SARATOGA SPRINGS>> The Downtown Business Association board announced this week its new partnership with NYRA through Ed Lewi Associates.

DBA member businesses can now participate in NYRA’s Saratoga Season Perks Program. A new program to add value to NYRA’s Saratoga Season Passes, which NYRA sells over 10,000 of a year.

The Perks Program will allow pass holders to receive a 10% discount from participating DBA members. In return the participating DBA business will receive a featured spot on NYRA’s website’s season pass page, including a link to the business’ website. The participating member businesses will also receive a Pass Perks decal to place in their window to showcase their support of the added value program.

The Perk Program will run from June 1, 2016 through March 1, 2017. Season Passes can be purchased online or at local Stewart’s shop beginning the end of May. The pass holder must have their season pass in hand to receive the discount. The season passes have the pass holder’s photo on them so they cannot be transferred.

DBA members who would like to participate in the Perks Program will need to commit by no later than March 31, 2016. That way NYRA can start advertising this new program to their buyers and will have time to add participating DBA members to the website. The Perk’s Program also includes discounts on Siena Basketball tickets and discounted rates at some local ski resorts. To become a participating business in the Perks Program please contact Tonya Pellegrini Lawrence at tonya@saratogadowntown.com.

NYRA will also now carry the DBA maps at all of its “May I Help You” Booths around the track and the box office where season passes are picked up. This will encourage people to head downtown after their day at the races, before post time, and on Tuesdays when the track is closed. NYRA will also sell the new 2016 DBA Local Living Guide Coupon Books at their Saratoga Styles Stores around the track. With over $3,000 in savings at local businesses these books will encourage track goers to visit new places whether or not they have a season pass.

SARATOGA SPRINGS– As Shelters of Saratoga celebrates a quarter century of service in the Greater Saratoga region, they are pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors:  Peter Capozzola and Amy Hughes.

Peter Capozzola is Vice President and Investment Officer for Saratoga National Bank & Trust Company/Arrow Financial Corporation. Capozzola graduated from Pace University with a Masters of Business Administration in Portfolio and Investment Analysis.  He has served as a volunteer for numerous community organizations including the Glens Falls Regional Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Saratoga-Wilton Youth Soccer, Boy Scouts of America, and The Children's Museum at Saratoga Springs.

Amy Hughes is the Program Coordinator for Saratoga County Veterans Peer to Peer Mentoring Program. Hughes has a Masters Certificate in Veterans Services from Empire State College and a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Liberty University.  She has served for over four years as a Shelters of Saratoga volunteer.  Hughes has also volunteered for other organizations, including  National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Saratoga, Church at Newton Road and American Red Cross.

“We are grateful for the varied experiences, skills and community connections these individuals bring to SOS along with their strong interest in helping homeless men, women and youth in our community,”  said Michael Finocchi, SOS Executive Director. 

The mission of Shelters of Saratoga is to provide individuals with safe shelter, support services and sustainable strategies to end homelessness in the Greater Saratoga region.  For more information on SOS, visit sheltersofsaratoga.org.

ALBANY – The Sage Colleges is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Manasier as the School of Management’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Manasier is a serial entrepreneur and investor who currently serves as Business Development Director of Revenew International; CEO of In Focus Brands, a branded go-to-market acceleration firm;  COO of Autonomy Distributors, a US products export partner and President of IFP Films, a multimedia, multiple award-winning content creation studio.

Manasier has created and developed the Economic Development Acceleration Labs (EDA LABS) to assist small to middle market businesses to be faster, stronger and smarter in deploying into markets or pivoting operational systems. He is also responsible for creating the Diamond Point Co-Development Fund to assist startups, intellectual property, services, products and new ideas to prove concept and/or get to market. Manasier has been a judge, mentor and strategic/tactical partner in numerous nonprofits, incubators, accelerators, university entrepreneur programs and business plan competitions and is currently building out the national expansion model for Tech Valley's Center of Gravity and the Parkhurst Field Foundation's Community Development System based on the In Focus Brands' Accelerator Model.

“Robert is a leader in the area of economic development who recognizes the growing need for a stronger public-private synergy for startups and the economy,” said Kimberly Fredericks, Dean of Sage’s School of Management. “His expertise as a mover and shaker in this arena will be a wonderful addition to our School of Management and an incredible resource for our students.”

“I am very excited to be part of the great culture and team at Sage,” said Manasier. I look forward to bringing experiential events, community services and practical business experiences and resources to the campuses and to the community through collaborative engagement with all in the ecosystem. My goal is that these projects will lead us to a new innovation center model for sustainable businesses in our region.”

In addition to its Entrepreneur-in-Residence, The School of Management also has an Executive-in-Residence. Gerald Shaye was appointed to the position in October of 2012 for his international expertise and to work with the school to further raise the profile of the School of Management.

As previously reported, The Crown Grill in Saratoga Springs is on the market to allow co-owners Christel and Colin MacLean to spend more time on Saratoga Juice Bar and the rapidly growing wholesale side of their cold pressed juice business; as well as nurture their 12 year old Saratoga Springs mainstay, Circus Café. At present the MacLean’s have several buyers with serious interest in The Crown Grill. “We are pleased with the level of interest but until a deal is finalized, our brokers John Burke and Joanne DiMarco of Sotheby’s, continue to bring buyers in to see the property,” says co-owner, Christel MacLean. “We have buyers who run the gamut from wanting to keep everything the same; to bringing in their own concept; to a mix of both,” she adds.

In order to focus their energies and also save on food and labor costs during the quieter time of year, while awaiting the finalization of a sale, the MacLean’s will cease dinner service at The Crown Grill on Saturday February 27^th. The Crown Grill Bar will remain open and will feature its popular Happy Hour and roster of classic and craft cocktails, beers and Wine Spectator Award winning wine list. Beginning March 3, the bar will be open every Thursday through Saturday from 5pmto close. Happy Hour and a small plate Bar Menu will be available on those nights. Head bartender Jai Silva, an area native who recently moved back to Saratoga from Miami will feature his specialty cocktails and libations. Live music dates will be announced via The Crown Grill website and Facebook. On Friday March 19, the upbeat Jazz band, Miles Uptown will return to The Crown Grill by popular demand.

Crown Grill gift certificates can be used in the dining room until February 27; as well as at the bar any time prior to a sale occurring; and also at Circus Café with no expiration date. All management and team members from The Crown Grill kitchen and dining room have been offered positions at Circus Café, now in its 12^th year and enjoying a robust uptick in business.

“We believe that Circus Café will certainly benefit from the decision to move operations over from The Crown Grill as our very talented kitchen team from the Crown will join the Circus kitchen – allowing us to offer more lunch and dinner specials, broaden our menu and also focus on the catering side of our business, both on and off premise, which has been growing steadily. The same is true regarding the benefits of having the multifaceted front of house team at The Crown Grill join Circus Cafe,” says co-owner, Colin MacLean. The Crown Grill is located at 390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs; the phone number is 583.1105.

Says position will “strengthen relationships”

with other tourism promotion agencies statewide

SCHENECTADY —Schenectady’s Talia Cass, Tourism & Convention manager for Schenectady County Visitors Association, has accepted a seat as board member with the New York State Tourism Industry Association.

Working under the auspices of Proctors, in a position partially funded by Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority, Cass has, since May 2014, served as manager of the county’s tourism promotion agency, SCVA, which in turns serves as marketing agency for the Capital-Saratoga Tourism Region; administered the Visit Schenectady website; and handled operations for convention and meeting planning within the county.

The New York State Tourism Industry Association, located in Pittsford, is an industry leader in communication, legislative awareness, professional development and promotion, providing services to member organizations with an eye towards raising consumer awareness and appreciation of travel and vacation opportunities in New York State.

“We’re thrilled to have Talia join our Board of Directors,” says NYSTIA President & CEO Jill Delaney. “Talia has been an active member of our organization, contributing her time and talents along the way, and we are eager to see what her energy and enthusiasm will do to further our mission.”

Cass will bring new perspective to the board, and, through her relationship with Capital-Saratoga, will represent the entire region in NYSTIA activities.

“Working closely with Jill and the great staff at NYSTIA will help us develop stronger relationships with other TPAs statewide,” Cass says. “We’ll bring our keen sense of marketing to the table and continue to offer our own services, including creation and printing of materials for annual meetings and conferences, to the larger organization.”

“I’m excited to be more involved in NYSTIA’s great work.”

Program will help area employers by offering specialized support services for new hires who are relocating to the Capital Region.

Albany – The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) announces a unique new program offering to regional employers who are in need of comprehensive support in recruitment and retention of valued talent. Talent Connect will provide several different services to address the challenges that face today’s relocating professionals in a variety of innovative ways, including pre-hire consultations, dual career support, community integration and cultural transitioning.

“Talent Connect provides a crucial piece to the puzzle for both employers seeking the right candidates as well as employees looking to relocate for work, and we are excited to add the program to CEG’s service offerings,” said Michael Hickey, CEG’s Interim President & CEO. “Not only will this program benefit our investors, it ties into the region’s Capital 20.20 talent strategy, focused on attraction and retention of a qualified workforce for our local companies” he continued.

The program will enhance recruitment and retention of professional talent for area employers, and break the personal and professional isolation often associated with transitioning professionals to a new location. Talent Connect will provide substantive support, enabling professionals to integrate more quickly into a professional network, take root in their new communities, and connect to what’s important to them. It will also enable employers seeking talent with a competitive edge by giving them visibility to relocating talent.

While the Talent Connect program is a new offering at CEG, the concepts had its roots out of Tech Valley Connect (TVC). Tech Valley Connect was an innovative initiative that originally started as a pilot program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2009 and soon after transitioned into an independent non-profit.  Although Tech Valley Connect’s program was created to improve the retention rate for the region’s employers, it turned into something bigger, providing career support services for newly locating professionals and those with families transitioning to the Capital Region, as well as comprehensive community integration and cultural transitioning. The program started at TVC is now being replicated in California and Maine. 

“The new Talent Connect under the Center for Economic Growth will have access to a much larger platform and be able to better serve the business and academic communities of the Capital Region by offering innovative recruitment and retention support services in a centralized and efficient way. CEG is where most employers would look for this type of support, so this is a common sense solution,” said Angela McNerney, President and CEO of Tech Valley Connect.

The program at Tech Valley Connect has been very successful, and CEG is confident that we will be able to provide high quality services to promote and enhance the region’s employment opportunities and sense of community through our Talent Connect program.

We are pleased to welcome the following CEG employees who came to us from Tech Valley Connect to provide seamless support for our new Talent Connect program: Joanne Bucher, Program Manager, Talent Connect and Danielle Roberts, Communications Specialist, Talent Connect.  John Giordano, Director of Investor Relations for CEG will also take on the role of Director, Talent Connect.

You will find more details on the CEG website (www.ceg.org) under Talent Connect in the coming weeks. View the following videos and link for more information:

·         What Regional Stakeholders say:  http://youtu.be/BttwLeazOO8

·         What Dual Career Couples say:   http://youtu.be/kmh4hITxWmc

·         Tech Valley Connect web: www.techvalleyconnect.com

About the Center for Economic Growth 

The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) is the regional economic development organization for the greater Capital Region and New York’s Tech Valley and also serves as the Capital Region’s designated Regional Technology Development Center.

With over 300 C-level members in business, government, education, and the not-for-profit sectors, CEG's vision is to lead Tech Valley as one of the most prosperous and innovative ecosystems in the world.  Together with its partners, the organization works to build a skilled and sustainable Workforce and Education pipeline; cultivate a strong Entrepreneurial ecosystem; and ensure a modern Infrastructure to grow local companies, attract new investment and prepare our communities for growth.

In addition, in its role as the Regional Technology Development Center designated by ESD NYSTAR as part of the NY Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the federal NIST/Manufacturing Extension Partnership, CEG assists local manufacturing and technology companies with generating new sales, creating stronger operational infrastructure and overcoming barriers to growth and innovation. Since 2002, the CEG MEP team has driven more than $562 million in total quantifiable impacts to close to 400 manufacturing companies in the Capital Region. For more information on CEG’s strategic initiatives and technology service programs, visit www.ceg.org or call (518) 465-8975.

SARATOGA SPRINGS– Fingerpaint, a full-service marketing agency with headquarters in Saratoga Springs, has announced the hire of advertising veteran, Bruce Rooke, to lead an ideation/innovation group that will expand the full-service agency to challenge and answer the needs of an ever-changing communications landscape.

Rooke brings decades of experience in the consumer and healthcare fields to the title-free agency, where he will help invent new communications ideas, including novel partnerships with venture capital, drive new business, and expand Fingerpaint’s international presence.

Rooke joins Fingerpaint from GSW Worldwide where he served as Global Creative Officer for nearly 13 years, managing accounts such as Genentech, Lilly and Biogen. Prior to his role at GSW, Rooke operated as Executive Creative Director for J. Walter Thompson, managing major accounts including Ford, Goodyear, Shell, Bosch, White Castle and more. In 2011, he was awarded the first-ever “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the CLIO Healthcare Awards for his talents and portfolio. Rooke will report to Fingerpaint’s Founder, Ed Mitzen.

“Our business continues to change. Our clients’ customers are drifting away from traditional communications, and it’s our responsibility to keep connecting, keep engaging. That takes new thinking and new ideas,” said Mitzen.

Rooke added, “Fingerpaint has a great combination of experience, talent, agility and independence that few others possess. We want clients to demand more and demand different. That’s where we come in.”

The news comes on the heels of Fingerpaint’s new hire announcement of former McCann Torre Lazur President, Bill McEllen, to head the Saratoga Springs office. With the hiring of these seasoned executives, the employee-owned and employee-driven agency anticipates a groundbreaking year ahead. 

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 Albany, 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

Real estate brokerage continues to grow

Saratoga Springs - Julie & Co. Realty, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of five new real estate agents.  Linda Munro, Michael Bannon, Cara Carley, Tina Nigro and Angela Amedio have all joined the growing team. 

All of the agents are residents of Saratoga Springs and are very knowledgeable about the housing market in this area and the surrounding Capital District.  They bring with them different areas of specialty, years of experience, numerous accolades and a passion for real estate.  We are fortunate to have such a great variety of agents on our team. 
In addition, Julie McMullen, resident of Clifton Park has joined our team in an Administrative capacity.  Julie comes to the company with 12 years of real estate education and administrative experience.

It is the mission of Julie & Co Realty LLC to provide our clients with an exemplary experience, by the utmost attention to detail.  Our agents will provide accurate, up to date market conditions, skilled analysis and sound real estate advice.  We will continue to provide our agents with innovative new ideas and tools that will benefit both the agent's and clients expectations.

For more information, call 518-350-SOLD (7653), email info@juliecorealty.com or visit www.JulieCoRealty.com

LATHAM>> Regional developer First Columbia today announced that Lipo Spa (www.MyLipoSpa.com), a non-invasive fat reduction and weight loss center, has expanded into a much larger and newly renovated clinic at 1205 Troy Schenectady Road at Riverhill Center.

The company, which offers an array of FDA-cleared fat reduction technologies, custom-designed weight loss products and nutritional programs, will take space formerly occupied by Aerotek, a provider of technical, professional and industrial staffing services. Aerotek has grown into First Columbia’s newest building within the park, 1207 Troy Schenectady Road.

“Lipo Spa is growing fast,” said CEO Christophe Marin, explaining that the company recently opened a second office in Syracuse and plans a third site in Buffalo in the coming weeks. “We currently have four employees in Albany and will be hiring up to four more laser technicians, aestheticians and another administrative positions in the next 30 days.  Additional staff is planned and our goal is to make the Albany office the corporate training facility and call center for all of our future offices.” 

“Troy Schenectady is centrally located,” said Marin, whose business was formerly located at 38A Old Sparrowbush Road in Latham. “Its ample parking provides us with greater capacity to treat clients in a clinical setting with our latest non-surgical fat reduction technologies.”

“We are delighted to welcome Lipo Spa to Riverhill Center,” said First Columbia Partner Deb Mikhitarian-Russell.  “The company’s arrival leaves only a few vacancies at 1201 and 1207.  Their business helps to create a nice tenant mix.

“Since our purchase of the Riverhill Center it has been rewarding to see the surrounding area developing which has created great synergy that is continually attracting quality tenants along Troy Schenectady Road,” said Mikhitarian-Russell. 

“Local businesses have access to more than 7,000 business professionals within a one-mile radius, while Troy Schenectady Road has an annual average daily traffic count of 32,440.”

 

The 17-acre office park, which served as the local headquarters of Kaiser Permanente until 1999 when the California-based health insurer left the Capital Region, features numerous high-profile tenants, including iHeart Media, Inc. and Northwestern Mutual. 

In 2015, First Columbia added a new 22,225-square-foot, mixed-use building to the park, giving those who work there convenient on-site amenities.  The two-story building at 1207 Troy Schenectady Road features tenants such as 1st Advantage Dental, Ballston Spa National Bank and Garden Bistro 24, a casual restaurant serving classic French bistro-inspired food in a comfortable setting.

For additional leasing space information, contact Patricia McGrath at (518) 213-1000 or info@riverhillcenter.com.

Troy  - The Empire State Society of Association Executives installed new officers and directors to its board of directors on Thursday, February 11, 2016 during the Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet held at the Renaissance Hotel in Albany, New York.

ESSAE’s elected officers include: Chair: Debra Trulli-Cassale, Vice President, Park Strategies, LLC, Vice Chair: Tom Coté, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, NYS Psychological Association, Treasurer:Rebecca Flach, Executive Director, Hope Full Life Center, Inc., Secretary: Kelly Garceau, Executive Director, NY Physical Therapy Association, and Immediate Past Chair: Kathy Febraio, CAE, Executive Director, Pharmacists Society of the State of NY.

ESSAE’s newly elected directors include: Rita Ferris, President, Northeastern Retail Lumber Association, Todd Garofano, President, Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, Alison Ritchie, Director of Program Operations, NYS Dispute Resolution Association, and Kathy Van De Loo, President & CEO, Association Development Group.

Returning to the board is: Brian Buff, Vice President, Association Management Division, Capitol Hill Management Services, Inc., Donna Denley, CAE, Director of Finance, NYS Academy of Family Physicians, Jeannine Garab, Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY, Inc., Kim Keenan, Sales Manager, Turning Stone Resort, Kristen Myers, CAE, Vice President of Member Services and Marketing, LeadingAge New York, James Page, Director of Information Technology/Member Services, NYS School Boards Association, and Sue Ellen Wagner, Executive Director, Healthcare Trustees NYS, Healthcare Association of NYS.

CLIFTON PARK– NBT Bank Market Manager Patricia Garrow announced that Amber Hensley has been hired as Branch Manager of the bank’s Clifton Park Office. In this position, she has responsibility for the management of all branch banking activities and business development efforts in the Clifton Park area.

Hensley has fifteen years of experience in the financial services industry. Before joining NBT Bank, she was Assistant Manager of First Niagara Bank’s office in Latham.

“NBT Bank welcomes Amber as Branch Manager,” Garrow said. “Her management and customer service experience makes her an excellent resource for our customers.”

A resident of Schenectady, Hensley studied at Sage College of Albany. She is a member of the Saratoga Commerce.

---

NBT Bank offers personal banking, asset management and business services through a network of over 155 locations in six states including New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. NBT Bank and its parent company, NBT Bancorp, are headquartered in Norwich, N.Y. NBT Bancorp had assets of $8.2 billion as of September 30, 2015,  and is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol NBTB. More information about NBT Bank and NBT Bancorp can be found on the Internet at www.nbtbank.com and www.nbtbancorp.com.

GLENS FALLS – Arrow Financial Corporation will host a job fair on Wednesday, February 17, to recruit candidates for a wide range of positions at its subsidiaries: Glens Falls National Bank, Saratoga National Bank and McPhillips Insurance Agency.

The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the third floor of Glens Falls National’s downtown training center at 234 Glen Street.

Positions range from bank tellers to deposit operations, loan services, commercial lending, information technology and insurance. There are openings across our market area, from Plattsburgh to Glens Falls to the Capital Region.

Interested candidates can stop by for information or to apply and complete initial employment testing on-site. Anyone who is unable to attend may view and apply for career opportunities online at arrowfinancial.com. Applicants must be 18 or over to apply; a high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Arrow Financial Corporation is a growing company with great benefits, career opportunities, and a strong commitment to its employees and communities. The Arrow family of companies includes two banks: Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company, and three insurance agencies: McPhillips Insurance Agency, Upstate Agency, LLC, and Capital Financial Group, Inc.

For more information, visit arrowfinancial.com.

architecture+, a design and service oriented architecture and planning firm in Troy, New York, has announced that Alethea Splittgerber of Delanson, New York, has been promoted to Project Coordinator. Splittgerber, who joined architecture+ as an Administrative Assistant in 2013, holds a Bachelor of Science from SUNY Oneonta. In her new role, she is a key member of the architecture+ Patient Safety Team and is responsible for coordinating and documenting the team’s activities related to research and documentation of architectural systems in psychiatric inpatient environments. architecture+ has been serving clients in government, healthcare, education and other cultural and community organizations in the Capital District since 1984.

BALLSTON SPA>> The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association will host its 2016 Annual Meeting and Community Mixer on Monday, March 21 at Next Door Kitchen & Bar, 51 Front St. in Ballston Spa.  Like the BSBPA's hashtag, #LiveBSpa, for "Live Ballston Spa",  the mixer celebrates the community and diverse membership of businesses, non-profits and residents.  

With the support of its members, the BSBPA presents events and activities that bring people to Ballston Spa, promotes local businesses and organizations and helps beautify and enhance the downtown village through gardens, plantings, and more.

The annual Meeting and Mixer is an opportunity for members and non-members to review BSBPA accomplishments, honor our outgoing board members and welcome our new ones and look forward to the upcoming year.  

The evening will begin with a social hour and buffet at 6 pm, featuring an array of Next Door Kitchen's tempting hot and cold appetizers and a cash bar, followed by the official meeting at 7 p.m.

Cost is $30 per person; paid reservations are available online at www.ballston.org.  When filling in order information, please indicate names of attendees in comment section for name tags. Limited admission will also be available at the door. This event is open to the public.

 The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association was founded in 1983 with the mission of promoting Ballston Spa as a great place to visit, do business and live.

CLIFTON PARK>> Creatacor, an award-winning exhibit design, fabrication and trade show management provider in Clifton Park, NY,  announced today Tom Lemery, the president and CEO of the Company has transitioned to a new role as a consultant with Creatacor. Gerry Glynn, Will Farmer and Linda Casimano, long time managers and partners of Creatacor for the last five years, assumed the roles of CEO, COO and CFO effective December 31, 2015.

“I am very proud of all the company and staff have achieved during my time as CEO,” said Lemery. “They are the most dedicated people I have ever worked with and I would be nothing without them. I am very excited for the next phase of my career and know that I leave the organization in good hands. This company has been my life’s blood and the executive group and I are committed to ensuring a seamless transition and successful future for Creatacor.”

Lemery launched Creatacor, Inc. in 1987, a spin-off of GE’s Corporate Exhibit Operation, along with the late Russell Percenti, Lemery’s mentor and longtime colleague at GE. Lemery has been instrumental to the success and growth of the organization in its 28-year history. Leading with a small staff of talented individuals, he built Creatacor into a successful trade show exhibit and face-to-face marketing environment provider, serving some of the top brands globally including GE, LEGO^® Systems, Osram Sylvania, DSM, Callaway Golf, Central Garden & Pet, Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI), SUNY Albany, PrimaLoft and more.

Gerry Glynn has been selected to succeed Lemery as CEO. Glynn was previously the vice president of operations and has been with Creatacor for 23 years. He began in design and then moved to operations where he was promoted to oversee design, fabrication and logistics.

Will Farmer has been with Creatacor for 25 years and is now COO. Starting with the company as a junior exhibit coordinator, he worked his way up serving as project manager, account executive, and vice president of client services.

Linda Casimano has been promoted to CFO, completing the leadership team. Casimano began her career at Creatacor 24 years ago, working her way up from bookkeeper and controller to her most recent position as vice president of finance.

“I am delighted and humbled to have been selected to fill the role as CEO of Creatacor working together with Will and Linda,” said Glynn. “The company is poised for continued growth and success in 2016 and beyond. I look forward to helping take it there with all of the members of the executive group and our dedicated and talented Creatacor team.”

Creatacor employs more than 50 team members comprised of account managers, designers, graphic production artists, carpenters, electricians, and a wide variety of uniquely skilled specialists. The company has won numerous awards, such as NORI and American Advertising awards (ADDYs), recognizing their outstanding work.

About Creatacor, Inc.:Celebrating 28 years in business, Creatacor, Inc., in Clifton Park, NY, offers a full complement of exhibit design, fabrication and management services to trade show exhibitors and event marketers. Creatacor’s wide scope of products include custom exhibits and displays, mobile tours, marketing events, stage sets, museums, and complete trade show program management. Its creative team becomes your strategic trade show and event partner. From the initial consultation through exhibit design and construction, to shipping and installation, their attention to detail and commitment to customer service is paramount to their business philosophy.

Glens Falls - Associates of Glens Falls Insurance is pleased to announce the hiring of two new employees. Brendan Graney and Pam Mitchell recently joined the growing Associates and Loomis & LaPann team, bringing with them years of specialized experience.

Brendan Graney, AOGF’s newest Account Executive, comes with an extensive sales background. Mr. Graney is a New York State licensed Insurance Broker who graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He previously worked as a Territory Sales Manager for Commonwealth Altadis and volunteers his time as a coach for Adirondack Mountain Men AAU Basketball. Mr. Graney lives in Hudson Falls with his wife Cortney and their daughter.

Joining the AOGF group as a Commercial Lines Account manager, Pam Mitchell brings with her over 28 years of insurance industry experience. Mrs. Mitchell holds a New York State Insurance Agents’ license and holds a CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) designation. She began her career at Continental Insurance Company and throughout the years has held positions at Travelers Insurance and Cool Insurance Agency. Mrs. Mitchell has two children: Her daughter is studying to be a veterinarian and her son is starting his 5th year in the United States Marine Corps. Mrs. Mitchell lives in Queensbury with her husband Bruce, also a former Marine, and their two Bernese Mountain dogs.

Regarding the latest hiring of Mr. Graney and Mrs. Mitchell, AOGF & Loomis & LaPann President Chuck Gohn had this to say, “All of us at Associates are excited that Pam and Brendan joined our team.  Over the last 16 months we’ve added 8 new employees, fueling and supporting our growth.  Like all of our staff Brendan and Pam bring unique talents and diversity to our company.”

About AOGF: Established in 1967, Associates of Glens Falls is an independent insurance agency
specializing in all types of personal and commercial insurance. The AOGF agents service clients locally and across the United States, and operate an in-house concierge claims department and loss control department. AOGF can tailor a policy to meet every client’s specific needs and to match the changing times.

Unique coverages include Cyber Liability, Directors and Officers Coverage and Employment Practices Liability.

About Loomis & LaPann: The Loomis & LaPann agents specialize is developing insurance programs
specifically designed for State High School Athletic/Activities Associations, State High School Coaches Associations, United States Olympic Committee National Governing Bodies and amateur sports groups/associations.

Associates of Glens Falls, Inc. and Loomis & LaPann are licensed in all 50 states.

To learn about the various insurance coverages AOGF and Loomis & LaPann offer, visit them
online at www.aogf.com and www.loomislapann.com respectively.

Troy - The Empire State Society of Association Executives’ Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Vanessa LaClair, CMP, as Executive Director.

Vanessa, most recently with the Independent Power Producers of New York, has 15 years of experience in managing the internal operations of a trade association, including financial planning and budgeting, design, implementation and execution of events, marketing and communications with an emphasis on social media and technology, and vendor/sponsor management. In addition, she has six years of experience in volunteer leadership positions.

“The Board of Directors is very excited to bring to ESSAE a relationship builder who is able to work with divergent points of view and develop strategic partnerships,” said Board Chair Kathy Febraio, “Vanessa is a problem-solver. She has shown she can formulate ideas that will take ESSAE to the next level.”

“Vanessa’s ‘people first’ attitude coupled with her passion for outreach will enable ESSAE to engage with its stakeholders through a range of activities and channels. “The Board of Directors was impressed with her entrepreneurial spirit and her cross-generational vision,” said Debra Trulli-Cassale, ESSAE’s Vice Chair.

“I am honored to serve the membership of ESSAE and advance its mission to guide and empower association leadership. My goal is to help members be their best by building connections to knowledge, ideas, relationships, and marketplace opportunities,” said Vanessa LaClair.

 GreyCastle Featured on the World’s Premier List of Cybersecurity Companies

For the Second Year in a Row

Troy - For the second consecutive year, Cybersecurity Ventures has named GreyCastle Security to the Cybersecurity 500, which is the industry’s definitive list of cybersecurity companies to watch in 2016.

According to research published by Cybersecurity Ventures, the cybersecurity industry is predicted to grow from $75 billion in 2015 to more than $170 billion by 2020. Cybersecurity Ventures’ comprehensive list recognizes industry innovators, from long-respected brands to smaller up-and-comers with a fresh approach to cybersecurity solutions. The complete list is available on Cybersecurity Ventures’ website.

"We evaluated thousands of potential companies for this listing and we are very excited to have GreyCastle Security once again on the Cybersecurity 500 list," said Steve Morgan, founder and CEO of Cybersecurity Ventures. “The company continues to show extensive growth and we look forward to their future expansion in the cybersecurity market.”

GreyCastle Security focuses on managing the risks in people, processes and technology – as opposed to simply deploying the latest hardware and software solutions. The company was formed in 2011 by an experienced team of CISOs, ISOs, security specialists and operators who recognize the need for a systematic approach to cybersecurity. 

“We’re honored to be recognized by Cybersecurity Ventures as one of the hottest companies in the industry,” said GreyCastle CEO Reg Harnish. “This validates our approach to helping companies manage their risk and provide the services needed to build an effective security program.”

To learn more about GreyCastle Security and its services, please visit www.greycastlesecurity.com. Members of the media interested in speaking with GreyCastle’s CEO Reg Harnish can contact Sydney Jenkins atsjenkins@greycastlesecurity.com.

About GreyCastle Security: 
GreyCastle Security is a cybersecurity consulting firm focused on risk management, awareness and operational security. Our company was established to counter rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats and manage risks in people, processes and technology. GreyCastle Security is comprised exclusively of highly certified professionals with prior security experience in healthcare, education, retail and gaming. Our team members are all former CISOs, ISOs, security specialists and operators. We bring a client perspective to everything we do. All we do is cybersecurity ­– all day, every day. We provide assessments, training, testing and response capabilities to organizations of all sizes, types and industries. We bring passionate practicality to cybersecurity.  For more information, visit http://www.greycastlesecurity.com.

Downtown Happenings February 2016 Greetings! 2016 is the bicentennial anniversary of the incorporation of Troy stay tuned to keep on top of all of the amazing events that are happening in our city every month.  This Spring the BID will be releasing all new maps and directional signage, as well as launching an exciting new website and beautification initiatives.  Here's to a successful start of the year,  Your Downtown Troy BID Staff Troy BID Events  Birthday Celebration -  Troy Night Out  Friday, February 26, 5:00 - 9:00   This month's Troy Night out is in honor of our 10th Birthday! Our first TNO was in February of 2006, and this month we are celebrating the success of this monthly festival. Join us in our celebration, while also honoring Louis Comfort Tiffany, the creator of the infamous Tiffany window which are beautifully displayed around our city.  The Makers Market  The Atrium, 4 3rd Street  Join us every Saturday morning in The Atrium alongside the Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market from 9:00 to 2:00! The Makers Market is composed of artisans from across our region, selling their unique goods to the patrons of Troy. Come see what they have to offer.  Save the Date  your downtown calendar for the next few months  Member News  Grand Opening - American Grit Gallery 172 River Street    On Wednesday, January 27 we welcomed American Grit Gallery, owned and operated by Daniel Breen. Breen loves the feel of downtown Troy and decided to open his long time dream of a combined Art Gallery and hair salon at 172 River Street. His breathtaking Americana photographs are framed using refurbished windows, a unique way to make the old new again. Stop in to view his photos and stay for a quick hair cut, this is certainly a business with a bright future.  Member Events  Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 30 2nd Street    Thursday February, 4 - Harlem Quartet - Classical music combined with varied repertoire that includes works by minority composers, Grammy Award Winning.   Friday, February 5 - Mark & Maggie O'Connor - A product of America's rich aural folk tradition as well as classical music, violinist O'Connor has shaped these influences into a new American Classical music.    Saturday, February 13 - Lady Smith Black Mambazo - Acclaimed all-male chorus celebrates over 50 years of joyous and uplifting music combining intricate the rhythms and harmonies of South Africa.    Friday, February 26-27 - The Bridge Jazz Festival - Two nights of hot jazz, featuring vocalist Nnenna Freelon and guitarist Pierre Bensusan on the 26.    Saturday, February 27 - From Broadway to the Music hall - A collection of popular Broadway favorites like you've never heard before!  The Sound of Music, A Chorus Line, West Side Story, The Lion King, Les Miserable, and Cats are just some of the great music represented in this magical Broadway Choral Collage!   Sunday, February 28 - Altan - Traditional Irish music.  Live Music at Dinosaur BBQ 377 River Street      Friday, February 5 @ 9:00pm - Acoustic Inc -  Albany-area band that specializes in covers with a twist as well as catchy original tunes!   Saturday, February 6 @ 9:30pm - Annie in the Water - a high-energy acoustic/electric jam group that blends rock, reggae, funk, groove, blues, hip-hop and bluegrass.   Friday, February 12 @ 9:00pm - The Accents - Capital Region's premier party band.   Saturday, February 13 @ 9:30pm - Super 400 - This local trio from here in Troy is sure to put on a great show!   Friday, February 19 @ 9:00pm - Holly & Evan with special guest the Bonnie Masons - together they perform blues-based alternative rock tinged with jazz and soul.  The Ruck's wings for Superbowl The Ruck 104 3rd St.   Order through February, 7th @ 10pm -  Pre-order your chicken wings for the Superbowl. Call The Ruck at (518) 273-1872 when you would like to reserve your order of their award winning wings! Coffee School V3: Intro to CoffeeTasting  Superior Merchandise Co.  147 Fourth Street    This class is lead by Superior Merchan dise Co.'s Director of Coffee Matthew Loiacono. The class will delve into a history of coffee, general coffee region taste characteristics, how coffee professionals evaluate coffee, what to look for when tasting and will wrap up with a tasting of three single origin coffees. For even more details and to get tickets click here! Getting Involved Committee Meetings    Stay involved and up to date with BID news by attending one of the monthly committee's. Find out more information on our website.    Fund Development Committee: Second Tuesday of each month, 1:00 pm at Groff Networks (81 4th Street).  Committee Chair :: Lauren Groff    Marketing Committee:  Second Tuesday of each month, 9:00 am at Mudaddy Flats (49 3rd Street). Committee Chair :: Debra Lockrow    Beautification Committee: Second Tuesday of each month, 5:30 pm at The Judge Development Corp. office (255 River Street). Committee Chair :: Sam Judge    Business Development and Retention Committee:  Second Wednesday of each month, 8:30 am, meet at BID office (251 River Street) and proceed to restaurant.  Committee Chair :: Sarah Jermano   Special Events Committee: First Wednesday of each month, 8:30 am at Muddaddy Flats (49 3rd Street).  Committee Chairs :: Robin McDonough and Dan Frament  The Downtown Troy Business Improvement District  |  DowntownTroy.org   (518) 279-7997 | info@troybid.org  251 River Street, Troy New York 12180