SARATOGA SPRINGS -  On Friday, September 25, 2015 the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® hosted its annual REALTOR® Day Trade Show at the City Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. More than 200 professional REALTOR® members were in attendance along with 60 affiliates and vendors. The event featured Keynote Speaker: Entrepreneur, Blogger and
Author Chris Smith, who was recently named the most influential person in the real estate
industry.

Each year, at the trade show, GCAR holds a fundraiser to benefit an organization within the community. This year, a silent auction, raffle and live auction was held to benefit Code Blue, a walk-in, emergency homeless shelter in Saratoga Springs. Code Blue offers a hot meal and a warm place to sleep when temperatures in the city are below 20 degrees or there is significant snowfall. The shelter’s Code Blue Coordinator, Cheryl Ann Murphy-Parant, attended the event and expressed gratitude on behalf of those who will seek comfort at the shelter this winter. GCAR members raised more
than $4,000 for the organization at the event.

The audio and video recording studio creates high-quality sound from a team of experienced producers and engineers

ALBANY – Today, Overit Studios officially announces its grand opening in upstate New York. The full-service recording studio, housed in a beautifully rehabbed church, provides production capabilities for all aspects of audio, video, photography and digital services. With a knowledgeable staff that has worked in the music, television, film and marketing industries, Overit Studios is poised to create and develop amazing results on behalf of its clients, which include musicians, voiceover artists, corporate
brands and more.

Overit Studios is the perfect place to produce high-quality video or sound, whether developing an album, television commercial, movie soundtrack, or audio book. Onsite, there is a cyc wall for capturing video and photography, and a 2,000 square foot live room that boosts the church’s 28-foot ceilings to produce unparalleled acoustics.

By incorporating both vintage and modern equipment, clients are able to produce a sound that is warm, flexible and has character. Overit Studios offers the very best in equipment including microphones, preamps, compressors, instruments, and more. What’s more, the highly talented team onsite is able to help artists and clients determine the artistic direction of the project, from conception through completion.

"I'm thrilled to officially open Overit Studios to the music and entertainment industry,” said Adam Clairmont, studio manager at Overit Studios. “The aesthetic of the space provides great inspiration, and the talented team at Overit motivate and push us to be more creative.

We are in the best position to have great success and produce truly compelling work for our Rooted in Overit, a digital marketing agency headquartered in Albany since 1993, the team at Overit Studios has already produced audio and video projects for Nickelodeon, Qvidian,

The Trump Organization, State University of New York (SUNY), New York Counsel on Problem Gambling, and Catseye Pest Control, among many others. In addition, the team produces audio books for Audible, and provides post-production and sound design for the movie and television industries.

“It’s always been my dream to own a studio to produce music and motion,” said Dan Dinsmore, CEO of Overit, owner of Overit Studios, and longtime member of bands such as Owl and The Clay People. “My wife and I have been involved in the music industry for years – me as a drummer, and she as a marketing and events manager. We created this state-of-the-art facility for artists and creators, but believe it has the potential for so much more.”

To celebrate the launch of Overit Studios, Overit has partnered with the Upstate Artists Guild to host a 1st Friday event on Friday, Oct. 2 to highlight regional musicians and artists. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and will feature visual art from Phil Montelone, Andrzej Pilarczyk, and Brendan Halayko; an instrument showcase from Michael Eck, and an exhibit on The Beatles from Rick Bebrosian. Guests will also enjoy live performances from bands including Immaculate Heart, Stellar Young, and Giant Gorilla Dog Thing. Admission is free and open to the public.

To learn more about what Overit Studios has to offer or to book the studio, please visit
OveritStudios.com.


About Overit Studios

Overit Studios is a full-service audio and video production facility based in Albany, New York. Built with no limitations and housed in a rehabbed church, Overit Studios provides clients access to countless audio, video and digital services. The audio engineers at Overit Studios are fanatical about the quality of the final product and strive to provide unmatched sound and recording experiences. For more information, visit OveritStudios.com or follow the Studio on Twitter (@overitstudios).

About Overit

Found in 1993, Overit is an interactive creative agency located in New York’s Capital Region. Overit helps regional, national and international clients move beyond their visions with a balance of attentive service, high impact deliverables and superior communication.

The award-winning agency is internationally known for its quality of work and creativity stemming from its team, who specialize in marketing, design, development, public relations, SEO/PPC, motion graphics and social media. For more information, please visit Overit.com or view the agency on its Facebook or Twitter (@overit).

Creating 56 new jobs under STARTUP-NY initiative

Partnership to spur more than $40M in investments across New York State more than five years, in addition to student training and workforce opportunities

ALBANY – Further catalyzing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s innovation-focused business growth strategy for New York State, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (SUNY Poly CNSE) today announced that high-tech architectural and engineering firm DPS Engineering will establish its U.S. Advanced Technology Group headquarters at SUNY Poly CNSE’s $24 billion Albany campus as a result of the governor’s STARTUP-NY initiative. The company will create 56 new jobs over the next five years and pump $40 million into the upstate economy as it provides select engineering services to the growing list of globally recognized corporations calling New York State home.

“In addition to its broad economic success, STARTUP-NY has allowed our students and faculty to tap into an assortment of new academic benefits, including applied learning experiences that are directly influenced by today’s workforce needs,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “With DPS headquarters at the SUNY Poly campus in Albany, the community will see significant job growth and SUNY students will gain a first-hand perspective of the Capital Region’s continued leadership in high-tech industries. Congratulations to SUNY Poly on this most recent partnership with an industry leader.”

“Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s pioneering economic development strategy is redefining New York State as the epicenter of high-tech business and educational opportunities as leading corporations like DPS establish a base of operations here upon finding that New York truly means business,” said SUNY Poly President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. “We are thrilled to see that New York State’s burgeoning innovation sector continues to grow, and in conjunction with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s tax-free STARTUP-NY initiative, it continues to draw more and more companies and jobs to New York State. The workforce training and educational components of today’s announcement will ensure a steady pipeline of well-qualified workers for companies like DPS across a number of nanotechnology-inspired sectors to secure solid growth in the future.”

“DPS is thrilled to partner with globally recognized SUNY Poly CNSE where we will locate our United States headquarters for our Advanced Technology Group. Leveraging SUNY Poly CNSE’s unique, high-tech business environment and educational ecosystem, along with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s STARTUP-NY program and New York’s competitive business climate, will enable the continued growth of our company and its local workforce,” said DPS CEO, Frank Keogh. “By establishing our facility at the Zero Energy Nanotechnology building, DPS will be at the very heart of New York’s tech growth and able to establish ties with other companies in the region and the state that require the architectural and engineering expertise that we are excited to bring here.”

DPS will locate its U.S. Advanced Technology Group headquarters inside the Zero Energy Nanotechnology (ZEN) building, located at SUNY Poly CNSE’s state-of-the-art Albany NanoTech Complex, where it will occupy 5,000 square feet with plans to double its square footage in five years. Employment is expected to grow from an initial team of nine full-time high-tech and administration jobs to at least 56 direct high-tech and related support jobs within five years. DPS also expects to hire more than 50 project-specific employees each year to support architectural and engineering projects that it will undertake across New York State. Over five years, DPS is expected to make $1,000,000 in capital investments, with more than $20 million for operations plus an additional $20 million in project specific labor during the same time period.

As part of its collaboration with SUNY Poly CNSE, DPS will develop and provide a training curriculum to support its workforce needs, allowing the company to meet its expansion plans with a highly trained and qualified workforce which underpins New York State’s sustainable ecosystem as it attracts like-minded companies to SUNY Poly’s statewide hubs. In turn, DPS is expected to identify, develop, and implement student internships and professional development and career opportunities for SUNY Poly’s growing student body, as well as provide hands-on opportunities to learn about the latest in design project efficiency by enabling students to utilize software tools such as 3D/BIM modeling, a laser photogrammetry integrated design management dashboard, and other online design collaboration tools. Because DPS employees participate in various professional organizations such as ISPE, PDA, SEMI, ASME, and other industry and advisory organizations, DPS will provide opportunities for SUNY Poly students to publish papers and conduct research to further these organizations’ missions to harmonize and standardize industry activities in the life sciences and microelectronics sectors. The company will also encourage employees to seek continuing educational opportunities through SUNY Poly.

DPS is a full service Architectural and Engineering company established in Ireland in 1974. DPS employs over 800 people globally across 11 offices. The company’s sector expertise spans many markets including Advanced Technology , Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Medical  Technologies, Oil and Gas, Food & Beverage, Energy and Science & Education. The newest office in New York State will support high-tech growth throughout the state, including growth powered by organizations such as GlobalFoundries, IBM, and SUNY Poly CNSE. DPS will play a specific role, supporting engineering design projects across upstate New York by acting as an owner’s representative that can provide peer review and commentary for Engineer of Record (EoR) design as well as project and construction management and commissioning, qualification, and verification services. In addition, DPS will be able to provide Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) testing services and Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP), offering, for example, systematic system examination and risk management. DPS also offers program management and consulting services to clients, creating business cases for advanced technical and life sciences projects in order to optimize fundamental operative concepts prior to site selection; and professional outsourcing of technical and engineering staff to clients.

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SUNY Polytechnic Institute. SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem, formed from the merger of the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and SUNY Institute of Technology. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience and nanoeconomics programs at its Albany location and undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its Utica/Rome location. Thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts more than $43 billion in high-tech investments, over 300 corporate partners, and maintains a statewide footprint. The 1.3 million-square-foot Albany NanoTech megaplex is home to more than 4,000 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, faculty, and staff, in addition to Tech Valley High School. SUNY Poly operates the Smart Cities Technology Innovation Center (SCiTI) at Kiernan Plaza in Albany, the Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon, the Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries in Syracuse, the Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center (STC) in Canandaigua, and the Photovoltaic Manufacturing and Technology Development Facility in Rochester where SUNY Poly also leads the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics. SUNY Poly founded and manages the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C) at its Utica location and also manages the $500 million New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium, with nodes in Albany and Rochester, as well as the Buffalo High-Tech Manufacturing Innovation Hub at RiverBend, Buffalo Information Technologies Innovation and Commercialization Hub, and Buffalo Medical Innovation and Commercialization Hub. For information visit www.sunycnse.com and www.sunypoly.edu.

Saratoga Springs – Sloppy Kisses, the area’s premier dog bakery and designer pet boutique, will be holding their 10th Annual Canine Costume Parade & Contest in Downtown Saratoga Springs on Sunday, October 18th. The day’s events will proceed as follows:

10:45 am – Check-in begins at Sloppy Kisses (425 Broadway)

11:00 am - Canine Costume Parade from Sloppy Kisses to Putnam Den (63 Putnam Street)

11:30 pm – Canine Costume Contest and Doggie Yappy Hour at Putnam Den (63 Putnam Street)

Prizes will be awarded for most original costume, cutest costume and best canine/human duo.

The registration fee is $5.00 per dog. Owners must register their dogs at Sloppy Kisses by Friday, October 16th. Each preregistered dog will receive a goodie bag.

Day of the event registration will be $10 per dog (no goodie bag).

425 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

518.587.2207

www.sloppykissesofsaratoga.com

 

SARATOGA SPRINGS  – Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company has appointed David Kruczlnicki to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Kruczlnicki also serves on the board of the Bank’s parent company, Arrow Financial Corporation, a role he has held since 1989. He previously served as a Director for Arrow’s other banking subsidiary, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company, from 1989 to 2015.

A resident of Malta, Mr. Kruczlnicki currently teaches at Siena College and is president of a consulting firm that advises nonprofits on business-planning. From 1989 until 2013, he was President and CEO of Glens Falls Hospital, a regional medical center employing nearly 3,000 and encompassing 29 sites. His extensive governance experience with a variety of organizations includes current service on the boards of the Greater Adirondack Home Aides and the Glens Falls Symphony.

Mr. Kruczlnicki holds a bachelor’s degree from Siena College, an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and is recipient of the Life Fellowship of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Active in the community, he is a Rotarian and a member of various chambers of commerce throughout the region.

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

Expertly Designed Solution Enables Dynamic Family Entertainment Chain to Conduct Business Efficiently 

Albany, NY – September 16, 2015 – FirstLight Fiber, a facilities-based telecommunications service provider operating in Upstate New York and Northern New England, announced today that Bowl New England, a Spare Time Entertainment venue located in Colchester, VT, has chosen FirstLight to provide dedicated Internet service via dual redundant diverse fiber circuits to this family entertainment facility. Bowl New England in Colchester serves as the headquarters for 16 bowling centers across New England, New York, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. FirstLight’s diversely-routed circuits will support the company’s VPN and VOIP traffic for all 16 locations.

“FirstLight was incredibly willing to assist us with network planning from our first point of communication with the company. One of the reasons we selected FirstLight was because they understood our needs and could offer the level of diversity that our former provider could not,” stated Bill Moller, Systems Administrator for Bowl New England. “For the redundancy to work, we needed private Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which some other providers were unwilling to offer. Reliable Internet access is critical to support our business for all credit card processing and voice telephony, and in response, FirstLight designed a solution with diverse Internet connections keeping us operational in the event of an outage.”

As needs increase in the future, Bowl New England will work with FirstLight on securing additional bandwidth, as well as look to colocate its servers into one or more of FirstLight’s five data centers.

“When approached by Bowl New England, in true FirstLight fashion, we took the time to learn and understand exactly their needs and pain points. We are pleased to offer a complete, fiber-based Internet access solution with Tier 1 provider connections, numerous private peering connections, reduced hop counts that will enable Bowl New England to operate seamlessly,” commented Patrick Coughlin, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FirstLight Fiber.

To learn how more about FirstLight Fiber and its suite of advanced telecommunications services, visit www.firstlight.net.

# # #

About FirstLight Fiber

FirstLight Fiber, headquartered in Albany, NY, provides fiber optic data, Internet, data center and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers in Upstate New York and Northern New England with connectivity to Canada utilizing its own fiber optic network, which spans over 225,000 fiber miles connecting in excess of 1,700 lit locations.  FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products, including dedicated Internet access, Ethernet, traditional TDM solutions, SIP trunks, virtual PBX and audio-conferencing, managed commercial wireless systems, and data center colocation.  FirstLight’s clientele includes national cellular providers and CLECs and many leading enterprises, spanning high tech manufacturing and research, hospitals and healthcare, banking and financial, secondary education, colleges and universities, and local and state governments.  FirstLight is a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm Riverside Partners. 

To learn more about FirstLight, visit www.firstlight.net, or follow the company on Twitter and LinkedIn.

and hits $13,884!

Relationship with MDA Encourages Drivers to Give Back Through In-Store Donations

Albany– The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is pleased to announce that the Hoffman Jiffy Lube group hosted its fourth annual MUSCLE UP!^SM campaign.  As part of the program, Jiffy Lube invites drivers to visit participating Jiffy Lube® service centers from Aug. 1 through Sept. 14, 2015 to make a donation to MDA to help kids and adults fighting muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely limit muscle strength and mobility.  Local Hoffman Jiffy Lubes in the Greater Capital District, Hudson Valley, and the Southern Adirondack participated in the national fundraising program; raising $13,884!

Since 2012, Jiffy Lube has raised more than $3.5 million nationally for MDA through the MUSCLE UP! program. Vital funds raised help MDA push science to its limits in the search for cutting-edge treatments and cures for debilitating neuromuscular diseases, and support MDA’s life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and clinics. Through generous donations, thousands of children have the opportunity to experience a week where anything is possible at MDA summer camp at no cost to their families.

“We’re proud to team up with MDA again this year to help make a difference in the communities where we live and work,” said Steve Ledbetter, president of Jiffy Lube International.  “Employees, both from Jiffy Lube International and Jiffy Lube franchisees are passionate about helping those who are courageously fighting muscle disease and have developed relationships with families in their communities as well as volunteer their time at MDA summer camp.”

The MUSCLE UP! campaign draws a parallel between the body’s muscular system and a vehicle’s engine structure – both require care and maintenance to optimize their performance.  All funds raised during the five-week campaign will benefit MDA and its life-enhancing programs on both the national and local level.

“The funds raised at Jiffy Lube this summer will help accelerate urgently needed progress for people whose abilities to move are compromised — including everyday abilities like walking, running, hugging, talking and even breathing,” said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks. “We are thrilled to once again partner with Jiffy Lube and are grateful that Jiffy Lube franchisees and customers are always willing to ‘MUSCLE UP’ to help the kids and adults we serve live longer and grow stronger.”

The MUSCLE UP! campaign is driven by the passionate support of Jiffy Lube franchisees, who are deeply committed to giving back to their communities, as well as the drivers who look to Jiffy Lube for their vehicle preventive maintenance needs. To get involved, visit JiffyLube.com to identify and contact your local Jiffy Lube service center; there, you can also find oil change coupons and promotions for your next visit. For updates on the MUSCLE UP! campaign and for ways to help rally support from family and friends, please visit www.jiffylube.com/mda, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

About MDA 

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to saving and improving the lives of people with muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement. Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews. Learn more about MDA's mission by watching this video.

About Jiffy Lube
Jiffy Lube International, Inc. (“Jiffy Lube”), with more than 2,000 franchised service centers in North America, serves approximately 22 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company. Visit www.JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care.

Premier Online Pet Reservation Company to Benefit from Tax-Free Incentive Program with Move to Schenectady, New York

Schenectady – Furlocity, Inc., the premier pet reservation company, announced today that it has been approved to participate in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s groundbreakingSTART-UP NY Program. Furlocity provides a technology platform and website, to enable pet owners to search, identify and book trusted pet boarding stays, pet care services and pet-friendly hotels; simplifying the booking process.

“It is an honor to be accepted into this incredible program that will help Furlocity thrive,” said Denise Fernandez Pallozzi, Chief Executive Officer of Furlocity. “The key deciding factors in moving the Company to the Capital Region were the opportunities to work with the area universities and to participate in the START-UP NY program. The Capital Region has a vibrant and emerging tech scene where we expect to draw upon an experienced workforce and graduates from several top schools,” continued Pallozzi.

START-UP NY provides businesses that create new jobs in New York State with the opportunity to operate 100 percent tax-free for 10 years, paying no state income tax, business or corporate state or local taxes, sales tax, property tax or franchise fees. The companies also partner with the higher education institutions they are sponsored by, and give businesses direct access to advanced research laboratories, development resources and experts in key industries. 

On or about October 15, Furlocity will cut the ribbon on its new 3,000 square foot space on the first floor of the New York BizLab at 251 State Street, in downtown Schenectady. 

“We are pleased that Furlocity has selected downtown Schenectady for its new company headquarters. This firm could have relocated anywhere and we are very excited to have them come to Schenectady providing local residents with new job opportunities,” said Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority.

“Furlocity is excited to call Schenectady our new home,” said Pallozzi. “We are in strong growth mode and will be expanding our team to create approximately 12 new jobs within the first two years, and 20 jobs by the end of 2017.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Furlocity to the New York BizLab, and the Capital Region is the right place to find top tech talent, while also providing an unparalleled quality of life,” said Antonio Civitella, CEO of Transfinder and the founder and president of the New York BizLab business accelerator.

“START-UP NY is an extraordinary job building program,” said Rick D’Errico, Managing Director of the New York BizLab and Director of PR at Transfinder. “It has enabled companies like Furlocity to keep the Capital Region’s business economy strong and vibrant.”

According to the American Pet Products Association’s annual report on the pet industry, Americans will spend an all-time high of $60.5 billion on their pets in 2015. Of that amount, approximately $5.2 billion will be spent on “other pet services”. The “other pet services” category grew the fastest in 2014, and includes costs on grooming, boarding, walking, training, day care and spa treatments.

About Furlocity

Furlocity was founded on the vision of making pet parents’ lives easier by utilizing 21st century technology to access the services they need for their dog and cat ‘family members’. Furlocity.com is the result of that vision. Furlocity.com is the premier pet accommodations website, providing an online technology platform that enables pet owners to search, identify and book trusted pet boarding stays, pet care services and pet-friendly hotels; simplifying the booking process. Furlocity’s online marketplace currently includes top-rated pet boarding facilities and pet care service providers in more than 105 cities and 30 states, and more than 42,000 pet-friendly hotels across the United States.

Furlocity was founded in 2012 by busy ‘pet parents’ who understood the need to establish a more intuitive process for finding safe pet accommodations options. Furlocity.com and its proprietary online booking tool help foster mutually beneficial relationships between pet owners and trusted pet care services providers. Its technology platform helps pet boarding establishments increase occupancy and grow customer connections.

To learn more, please visit http://Furlocity.com, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and Twitter.

To learn more, please visit http://Furlocity.com, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and Twitter.

SARATOGA SPRINGS– This is a double win for the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau (SCTB)… a second consecutive Pinnacle Award from Successful Meetings and the Gold Service Award by M&C, their second in three years (2012).

Readers of M&C awarded 81 domestic and 16 international CVBs and tourism boards with the Gold Service award distinction. Relying on their extensive industry experience in both corporate and association markets, M&C’s readers made selections based on key criteria.  Criteria included: professionalism of staff; support on hotels and site inspections; assistance with ground transportation planning; guidance on local attractions; and liaison with local venders and services.

A dedication to quality service is the key to maintaining customers and is also the key to winning Meetings & Conventions’ Gold Service Award.  This prestigious award honors Convention & Visitors Bureaus that have excelled in professionalism and dedication in their service to meeting professionals. Winners will be featured in Meetings & Conventions’ Gold Awards issue published this November.

“To continually provide quality service to clients sets these superior bureaus apart.  All our Gold Service winning CVBs know the value of creating a lasting impression can never be understated” said David Blansfield, Executive Vice President/Group Publisher, Northstar Meeting Group.  “The 2015 Gold Service winners continually excel in many valuable areas of service, impressing not only their clients but also the demanding readers of M&C.”  Blansfield adds, “Our entire staff joins M&C’s readers in honoring these outstanding CVBs and tourist boards who continue to focus on effective working partnerships with meeting professionals.”

Readers of Successful Meetings – professionals who are decision makers for planning meetings, events, conferences, and incentive programs– voted for the winners of the Pinnacle Awards via online ballots and gave feedback based on their professional experiences worldwide for the top hotels, conference centers, and CVBs. All winners will be listed in Successful Meetings’ annual Pinnacle Registry, published in August - and online at www.successfulmeetings.com/pinnacle.

This is a great honor for the Bureau, our hospitality partners, our Board of Directors, volunteers and our community!! I am very proud of all that we’ve accomplished over the last few years. The recognition from our customers and peers in the industry is one of the best ways, in my mind, to know that we are doing a great job! Said SCTB President, Todd Garofano.

# # #

Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau is a key economic development engine for this community, the mission of the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau is to contribute a positive impact on the local economy by promoting and marketing Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County as a world-class destination for meetings, conventions and groups.  For information on how to schedule or plan a meeting, conference, wedding or sport/special event in Saratoga, visit the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau’s website at www.discoversaratoga.org.

About Meetings & Conventions:

Meetings & Conventions (www.mcmag.com) is a division of NORTHSTAR Travel Media LLC, publishers of worldwide directories, periodicals, electronic products, and destination information services for the travel, meetings and hospitality industry.

About Successful Meetings:

From basic concepts to advanced strategies, Successful Meetings has the indispensable knowledge—the insider tips and industry essentials—that any professional charged with planning a meeting needs in order to organize valuable, productive and inspiring events.  Successful Meetings reaches these decision-making “meeting owners” through print, digital, and face-to-face events. Successful Meetings is a monthly magazine and web-site with in-depth interviews, case studies, features, and special supplements. SuccessfulMeetings.com is the 24/7 portal for information and news effecting the industry. For more information on Successful Meetings, please visit www.successfulmeetings.com. Successful Meetings is owned by Northstar Travel Media, LLC.

Panel Discussion and Webinar Coincide with National Cyber Security Initiatives
#518CyberAware

ALBANY – GreyCastle Security, a leading cyber security consulting firm, is proud to host the third annual cyber security panel discussion and webinar for business leaders and professionals, titled "Cybercrime in Tech Valley: Changing Attitudes and Behaviors," on Wednesday, October 28, 2015.

Experts continue to focus on ways in which businesses can protect their network amid existing vulnerabilities and increased threats, such as hacking, data breaches, social media fraud, and insider theft. Human behaviors are closely linked to many of these cyber security issues and incidents. This discussion will examine the tools businesses can employ to transform these attitudes and create a more security-conscious workforce.

The Center for Economic Growth’s interim president & CEO, Mike Hickey will welcome guests. Will Pelgrin, former chief executive officer, Center for Internet Security will moderate the conversation with security professionals from both the private and public sectors, including GreyCastle Security, New York State Police, the State University of New York and Albany Medical Center.

The panel discussion will be held at the newly renovated Renaissance Albany Hotel at 144 State Street in Albany. The networking and breakfast portion of the event, courtesy of GreyCastle Security, will start at 7:30 a.m. The program and conversation begins at 8 a.m. and will include a 50 minute discussion followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

Registration for the event is $20 per person and is non-refundable. Proceeds from this event will be put toward a scholarship fund for Capital Region students pursuing a degree in cyber security. There is no charge for participating in the webinar. Click here to register through Eventbrite.

The conversation is part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), an annual initiative designed to engage and educate the public and private sectors about ever increasing threats against cyber infrastructure. Now in its 12th year, NCSAM is spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance.

This year’s symposium is being sponsored, in part, by InfraGard Albany Members Alliance, Inc. The non-profit corporation provides a trusted forum for exchanging knowledge, experience, and information to help protect our nation's infrastructure from both physical and cyber threats.

The panel of experts will include:

Will Pelgrin (moderator), former chief executive officer, Center for Internet Security
Pelgrin retired in June 2015 as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Internet Security (CIS), an international nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the cyber security readiness and response of public and private sector entities. As President and CEO, Pelgrin led the company through tremendous growth in its mission, programs, services, staff and revenue. He facilitated significant enhancements to intelligence gathering and information sharing with the creation of a new nationwide partnership with fusion centers, and expanded focus on protection for the critical infrastructure sector. Pelgrin was the catalyst for expanding the role of the CIS into a highly valued cybersecurity resource for public and private sector entities both nationally and internationally.

Reg Harnish, chief executive officer, GreyCastle Security
Reg Harnish is an entrepreneur, speaker, author and the CEO for GreyCastle Security. He’s been practicing security for nearly two decades, bringing a thought-provoking perspective to the industry and striving to promote awareness, security "thinking" and practical application of security fundamentals. Reg attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a certified CISSP, CISM, CISA and ITIL. He is a fellow of the National Cybersecurity Institute, serves on numerous security association boards and is currently an advisor to several educational institutions focusing on cyber security. Reg is a nationally-recognized speaker and has presented at countless industry and security events, including BSides, ISSA, ISC2, ISACA and InfraGard. Reg is a contributor to numerous security publications and has co-authored several books on cyber security awareness.

Jeff Wilson, director of information services, assurance and IT security, Albany Medical Center
Wilson is responsible for overseeing Albany Medical Center’s disaster recovery and business continuity efforts; program management office; information security program; and IT planning activities. He is responsible for the implementation of policies and procedures to support the medical center’s regulatory compliance efforts. Prior to joining Albany Med, Jeff worked for the Hearst Corporation in a variety of technology and compliance roles. He holds a BA in English and Religious Studies from SUNY Albany.

Mark P. Donchek, investigator, New York State Police Cyber Analysis Unit

Mark Donchek is currently assigned as an Investigator with the New York State Police Cyber Analysis Unit (CAU). In his current role he has assisted with the launch of the newly formed CAU and is responsible for helping to outline and direct a course for its growth. Mark Joined the New York State police in 2005 and prior to his current assignment as Investigator has held rank as a New York State Trooper, Technical Sergeant, and Sergeant. Mark’s 17 plus years of combined experience in the fields of information technology, and law enforcement provide him with a deep expertise in the field. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Albany, Certifications and training in Advanced Oracle Concepts, Cyber Investigations, and Cyber Analysis.

Ken Runyon, chief information security officer, The State University of New York

Ken currently holds CISSP and CISM information security certifications.  He received both his MA and BA in Political Science from SUNY Albany and is also a graduate of the U.S. Army School of Information Technology specializing in Information Systems Management.  Ken also attended the U.S. Army Defense Language Institute where he trained as a Russian linguist and electronic warfare specialist.  After graduation from SUNY, he was commissioned as a 2^ndLieutenant and attended the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course, graduating with honors.  Ken was deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and upon his return, became an instructor for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College where he has held several leadership positions.

About GreyCastle Security:
GreyCastle Security, based in Troy, NY, is a cyber security consulting firm focused on risk management, awareness and operational security. Our company was established to counter rapidly evolving cyber security threats and manage risks in people, process and technology. We bring a client perspective to everything we do. We provide assessments, training, testing, and response capabilities to organizations of all sizes, types and industries. We bring passionate practicality to cyber security.

BWP Sister Restaurant To Open At New Apartment Community

Saratoga Springs, New York: Sonny Bonacio, President, Bonacio Construction, today proudly announced that a sister restaurant to Beer Wine Pizza (BWP), 2 West Bar & Grille and 2 West Express, will join the 2 West Ave. apartment community this Winter.

“We are excited that 2 West Bar & Grille and 2 West Express will complete the community at 2 West,” Sonny said.  “They will share an address with extraordinary one, two and three bedroom apartment choices, featuring contemporary finishes, gourmet kitchens and fireplaces.  We have paid attention to detail in these designs; residents at 2 West will find convenience at every turn.”

The apartments at 2 West are open and leasing.  2 West Bar & Grille and 2 West Express, owned by Tim and Colleen Holmes, will open this Winter. 

Beer Wine Pizza Your Local Bar & Grille opened in September 2014 at 74 Weibel Ave., inside The Springs apartment complex. Sister restaurant to Beer Wine Pizza, 2 West Bar & Grille will feature the favorites currently served at BWP—all natural burgers, hand-tossed pizzas, and New York craft beers.  2 West Express will boast healthy, quick, made-to-order options, such as hand-tossed salads, artisanal pizzas, and wraps, as well as ‘grab & go’ items.

Tim Holmes, said, “We are excited to bring a local hang-out place to the West side of Saratoga.  Similar to BWP, 2 West Bar & Grille will have plenty of big screen TVs for game viewing, outdoor dining, and a comfortable bar with a modern feel.  BWP has become a staple of the Springs neighborhood and we look forward to offering the same to the community at 2 West!”

Colleen Holmes, said, “Our new addition, 2 West Express, is a convenient option for the thriving business community, offering fresh, fast selections for those of us on the run.  From burgers and pizza to salads and healthy snack packs, we will have something to satisfy every palate!”  

2 West is a pet-friendly community, located minutes from Downtown Saratoga Springs and I-87, steps from the Train and Bus Station.  The community includes a Fitness Center, Community Room, Off-street parking/garages and secure buildings.  The apartments feature Fireplaces, High Ceilings, Open floor plans, large terraces, ample closet space, Standard cable & wireless internet included, Full size washer & dryer in each home, Custom gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, Granite in kitchen and bath, Walnut Cabinetry, and Hardwood & ceramic tile flooring.

2 West is the latest custom home project by Bonacio Consturction.  As an award winning builder of residential and commercial structures since 1988, Bonacio Construction has worked on projects large and small, both grand and modest, borrowing from the best of the past while making structures that are contemporary in a fresh new way.  The company believes in building value, spirit and communities and brings a wealth of experience to this mixed-use project.

2 West is proudly managed by West Side Management of Saratoga.  For more information about leasing apartments or commerical space, please call 518-587-7600 or visit http://2westave.com/. For more information on 2 West Bar & Grille and 2 West Express, visit http://www.wowrestaurantsinc.com/.

Collaboration expected to advance semiconductor manufacturing processes and lead to the creation of 50 jobs at SUNY Poly statewide facilities

Albany – In support of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to furthering New York State’s international leadership in the global nanotechnology driven economy of the 21st century, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (SUNY Poly CNSE) and Inficon, Inc. (INFICON) today announced plans for a joint research and development alliance on advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology.  The 2-year R&D agreement will leverage SUNY Poly CNSE’s globally recognized state-of-the-art capabilities and INFICON’s best-in-class in-situ monitoring technologies that are enabling the “smart factories” of the future with real time nanoscale process control. The joint alliance will also formally launch a new Advanced Manufacturing Performance (AMP) Center dedicated to the component, sub-system and site-service companies that support the advanced manufacturing processes in a broad array of industries. The AMP Center is expected to lead to the creation of 50 jobs and will leverage the operations at the NanoTech Albany Complex while expanding to the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (QUAD-C) in Marcy with dedicated R&D capabilities, which will also support new advanced manufacturing operations recently announced by Governor Cuomo. 

“Governor Cuomo’s high-tech economic blueprint for New York State is rooted in world class research and development opportunities and our partnership with INFICON will enable increased efficiency and effectiveness as we determine new manufacturing standards necessary to meet the future needs of the industry,” said Michael Fancher, Executive Director of the New York State Center for Advanced Technology in Nanoelectronics and Nanomaterials (CATN²)  “INFICON and CNSE have enjoyed a long relationship and this agreement marks a new level of collaboration with one of the world’s leading innovation companies located just 30 minutes away from SUNY Poly’s Marcy campus that is expanding its operations in the New York NanoTech corridor today. We look forward to our collaboration with INFICON and enabling the continued growth of New York’s burgeoning nanoelectronics industry.”

“The demands on the nanoelectronics industry are increasing rapidly and it is vital that we continue to build our sensing and analysis capabilities. SUNY Poly CNSE is a critical enabling resource in catalyzing new research and development, not just due to its world-class facilities and personnel, but also its ability to foster partnerships between state government, the private sector and New York State's top-flight universities and research institutions,” said Peter Maier, President of INFICON, Inc.  “With our recent expansion in Syracuse, INFICON has grown its local workforce to 260 and is excited to launch this partnership to advance the development of next generation sensor technologies.”

INFICON is a leading provider of innovative instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and advanced process control software that enhance productivity and quality in sophisticated industrial vacuum processes. The establishment of the semiconductor research and development partnership with SUNY Poly CNSE will characterize precursor and/or byproduct compounds containing phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, gallium, and/or indium that may evolve from the surface of wafers during and/or following various processes throughout the semiconductor manufacturing sequence; identify and develop methods for detecting and analyzing such compounds; and improve and develop sensor technologies and equipment that embody or incorporate such methods.  

Part of ongoing series to build Hospitality Culture in preparation for Albany Capital Center

ALBANY, NY – The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB) hosted a bus tour of Albany for the new staff of the Renaissance Albany hotel, which is planning to open next month following an extensive restoration.

The purpose of the bus tour was to educate the new staff on activities and resources that surround the property so they may be the best ambassadors to future hotel guests.

"The Renaissance guests are not looking for the typical tourist attractions, they are looking to experience the town as a local,” states Leola Edelin, General Manager of the Renaissance Albany. “It is great to partner with the ACCVB because they understand how we need to train our ambassadors to deliver on the guests’ expectation."

The bus tour made stops at a number of Albany attractions including the Albany Institute of History & Art, USS Slater and Dutch Apple Cruises, Albany Visitors Center, Palace Theatre, Ten Broeck Mansion, and the Times Union Center. These attractions were chosen as representations of the many notable historic, family-friendly, entertainment, and informational attractions throughout Albany County.

This tour is one of a series of events hosted by the ACCVB in an effort to build a Hospitality Culture in Albany in anticipation of the opening of the Albany Capital Center in early 2017. The Hospitality Series began in June with the Albany Hospitality Summit.

“It is so important for our community to embrace the spirit of hospitality as we prepare to welcome more visitors,” states Michele Vennard, President/CEO of the ACCVB. “We are dedicated to providing the resources to make that goal a reality.”

The next event in the Hospitality Series will include a Guest Service Gold^® program for Albany County hotel staff members at the Albany Marriott on October 28. The Guest Service Gold^® program is an internationally recognized American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute program that involves group discussions, relevant videos, and a test.

ABOUT THE ACCVB: 
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. ACCVB currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.