Week in Review: April 6 – April 10, 2020
Stay up-to-date on business and economic development happenings in the Capital Region with the CEG Economic Development Week in Review. Don’t miss out on the developments that are transforming the region by following us on:
CEG IN THE NEWS
Times Union: Local economy struggles in pandemic’s wake
San Antonio News-Express: Benet Labs 3D printing face-shield frames to support coronavirus response
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Coronavirus leaves many Capital Region workers looking to pass time, make money
“Daniel Padgett used to work three different gigs to make ends meet.
But two of them were dependant on large numbers of people being able to gather in one area. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Padgett, 38, is no longer able to work for the valet or audio/visual rental services he used to supplement his income.”
Businesses banding together to stay alive
“It’s a tough time for small restaurants. Even though they can stay open for takeout and delivery, many have closed because they can’t make enough in sales to keep going.
Among them was BarVino, a wine bar that closed its indoor restaurant while continuing to sell growlers and wine for takeout.”
FuzeHub offering $400,000 in grants for COVID-19 manufacturing
“FuzeHub, the Albany-based state-supported manufacturing development center, is planning to give out $400,000 in grants to support product development for much-needed COVID-19 medical supplies.
Applications are due April 17 for plans to make N95 respirators and ventilators. There will be four $50,000 grants for the respirators and two $100,000 grants for ventilator manufacturing. The program is for companies with less than 500 employees. Go to FuzeHub web site or email: info@fuzehub.com.”
Local manufacturer Ames Goldsmith producing, donating hand sanitizer
“Local manufacturer Ames Goldsmith Corp., which typically makes silver and copper products, has begun producing hand sanitizer for complimentary distribution to area not-for-profits during the COVID-19 crisis.
The company has temporarily converted a portion of the manufacturing capacity at its Harrison Avenue plant in South Glens Falls to the production of the alcohol-based sanitizer, and began its complimentary distribution this week with Glens Falls Hospital and the Open Door Mission in Glens Falls.”
Local entrepreneur brings homemade pasta to Spa City
“Local entrepreneur Rose Contadino is bringing fresh, homemade pasta to the Spa City with her new business Mangiamo.
Located at 75 Woodlawn Ave. in Saratoga Springs, the shop opened in late January, offering pasta products made in-house daily.”
Small businesses want farmers markets reopened; Glens Falls is open
“Farmers markets are becoming the safe place to shop amid the pandemic.
Both the Glens Falls and the Saratoga markets have moved outdoors, where each booth could be placed a good distance apart, with lots of room for customers to space themselves out.”
Spectrum hiring 200 in Rotterdam despite pandemic protocols
“Spectrum, the region’s dominant cable TV company, is hiring 200 new customer service reps for its new mobile phone unit at a time when many companies are sending workers home and laying off others amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The company, which says it plans to do interviews remotely, says the hiring program was planned before the pandemic began but has become increasingly important as everyday Americans work from home and shelter in place.”
Yankee Distillers releases first batch of hand sanitizer
“Yankee Distillers – which typically produces whiskey, rum and vodka – has announced the release of its first batch of hand sanitizer.
The hand sanitizer is available for purchase at the Clifton Park distillery in both 16 oz. pump-top bottles for $10 and 64 oz. refill bottles for $35.”
Saratoga Springs ponders a tourism-free summer to a tune of $979 million
“On a typical spring day in the city, excitement is palpable. Flowers are placed in street-side planters, outdoor tables are pulled from storage, and sidewalk racks with Saratoga wares are rolled out. It’s all in anticipation of the city’s May-to-September high season that has made the Spa City one of New York state’s premier tourist destinations.
But this year will be different. The COVID-19 pandemic has either shuttered or slashed the operations of shops, restaurants and hotels. Typically bustling Broadway is eerily quiet. The hotels are welcoming few guests and usually scarce parking spots are plentiful.”
Two Delmar businesses make informative banners and masks amid COVID-19
“Two local businesses, Dorsey Sign Company and Sawyer’s Screen Printing & Embroidery, collaborated to make over 50 free banners for neighboring small businesses, reminding residents they’re still open and to stay vigilant of COVID-19 symptoms. The latter also initially began making masks since mid-March for Westchester County, one of the hardest-hit state counties amid the pandemic, but local residents can start getting their own masks via curbside pickup on Tuesday, April 7.”
Magazine printer Quad/Graphics wants to invest $45 million, add 74 jobs in Saratoga Springs
“Quad/Graphics Inc. is considering whether to spend $45 million to install two new presses at its Saratoga Springs printing plant, adding 74 jobs over the next two years.
The printer of Time, W magazine and Popular Mechanics is seeking $9 million in incentives to justify making the investment in upstate New York instead of Wisconsin where Quad is headquartered. The incentive package is expected to include $6 million from Empire State Development, New York’s economic development arm, plus $2.25 million in assistance from National Grid.”
