TROY – Pioneer Bank President and CEO Thomas L. Amell and Habitat for Humanity Capital District Executive Director Christine Schudde announced today a partnership that will help to create more home ownership possibilities for low-income families. Pioneer now offers a special financing program for families purchasing homes from Habitat for Humanity.

 “We are pleased to be partnering with such a worthwhile organization that has a significant impact on the lives of so many in our community,” Amell said. “We’ve worked very hard along with Habitat for Humanity to come up with a financial product that will allow more people to achieve the goal of home ownership, which for our team is incredibly meaningful and rewarding.”

Pioneer’s new funding mechanism offers Habitat families low down payments and competitive interest rates. Additionally, having a banking partner in Pioneer means Habitat for Humanity is able to reinvest its commitments much more quickly.

“Pioneer Bank’s new affordable mortgage product is a game changer for Habitat for Humanity,” said and Habitat for Humanity Capital District Executive Director Christine Schudde. “By partnering with Pioneer Bank instead of lending directly ourselves, we can reinvest back into the community. Habitat homeowners leave the closing table with the keys to an affordable home of their own, and Habitat leaves with the ability to build even more homes and serve more families in the Capital Region.”

Pioneer is in the process of purchasing four existing Habitat for Humanity mortgages, and it is expected that the first mortgages using the new financial product will be closed in the coming weeks.

With 17 branches throughout the Greater Capital Region, Pioneer’s dedication to providing customers with a convenient, highly personalized level of customer service is matched only by its commitment to the values upon which it was founded. A bank firmly rooted in its local history, the Pioneer philosophy revolves around conducting business responsibly, personal investment in employees and giving back to the communities they serve.

About Pioneer Bank – Pioneer Bank is the only mutual bank serving New York’s Capital Region. Pioneer has been serving its customers with banking and financial solutions since its founding in 1889. Pioneer has earned a Five Star rating from Bauer Financial Inc. each quarter for the past 25 years, a distinction held by less than 5% of banks in the country. For more information, visit www.pioneerbanking.com.

About Habitat for Humanity – Habitat for Humanity Capital District provides hardworking

families and individuals the opportunity to purchase their own simple, decent home with an

affordable monthly house payment. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and

materials, Habitat build homes, community and hope in Albany, Rensselaer and Southern Saratoga Counties. Habitat for Humanity Capital District is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global housing ministry that has served more than 5 million people around the world. Locally, Habitat has built over 100 homes. For more information, to donate or volunteer, please visit www.HabitatCD.org.

ALBANY – Brianne Noonan, president of the 31-year-old family-owned direct mail and digital print business located in Albany, The Mailworks, has launched Pretty Polite, an online print boutique, focused on providing quality custom printing for customers as they celebrate the special moments in their lives. From wedding invitations to birth announcements and holiday cards, Pretty Polite will help clients visually tell their story by creating a timeless piece that’s fully customizable and delivered to the customer’s doorstep.

Pretty Polite will leverage the heritage and resources of The Mailworks’ 80,000-square-foot production facility and staff, but will focus on the more intimate and personal part of the printing process as a dedicated partner to customers as they choose the high end print that will represent the important moments in their life.

“We are thrilled to finally have a business model where we can work directly with people in addition to the many businesses we serve,” said Brianne Noonan, founder, Pretty Polite (@pretty_polite). “The Mailworks experience gives us the functional expertise, but Pretty Polite’s sweet spot is the emotional side of the process. It is exciting to be able to share our passion for printing to help customers tell their story in a customized and beautiful way. This type of work is very rewarding.”

Under Noonan’s leadership, The Mailworks and its subsidiaries experienced 30-percent growth and generated a combined $20 million in revenue last year. Pretty Polite is the next venture for the parent company and attempt to create a business-to-consumer product line to further diversify the company’s portfolio.

The web-based company provides various trim, color, paper, and envelope options for customers to explore, create, preview, and send without the typical upcharges that other online invitation companies add on. With Pretty Polite, shoppers can also try a personalized sample before they commit to a full order for a mere $7.00. And for a very limited time, Pretty Polite will offer customers fifty-percent off their entire order in exchange for providing feedback about their overall experience. As a new business, the company wants to ensure not only high-quality products, but an outstanding user experience overall. Pretty Polite’s inventory will change and expand seasonally.

“In today’s digital age and busy, on-the-go lifestyles, there is no greater enjoyment than receiving a sophisticated custom print in the mail that enhances special life events,” said Brianne Noonan, founder, Pretty Polite. “We wanted to provide an environment for our customers to create uniquely beautiful prints with easy-to-use design tools for one simple all-inclusive price.”

In addition to the limited time offer, Pretty Polite is celebrating its launch by awarding three lucky brides-to-be with $250 each to be applied toward any wedding prints now through November 6, 2015. For contest details, visit Pretty Polite Print on Facebook.

About Pretty Polite Print Boutique:
Founded in 2015, Pretty Polite is an online print boutique, backed by a team of print enthusiasts who work hard to make its customers look good on paper. Their high-quality prints can be easily personalized through their online tools and are available at simple, all-inclusive prices. Pretty Polite allows customers to create beautiful custom prints that enhance life’s special events. Please visit www.prettypolite.com

About The Mailworks:

The Mailworks has provided direct mail solutions to national companies and New York businesses since 1984. Processing over 100 million pieces of direct mail per year, The Mailworks has a proven track record of meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. Its mission is to deliver direct mail projects on time and within budget.

Albany– In support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s groundbreaking START-UP NY initiative, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (SUNY Poly CNSE) today hosted a START-UP NY Roundtable. The meeting brought together Capital Region schools with representatives of Empire State Development (ESD), SUNY Central Administration, the Research Foundation for SUNY, and state and local economic development officials to further stimulate collaboration, support campus/business matchmaking and promote sharing best practices that foster the success of START-UP NY.

“Governor Cuomo’s START-UP NY initiative has been a game changer for the State of New York.  Thousands of jobs have been created and millions of dollars have been invested as a result of this pioneering and aggressive program,” said Thomas Smith, Associate Vice President for Information Protection and Intellectual Property Management of SUNY Polytechnic Institute.  “SUNY Poly is proud to have this opportunity to support the program and enhance its ability to accelerate entrepreneurialism and job creation across the state.”

START-UP NY provides major incentives for businesses to relocate, start up or significantly expand in New York State through affiliations with public and private universities, colleges and community colleges. Approved businesses have the opportunity to operate state and local tax-free on or near academic campuses, with their employees paying no state or local personal income taxes. In addition, businesses may qualify for additional incentives.  Statewide, more than 70 schools are participating in START-UP NY and have created more than 400 Tax-Free Areas for new or expanding businesses.

The Roundtable, one of 10 events organized by ESD across the state, was attended by Capital Region schools including Hudson Valley Community College, Columbia-Greene Community College, Albany Law School, University at Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Excelsior College. At SUNY Poly, four companies have already been approved to participate in the START-UP NY program and have committed to the creation of 185 new jobs over the next five years and have become active participants in the campus research and development ecosystem.

To learn more about START-UP NY, visit: http://startup.ny.gov.

COLONIE  – Rueckert Advertising and Public Relations, Inc. announces that Edward Parham, formerly director of public relations, has been promoted to vice president of public relations.

In his new position, the Clifton Park resident will continue to advise agency clients on all public relations matters, including counseling, targeted communications activities, crisis management, and special event work. 

“Ed’s strategic and creative expertise have proven invaluable to the company,” said Rueckert Advertising Vice President Chris Rueckert, adding that he has embraced the evolving role of practitioner, allowing his clients to remain competitive in an increasingly technological and interactive world. “Ed is the utmost professional in the truest sense of the word, and our clients immediately recognize the tremendous value he brings to each project. I am happy to announce his well-deserved promotion.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the PR industry, the England native has a track record of developing innovative marketing and PR strategies for clients in an array of industry sectors and for some of the region’s most recognized sports and non-profit events, including the annual Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K, Troy Turkey Trot and American Diabetes Association’s Saratoga Tour de Cure cycling event. 

Prior to his tenure at Rueckert Advertising, Parham served as director of community relations for the American Lung Association of Central New York. Before that, he was director of public relations for Major League Soccer’s bid committee in Boston, and assistant press officer for World Cup USA 1994/Boston venue, where he provided media relations support for hundreds of international media outlets. Parham began his career as a newspaper reporter before serving as staff writer at The College of St. Rose. 

Parham’s work has been recognized on numerous occasions by the Public Relations Society of America (Capital Region Chapter) and the American Marketing Association (Capital Region Chapter).  In 2013 he was recognized with the 2013 Outstanding Practitioner Award from the Public Relations Society of America (Capital Region Chapter).

He is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and holds a master’s degree in mass communication from Boston University. 

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Founded in 1991, Rueckert Advertising & Public Relations, Inc. (www.rueckertadvertising.com) is a full-service marketing communications firm with expertise in advertising, direct marketing and public relations.  The agency, named one of the Capital Region's top 30 "Great Places to Work" by The Business Review, provides results-driven marketing services to a range of energy, retail, manufacturing, finance, sports and healthcare clients.  For more information, visit rueckertadvertising.com.

Join us for the 4th Annual Dinner & Sammy Awards on Wednesday, December 2nd at Franklin Plaza Wednesday, December 2nd at Franklin Plaza 5:30pm to 8:30pm Join us as we celebrate the close of another superb year and honor both individuals and businesses that have helped make Downtown Troy a better place to live, work and explore. Dinner Tickets :: $75 Honorary Committee Tickets :: $250  Tickets can be purchased HERE Under 30 years of age? Are you a Downtown Troy Business Owner?  Email us for Reduced Price Tickets events@troybid.org  DowntownTroy.Org Visit Our Website for Sponsorship & Donation Opportunities We are currently taking donations for the silent auction. If you're interested in donating or becoming a sponsor, please contact us at events@troybid.org or call our office at 518.279.7997. The Downtown Troy BID's mission is to cultivate and advocate the economic growth of Downtown Troy and to further enhance and make our community a vibrant, attractive destination for visitors, businesses, residents, property owners, daily workforce and students.  The Troy BID Presents yearly programs & events such as The Annual Dinner & Sammy Awards, Troy Night Out, Rockin' On The River, River Fest, Troy Pig Out, Chowderfest, Troy Makers Market & Free Fitness In The Park. We serve the different needs of hundreds of businesses in Downtown Troy and over the course of the year, work with over 200 regional vendors and contractors through our various forms of outreach. We also perform beautification efforts such street cleaning, flower baskets and beds, street banners, signage, trees and more and provide general marketing for the Downtown Troy corridor. These programs directly support our mission.  Sammy Awards To Be Presented Established Business New Business Revitalize Troy Sammy Spirit Troy Vision Friend to Downtown  Stay Connected:

ALBANY - Six Capital Region community and corporate leaders were honored on October 19 as the recipients of Colonie Senior Service Centers’ 2015 Founders’ Awards. These awards are earned by members of the community who reflect the commitment, vision, and leadership exemplified by the Founders 34 years ago to help seniors remain active, healthy, and independent.

Among those honored were Albany Sheriff’s Department, Craig Apple; The Leon J. Goldberg Charitable Trust; The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region; Eddy Resident Advisor Program of St. Peter’s Health Partners, Stephanie Wolos and Joan Hitt; Janet Murphy, Dance Instructor; and Mary Ann Kelley, Senior Services Coordinator for Guilderland Senior Services.

This event gathered a great turnout from the community which included representatives from our sponsors: CDTA, The Salvatore and Anna Beltrone Family Founation, Berkshire Bank, CDPHP, Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center, Haylor, Freyer & Coon Inc., Interim HealthCare, M&T Bank, MVP Health Care, and many more distinguished corporate leaders in the community.

Colonie Senior Service Centers is an independent, community based not-for-profit that serves the largest population of senior citizens in the Capital District.

Honorees gather for a group shot at the end of the night. From left to right (back) Congressman Paul Tonko, Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr., Stephanie Kossin-Wolos, Sewell Oertling, Jerome Oertling, Ed Neary (front) Joan Hitt, Janet Murphy, Karen Bilowith, and Mary Ann Kelley.

Scott Houghtaling, Berkshire Bank, Ellen Sax, MVP Healthcare, and Cindy Pettit, CSSC Board Member, gather during the social hour at the Founders’ Awards Dinner on Monday, October 19.

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Caterers, photographers, jewelers, entertainers, bridal shops, and more! The best of the best local vendors will transform the National Museum of Dance into a wedding wonderland on November 8th for the Museum’s seventh annual bridal show. Getting married? This is a show you don’t want to miss! The Museum boasts over 60 of the best Capital Region vendors who will be ready to help you plan your special day.
The bridal show is free and open to the public from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the National Museum of Dance.  This year, every bride or groom who visits the show will be entered to win free use of the National Museum of Dance as the venue for their big day!  Be sure to join us for your chance to win!
The National Museum of Dance is located at 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, New York. The Museum is currently open for daily admissions Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. To support future exhibitions and events such as these, consider becoming a museum member. For more information visit www.dancemuseum.org or call (518) 584-2225. 

Holiday Parties at The Crown Grill

The Holiday’s are fast approaching and we are already booking parties with both repeat and new guests. Holiday Party options include sit down dinners  in our Library dining room as well as more casual passed and stationary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. We can tailor your event to meet any style or budget. Flexible with your date? Reserve your party from Sunday through Thursday and enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne, no room fee or deposit for our private Library, plus a $50 gift certificate

(Minimum of 15 guests required to enjoy this offer).

New Year’s Eve

Now accepting reservations for a wonderful evening! Ring in the New Year at The Crown Grill. A special prix fixe menu will be offered plus our full regular menu. Details to follow.

Seasonal Hours and Weekly Events

Serving dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 4pm-10pm. Interested in booking a holiday party or business dinner Sunday or Monday? We will open for you! Just call or email to inquire. Happy Hour is offered Tuesday – Saturday from 4pm-7pm at the bar. $4 Drafts, $5 Signature Saratoga Mules, $5 House Wines and Well Cocktails plus Buy One, Get One Appetizers. Live Jazz with the area’s best talent is every Friday from 7-10pm.

The Crown Grill is located at 390 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY. For more information please contact us at 518.583.1105 or visit our website at www.crowngrillsaratoga.com.

Saratoga Springs - Throughout the month of November, Northshire Bookstore will host readings and signings in Saratoga Springs. Except where otherwise noted, events are free and open to the public, and will take place at Northshire Bookstore Saratoga, 424 Broadway.

Story Time! Fridays at 10:30. (Story time cancelled on Friday, November 27th.)

November 4 - Wednesday - 7:00 pm - Happy Birthday Tor - A Celebration of 35 Years of Tor Books - with a huge roster of great Fantasy authors!
On the eve of the opening of World Fantasy Convention 2015 in downtown Saratoga Springs, join us for a party celebrating 35 years of Science Fiction & Fantasy publisher Tor Books. Mingle with more than 20 guest authors, enjoy catering from Esperanto and a craft beer tasting from Schmalz Brewing Company.

November 7 - Saturday - 3:00 pm - Afternoon Tea with Gail Carriger - Manners & Mutiny - event located in the “Around the Corner Cafe” connected to our store
Ms. Carriger, a Northshire Bookseller favorite, will chat about and sign books from her Parasol Protectorate series, her young adult Finishing School series - including the brand new "Manners & Mutiny," and her new Custard Protocol series. The Around the Corner Cafe will have a special tea time menu of tea and treats available for purchase.

November 8 - Sunday - 4:00 pm - Pizza Party with Children’s Book Authors
A pizza party, book chat & signing with a fun group of children's book & young adult authors!
·         Jeannine Atkins - Little Woman in Blue, Borrowed Names
·         Anne Broyles - Priscilla and the Hollyhocks, Arturo and the Navidad Birds
·         Nancy Castaldo - Sniffer Dogs: How Dogs (and Their Noses) Save the World, Race Around the World
·         Marissa Doyle - Bewitching Season, Betraying Season
·         Alison Ashley Formento - Twigs, These Rocks Count!
·         Liza Frenette - Soft Shoulders, Dangerous Falls Ahead
·         Linda Marshall - Talia and the Very YUM Kippur, The Passover Lamb
·         Kyra Teis The Magic Flute, Read to Me

November 11 - Wednesday - 7:00 pm - Saratoga Social Magazine Release Party
Celebrate the release of The Saratoga Social's Magazine and kick off the season in style with their Holiday Issue. Nibble on hors d'oeuvres while being one of the first to see the cover reveal & get your hands on 100 pages of parties, fashion, philanthropy spotlights - and did we mention parties?

November 14 - Saturday - 5:00 pm - Tabletop Game Night with Hassan Lopez, designer of Clockwork Wars
Meet game designer Lopez, learn about his new game, and play the game with fellow attendees. In Clockwork Wars, 2-4 players command a unique race of creatures in an epic war game set in an alternate universe where magic and steam-era technology collide.


KIDS! November 15 - Sunday - 2:00 pm - Dominique Townsend - Shantideva: How to Wake Up a Hero
Join us for a reading and art activity with author & Himalayan art expert Dominique Townsend. Readers of all ages will enjoy this retelling of a beloved spiritual classic. Playfully illustrated in traditional Tibetan style, the story of the monk Shantideva frames his inspiring lessons on the way of the bodhisattva superhero.  Event intended for children age 5 & up.

November 21 - Saturday - 7:00 pm - Sheldon Solomon - The Worm at the Core
Join us for an evening with a beloved Skidmore College Psychology Professor, co-founder of popular Saratoga restaurant Esperanto, and inventor of the Doughboy. The Worm at the Core presents a transformative, fascinating theory based on robust and groundbreaking experimental research: our unconscious fear of death powers almost everything we do. Staff from Esperanto will serve light refreshments.

All Ages! November 22nd - Sunday - 2:00-4:00 pm - Star Wars Party
Join our booksellers for an afternoon of Star Wars fun. Let the Force guide you on our scavenger hunt, complete our Jedi training course, compete in a costume contest (no light sabers allowed), and more!

All events listed above will take place at Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY, and are free and open to the public, except where otherwise noted.

For more information on these or other events, call 518-682-4200 or 1-855-339-5990, or visit the Northshire Bookstore website at www.northshire.com.

Saratoga Springs - Tequila and fine Italian food may be unlikely bed fellows but on Sunday November 15th at 6 p.m., Three Vines Italian Bistro and One With Life Tequila will collaborate on a unique tequila pairing dinner experience which promises to have even the most sophisticated palate doing a mariachi dance by the end of the evening.

The three brothers-in-law who opened the Three Vines Bistro, Joe Krason, Alex Nikola and Serafino Zaccone, have brought the art of Italian dining to Saratoga Springs, NY with their restaurant at 32 A Congress Plaza.  The Three Vines represents the restaurateurs’ connection both in the restaurant and outside its walls.  The family ties of Joseph, Alex, and Serafino can be tasted in the dishes they serve and observed in the ambiance and service they provide.

Executive chef and co-owner Serafino Zaccone, previously chef at Forno, said  “Our fine-dining customers are eager to try new flavors and support another local small business. I look forward to building these exciting new dishes and to giving our patrons a unique blend of Mexico and Italy. “

One With Life Tequila’s founder, Lisa Elovich, a local Saratoga resident who launched her company in July said,” I am honored to have the One With Life brand associated with Serafino,  a rising star executive chef.”

Founded by Elovich, a former prosecutor, boxing promoter, administrative law judge and life coach, One With Life Tequila is a brand associated with a spiritual message aligned with Elovich’s personal philosophy about living a mindful and balanced life.  “One With Life” means having peace and joy in the present moment.  Enjoying OWL Tequila, in moderation, reminds us to celebrate life with family and friends and appreciate the here and now.

The pairing dinner will take place Sunday, November 15th at 6:00 pm (event seating at 5:30 pm) and cost is $45 per person. For reservations, which are required, please call 518-306-5881. Limited seating is available, so reservations are recommended by November 10th.

Saratoga Springs - This ski season marks the 75th year that the Alpine Sport Shop has been outfitting skiers and winter enthusiasts in Saratoga Springs and beyond. A family business owned by Jack and Cathy (Woodcock) Hay located at 399 Clinton Street, Saratoga Springs, New York, has become a touchstone. It is a place that generations of families have shopped, and have come to feel at home.

 

"We have a true passion for the sport of skiing and just want to share it," says owner Cathy Hay. It is a gathering spot and the start of many skiers’ adventures. Alpine Sport Shop first opened its doors in 1941 on Broadway in Saratoga Springs by ski pioneer Ed Taylor, a Tenth Mountain Division Veteran, and his wife Jo. In 1966, Thurlow and Dorothy Woodcock bought the business and, by 1969, designed and constructed the building as it exists today.

 

The classic ski chalet style building has a massive stone fireplace, a collection of vintage skis that honor its heritage, but mostly is a kaleidoscope of color filled with the most current technology in winter wear and ski gear. Alpine Sport Shop is a true Saratoga Springs destination. Special events and promotions will be happening throughout the season to celebrate 75 winters!

For more information on the history, activities and events of the Alpine Sport Shop, please contact Terri-Lynn Pellegri at 584-6290.

 

Saratoga Springs - Alpine Sport Shop, 399 Clinton Street, is celebrating 75 winters in business! They will host the Saratoga Springs showing of the newest Warren Miller ski movie, "Chasing Shadows", one of the first showings in Upstate New York.

The movie will be shown on Saturday November 7, 2015 at 7:00 pm, at the Trombley Auditorium, Maple Avenue Middle School, 515 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

 

Ticket price is $12.00 prior to the event, $15.00 at the door. Tickets are available at Alpine Sport Shop, 399 Clinton Street, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. For more information call Alpine Sport Shop 518 584 6290 alpinesportshop.com

All proceeds will benefit Saratoga Springs High School Nordic Ski Team, Saratoga Rowing Association, and Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Program

Those attending will have a chance to win great gifts from Ski & Snowboard suppliers, and receive a ski lift ticket voucher for Sugarbush Ski Area in Vermont, and more.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Jaime Butler-Binley, a dynamic leader with an innovative, creative edge, is launching her third agency, Brand 21. A full-service brand and marketing agency headquartered in Saratoga Springs at 376 Broadway, Brand 21’s mission is to create and deliver results-driven brand experiences for global, national, and local business and start-ups in technology, consumer packaged goods, luxury, sports, life sciences, insurance & finance, and travel & hospitality industries.

Butler-Binley brings a proven 20+ year track record of building industry defining brands to the new agency. “We not only want to reach the people who need our clients, but leave them with the impression that they can’t live without them. It’s the sweet spot we want all of our brands to find,” said Butler-Binley, founder/president (@brand21_think). Brand 21’s foundational services include brand and strategic development, creative execution and media engagements.
Butler-Binley’s career launched in New York City where she spent more than 10 years working for industry giants including Publicis N.A. and DIGITAS (currently Digitas LBi), executing creative and strategic campaigns for mega brands like American Express, Ann Taylor, BMW, Canon, L’Oréal, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, to name a few.
In 2003, Butler-Binley returned from Madison Avenue and joined Palio Communications (Palio+Ignite) as group creative supervisor. In 2006, she created her first agency and founded B-Squared Integrated Marketing. In 2008, B-Squared was rebranded to Fingerpaint and her second agency was born. As the agency’s creative lead and co-founder, Butler-Binley expertly integrated marketing and creative strategies across all communication channels while fostering the agency culture and client engagements for top local, national and global brands across multiple sectors. More importantly, she was instrumental in building Fingerpaint and elevating the brand to what it is known for today.
Brand 21 is Butler-Binley’s latest entrepreneurial venture. The agency focuses on defining an ownable brand promise and position starting with the question, “Who are you?”

 “It’s a simple question, but one that is not being accurately explored,” Butler-Binley explained. “Marketing trends and strategies are changing so fast, brands have lost their way. Companies are following industry hype rather than focusing on what makes them different. Our approach urges clients to think before you build to distill that difference.”

Committed to the notion that you can’t build experiences without experience, Butler-Binley has brought together a team of multigenerational and seasoned, creative and strategic thinkers. Their varied backgrounds and skillsets range from developing iOS apps and integrated digital campaigns to broadcast and traditional campaigns for iconic brands like Fox Sports Network, GE, Green Mountain Coffee, The Hartford, McDonalds, Microsoft, Sony and more. The Brand 21 team shares a common passion toward building brands that give clients sustainable value.

Butler-Binley also serves on the Executive Board for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JRDF), and will serve as President/Board of Directors Chair for the Northeastern Chapter in 2017. As a type 1 diabetic, she has made it a personal mission to Turn Type One into Type None through advocacy and raising awareness and funds for research, eventually finding a cure for the disease.

Butler-Binley lives in Bolton Landing with her husband Clint, and enjoys golfing, boating on Lake George, and alpine skiing where she once trained and competed with the world’s best.

About Brand 21:

Located in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Brand 21 is a full-service strategic and creative brand marketing agency dedicated to building results-driven brand experiences. We create brand stories that last well beyond a logo, slogan or website. For more information on Brand 21 and its capabilities visit the full-site experience at brand-21.com. #thinkB4youbuild

Saratoga Springs Based Hotel Wins Best of the East Award

Saratoga Springs–  Delaware North parks and resorts owned and operated property, The Gideon Putnam, has been honored by Meetings Focus for the second time, winning the outlet’s Best of the East Award. The Gideon Putnam, one of upstate New York’s premier hotels, has been serving both leisure and business travelers since 1935 with resort amenities such as lodging, dining, spa services, executive meetings and corporate retreats.

Each year, Meetings Focus recognizes the best of the best in hospitality letting the users, made up of planners who hold events globally, review the best hotels and resorts for meetings and events in North America. The properties are judged on the quality of meeting space, guest rooms, services and amenities, food and beverage, tech and bandwidth support, recreational facilities/activities, helpfulness of staff, and overall value and experience.

“The Gideon Putnam is honored to be acknowledged by such an esteemed outlet such as Meetings Focus,” says Robert Sgarlata, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Gideon Putnam, “We pride ourselves on our varied services to our guests and we hope our meeting facilities and spaces continue to satisfy all that utilize them!”

The Gideon Putnam’s facilities were evaluated and named as one of the elite 47 properties who won the award this year as Best of the East. The Gideon Putnam offers more than 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, including flexible, light-filled interior meeting spaces and multiple outdoor function areas in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park. This serene natural setting, which enhances focus and productivity, is an ideal spot for all meeting needs making it the perfect venue for professional gatherings.

For more information about The Gideon Putnam, please visit: www.gideonputnam.com

About The Gideon Putnam 

The Gideon Putnam is a historic property located in the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park, combining the town’s old-world charm with exceptional amenities and spa services. Less than four hours’ drive from Manhattan and Boston and 45 minutes north of Albany, The Gideon Putnam provides the ultimate combination of rest, relaxation all in a beautiful rural settings with conveniences including a free shuttle to-and-from downtown Saratoga. Just steps from the resort, the effervescent Roosevelt Baths & Spa – which opened in 1935 as a bathhouse – is one of the only places on Earth where you can experience the natural healing mineral water of the Lincoln mineral spring. In addition to offering its acclaimed wellness and mineral water treatments, Roosevelt Baths & Spa also offers luxurious body therapies, soothing facials and a host of salon services. For more information please visit www.gideonputnam.com  

 

 

About Delaware North's parks and resorts

Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality industry, operating lodging, recreational activities, food and beverage services, retail and educational programming at destinations throughout North America, Australia and Asia. Delaware North operates in many of the country’s iconic national and state parks, including Yosemite National Park and Niagara Falls State Park, as well as at cultural attractions such as Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. Its portfolio also includes five luxury resorts in Australia. To learn more about Delaware North’s hospitality management expertise, visit http://www.delawarenorth.com/parks-and-resorts-home.aspx

GLENS FALLS -- Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS® – AROW) was recently recognized in Bank Director Magazine’s annual “Bank Performance Scorecard” as one of the top-performing banks in the country.

Arrow Financial Corporation ranked 38th out of the top 130 U.S. banks with $1 billion to $5 billion in assets, based on profitability, capitalization and asset quality. It earned the highest ranking among its peers in New York State.

As in previous years, Sandler O’Neill constructed the rankings using 2014 financial data. The Bank Director Scorecard was published in the magazine’s third-quarter 2015 edition; it can be found online at bankdirector.com.

Arrow Financial Corporation is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Glens Falls, New York, serving the financial needs of northeastern New York. It is the parent of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company. Other subsidiaries include North Country Investment Advisers, Inc.; three property and casualty insurance agencies: Loomis & LaPann, Inc., Upstate Agency, LLC, and McPhillips Insurance Agency, a division of Glens Falls National Insurance Agencies, LLC; and Capital Financial Group, Inc., an insurance agency specializing in the sale and servicing of group health plans.

 Women TIES, a New York business dedicated the past 10 years to helping women

entrepreneurs expand their marketplace in New York State, will host a strategic networking and

educational program for Greater Saratoga and Albany women entrepreneurs. 

On Tuesday Nov. 10, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Inn at Saratoga, Broadway

Street, Saratoga Springs, the Women TIES Greater Saratoga and Albany Rochester Luncheon

“Empowerment through Action” will be held. The event features Benita Zahn, Television Anchor of

WNYT, and recent first time triathlon competitor, will speak about becoming fearless in sports, life and

business. The event also features Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham, President of Women TIES and

Women’s Athletic Network, will share about her recent trip to New York City to run will National

Women’s Hall of Fame inductee and founder of 261Fearless.org, Katharine Switzer.

The event is sponsored by Women's Business Center of NYS and All About Wardrobe a new

innovative service created by Mary Beth Johnson, RN and Peggy Grey of 22 Shades of Grey. 

The event is open to women entrepreneurs, businesswomen and independent

saleswomen.  The cost of the event is $32 and includes lunch, program, promotional materials

tables, and strategic networking. For more information on the program or to make reservations

November 8th, visit www.womenties.com or call 315-708-4288.

Purchase Tickets Here  This month's Troy Night Out will be extra special with the Old Troy Mysteries and Mayhem Tour. The tour will take place at 6:00 and 7:30, leaving from the BID office at 251 River Street. This means up to 80 new people will be in Troy for this wonderful event.  If your business would like to offer a special to these attendees, say 10% off a purchase within the following week to anyone who presents a tour ticket...please respond to events@troybid.org.  This is a great opportunity to get your name out there so please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to be included. Any business who participates will go on a sheet handed out to every tour attendee.  The Downtown Troy Business Improvement District | (518) 279-7997 | www.DowntownTroy.org  | events@troybid.org

SONIC Drive-In is seeking qualified full and part-time employees for the SONIC Drive-In in Latham, NY and a new location in Troy, NY for the following open positions: ·         Managers ·         Assistant Managers ·         Cooks ·         Crew Members ·         Carhops   Interested candidates can apply online at https://www.sonicdrivein.com/jobs/drivein by searching for positions in Latham and Troy. Questions about employment can be directed to Gene Dianna (Cak1861@gmail.com). Applicants should bring: Photo ID (license, passport or ID card), and either a Social Security card or birth certificate and resume.

Monday, Oct 19 and Tuesday, Oct. 20 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Latham SONIC Drive-In 701 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110

SONIC Drive-In management is seeking friendly and enthusiastic employees to help bring a new dining experience to the Latham and Troy communities. Staff training will begin immediately.