Chamber Celebrates 17 Businesses with Ribbon Cuttings in First Half of 2025
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has had the honor of celebrating 17 different businesses with ribbon-cutting ceremonies so far in 2025. With oversized scissors and vibrant, crimson-embossed ribbon, each celebration is as distinctive as the business it honors. From anniversaries to seasonal openings and new locations, the ARCC is happy to celebrate!
Anniversaries & Milestones
Celebrating a business anniversary or milestone is a meaningful way to honor growth, resilience, and the dedication it takes to succeed. These moments mark not only the passage of time but also the achievements, challenges overcome, and relationships built along the way. Whether it’s one year or fifty, each milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the journey and look ahead to future success.
In late January, Radici Kitchen & Bar celebrated its fifth year in business with an ARCC ribbon cutting. What made this occasion so special was the story behind their beginnings and success. Radici opened during a time most would consider challenging — the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just weeks after opening their doors at 26 Ridge Street in downtown Glens Falls, NY, they faced the uncertainty of survival as restaurants were closing, shifting to to-go orders, and in some cases, never reopening. But they persisted, stayed true to their roots, and have become the downtown gem they were meant to be.
In mid-May, the ARCC happily celebrated the third anniversary of New Moon Healing and welcomed founder Amber Bergman, LMHC, RYT-300, to her new office space in Glens Falls. During the ribbon cutting, Amber expressed how she finally felt at home in her new cozy space located at 16 W. Notre Dame Street. New Moon Healing is a woman-owned private practice offering holistic care through mental health therapy and individual Restorative Yoga.
Celebrating their 10th year in business, Canepa’s Pizza (formerly The Pizza Shop) invited the ARCC to their location at 3918 Main Street in Warrensburg, NY, to enjoy their award-winning pizza (featured on Rachael Ray), pinwheels, and more. Family-owned and -operated, Canepa’s Pizza prides itself on its commitment to the art of pizza making using a cherished family recipe.
REALIZE Brokers, another business marking its fifth anniversary, is a great story of strong entrepreneurship. Founded in June 2020 by two young local entrepreneurs, the company saw an opportunity to provide better service in an industry ripe for disruption. Since its inception, the brokerage has closed 124 deals totaling over $69 million in sales (and counting). It was a true pleasure to celebrate their success with a ribbon cutting.
Perhaps the biggest anniversary the ARCC will celebrate this year is the 60th anniversary of Greater Adirondack Home Aides in late June. This nonprofit home healthcare agency, licensed by the NYS Department of Health, provides home care services to individuals in the community. Their services assist convalescing and elderly clients and include respite care. Although much has changed in 60 years, their commitment to their mission remains the same.
Kicking Off the Season
Upstate New Yorkers understand seasons all too well, and many businesses in our region operate seasonally. The ARCC was fortunate enough to help several businesses kick off their seasons with ribbon-cutting celebrations.
Despite the rainy weather, the ribbon cutting to kick off camping season in early May for Spacious Skies – Adirondack Peaks went well and ended with the rain clearing and the sun shining. The campground paired an RV show with the occasion, offering visitors plenty to see and creating excitement around camping season. Spacious Skies – Adirondack Peaks features traditional tent sites, yurts, cabins, and RV hookups. They are located at 4035 Blue Ridge Road in North Hudson, NY.
With no escaping the rain this spring, it felt only fitting to celebrate the opening of Camp Little Notch with a gentle woodland shower — a reminder of the raw, serene beauty of the Adirondack wilderness they call home. Camp Little Notch, tucked away off Sly Pond Road in Fort Ann, operates as a girls’ camp in the summer and as a rentable venue for weddings, reunions, retreats, and more during the spring and fall months.
Grand Openings & New Businesses
The opening of new businesses brings fresh energy, opportunity, and innovation to our community. Each new storefront is a sign of growth, hope, and the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our local economy thriving. The ARCC was thrilled to celebrate so many new businesses in the first half of 2025.
Beginning with the opening of Rise Above Boutique in January, this beautifully curated shop features organic, handcrafted skincare products. Owner Crystal Warner turned her belief in the power of nature to nurture and heal into a successful business located in the Shirt Factory of Glens Falls (21 Cooper Street). Each product is thoughtfully formulated, free from harmful chemicals, and designed to embrace the essence of pure living.
In February, the ARCC welcomed Ajara Yoga to the community with an intimate celebration among owner Jami Piraino’s family and friends. Ajara Yoga, located at 1330 Route 9 in Gansevoort, is a welcoming studio designed for small classes where participants explore a yogic experience through movement, breath, meditation, and lifestyle, all guided by Ayurvedic principles.
In late March, a much-anticipated celebration marked the opening of Light & Lens Studios at 130 Broad Street in Glens Falls. Serving analog and digital photographers, creatives, and artists, Light & Lens Studios offers film development (with the only darkroom available for miles), a photography studio, and an art gallery.
BOWLED made a huge splash in downtown Glens Falls with its fresh superfood options, available for pickup or dine-in. For those constantly on the go, it’s refreshing to have affordable and healthy food choices. BOWLED is located at 140 Glen Street in downtown Glens Falls.
Hudson Headwaters Health Network has expanded its locations in recent years and now operates 26 community health centers providing primary care to more than 7,900 square miles of the Adirondack North Country and Glens Falls region. The ARCC joined the Saratoga County and South Glens Falls Chambers to celebrate the opening of their new Moreau Pharmacy, adjacent to Moreau Family Health off Route 9 in Gansevoort.
The ARCC also joined the Capital Region and Saratoga County Chambers to celebrate the grand opening of the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition (VCHC) Foreverly House — a home and resource center for unhoused veteran women and their children. Years in the making, this project is just the beginning for the VCHC, which already has plans for additional homes to meet growing needs.
Renovations & Rebrands
Who doesn’t love a good renovation or rebrand? With a renewed sense of energy and excitement, a handful of businesses and organizations made necessary updates to continue serving their clients and customers. These changes mark fresh chapters that blend foundational values with future visions.
The Pines at Glens Falls underwent a major renovation project, transforming its facilities and breathing new life into its services. The ribbon cutting included facility tours, descriptions of each renovation phase, and recognition of all collaborative partners involved. The Pines provides post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care services, including a wide range of medical and therapy offerings.
The celebration of the newly renovated Lindt Chocolate store at The Outlets at Lake George left attendees smiling as they left with sweet treats. The event featured samples of chocolates, ice cream, and more, along with information on Lindt’s excellent corporate gifting options for businesses of all sizes.
In late June, the ARCC joined Chuck Copenspire and other community members to celebrate a rebrand — an exciting opportunity to refresh a business’s identity, reconnect with its audience, and embrace a bold new vision. The event also marked the launch of a consulting-forward business within The Hub Glens Falls, a creative coworking space in the heart of downtown.
The Lodge at Loon Lake welcomed the ARCC and guests to explore its newly renovated lodging options near the shores of Loon Lake in Chestertown, NY. With original construction dating back to 1956 and recently purchased by the Johnson family, this charming establishment retained its lakeside traditions while adding modern amenities. The Lodge features a private beach, updated accommodations, and access to local hiking, fishing, and more.
There are still many more celebrations to come! Stay tuned to the ARCC website for upcoming ribbon cuttings: www.adirondackchamber.org/events. Everyone is welcome to attend!
