capregion

CapNY Coworking Spaces: Urban Co-Works, Schenectady

November 23, 2020 By wordpress

Since popping up as one of CapNY’s first coworking spaces, Urban Co-Works has become a second home for lots of local professionals who choose to make this downtown office the hub for their hustle.

The Neighborhood

Set in the heart of Schenectady – at the corner of quaint, little Jay Street and the city’s main corridor State Street – this fourth-floor space features grand views of the downtown district, including a large conference room overlooking the historic Proctors Theatre marquee. This spacious, open office has character, namely a friendly life-size skeleton called Skully that greets visitors upon arrival.

The Space

Inside, there are chances to meet real live humans as well. “We love the open concept and the ability for people to mingle, get to know each other, do business with each other,” Urban Co-Works CEO Jeff Goronkin said.

Depending on their desired level of social interaction, members have many options for where to work: solo desks, large community-style tables, cozy lounge chairs or soundproof phone booths for privacy. Private offices, like the one with a giant reminder to “Be Awesome Today,” are available, too.

Vibe / Community

Throughout all of Urban Co-Works, the atmosphere is calm, clean and super quiet – except when there’s a lively networking opportunity happening at the on-site event space. Urban Co-Works is also a place for play. Schenectady-based gaming company, Gaming Insomniacs, hosts its eSports league here on a regular basis for some serious gaming fun.

Membership is diverse and eclectic; include professionals and business in tech, banking, health care, medical innovation, mental health services, sustainability consultants, affordable energy developers, business and product innovators, and Guatemalan chocolate.

The Basics

Membership in coworking spaces generally includes a wide range of perks.

Says community manager Kristen Guastella, “We try to provide as much as we can to members, of course, other than just the Wi-Fi and the comfortable chairs.”

At Urban Co-working all members access 24/7 key card entry, high speed (FIOS) internet, printing, lockable storage, indoor bike storage, restrooms, a kitchenette and complimentary coffee, tea and water.

Memberships are scaled to professional needs: from a one day pass, 5 or 10 days per month flex memberships or private offices all have access to use of a conference room with Bluetooth, television and video accessories. For those in need of private space, Urban Co-working offers affordable fully furnished offices by the month, suitable for up to 5 teammates, a business address, and on-site office support plus all the basic benefits.

For the coworking foodie, Urban Co-Works has plenty of nearby eateries to explore, for take out or delivery all within walking distance. Breakfast or lunch at quirky coffee shop Ambition, tea time at the Whistling Kettle or a hearty Italian meal at Johnny’s are just a few spots on this adorable, pedestrian-only section of Jay Street.

What’s YOUR favorite coworking space? Send us a DM on social media! @upstatecreative

Connect with Urban Co-Works

Address: 433 State Street, in downtown Schenectady.
Website
Phone: (518) 290-7203
FB / IG

Upstate Overnights: Albany Edition

October 5, 2020 By wordpress

With COVID limitations and the warm months of summer ending, I’ve been feeling a little discouraged that my ability to “getaway” for a weekend here and there seems to be coming to an end. Luckily, CapNY has plenty of cozy little staycation spots that will feed my cravings to escape from reality for a couple of nights. On this edition of Upstate Overnights, I’ll fill you in on where you can stay for a few nights in Albany County!

Gabby’s Cozy Fall Picks

Click on each of the four picks for The Low-Down, what Gabby loves about each spot, and details on how to book!

Grey Gables

Washington Park Inn

The Morgan State House

The Red Cottage

CapNY is a perfect fall getaway destination. You deserve a vacation. Book, enjoy, and relax. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, @UpstateCreative! We’d love to share.

Check out Upstate Overnights: Catskills edition, too!

Gabby Fisher is an avid CapNY ambassador, travel lover, & foodie. She is ACE’s Digital Media Manager and the Founder of co-mads, a consulting company that curates travel and volunteer experiences; along with providing marketing, event, and content creation services to organizations whose missions align. She’s also a Co-Founder of Flips Resale, a business she started with her father.

Training Up With Gabby: Build Your Skills, Knowledge & Earning Power!

September 22, 2020 By Gabby Fisher

By: Gabby Fisher, ACE Digital Media Manager & Entrepreneur, in conjunction with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) Career Launchpad.

I’ve had some extra time on my hands due to the limitations of COVID-19. I’m sure you can relate. The question is, what have you been doing with the extra time? Some of us have been brushing up on our cooking techniques, exercising more (or watching a lot more TV – that’s cool too), or have been using this time to reflect and explore my professional goals (me!).

What do I want out of a career? What do I want to achieve in the next 5-10 years? How can I make myself more marketable? How can I make more money?

Sure, I have a Bachelor’s Degree and work experience in different fields – but there is SO much more to learn. Technology is changing. The way people work and consume is changing. Everyday! The only way to keep up is to invest in continued learning and professional development. Whether it’s to enhance your skills in the field you’re currently working in or to learn new skills for a better career.

Don’t take my word for it…here’s what I’ve heard from fellow freelancers and business owners during the COVID-19 crisis…

But wait, there’s more…Did you know?…

Bottom line…to be marketable and excel in your career, you need to launch yourself to the next level by investing in yourself and education.

Don’t know where to start? I do. Career Launchpad by Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC).

Why did I choose this route? To name a few reasons…the education comes from a nationally accredited institution, it’s online, it’s easy to get started, and it’s affordable. Invest in yourself. I’m going to. Follow my journey as I jump into the Career Launchpad program at HVCC and take my skills, knowledge, and earning power to the next level.

First step: fill out the interest form! It takes less than a minute. Check it out below and click here to fill yours out today!

Stay tuned for more!

Insider Tip: Bear’s Cup Bagel Delivery

September 20, 2020 By Rachel Dunn

The super-cute husband-and-wife Bear’s Cup team

I love bagels. A lot. Like a lot a lot. The crispy… the chewy… the toppings…the variety of flavors… I’m all in! So what I missed most during the shutdown was a fresh bagel with cream cheese, but sadly all my favorite places were closed. Commence the complaining. I complained loudly and frequently enough that my husband actually taught himself how to make bagels. They were delicious, but a lot of work and not something he could do every Sunday. Still the gesture was so amazing that I had to share the sweetness on the socials. And that’s when my public bagel bellyaching paid off in spades…

Bagels At My Doorstep!

Into my inbox came the answer. Jacob Hopper from Evander + Louise, a curated guide to Saratoga Springs with exclusive deals and access for members, sent me the goods: Bear’s Cup Bagel Delivery. Yes! Fresh bagels delivered right to your door. Naturally, I was all over it, much to the relief of my husband whose quest for more yeast could finally come to an end. (Who knew quarantine would create a new army of bakers and bread makers!)

Bear’s Cup is a café located in Bolton Landing, owned by a husband & wife team. They are serving up bagels with artisanal coffees and pastries made in-house daily from scratch. They are currently open for walk-up service Thurs-Mon 7am-1pm. Pre-orders required 24-hours ahead of time. BUT, like Jacob told me, they also offer Sunday bagel deliver from Bolton to Saratoga. Naturally, it was my duty to check it out.

Their weekly menu is posted Instagram (@bearscuptoga). The menu includes bagels, pastries (some of which are gluten-free), several cream cheese flavors and cold brew. Follow the online ordering instructions and – voila! – deliciousness shows up at your door Sunday morning. That alone is worth a round of applause but it really does come down to how everything tastes.

My Expert Review and Taste Test…

It’s all AH-mazing! No really. The bagels have that perfect mix of crunchy outside and doughy inside. The honey sriracha cream cheese blends spicy and sweet effortlessly. But let me tell you the biggest surprise: the gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. They weren’t scrumptious for a gluten-free cookie. They were scrumptious for a cookie, period.

Do yourself a favor and make your Sunday brunch an at-home hit with Bear’s Cup. You won’t be sorry.

Connect with Bear’s Cup!
Website
Address
Email
Phone: (518) 240-6086
Instagram / Facebook

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#CapNYRedAlert Profile: Jon Elbaum, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

September 17, 2020 By Maureen Sager

Like many venues in the Capital Region, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall cancelled or postponed their Spring and Fall 2020 concerts series. Further, Executive Director Jon Elbaum is feeling “pretty questionable” about Spring 2021. The impact of that loss is shared by many. “We won’t be hiring stagehands, caterers, and doing our usual marketing and media buys,” Elbaum said. “That’s 50,000 fewer patrons coming to Troy, where they’d be shopping and dining.” Their annual budget used to be $2 million, and it’s now shrunk to a small percentage of that.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Executive Director Jon Elbaum

Despite these challenges, TSBMH was able to put on drive-in concerts this summer. Additionally, 20 outdoor shows brought entertainment to nearby al fresco restaurant patrons. “The artists were so thankful for the chance to perform,” Elbaum said. This winter, they’ll be streaming performances from the hall. “This won’t make up for lost income, but it will help our patrons and supporters to see these performances and stay connected with us”

Jon Elbaum’s Recommendations

ACE asked Elbaum what would help TSBMH, and he mentioned the following:

Federal relief legislation, including Senator Chuck Schumer’s Save Our Stages bill
Grants, rather than loans. (“The loans were helpful, but we need more.”)
Clear communications and guidelines regarding reopening. (“Rules, timeline, health criteria, and more,” Elbaum stressed.)

The biggest unknown is whether audiences will be comfortable coming back inside the nation’s venues, Elbaum said. “There is so much riding on that.”

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is located at 30 2nd St, Troy, NY 12180-3292.

Support TSBMH and our other local creative businesses and organizations by participating in #CapNYRedAlertNov1. Click here to register today.