Troy - In the last year, GreyCastle Security, a leading provider of cybersecurity consulting services recently acquired NetSecure-IA, a consulting firm which offered its clients advanced services in cybersecurity design and assessment.

Founded in 2007 by Dan Didier, NetSecure-IA experienced rapid and consistent growth, similar to GreyCastle Security. Didier and his team have now joined GreyCastle Security at its Troy headquarters, which recently underwent massive renovations and doubled its square footage to accommodate the increase in staff.

“The coming together of GreyCastle Security and NetSecure IA is entirely about growth and transformation,” said Reg Harnish, GreyCastle Security’s chief security strategist. “These two respected companies will continue to evolve the new, combined entity to better meet our customers’ needs.”

“Both teams at GreyCastle Security and NetSecure-IA realized we had been trying to resolve many of the same issues for our customers, but in slightly different ways,” said Didier. “Bringing these two companies together will strengthen our existing similarities and increase options, creating more value for our customers.”

Over the last year, GreyCastle Security, has seen significant and accelerating growth across all areas of its business. This growth is due to their continuing service innovation and expanded capabilities, increased industry wide cyber-attacks, as well as investments in hiring renowned security experts, resulting in the company achieving three consecutive years of record-breaking growth. Highlights for the 2014 year include:

Substantial national growth

·         220% sales growth

·         Clients in nearly every state in the US

·         200%+ growth in employees

·         500%+ in net income

Office expansion

GreyCastle Security recently doubled its location to better support their growing client base. Their office redesign contains some of the most cutting-edge equipment in the industry including:

·         A Department of Homeland Security level digital forensics lab

·         Specialized and technologically advanced access controls

·         Digitalized cyber equipment

About GreyCastle SecurityGreyCastle Security, headquartered in Troy, NY, is a national information security consulting firm specializing in risk management, awareness and operational security. As the leading exclusive security and compliance provider in the Northeast, GreyCastle Security is dedicated to helping organizations reach security equilibrium - a place where risks, resources and budget are in balance.

2015 Women of Excellence Announced
Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber will honor seven women
for professional achievements and community work.

 

Albany - Seven women who have achieved success in their professional careers and dedicated themselves to community service will join the prestigious ranks of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber's "Women of Excellence" at the 24th annual luncheon on Thursday, May 28.

 

The Women's Business Council (WBC) of the Chamber received many outstanding nominations from throughout our region. Each year the selection committee is comprised of prior Women of Excellence award recipients. This year's honorees are:

 

Distinguished Career
Barbara Smith, City of Albany

Excellence in the Professions
Trudy Hall, Emma Willard School

Excellence in Management (100+ employees)
Denise Gonick, MVP Health Care

Excellence in Management (1-99 employees)
Miriam Dushane, Linium Staffing

Excellence in Sales and Marketing
Laura Petrovic, Hilton Garden Inn, Troy

Excellence in Business
Andrea Crisafulli Russo, Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Emerging Professional
Kelsey Carr, The Chazen Companies

 

"This year's Women of Excellence Award honorees demonstrate strong commitment to work, community service and their families," said Mark Eagan, Chamber president and CEO. "They have distinguished themselves among their peers and are setting an example for everyone in business by enjoying professional success and personal fulfillment. We are proud to honor them as Women of Excellence."

 

"These women have paved the way for others to follow. They are leading initiatives that drive trends and establish new benchmarks. They are helping to shape our future in the Capital Region and beyond. Their stories are inspiring and The Women's Business Council of the Albany Chamber is honored to recognize and celebrate with them," said WBC chair Susan Radzyminski of EYP Architecture & Engineering.

 

2015 Racing Season begins on March 1^st with a $16 Million Purse Structure and a Refined Wagering Experience

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (February 26, 2015) – Looking to continue the trend that has shown increases in all-source handle over each of the last 5 years, Saratoga Casino and Raceway opens its 74^th harness racing season on Sunday, March 1 at 12:45pm.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway’s spring schedule will consist of live racing Fridays and Saturdays at 6:45pm and Sunday matinees starting at 12:45pm.  New for 2015, the Thursday card has been moved to a 4pm twilight post, and in March, will feature a ‘happy hour’ with $1 hot dogs and draft beers from 4-7pm. The full 2015 season schedule is available at www.saratogacasino.com.

A complimentary long sleeve t-shirt will be provided to patrons who purchase a live racing program during this Sunday’s matinee card. Programs are available for $2. As always, parking and admission are free.

Simulcast of the Saratoga Harness signal continues to increase in popularity, reaching an all-time record handle of $35 million dollars in 2014.  Over 150 different venues throughout the world will carry the signal in 2015.

“The product on the Saratoga Harness track has never been better,” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “With the rollout of our ‘One Card’ program and introduction of our Thursday Happy Hours, we’ve got something for casual and hardcore fans alike. The Horsemen will be competing for purses exceeding $16 million with average purses of $93,000 every night.”

This year, the historic harness racing venue’s exclusive wagering platform SaratogaBets is set to unveil a new ‘One Card’ functionality system. The new program is designed to streamline the on-property pari-mutuel experience and allow visitors to earn rewards both on and off property throughout 2015 and beyond. Complimentary WiFi, mobile betting tablets and a race replay kiosk are also some of the new benefits for horseplayers who visit Saratoga Casino and Raceway’s facilities. Fridays in March, all SaratogaBets members are also encouraged to participate in weekly Saratoga Harness handicapping contests for a chance to win a $750 wagering credit.

For 2015, the seventh annual Joe Gerrity, Jr. Memorial Pace will consist of one dash for $275,000 on July 25. The 2014 Gerrity Memorial featured Dancin’ Yankee, who set the world record for an older pacer and shattered the track record with an impressive 1:48.4 finish. This year’s event will once again draw the best pacers in the Northeast.  The popular New York Sire Stakes program will return on Thursday, June 4, and the annual Back to the Track event will also be returning this summer.

The 2015 racing season will continue to build on an increased social media presence. Fans are encouraged to follow @SaratogaCasino on Twitter and Instagram as well as to use #SaratogaHarness to share photos and videos of their experiences at the harness track. Pre and post-race coverage, behind the scenes looks into the paddock, and exclusive race insight from track announcer Mike Sardella are just some of the highlights planned. Direct links to Twitter and Instagram pages can be found at twitter.com/saratogacasino and Instagram.com/@saratogaCasino.

Guests are encouraged to sign up for SaratogaBets, the exclusive online wagering platform, at SaratogaBets.com, by calling 855-445-4414 or by visiting the mezzanine at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor, two full-service restaurants with buffets, a casual dining restaurant, three full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. every day. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week and live harness racing runs March through mid-December. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses.  Please play responsibly. 

CHICAGO – The transition from ‘winter blend’ to ‘summer blend’ gasoline always brings increases in retail gasoline prices, but nothing you’ve seen over the past year is likely to match what GasBuddy anticipates over the next two to three weeks.

“Wednesday brought a big price rally in gasoline markets and gasoline wholesalers are seeing huge increases,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. “Wholesale prices today alone have increased coast to coast from 10 to 27 cents per gallon; and when you add that on top of the increases that occurred earlier this month, it’s inevitable that retail prices will climb aggressively in weeks ahead.”

“Just since Monday, Feb. 2, wholesale prices nationwide have increased by an average of 54 cents per gallon,” DeHaan added. “And the west coast, by far, has seen the steepest increases, with Los Angeles wholesale pricing up $0.96/gal., ; San Francisco up $0.84 and the Pacific Northwest up by $0.73.”

While some of the rally is attributed to the seasonal decline in gasoline inventory; reduced refinery output and the shift to summer grades of gasoline, there have also been significant operational issues at refineries in five states. And of course, the United Steelworkers Union strike that began Feb. 1 exacerbates operations at 12 refineries where they’ve imposed ‘work stoppages’ in California, Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

“Volatility is the name of the game right now and we expect that to translate into 10-cent increases in retail gasoline, week after week over the next two to three weeks, with larger, more immediate increases in West Coast areas,” DeHaan said.

Chamber Names New Director of Government Relations

Tom O'Connor joined your Regional Chamber staff this week as Director, Government Relations. Tom comes to our Chamber with more than two decades of public policy experience, having worked for State Senators, as well as the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance, Department of Environmental Conservation and the Alcohol Beverage Commission. He also had his own public affairs firm. You can reach Tom at thomaso@acchamber.org and at518.431.1413.
 

Cuomo Approves First Batch of Legislation for 2015

The Governor has acted the first pieces of legislation passed in 2015, signing four bills into law.  Included in that list is a chapter amendment that makes the 2014 repeal of the Wage Theft Prevention Act's (WTPA) annual notice provision effective immediately. The WTPA's annual notice requirement imposed an additional, recurring administrative burden on private sector employers in New York State, for seemingly no benefit. In addition, this law eliminates the duty of the Commissioner of the Department of Labor to investigate six years' worth of records for employers violating the WTPA. 

QEZE Legislation Reintroduced

Senator Ranzenhofer has reintroduced his legislation from 2014 that would amend the tax law as it relates to the QEZE program. This legislation, which was also carried by Assemblyman Steck in 2014, would encourage the growth of New York State manufacturing by allowing the inclusion of all income derived from a business for the purposes of claiming the QEZE tax credit. Governor Cuomo vetoed the legislation in 2014, citing the significant fiscal impact of the legislation and suggesting that the issue of amending the tax credit is something better handled in the context of the State budget.

Siena Poll Shows Passage of an On-Time Budget More Important than
Approval of Ethics Package

According to a Siena poll released this week, the passage of an on-time budget by the March 31deadline is more important than approval of the Governor's proposed ethics package. Most New Yorkers polled were supportive of the Governor's plan to require additional disclosure on outside income and per diem reform, and 92 percent of those polled agreed that corruption is a serious problem in New York State.  Despite that support, however, 53 percent of individuals polled, as opposed to 37 percent, believed that an on-time spending plan is more important.

Senator Klein's Jobs Plan

Independent Conference Leader Jeff Klein has released a jobs plan that he says is modeled on Franklin Roosevelt's "New Deal" program.  The package proposes uses $5 billion of the state's surplus dollars to fund infrastructure projects with the creation of the Empire Public Works Revolving Loan Fund and the Community Jobs Program; it is projected that these funds would create 97,000 jobs and 40,000 jobs, respectively. Projects that could potentially be eligible for funding under this program include the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement, construction in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Upstate Transit Authorities, local governments, state agencies, and other public authorities.The Community Jobs Program would provide job training opportunities and investments in projects such as rebuilding parks, libraries, and other small business development projects.

VILLANOVA, PA – Fingerpaint (http://fingerpaintmarketing.com), a full-service marketing agency based in Saratoga Springs, New York, welcomes Beth Clark to its account service team. She will be based in the agency’s Villanova, Pennsylvania office.

Clark comes to Fingerpaint with nearly 20 years of pharmaceutical marketing experience working with blockbuster brands such as Lyrica, Prevacid, Cymbalta and Cialis, among others. She began her marketing career in media planning and has spent nearly the past decade focused on broader strategic and tactical activities.

“Beth’s blended skill set and experience give her a unique depth of understanding and perspective on the most effective means of brand promotion in today’s pharmaceutical marketplace” said Andy Pyfer, head of the agency’s Villanova office. “We look forward to witnessing her expertise in action.”

Clark earned her bachelor’s at New York Institute of Technology and her master’s at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is currently working on earning her postgraduate certificate in pharmaceutical marketing.

About Fingerpaint

Fingerpaint is a full-service marketing agency committed to original thinking and uncommon collaboration. Based in Saratoga Springs, NY, and with offices in New York City, NY, Scottsdale, AZ and Villanova, PA, the firm specializes in brand development, strategic planning, digital and multichannel marketing, audio and video production and public relations. fingerpaintmarketing.com

AMERICAN PICKERS To Film In Colonie, New York

Colonie is excited to welcome Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and Antique Archeology to the

area. The team will film episodes of their hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout New

York. Filming will begin next month.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of

antique ‘picking’ on History. This hit show follows two of the most skilled pickers in the

business, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they embark on an epic road trip across the

U.S. in search of America’s most valuable antiques from motorcycles, classic cars and

bicycles to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia. Mike and Frank are on a mission to

recycle America, restore forgotten relics to their former glory, and learn a thing or two

about American history along the way.

Filming is scheduled to start next month. AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore what you may have. They are on the hunt for interesting characters with interesting and unique items.  Some of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual

radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, vintage musical equipment, vintage automotive items, early firefighting equipment, vintage clothing, pre-50’s western gear.

AMERICAN PICKERS is produced by Cineflix Productions for History. New episodes air Wednesdays at 9pm ET on History.

If you have a large collection or want to refer someone to Mike and Frank,

email: your name, number, address and description of the collection and

photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com , or call 1-855-old-rust.

 

Seats are still open for tomorrow's guided Tiffany Glass tour in conjunction with Troy Night Out. 

Please RSVP to info@troybid.org or 518.279.7997.

About the event:

 

February is Troy Night Out's 9th birthday, and we share our birthday month with Louis Comfort Tiffany's birthday. Troy, NY is holds one of the largest Tiffany Glass collections in the world. Louis Tiffany was born on February 18th, 1848. His father, Charles, is known as the founder of Tiffany & Company, but Louis made a name for himself in the art of glassmaking. You have probably seen his work in the windows of many of Troy's churches. 

Tiffany Glass Tour:

 

Kick off TNO with a guided tour of three venues that house some of Troy’s Tiffany Glass collection from 2pm -5pm. The tour will be guided by Tom Carroll of the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway and RiverSpark Heritage Area. Donations suggested to help restore and protect Troy’s Tiffany heritage. This year’s beneficiary is St. Paul’s Church. The tour will start at Monument Square. Seating is limited, reserve a space by emailing info@troybid.org or call (518)279-7997.

From Executive Director Downtown Troy BID Erin Pihlaja: “Troy boasts some of the best in Tiffany glass in the world and many of the facilities that house these works are in need of repair. We are really hoping to spread the word that there is this special collection in Troy and to help raise money to preserve and protect them.”

 

The tour will depart from Monument Square at 251 River St. at 2 PM. It will start at SAGE Colleges Bush Memorial building at approximately 2:15 PM until 2:50 PM. The tour will then head to the Troy Public Library on Second St. to arrive at 3 PM until 3:35 PM. The tour will make its way to St. Paul’s Church on Third St. to arrive at 3:50 PM until 4:35 PM.

 

Stick around for TNO afterward, many venues are embracing the birthday celebration. St. Paul’s Church will be open unti 8:30 PM to show off its Tiffany-designed interior and glass.

Check out all the listings at http://downtowntroy.org/special-events/troy-night-out.html

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (February 25, 2015) – Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company has appointed Michael Tripoli to Mortgage Originator.

In this new role, Mr. Tripoli will work to meet the mortgage needs of customers in the Capital Region. He will be based out of the Colonie and Clifton Park offices.

Mr. Tripoli joins Saratoga National Bank with more than 17 years of mortgage experience at other local lending institutions. A Schenectady native, he is a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School and an active member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge.

Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company currently provides banking, investment, insurance and other financial services through eight locations in Saratoga and Albany counties; a ninth office is planned for Troy. It is rated a 5-Star Superior institution by BauerFinancial. More information can be found online at saratoganational.com.

Purchase Expands H&V to Seven Locations, and Continues H&V Growth

H&V Collision Center announced today the acquisition of Collision Experts, with H&V continuing a period of expansion that has made H&V one of the largest multi-shop groups in upstate New York.

The incorporation of the respected and well-known Collision Experts business into the H&V Collision Center network will expand the service and convenience offered to customers by H&V, said H&V Vice President Vartan Jerian Jr.

“The acquisition of Collision Experts is a major expansion for H&V Collision Center, and gives us the ability to broaden the service, care and attention given by H&V to our customers both current and new,” said Jerian.

“We look forward to bringing the Collision Experts locations into the H&V family, and will continue to offer a high level of satisfaction and attention that customers can trust,” added Jerian.

H&V will incorporate the two Collision Experts locations in Clifton Park and Schenectady into the H&V network. With the Collision Experts acquisition, H&V now operates seven locations in upstate New York, along with Troy, Colonie, Queensbury, Saratoga and Kingston.

Ben Bowman, son of Collision Experts founders Richard and Maryanne Bowman, will join the H&V management team. The Collision Experts acquisition is expected to be finalized this week.

The acquisition of Collision Experts will add approximately 50 employees to H&V, bringing the H&V number of total employees to over 200.

Founded 40-years-ago, H&V has expanded from a two-man operation on Oakwood Avenue in Troy, to the largest independently-owned collision repair business in the Capital Region. The Collision Experts acquisition continues a period of growth for H&V. Last summer, H&V opened the Kingston location, the first H&V location outside the Capital Region. H&V Saratoga was opened in 2012, with H&V Colonie opened in 2010, and H&V Queensbury in 2008.

About H&V Collision Center:

H&V Collision Center was started in the early 1970s by Vartan Jerian Sr., and today includes seven locations throughout the Capital Region. H&V prides itself on customer service, and has earned a customer satisfaction ranking of over 97 percent. H&V supports many community and charitable organizations, and H&V’s community service was recognized in a December 2012 cover story in the national trade magazine Fender Bender. H&V also implemented new technology and practices to make its locations more environmentally safe. H&V has also implemented modern management practices that reduced repair times and made its shops more efficient.

Media Contact:

Marketing Agency's New Satellite Office Part of Growth Strategy

ALBANY, NY … A Lake Placid-based, women-owned marketing agency has become the latest company to take advantage of the non-traditional office space – from executive suites for lease to membership-based shared workspace – that has become increasingly popular in Downtown.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) will welcome Adworkshop to 90 State Street Executive Suites with a ribbon cutting celebration on March 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM at 90 State Street, 7th floor. Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan, BID executive director Georgette Steffens, and Adworkshop’s senior managing director Wendy Knight and senior director Darcy Norfolk are expected to speak. The media and public are invited to attend the event.

Adworkshop’s decision to open a satellite office in downtown Albany is part of a larger strategic move that also includes an additional satellite office in Manhattan. Specializing in areas like website design and development, digital marketing, and strategic consulting, the agency selected Albany as a base to build strong representation throughout their growing coverage area. Current clients, located across New York state and the Berkshires, include GORE Mountain, The Catskills Region, Health Research, Inc., and Destination Marketing Corporation for Otsego County.

Operating for nearly four decades, the expansion marks the employee-owned company’s first foray from a rural to urban setting. The move into Albany puts the company in close proximity to current and future clients, and a greater pool of workers skilled in digital marketing and creative design. Looking to increase its staff in the region, the agency is currently hiring for three positions.

“It sends a powerful message that companies like Adworkshop are expanding into this market,” says Mayor Sheehan. “As the reputation of Albany as a great place to work and live continues to grow, we are more able to attract and retain such world-class talent.”

“The Capital Region is a strategic location for us for several reasons,” says Knight. “The Albany office puts us closer to our state-wide clients, facilitating more face-to-face interaction and better service. It also gives us a base from which to grow our business in the Capital Region and throughout New York state, particularly within the health care, higher education, and tourism industries. Finally, an Albany office gives us greater flexibility in recruiting highly-skilled workers with innovative marketing experience and skills.”

By leasing office space at 90 State Street Executive Suites, Adworkshop is growing their footprint while making the expansion more cost-effective. “The executive suite option at 90 State Street gives us a foothold in the region with minimal investment, and the option of expanding our office space as we grow by adding additional clients and employees,” says Knight.

“Companies big and small continue to begin and expand in downtown Albany, and with everything from several thousand square feet to shared workspace, this District can fit the needs of any size business,” says Steffens. “In moving to 90 State Street, Adworkshop becomes one more company that not only recognizes the importance of being visible in this area, but also of the talented workforce and growth potential.”

BURGERFI TO ARRIVE IN THE CAPITAL REGION

Joint Venture with Owners of Lia Auto Group and Mazzone Hospitality

LATHAM, N.Y. - BurgerFi, one of the fastest growing names in fresh, all natural, quality burgers will be landing in the Capital Region. Bill Lia Jr., Michael Lia and Vincent Lia of Lia Auto Group have partnered with Angelo Mazzone of Mazzone Hospitality under the company Burger Ventures, LLC. The first BurgerFi location, situated in a newly constructed plaza owned by the Lia’s at 860 New Loudon Road, Latham, will open this spring.

“This is an exciting time to introduce BurgerFi to the region and provide our customers with a healthier and higher quality option in a modern, sustainable setting,” said Bill Lia Jr.

BurgerFi, short for “Burgerfication”, is headquartered in North Palm Beach, FL, and currently has 58 locations throughout the country including company owned and franchised units.

BurgerFi has made its mark with never frozen, grass fed Angus beef that is free of growth hormones, chemicals and additives. Additionally, each BurgerFi store is built to reduce its carbon footprint on the environment. Tables are made from recycled Coke bottles, chairs consist of compressed wood and large fans utilize 66-percent less electricity. The chain has strict recycling programs in place for all its oil, cardboard, bottles and cans at each restaurant location.

“The menu is simple, food is creatively presented, and the atmosphere is best in class,” said Angelo Mazzone. “BurgerFi is a great modern approach to an old, American classic.”

In addition to an assortment of burgers, BurgerFi serves Kobe beef hot dogs, fresh cut fries with an array of toppings (salt and vinegar, parmesan cheese and herbs, BurgerFi chili, hot Cajun spices), onion rings, homemade frozen custards, craft beer and wine.

A second location at 460 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs is in progress with development plans for additional locations throughout the Capital Region.

About BurgerFi:

BurgerFi is the fastest growing better burger chain in the U.S.  Currently with 58 units open, the chain is expected to double its size by 2015 as well as expand internationally.  Known for its fresh, all natural, hormone-free Angus burgers as well as its natural fries, frozen custard, signature hot dogs and craft beer, BurgerFi was recognized in the Top 50 “Movers & Shakers” by Fast Casual.com. The company began in 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with the idea that if burgers, America’s favorite food and a billion-dollar-a-year industry, why not make them better?  The company became popular fast with burger lovers everywhere who were looking for fresh, quality, all-natural option in their favorite food.  To learn more, visit www.BurgerFi.com

                                                     

GAITHERSBURG, Md. – GasBuddy, a community-based price comparison app that helps users find cheap gas, shares the best last-minute Spring Break road trip destinations whether travelers are looking for sunshine or ski slopes, all while not breaking the bank.

The month of March is the peak of spring travel season. If you still have no plans, a spontaneous road trip just might be your best bet. GasBuddy predicts that this year’s springtime gas prices will be the cheapest it has been since 2009. Currently, the national average price for a gallon of gas is $2.332, over $1.09 cheaper than it was last year at this time.

“For over six years we have been weary of hitting the road with prices pushing $4 a gallon,” said Allison Mac, a GasBuddy petroleum analyst. “Although prices are ticking back up because of seasonal changes, overall they are still cheaper than where they were in years past. This is the time to break out of winter’s hibernation and see some of the amazing places this country has to offer.”

On top of the cheaper gas this year, Spring Breakers can save even more money using GasBuddy’s “Trip Cost Calculator.” By entering in the make and model of the car, then the start and end points, the Trip Cost Calculator will tell you the cheapest stations to fill up on your route, plus how much the entire trip will cost you in gas money.

GasBuddy has compiled a list of the top Spring Break road-trip destinations for $200 in a midsize SUV, using the Trip Cost Calculator.*

Search for Sunshine

If hopping on a plane to Cancun is not in your budget, there are plenty of drivable destinations that will provide the same warm weather and relaxing environment.

·         For the Midwest and Northeasterners desperate to thaw out from the record-breaking winter temperatures, Florida is your answer. Various cities in The Sunshine State continue to top the charts as some of the most popular Spring Break destinations. Not only that, but it’s affordable. Some of GasBuddy’s picks:

1.      Philadelphia, PA to Orlando, FL ($167 round-trip)

2.      Boston, MA to Daytona Beach, FL ($201 round-trip)

3.      Chicago, IL to Panama City Beach, FL ($158 round-trip)

·         Northwestern residents can escape the rain and head to the sunny shores of Southern California or enjoy some desert heat. Road-trips GasBuddy suggests:

1.      Portland, OR to Huntington Beach, CA ($197 round-trip)

2.      Seattle, WA to Santa Cruz, CA ($168 round-trip)

3.      Denver, CO to Las Vegas, NV ($120 round-trip)

Powder and Snow

Those who get to enjoy warm weather year round might be itching to hit the slopes before the season ends.

·         Some of the Nation’s best ski destinations are just a couple of hours drive away for West Coasters. Here are GasBuddy’s picks:

1.      Los Angeles, CA to Park City, UT  ($123 round-trip)

2.      San Francisco, CA to Jackson Hole, WY ($151 round-trip)

3.      Phoenix, AZ to Aspen, CO ($118 round-trip)

·         East Coast region residents can head to the Appalachians to take advantage of the massive amounts of snow Mother Nature provided this winter. Some of our recommendations:

1.      Chapel Hill, NC to Stowe, VT ($133 round-trip)

2.      Gainesville, FL to Lake Placid, NY ($211 round-trip)

3.      Atlanta, GA to Bretton Woods, NH ($194 round-trip)

*Prices determined based on a Ford Explorer (auto, 3.5L, FWD), the best-selling SUV midsize SUV according to Edmunds.com and gas prices as of Feb 23, 2015. Prices will vary depending on car model, location and trip detours.

The Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (CIREB) installed the 2015 Board of Directors during the 48th Annual Installation of Officers and Directors reception held at the Shaker Ridge Country Club in Latham.
Al Picchi, Vice President & General Manager for the Capital Region offices of RealtyUSA, performed the swearing in ceremony for newly elected CIREB President, Jessica Richer, RealtyUSA. Richer is a member of the New York State Association of Realtors, the Greater Capital Association of Realtors and the International Council of Shopping Centers. Richer, who has been a Commercial Realtor for 14 years, is the fourth woman to serve as President of the Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Brokers, Inc.
Other officers and directors were sworn in by CIREB Past President and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake, REALTORS® principal broker, Richard Ferro.

The entire slate of officers installed during the program:

CIREB Officers

President: Jessica Richer, RealtyUSA.com

Vice President: Spencer Jones, British American

Secretary/Treasurer: Felton McLaughlin, NAI Platform

CIREB Directors

Brenda Garretson – CBRE Albany

Chris Farrell – Vanguard Fine

Athena Pagnotti – Berkshire Hathaway Blake

                             

BURGERFI TO ARRIVE IN THE CAPITAL REGION

Joint Venture with Owners of Lia Auto Group and Mazzone Hospitality

LATHAM, N.Y. - BurgerFi, one of the fastest growing names in fresh, all natural, quality burgers will be landing in the Capital Region. Bill Lia Jr., Michael Lia and Vincent Lia of Lia Auto Group have partnered with Angelo Mazzone of Mazzone Hospitality under the company Burger Ventures, LLC. The first BurgerFi location, situated in a newly constructed plaza owned by the Lia’s at 860 New Loudon Road, Latham, will open this spring.

“This is an exciting time to introduce BurgerFi to the region and provide our customers with a healthier and higher quality option in a modern, sustainable setting,” said Bill Lia Jr.

BurgerFi, short for “Burgerfication”, is headquartered in North Palm Beach, FL, and currently has 58 locations throughout the country including company owned and franchised units.

BurgerFi has made its mark with never frozen, grass fed Angus beef that is free of growth hormones, chemicals and additives. Additionally, each BurgerFi store is built to reduce its carbon footprint on the environment. Tables are made from recycled Coke bottles, chairs consist of compressed wood and large fans utilize 66-percent less electricity. The chain has strict recycling programs in place for all its oil, cardboard, bottles and cans at each restaurant location.

“The menu is simple, food is creatively presented, and the atmosphere is best in class,” said Angelo Mazzone. “BurgerFi is a great modern approach to an old, American classic.”

In addition to an assortment of burgers, BurgerFi serves Kobe beef hot dogs, fresh cut fries with an array of toppings (salt and vinegar, parmesan cheese and herbs, BurgerFi chili, hot Cajun spices), onion rings, homemade frozen custards, craft beer and wine.

A second location at 460 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs is in progress with development plans for additional locations throughout the Capital Region.

About BurgerFi:

BurgerFi is the fastest growing better burger chain in the U.S.  Currently with 58 units open, the chain is expected to double its size by 2015 as well as expand internationally.  Known for its fresh, all natural, hormone-free Angus burgers as well as its natural fries, frozen custard, signature hot dogs and craft beer, BurgerFi was recognized in the Top 50 “Movers & Shakers” by Fast Casual.com. The company began in 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with the idea that if burgers, America’s favorite food and a billion-dollar-a-year industry, why not make them better?  The company became popular fast with burger lovers everywhere who were looking for fresh, quality, all-natural option in their favorite food.  To learn more, visitwww.BurgerFi.com