Nibble Inc. doughnut shop on Broadway had its grand opening ribbon cutting today! 

This new business supports local, for everything from coffee, down to the soaps in the bathroom, 

to the newspaper!

TROY, N.Y. – GreyCastle Security, a cybersecurity consulting firm that helps businesses assess, remediate and manage information security risks, has hired its fifth new employee since the beginning of 2014, security specialist Chris Kelley.

Kelley began his career in technology nearly 20 years ago, when he joined the United States Navy, where he repaired naval communication systems and was first introduced to security management. While with the Navy, he was a senior security analyst, providing technical leadership and in-depth analysis of computer network traffic. He supported the Department of Defense cyber defense through application testing, network analysis and incident response. He developed security policies, provided system support functions, developed standard procedures and redesigned various networks to increase performance and efficiency. He also spent three years as a security analyst with the National Security Agency.

Kelley’s areas of expertise include network analysis, Linux administration, UNIX network, identity management, packet-level analysis, SNORT, OWASP, TCP/IP and security training.

“As we’ve seen recently with the Home Depot and Gmail breaches, no organization or system is impenetrable,” said Reg Harnish, GreyCastle Security’s chief security strategist. “Chris brings considerable experience and great skill to this position and our clients will benefit from his expertise.” 

Kelley is a native of Enon, Ohio and currently resides in Delanson.  Kelley is GreyCastle Security’s fourth new hire in six months. Most recently, GreyCastle hired an office manager, a senior security specialist, security specialist and account manager. Harnish expects to hire additional talent throughout the remainder of the year.  

About GreyCastle Security:

GreyCastle Security is a cybersecurity consulting firm focused on risk management, awareness and operational security. Our company was established to counter rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats and manage risks in people, process and technology. GreyCastle Security is comprised exclusively of highly certified professionals with prior security experience in healthcare, education, retail and gaming. Our team members are all former CISOs, ISOs, security specialists and operators. We bring a client perspective to everything we do.

All we do is cybersecurity. All day, every day.  We provide assessments, training, testing and response capabilities to organizations of all sizes, types and industries. We bring passionate practicality to cybersecurity.

Visit us at www.greycastlesecurity.com for more information, and let GreyCastle Security redefine cybersecurity for you.

TROY>> On Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m. in the Frear Building (corner of Fulton and Third Streets), the Downtown Troy BID’s Business Development and Retention Committee will present a Business Boot Camp class with special guest Mark Shipley, cofounder and strategy director of the marketing firm Smith & Jones.

Under Jones’ direction the firm has received the Best of Show in the Healthcare Advertising Award, as well as being recognized by The Aster Awards, the American Marketing Association, One Club, New York Festivals, and The London International Awards. He is a recipient of the Capital District YMCA’s Presidents Award.

Jones is a frequent guest lecturer on brand building at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lally School of Management and the Executive MBA program at The University at Albany.

In one hour the class will address marketing strategies to help businesses and entrepreneurs in promoting their products and businesses to Troy BID and city events. 

Saratoga National Bank Donates $6,000 for New Gavin Park Scoreboard

WILTON>>  Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company recently donated $6,000 to the Friends of Wilton Recreation, Inc. for the purchase of a new scoreboard at the Gavin Park Gymnasium in Wilton.

Gavin Park is a 53-acre facility owned by the town of Wilton; it includes gymnasiums, pavilions, athletic fields and courts, and more. The Friends of Wilton Recreation’s mission is to assist the Park and Recreation System and thereby help enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Saratoga National Bank supports community organizations and nonprofits throughout its service area, from Corinth to Colonie. It is headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York, and provides banking, investment, insurance and other financial services through its eight locations.

Representatives from Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company present a $6,000 donation to the Friends of Wilton Recreation, Inc. for the purchase of a new scoreboard at the Gavin Park Gymnasium. Pictured are (L-R): Friends of Wilton Recreation President Joe Barto and Vice President Stu LaDue; Wilton Recreation Director Steve Porto; Saratoga National Bank President and CEO David DeMarco; Wilton Town Board Member Steve Streicher; Saratoga National Bank Assistant Branch Manager Debra Pappas; and Wilton Town Supervisor Art Johnson. (Photo credit--Bill O’Donnell)

Saratoga Springs>> In Focus Brands, announced the 3rd StartUp Weekend-Saratoga being held Nov. 14 to 16, 2014 at the Fragomeni Insurance Building (3257 Route 9, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866).

StartUp Weekend International is a collaborative and an intense 54 hour event which focuses on innovation and the formation of credible businesses over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings people with different skillsets together to formulate and to present successful ventures to launch. Manufacturing, IT, medical, finance, media and software are some of the industries that are expected to be represented. This year, the event will be part of Global StartUp Week which includes an international video presentation competition also.

Lead organizer and facilitator, Robert Manasier of In Focus Brands, states: “We are very
excited to be running our 3rd StartUp Week which includes an international video competition for our participating teams. David’s (Fragomeni) location is perfect since for the 1stwork throughout the 54 hours. Also, it is very relevant to startups as the building is going through a massive renovation that ties in nicely to the feel of entrepreneurship. This event will unite a number of our local initiatives: with our growing involvement with Troy’s Center of Gravity; our successful launch of Aqua Punching Bag ( which brought together our dream team of an industry expert, a local manufacturer and our branded acceleration systems) plus a number of our international clients and experts.”

David Fragomeni, an organizer and coach for the event, added “It’s exciting to see a group of unassociated individuals team up to formulate a plan with the common goal of launching a business. The video aspect to the event adds another layer of access to possible funding and interest for our participants this year.”

This StartUp Weekend will showcase viral video creation, all teams uploading video to be part of the Global StartUp Competition, a possible regional competition for the winners and we are exploring skyping in experts from around the globe to coach.

Up next, the prize packages for the top 3 winners of the event, coaches, sponsors and judges will be announced. A video training seminar will also be announced to prepare local participants and businesses in the proper video creation elements by IFP Films.

Registrations & sponsorships are available at:

http://saratoga.up.co/events/4714 .

Brother and sister team, Peter (Andy) Novak and Jennifer Novak opened Cider Belly's doors in August 2014 with the goal of bringing back, what they believe to be a true doughnut experience and adding some "happy" to downtown.

"With the opening of Cider Belly, we don't just get to see the growth of downtown Albany, we get to smell it as well," said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan in a press release. "As we work to draw more visitors, residents and employees to this area, it is businesses like this one that prove our Capital City and its culinary choices are ever-evolving and growing."

“Their shop is evolving into a hot spot for warm, fresh doughnuts but it’s also adding to the growing inventory of creative, modern retailers that are critical to the growth of a City,” explained Georgette Steffens, executive director, Downtown Albany BID. “The Novaks’ thought through their business model from concept to design to implementation, incorporating the attributes of downtown Albany into that model.”

Their Downtown approach identifies anyone not on a diet as their clientele, catering to individuals, businesses and groups including weddings, birthdays, showers, holiday parties, school functions etc. Already they have established ongoing daily orders for area companies and hotels for multiple dozens of doughnuts. They anticipate that their delivery efforts and order will expand rapidly over the next few months.

"Since day one, downtown Albany and the Capital Region have given Cider Belly a supportive welcome and a feeling that we are really wanted in Downtown,” said Jennifer Novak. “My brother and I love providing the area with sweet (and savory) treats as well as a daily dose of ‘Happy’. It's great to see so many smiles walking in and out our door each day."

The official grand opening of Cider Belly Doughnuts is at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept.30  at 25 North Pearl Street.  

A ceremonial ribbon cutting will be followed by live music by Irish Band “Blame Arthur Guiness”, prizes, contests, coupons and activities for both children and adults. 

For more information on Cider Belly Doughnuts find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or visit www.ciderbelly.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. ­­— The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College is pleased to announce the following new hires and promotions.

• Megan Hyde, Museum Educator for Public and College Programs, will work with the Skidmore community and the broader region in making the museum an integral place for learning. Formerly, she worked for six years as the museum's Curatorial Assistant.
• Michael Janairo, Assistant Director for Engagement, will oversee our education department, media relations and digital media. He joins the museum after 15 years in journalism, most recently as the arts and entertainment editor at the Times Union in Albany, N.Y.
• Jessica Lubniewski, Assistant Registrar for Collections, will work with Skidmore faculty and students to find ways to make the Tang collection an essential part of the curriculum. Most recently, she worked as a Curatorial Assistant at the Berea College Art Gallery in Berea, Kentucky. Lubniewski is also a 2006 graduate of Skidmore College, with a degree in classics.
• Talia Steinman, interim Curatorial Assistant, will work with the curatorial staff in helping to prepare future exhibitions. She is a 2014 graduate of Skidmore College with a degree in art history.
• Cynthia Zellner, Assistant Building Manager/Senior Preparator, will help maintain the facility and work with crews in installing and de-installing exhibitions. She formerly worked in the position on an interim basis.

More about Megan Hyde

Megan Hyde has been a vital part of the Tang for the past six years as Curatorial Assistant. She is a dedicated advocate of the museum’s mission, having worked on more than fifty exhibitions, nineteen exhibition catalogues, and numerous events, including the annual Pro-Arts year-end celebration. Throughout her time, she has been a great mentor to many Skidmore interns who have gained valuable insight about the thinking and process that goes into museum work.

While at the Tang, Megan has also initiated numerous participatory art projects, including For You, Hearing Pictures and Seeing Sounds.  Megan’s past work experience includes the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago, Art in America magazine, Creative Time in New York City, the Schenectady Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Union College in Schenectady, and a master’s degree in art, history, theory, and criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

More about Michael Janairo

Michael Janairo, the former arts editor at the Albany Times Union, took on the duties of the Assistant Director for Engagement earlier this year, replacing Museum Educator Ginger Ertz, who had expertly filled in an interim basis during the search. As a journalist, Michael has earned national recognition from the Society for Features Journalism, the Poynter Institute, and the National Endowment for the Arts, in which he was an arts journalism fellow at the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism. As a fiction, he has been a fellow at the Virginia Center for Creative Arts and his most recent short stories have been published inVeterans of the Future Wars, Long Hidden: Speculative Fiction from the Margins of History and Bartleby Scrivener.

Michael has also taught courses and been a guest lecturer at University at Albany, College of Saint Rose, Hudson Valley Community College and the University of Pittsburgh. He earned an MFA in creative writing from the University of Pittsburgh and a BSJ from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. His wife is a faculty member at the Rhode Island School of Design, and his stepson is a junior at Skidmore College.

More about Jessica Lubniewski

Jessica Lubniewski, who most recently worked as a Curatorial Assistant at the Berea College Art Gallery in Berea, Kentucky, is returning to Skidmore as the Tang’s new Assistant Registrar for Collections.  Jessica, who earned a bachelor’s degree in classics at Skidmore in 2006, earned her master's degree in 2012 in museum studies at John F. Kennedy University in California. Her master’s thesis focused on faculty and student use of collections at academic museums.

In addition to the Art Galleries at Berea College, Jessica also worked at the Monterey Museum of Art and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. She assisted with projects at the Mexican Museum, the Magnes Museum of Jewish Art and Life, and the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology at UC Berkeley. Before attending graduate school, Jessica spent three years teaching Latin and Ancient Greek at a Montesorri school in Palo Alto, Calif. 

More about Talia Steinman

Talia Steinman, a recent grad with a BA in art history from the Class of 2014, has worked with the Tang as an exhibition assistant over several semesters. She will serve as interim curatorial assistant (filling the vacancy left when Megan became the Museum Educator for College and Public Programs) from August 25 – December 19.  

More about Cynthia Zellner

Cynthia Zellner, before becoming the Assistant Building Manager/Senior Preparator, worked in the position on an interim basis after many years as a member of our installation crew. Cynthia holds a BFA from Syracuse University in Studio Art and an MFA from SUNY Albany in Studio Art with a concentration in Sculpture.  She has also taught art to 2nd – 6th graders at BOCES and has been a part of Ginger's team here at the Tang giving school tours and working with the suitcase program.

About the Tang Teaching Museum

The Tang Teaching Museum, located on the Skidmore College campus in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is open noon–5 pm, Tuesday–Sunday, with extended hours through 9 pm on Thursdays during the academic year, and is closed on Mondays and major holidays. The Tang hosts some 40,000 visitors annually, ranging from local students who visit through school programs to museum-goers from around the globe. For more information call 518-580-8080 or visit www.skidmore.edu/tang.

Substrates Designed for Emerging Memjet-Class Printers

[Cohoes, NY – September 25, 2014]  To serve the demands for the rapidly growing inkjet printing market, Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, will launch a new line of inkjet substrates at Graph Expo 2014 (booth #3240).  Inventory is available and ready for order.

Known for high quality, high performance traditional offset and digital (cut sheet) fine papers and substrates, Mohawk now introduces a unique surface technology to synthetic materials specifically designed for emerging Memjet-class wide format inkjet printers.

The new Mohawk Inkjet media line consists of four substrates designed to support a wide variety of printing applications. New products include:

·         Mohawk Inkjet DuPont™ Tyvek® - Waterfast matte inkjet receptive coating

·         Mohawk Inkjet Polyester Pressure Sensitive Permanent Adhesive – Aqueous matte coated polyester

·         Mohawk Inkjet Matte Backlit Film – Aqueous matte coated polyester backlit display film

·         Mohawk Inkjet Textured Lightblock Film – Banner lightblock film

Mohawk Inkjet substrates deliver high performance, durable and vibrant print quality for use as banners/signage, POP displays, graphics, display panels, posters, in a wide variety of vertical markets including education, healthcare, travel/tourism, events/conferences/tradeshows, retail, hospitality/restaurants/spas/hotels, and more. 

All products are currently stocked in inventory and can be ordered through Mohawk Digital Specialists or through paper merchants.

For more information, visit www.mohawkconnects.com or call 1-800 the mill.

OCTOBER NETWORKING MIXER  at Reel Seafood Co. 195 Wolf Rd. Albany, NY Wednesday, October 1st 5:30-7:00 PM Come Join us at our Colonie Chamber of Commerce October Networking Mixer as we visit the newly renovated Reel Seafood Co. A staple for amazing seafood in the Albany area for over 25 years, Reel Seafood Co. has recently undergone a series of changes and updates to both the dining area and menu that we are eager to experience.   For the evening, the following specials are being offered: $3.00 drafts of Coors Lite, Sam Adams & Bass A choice of 2 premium wines @ $6.00 a glass, both a Red and White will be available. ADMISSION: Members:  $5.00 (Online) & $10.00 (At the Door) Non-Members:  $20.00 REGISTER HERE

Foodie event brings wing lovers to downtown Schenectady

SCHENECTADY>> Wing-lovers will walk the Electric City next Thursday, tantalizing their taste buds all along the way.

Thursday, Oct. 2 marks the 3rd Annual Wing Walk presented by Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. and Schenectady County Visitors Agency (SCVA). From 5-8 p.m. attendees will try samplings from 16 downtown Schenectady restaurants and vote for their favorite.

Festival-goers should expect to taste more than just the classic hot wing. Competing restaurant The Bier Abbey, for example, will offer a peanut butter & jelly wing, and The Van Dyck will make a McToberfest wing with Mad Jack beer, brewed on-site.

New restaurants will also be joining the 2014 Wing Walk. Bombers Burrito Bar Vice President for Franchise Operations Jimmy Vann, couldn’t be more excited to be involved this year. “We will be serving up two of our most popular and award-winning flavors, Lemon-Pepper-Garlic and Honey-Maple-BBQ. Oh, and plenty of Yuengling,” Vann said in a press release.

Also added to the Wing Walk list this year is Mexican Radio, the newly opened restaurant on State Street in Schenectady. Its wings will feature one of our favorite hot sauces — Horseshoe Brand Roasted Garlic — handmade in small batches in Rhinebeck, New York.

Additional participating restaurants include: 20 North Broadway, Backstage Pub & Grill, Bel Cibo, Café NOLA, Canvas Corks & Forks, Centre Street Pub, The Grog Shoppe, Isopo’s Downtown Pizza, Katie O’Byrne’s, Nico’s Rooftop Tavern, Taj Mahal Restaurant and Thai Thai Bistro.

Tickets are $8 for adults or $5 for students and are available at the box office at Proctors, by phone at 518-346-6204 or at proctors.org. Before sampling wings, ballots must be picked up at the Box Office at Proctors, 432 State Street, Schenectady. The first 50 people to pick up their ballots receive a free Yuengling shirt and glass.

For more information visit www.proctors.org/events/2014-wing-walk.

New 16 First St.shop Enigma Co. proudly focuses on the men of the Capital District, bringing a variety of goods that are specifically catered to the everyday man.

Enigma Co. is a boutique for men that brings to the market what men haven't been able to find locally, from quality and designer socks and underwear all the way to casual business attire.

Owner Jonathan Michael Brust, 24, said his mission is refining the everyday man. The shop carries clothing and products to outfit a man from head to toe including razors and skin care products.

A Rensselaer County native, Brust first got idea with friends while living in Albany. After a night with male friends, they realized something. “As guys, we kind of get the short end of the stick in our area,” Brust explained. Shopping isn’t the same for men as it is for ladies in the Capital Region. “We don't have the ability to explore our fashion sense and that feel-good factor that women have.”   

On why he chose to open in the Collar City, “Troy has this historic value and this sense of community and it’s just beautiful,” Brust said. “It’s great community.”

The shop, which has been open for about a month, is having a ribbon cutting and grand opening tomorrow, coinciding with Troy Night Out. Special tastings will be available for guests.

In addition to products geared towards men, Brust hopes to add a lineup of seminars, classes, and events such as a shaving seminar to teach men the proper way to use the razors that Enigma Co. carries.  

Ultimately, “We really just want to create a shopping destination where it’s not just about shopping, Brust said. “We want it to be a place when men can go and explore themselves.”  

For more information visit www.theenigmaco.com or call 308-8422.

TROY >> On Friday, The Downtown Troy BID will kick off Troy Night Out by performing two ribbon cutting ceremonies.

At 4:30 p.m., A Space To Grow (216 River Street, Second Floor) will celebrate their opening open house, and at 5 p.m., Enigma Co. will officially open at the newly renovated 16 First St. project.

A Space To Grow is a wellness cooperative where somatic movement educators, meditation and mindfulness experts, holistic health practitioners, and birth and baby professions come together to support mind, body and spirit.

The concept was conceived of and developed by owner Buffy Owens and several other practitioners have joined in to teach and share their passions with Troy. Owens sees the space as “bustling with mindfulness and mommy groups, mediation, movement and personal development classes of all sorts” and says that as a resident she has seen an increase in the number of families downtown which fit well with her family-centric business plan.

Owens says she is currently the only active Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner in the area and has more than 15 years of experience in the mind-body fields. Practitioners will be on hand after the ribbon cutting to demonstrate some of the curriculum offered at A Space To Grow.

Enigma Co. is a boutique for men and 24-year-old owner Jonathan Michael Brust says his mission is “refining the everyday man.” The shop carries clothing and products to outfit a man from head to toe including razors and skin care products.

Brust conceived the idea with friends while living in Albany and while he searched for locations there, he says that there was “no where in Albany that could support something like this.” Troy, on the other hand was the perfect fit. Brust says that he was drawn to the character of the downtown and the community and that he was happy to be a part of the growth of the city.

In addition to products geared towards men, Brust hopes to add a lineup of seminars, classes, and events such as a shaving seminar to teach men the proper way to use the razors that Enigma Co. carries.  

More information for these businesses can be found at their respective websites: aspacetogrow.org and theenigmaco.com.

Primal: Your Local Butcher is the premiere butcher and specialty grocer servicing the Guilderland and Albany area. Primal hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the company’s recent rebranding Wednesday morning. 

The company specializes in high quality meat and poultry. It only carries USDA choice and prime cuts that are fresh; never frozen. Customers can rest assured that our products are all-natural, hormone, and antibiotic free. The store also carries a wide selection of specialty grocery items to round out your meal.

Primal works behind the scenes to ensure the meat and products are fresh and of the highest quality. Vendors are local and staff is dedicated.

Primal: Your Local Butcher

1475 Western Avenue

Albany, NY 12203

The family owned Christian Retail Store is celebrating 30 years of business and ministry in the Capital Region.

With gratefulness to God, The Living Word Parable Christian Store will celebrate its 30 year anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 27.  The community is invited for an all-day event-filled celebration
which includes drawings for great products, activities for children, and as always, a great sale as well as a FREE gift for first customers of the day. Local authors will be present to meet customers and discuss their books. Children will have an opportunity to learn how to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child as well as learn about the ministry of Lifewater and the importance of clean water in other countries.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. at 952 Troy-Schenectady Rd. in the Peter Harris Plaza in Latham, and continue throughout the day. Drawings will be held all day for products including Bibles, books, music and gift products. The Living Word has moved and expanded four times throughout its 30 years of business and ministry.

The store began in Defreestville with a small space, moved to East Greenbush and is now in its seventh  year in the Peter Harris Plaza in Latham.

Owners Rich and Debbie Cretaro thank all their loyal and faithful customers for their prayers and support for them and the store.

Like its namesakes, the new catering operation will stress “clean food” – supporting sustainable regional agriculture and local foragers – and showcase seasonal highlights of the region. The supply pipeline includes items like “Farmer Bob’s” Washington County tomatoes, Core vodka from Chatham, and meats from local farms. There is also a full and extensive menu of vegan and gluten-free fare, including wines and spirits. 

Global, local, rustic, retro, vintage and elegant.  It’s hard to imagine food can be all those things, until you sample the fare of Ric Orlando. His 30-year creative culinary crusade is pressing northward with the launch of New World Catering by Ric Orlando in Albany. The two-time Chopped™ champion, longtime locavore, and perennially-feted chef has moved the new business into 250 Delaware Avenue and quietly begun booking events, with an official grand opening set for early October.

Orlando, who honed his culinary skills and sensibilities in New Haven, Cambridge, Boston and New York, first rooted in Saugerties with New World Home Cooking Café and Catering in 1993. In 2009 the brand seeded in Albany with the launch of New World Bistro Bar, where Ric serves as a consultant and executive chef. Now, Ric and his wife and partner Liz Corrado are branching out with the opening of New World Catering by Ric Orlando.

“Albany has treated me better than anywhere.” says Orlando, adding that the choice of the Delaware Avenue location is a testament to the ongoing growth of the vital and diverse neighborhood. “Albany embraced me when I cooked at Justin’s in the 90s. With the success of the Bistro Bar, it’s clear to me that this is my home market.”

Joining Orlando and Corrado in the new venture are catering designer and front-of-the-house director David Jackson, and Gabe Pollow, the award-winning former Bistro Bar chef. The team is ready to use the newly-renovated and outfitted space to extend its catering territory as far as Lake Placid and Lake George and as wide as Cooperstown and the Berkshires. “With this location right at the crossroads of 787, I-87, I-90 and I-88 and access to an incredible pallet of classic and non-traditional venues, we bring our customers a mass expansion of possibilities for creating their perfect event,” said Corrado.

“We’ve got our arms around Woodstock, our fingers stretched to Brooklyn and Boston, and our toes buried in the Capital Region. And, we offer our own unique blend of global local classic modern,” said Orlando. “Vintage is cool when you give it a little edge. And we can do it anywhere from boardrooms to penthouses, beaches to apple orchards and white tents to Dutch barns.”

New World Catering by Ric Orlando is open for consultations, bookings and tastings by appointment at 250 Delaware Avenue in Albany and is expected to be fully operational by Sept. 2.  “In full swing, we cater up to four events a day out of the new kitchen,” Orlando said. “Our first corporate catering bash will likely be the Albany Barn’s Fusion 2014 event on October 17. We’re going to have a great time there showing the world what we can do.”

Brown’s Brewing Company, 50 Factory Hill Road, Hoosick Falls, NY

Hoosick Falls>> On Sept. 23 Brown’s Brewing Company will celebrate the official opening of it’s new Walloomsac Brewery with “Porktoberfest”, a festive Fall afternoon featuring a Hoosick Pig Roast and a live performance by Diva and the Dirty Boys. 

Brown’s Porktoberfest will be a fundraising benefit for CiviCure, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the greater Hoosick community. CiviCure’s current key initiative is the renovation and development of the Wood Block Building in the center of Hoosick Falls. Built in 1878, this treasured cultural resource is the last surviving structure of the historic Walter A. Wood Company and features an opera house on the top floor. A $10  donation admission at the door will go directly to CiviCure to assist their effort in restoring the opera house. Tickets are available at Brown’s Taproom Bar in Troy, www.brownsbrewing.com/store, Thorpe’s Pharmacy and Hooick True Value. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets early as they are limited and likely to sell out before the day of the event.  

Porkotberfest highlights include a pig roast dinner with local pork and side dishes from Hoosick area farms for $15. Diva and the Dirty Boys will play their brand of torchy blues and soulful rock and Brown’s will conduct free tours of their new 20,000 barrel capacity production brewery.  A cash beer bar will be available during the event.    

This event will mark the much anticipated opening of Brown’s Walloomsac Taproom, a 1,700 square foot retail space that houses a 56 foot custom welded and factory floorboard topped bar, retail store and beer hall style seating. The opening of Brown’s Walloomsac Brewery and Taproom marks the culmination of a 6 year, $3.5MM construction project that began when founders, owners and West Hoosick residents Garry and Kelly Brown bought the space in 2008. Nestled on the Walloomsac River in North Hoosick, the brick and river stone building was originally home to the Stephens & Thompson paper mill founded in 1824 and most recently the Flowmatic Valve Corporation.    

Following this event beginning Wednesday, October 15, Brown’s Walloomsac Taproom will be open Wednesdays through Fridays from 3 until 9 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from12 noon until 9 pm. Tours will be available for $10 and includes samples and a souvenir sample glass. Visitors will also be able buy pints of beer at the bar as well as growlers, six packs and cases of beer to go and Brown’s branded merchandise. A light small plates menu will available.  

Gary Quenneville to lead consolidated New York Region

ALBANY, N.Y., September 22, 2014 - KeyBank announced it has united the operations of its Western New York Region, comprised of its Buffalo and Rochester markets, and its Eastern New York Region, comprised of its Central New York, Capital Region and Hudson Valley markets, to form a new, single New York Region.

Gary Quenneville, the current regional sales executive for the Western New York Region, will lead the newly unified New York Region. The new region has more than 3,000 employees covering 40 counties across the state, 232 branches, a technology center (Albany) and a contact center (Buffalo).

The statewide consolidation also came after Hugh Donlon, Eastern New York regional sales executive and Capital Region market president, informed Key that he has chosen to pursue a new opportunity outside KeyBank.

"Gary Quenneville's proven leadership skills, market knowledge and strong business acumen perfectly position him as the leader of this consolidated, statewide KeyBank Region," stated E. J. Burke, president, Key Community Bank. "A 29-year Key veteran, Gary has deep experience and knowledge of New York markets."

Quenneville will continue to be responsible for leading KeyBank sales efforts in Commercial Banking and Key Private Bank, and will oversee details of the consolidation through coordinating KeyBank activities and resources across the state.

In 2012, Quenneville led Key in undertaking a similar, successful consolidation: efficiently integrating 36 newly acquired HSBC branches into KeyBank in western New York. Quenneville has built an impressive reputation for developing, leading and energizing highly engaged and successful teams.

KeyBank's Retail Banking structure remains unchanged in the unification: Sharon Lochocki will continue as retail sales leader for the Buffalo and Rochester markets, and Steve Fournier will continue in that role for Central New York, Capital Region and Hudson Valley.

Also unchanged is Key's commitment to last year's realignment of its Community Bank leadership structure and results-driven culture based on five core practices: drive sales, be accountable, act consistently, deliver rapidly, and remove layers.

"We thank Hugh Donlon for his contributions, his leadership and deep understanding of the financial services industry," said Burke. "His skills and energies have been essential to our success across the region he served, and helped prepare KeyBank for this unification of our operations across the state of New York."

 

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp traces its roots back more than 180 years and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, Key has assets of approximately $92.9 billion. The 10-county Capital Region Market, one of 23 KeyCorp markets, has 50 branches, approximately 77 ATMs and 1,000 employees.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management and investment services to individuals, small and midsized businesses in 12 states under the name of KeyBank N.A. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. 

For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is member FDIC.  

Clifton Park -- The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County has been named the winner of The

Business Council of New York State’s Chamber of the Year award for 2014. This award,

presented at The Business Council’s 2014 Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 18, honors

an outstanding Chamber of Commerce and its leadership team.

"We are really proud to be longtime supporters of the Business Council of New York and

very humbled by this prestigious award,” says President / CEO Pete Bardunias, "We worked

very hard to become leaders in marine, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, hospitality

and community/microeconomic development and are thrilled that these efforts are being

recognized. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated staff, a strong and

supportive board, and every single one of our members, partners and sponsors. Thank you to

Heather Briccetti and the Business Council of New York State for bestowing this great honor

upon us."


The Business Council Chamber of the Year Award is given each year to a Chamber of

Commerce that displays a positive commitment to pro-business activities within their community

and the state. Nominated Chambers are judged on factors including: the quality programs and

services provided, fiscal responsibility demonstrated, and commitment to membership and the

community.

In the past year, the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County has grown its membership by 2.4

percent, adding 25 net new members, and in the past three years the membership growth has

been 14.3 percent, from 927 to 1060. The Saratoga County Community Development Program,

conceived in 2012 and funded in part by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, has resulted

in several initiatives including the Historic Lock 19 preservation (2012) and bridge construction

(2013), the Brookside Museum Oral History Project (2013) and Long Room restoration work

(2014), initial recovery work at the Historic Mechanicville Train Station (2013), the Waterford

Community Business Alliance (2013-’14), Charlton Community Business Alliance (2014) and

the partnership with the VT Sail Freight Project to deliver Saratoga County Farm products to

downstate consumers. The Chamber is also a leading advocate for the Capital Region Maritime

Center and efforts to assist the US Navy in better utilizing the facilities at their Alplaus, NY

location, and is pursuing alternative-energy fueled marine delivery vessel startups with several

local consortiums.

The DZ Restaurants Pink Card

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so to raise money and increase awareness about breast cancer we are offering for purchase, at all our restaurants, The DZ Restaurants Pink Card. The DZ Restaurants Pink Card costs $25 and grants the guest 25% off at all DZ Restaurant locations for the entire month of October.

All proceeds from sales of The DZ Restaurants Pink Card will go to To Life! to benefit Breast Cancer Education and Support.  Founded in 1998, To Life! is a non-profit organization providing free-of-charge breast cancer education and support services in a 10-county region, including and surrounding Albany County. The mission of To Life! is to educate the community about breast cancer detection, treatments and related health matters; and provide support services to breast cancer patients, caregivers, family and friends. For more information about To Life! and their free-of-charge services and programs please visit their website at www.tolife.org.

The DZ Restaurant Pink Card is only available for purchase at Chianti Ristorante, Forno Bistro, Pasta Pane, and Boca Bistro.

http://www.dzrestaurants.com/giving-back/dz-restaurants-pink-card

DZ Restaurants raises $3500 to benefit the recovery of injured Jockey Michael J. Straight

On August 18th & 25th a collection of the best Jockeys from Saratoga Race Course were guest bartenders at Chianti Il Ristorante to benefit the recovery of injured Jockey Michael J. Straight and to raise funds to help Michael J Straight own an exoskeleton (ReWalk) of his own.

On the final day of the Saratoga Racing Season, DZ Restaurants presented The Race Track Chaplaincy and a collection of the Saratoga Race Course Jockeys with a check for $3500. The money, raised during two separate Jockey guest bartending events at Chianti Il Ristorante, will go to benefit the recovery of injured Jockey Michael J. Straight. Pictured from left to right Javier Castellano, DZ Restaurant owners Roslyn Zecchini and David Zecchini, Rajiv Maragh, Chianti Ristorante manager Andy Boles, and John Velazquez.

DZ Restaurants raises $1534 for Soroptimist International of Saratoga County

DZ Restaurants presented Soroptimist International of Saratoga County with a Raising Dough check for $1534. The money, raised through Social Media and events at Boca Bistro and Forno Bistro, will go to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Pictured from left to right, Roslyn Zecchini, Nancy Trimbur, Connie Sullivan, and Susan Bartkowski.