.”
Little is serving her ninth term as a state senator representing the residents of the 45th Senate District, which is comprised of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren and parts of St. Lawrence and Washington Counties.
She is not seeking re-election to another term.

The board of directors of EDC Warren County has named board member Jim Siplon as interim president following the unexpected death of Ed Bartholomew in July.
“We know we cannot fill Ed Bartholomew’s shoes and his legacy will endure here at EDC forever,” said board Chairman Matthew Fuller. “We also know that, if Ed were here, he would tell us to keep moving forward and get the work done. Jim Siplon will help our board ensure that the many critical economic development projects that Ed was spearheading continue to move forward. There is so much work to do, and we will do it together and in Ed’s honor.’’
EDC will begin a search for a new president in the coming months.
“This is a critical time for EDC and our community, especially as we seek to help local businesses and municipalities recover from the economic damage of COVID-19,’’ said Fuller. “That recovery mission was so important to Ed, and we are fortunate to have in Jim an experienced executive, board member and community leader who can step in to continue the business-support initiatives and assistance programs that Ed was leading.’’