(518) 810-8050 | Steve@TheJanackGroup.com
CLIENTS IN THE NEWS
2023
​
​
December 19, 2023
​
The Daily Star: Rehab service eyes downtown development in Oneonta
Rehabilitation Support Services is considering development at 27 Market Street. The agency presented information to the Oneonta Common Council on Dec. 19 regarding the concept of constructing a mixed-use building.
​
December 18, 2023
​
Saratoga Business Journal: Keeping compliant: 4 changes to 2024 payroll
As we approach the start of the new year, key updates to the way you manage your business payroll are on the horizon. GTM Payroll Services provides a closer look at four of these changes and how they will affect both employers and employees.
​
December 18, 2023
​
Daily Gazette: HIGH NOTES: Donation for children in need
Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. recently presented $20,000 in donations to support local nonprofit organizations working to enrich the health and welfare of children in need.
​
November 28, 2023
​
News 10 ABC Albany: Pioneer donates $20K on Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a day when people give to a charity of their choice. Pioneer participated by making four $5,000 donations to community non-profits.
​
November 27, 2023
​
NewsChannel 13 Albany: Pioneer to give $20,000 to four nonprofits that help kids
Pioneer will mark Giving Tuesday by donating $20,000 to four nonprofit organizations working to help children in need.
​
November 22, 2023
​
Saratoga Business Journal: Capital Region’s GTM Payroll Services Enhances Offerings With GTM Insurance Agency
GTM Payroll Services announced a significant expansion of the insurance and employee benefit products and services it provides to businesses with the creation of a new affiliate, GTM Insurance Agency.
​
November 20, 2023
​
NewsChannel 13 Albany: Clifton Park payroll company expanding offerings
GTM Payroll Services is expanding by launching GTM Insurance Agency, which provides new insurance and employee benefit offerings and the ability to integrate them with payroll and HR solutions.
​
November 20, 2023
​
Hudson Valley 360: GTM Payroll Services expands suite of business solutions, launches GTM Insurance Agency
GTM Payroll Services today announced a significant expansion of the insurance and employee benefit products and services it provides to businesses.
​
November 10, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: With Lego, UAlbany's help, youths build their knowledge
A free Lego challenge for children ages 6 to 10 took place Friday sponsored by University at Albany’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity in partnership with Pioneer Bank.
​
October 30, 2023
​
News 10 ABC Albany: Check fraud on the rise
The number of reports related to check fraud made by banks has been steadily rising, and Pioneer's Jay Yaskanich has some tips on how consumers can protect themselves.
​
October 27, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: GTM Payroll launches insurance arm to compete with outside firms
GTM Payroll Services has expanded into the insurance industry to address what it considers a gap in locally owned insurance companies.
​
October 16, 2023
​
Catskill Daily Mail: Pioneer gives back to the Capital Region during 'All Together Forward Week'
Pioneer's first-ever community service initiative engaged more than 200 employees in supporting the needs of local children, families, organizations, and communities.
​
October 10, 2023
​
NewsChannel 13 Albany: Pioneer employees volunteering their time this week
More than 200 Pioneer employees will spend 500 volunteer hours to assist 13 nonprofit organizations across the Capital Region.
​
September 30, 2023
​
Daily Gazette: New WMHT documentary aims to broaden the lens on Thomas Cole’s legacy
WMHT, along with the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, aims to provide a broader swath of stories in its latest documentary, “Reframing an Empire,” which premieres Friday.
​
September 17, 2023
​
Spectrum News One Albany: New York employers must include pay rates in job ads under new state law
At a time when competition for top talent is significant, GTM Payroll Services CEO Guy Maddalone says the new pay transparency law provides an opportunity for employers to enhance attraction and retention of top performers.
​
September 16, 2023
​
NewsChannel 13 Albany: Pioneer Bank hosts carnival Saturday to benefit charity
The fourth annual event will raise $40,000 to support nonprofits "Helping Kids be Kids," in line with the mission of the Pioneer Charitable Foundation.
​
September 15, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: New York pay transparency law goes into effect Sept. 17
GTM Payroll Services HR consultants in Clifton Park believe New York’s pay transparency law presents an opportunity for companies to attract and retain top talent.
​
September 13, 2023
​
CBS6 News Albany: New York State pay transparency law set to take effect, giving job seekers clear view of salary ranges
Guy Maddalone, Founder and CEO of GTM Payroll Services, an HR consulting company, and his team are helping employers in the Capital Region navigate the requirements of this new law.
​
September 11, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: New York will require pay transparency in job postings this month: What that means for businesses
Guy Maddalone, founder and CEO of GTM Payroll Services, is helping clients see the change as an opportunity.
"We don't want you to think about it as another burden. We want you to think about it as an opportunity to attract new talent that maybe you wouldn't be able to attract before."
​
September 2, 2023
​
Berkshire Eagle: Shantel Destra joins WMHT Public Media as multimedia journalist for New York NOW
Shantel Destra recently joined WMHT Public Media as a multimedia journalist for its public affairs program New York NOW, which airs on PBS stations across New York state.
​
August 25, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: Pioneer bank sees net income rise
Pioneer Bank said its net income of $21.9 million for the fiscal year ending June 30 was up $11.7 million from the prior fiscal year.
​
August 21, 2023
​
The Berkshire Edge: WMHT Public Media welcomes Shantel Destra
WMHT Public Media announced the addition of Shantel Destra as Multimedia Journalist for its Emmy Award-winning public affairs program New York NOW, which airs on PBS stations across New York state.
​
August 20, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: New hires at Community Bank, Pioneer and more
Terms of the deal were not revealed by the firms, although Pioneer said Hudson Financial had $225 million in client assets it was managing. The acquisition would push Pioneer's wealth management division over $1 billion in assets under management for the first time.
​
August 16, 2023
​
Empire Report: WMHT Public Media welcomes Shantel Destra as multimedia journalist for New York NOW
Destra earned her master’s degree at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, and most recently worked as a reporter for City & State.
​
August 16, 2023
​
News 10 ABC Albany: Stacks Espresso Bar opening new location in Colonie
Stacks Espresso Bar is opening its fourth location in the Pioneer Bank building at 652 Albany Shaker Road in Colonie.
​
August 15, 2023
​
News 10 ABC Albany: #GivingOn10: Pioneer School Supply drive
The Pioneer Charitable Foundation will be packing up school supplies like pens, pencils, crayons, and notebooks into backpacks. They will then deliver them to the Capital City Rescue Mission for its big Backpack Giveaway Party.
​
August 2, 2023
​
Glens Falls Post-Star: Pioneer names Murphy as EVP and Chief Credit Officer
Pioneer Bank has appointed James Murphy as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. Murphy will help the bank’s executive team in all aspects of commercial, residential and consumer credit, ensuring the overall quality of Pioneer’s lending portfolio.
​
August 1, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: Pioneer hires new C-suite executive from Community Bank
Pioneer has hired James Murphy as executive vice president and chief credit officer to oversee the quality of the Colonie-based bank's commercial, residential and consumer lending portfolios.
​
July 31, 2023
​
Berkshire Eagle: WMHT's Emmy nominations
WMHT Public Media, a multichannel public communications organization serving Eastern New York and Western New England, has been honored with two nominations for the 2023 New York Emmy Awards.
​
July 31, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: Stacks replacing Wired in Colonie
Sue Dunckel, CEO and executive chef of Stacks, said the company does its banking with Pioneer, and when the bank approached Stacks about using the Albany-Shaker Road location as its first suburban cafe, “It was perfect for how we’re trying to grow the company.”
​
July 21, 2023
​
Hudson Register Star: Hudson Financial deal keeps 'flavor of locality'
Pioneer officials said the acquisition will accelerate the company's growth into a market it has been watching for years.
​
July 19, 2023
​
News 10 ABC Albany: Pioneer Bank interns volunteer during Community Service Day
Interns working for Pioneer this summer spent the day volunteering at the Northern Rivers campus in Albany, helping with landscaping and maintenance projects as a way of demonstrating their commitment to the community.
​
July 18, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: Pioneer buys Hudson wealth management firm
Pioneer said Hudson Financial was managing $225 million in client assets, and the acquisition would push Pioneer's wealth management division over $1 billion in assets under management for the first time.
​
July 16, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: Pioneer acquires Hudson wealth management firm
Pioneer's acquisition of Hudson Financial LLC will push the Colonie-based institution over its goal of having $1 billion in assets under management.
​
July 11, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: Altamont Physical Therapy practice acquired
Matthew Dahl, a commercial team leader at Pioneer, said deals like this, where a small business is able to be bought out by someone within the family who intends to keep it small, are becoming more rare.
​
July 10, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: As it preps 'listening' tour, WMHT gets new communications chief
Public media organization WMHT has hired Michele Desrosiers as vice president of marketing and communications to lead efforts to grow the multi-channel TV, radio and digital media organization’s profile and increase community engagement and partnerships.
​
June 20, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: Pioneer grows its summer intern banking program for college students
Pioneer has brought on 20 college and university students for summer internships, making for what they say is their largest and most diverse intern class to date.
​
June 15, 2023
​
NewsChannel 13 Albany: Mini-golf tournament helps kids in need
The Pioneer Charitable Foundation held its annual mini-golf tournament Thursday at Pirate’s Hideout in Waterford, raising more than $5,000 to benefit children in need in the Capital Region.
​
June 7, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: Grondahl: Young WMHT staffers travel across the world for filmmaking
These young, emerging filmmakers are out to remind viewers that this is no longer their grandfather’s “Masterpiece Theatre” station, as public TV aims to remain relevant by attracting a younger and more diverse audience.
​
June 1, 2023
​
The Ithaca Voice: Supportive housing pitched for West End site
Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc., together with CSD Housing, LLC is proposing to construct a new 60-unit mixed low-and-moderate income, integrated supportive housing community on the property.
​
May 23, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: Stacks Espresso owner buys Albany building with new concept in mind
The purchase price of the building was $430,000 with a mortgage from Pioneer Bank for $344,000.
​
May 16, 2023
​
Hudson Valley 360: WMHT joins public media organizations in statewide initiative to assist older adults experiencing social isolation
Aging Together in New York will draw attention to the value of older adults in our communities and provide resources to help seniors build resilience and combat social isolation.
​
May 8, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: Pioneer Bank sees income rise amid higher interest rates
"Third quarter results, which build upon the solid results from the first two quarters of Pioneer’s 2023 fiscal year, reflect the strength of our balance sheet, consistent growth in net interest income, and continued net interest margin expansion during a period of heightened market volatility,” said Pioneer President and CEO Thomas Amell.
​
May 7, 2023
​
The Daily Gazette: High Notes: Alzheimer’s help, Thanksgiving in April, free books and clothes
Pioneer collected more than 1,500 canned goods and non-perishable food items to benefit St. Catherine’s Center for Children in Albany.
​
April 20, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: Pioneer names new head of insurance and benefits, with plans to grow
Pioneer has hired Todd Shepersky as vice president and insurance agency manager to lead its insurance and benefits division — a new position for the Colonie financial institution.
​
April 15, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: Young investors should also tackle debt, savings in tandem
Joseph Lindner, a senior wealth advisor for Pioneer Wealth Management, part of Pioneer Bank, says young investors should first look at their life as a business.
​
April 9, 2023
Albany Times Union: Browns buy back buildings, look to expand Troy operations
Through it all, Pioneer has had a close relationship with Brown’s Brewing that goes beyond just the financing. The bank staff also has helped nurture the business and the Browns.
March 29, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: WMHT's Anthony Hayes sees an opportunity to reach new audiences
He says the station is in excellent shape, but he also sees room to grow — and he wants to hear from the community on potential partnerships and what should come next for his organization.
​
March 19, 2023
​
Troy Record: 5 Questions with WMHT Public Media's new president and CEO Anthony V. Hayes
"I’m passionate about delivering programs and services that expand thinking, challenge assumptions, and address the needs of underserved audiences, especially children and people of color. And I’m confident that WMHT Public Media has a unique ability to contribute to the overall success of this proud, historic, and beautiful region."
​
March 13, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: New leader of WMHT wants to expand audience, diversify local content
"We have the opportunity now to reach out to a wider, more diverse audience," said Anthony Hayes, President and CEO of WMHT Public Media. "And so that's what I'm referring to when I talk about engagement."
​
March 13, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: The next fallout from SVB collapse? What Albany CEOs are watching
Thomas Amell, CEO of Pioneer, said, "With these two banks, it's an isolated set of circumstances, one focused on the startup community and another heavily in cryptocurrency."
​
March 7, 2023
​
News 10 ABC Albany: Underground Railroad Education Center plans community expansion
The new space will include a pre-Revolutionary War era barn frame, repurposed as part of the main lobby and partially funded with a $75,000 loan from Pioneer, bringing even more local history to the heart of Albany.
​
March 5, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: Inside the Brown's Brewing Co. multimillion-dollar plan to expand after 30 years in business
Pioneer provided $2.4 million in financing toward the $3.7 million repurchase. The bank also helped finance the North Hoosick production facility and Walloomsac taproom.
​
February 23, 2023
​
NewsChannel 13 Albany: The Underground Railroad Education Center has plans to expand
The project costs roughly $8.5 million. Fundraising has already started, with Pioneer helping to jumpstart the project by providing a $75,000 loan.
​
February 23, 2023
​
Daily Gazette: WMHT’s first African American president emphasizes reaching out, building genuine relationships
Focusing on creating local content that accurately reflects each of the communities he serves, and proactively reaching out to a wider, more diverse pool of people to engage them are among the priorities of Anthony V. Hayes.
​
February 19, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: Plans for expansive Underground Railroad interpretive center in Albany take shape
The Stewarts have already made progress on fundraising, with a commitment of $75,000 from Pioneer. “When they came to us with this project we were excited to assist,” said Pioneer’s Amber Hensley, Business Banking Relationship Manager. “This is a huge part of Albany’s history so we were really excited.”
​
February 6, 2023
​
Spectrum News 1 Albany: Underground Railroad Education Center begins expansion
The barn is historically relevant to the time period of the Underground Railroad. Purchased with a $75,000 loan from Pioneer, the financial group kickstarted a fundraising effort that’s underway.
​
January 31, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: Why more Albany banks are building out wealth management teams
Pioneer wants to grow its wealth management division to $1 billion in assets under management in the next few years.
​
January 17, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: Commercial lenders see slowdown in Albany area activity
Pioneer chief executive Tom Amell and Jesse Tomczak, Pioneer's chief banking officer, said lending activity is down about 20% to 25% compared to last year. They expect that trend to continue in the first half of 2023 because of the current rate environment.
​
January 17, 2023
​
News 10 ABC Albany: Using a home equity line of credit
One way to access capital without the high interest rates of a credit card or traditional loan is by tapping into a home equity line of credit, as Pioneer Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Dan Cancelliere explained on News 10's "Money Mondays."
​
January 17, 2023
​
The Berkshire Edge: WMHT Public Media names nationally recognized leader in public media Anthony V. Hayes as president and CEO
On Tuesday, January 17, WMHT Public Media, a multichannel public communications organization serving Eastern New York and Western New England, announced the appointment of Anthony V. Hayes as its next president and chief executive officer.
​
January 17, 2023
​
Current: Anthony V. Hayes becomes CEO of WMHT Public Media
WMHT Public Media in Troy, N.Y., has selected Anthony V. Hayes as its new president and CEO, the station announced Tuesday.
​
January 17, 2023
​
Albany Business Review: WMHT names new president and CEO
The next president and CEO of WMHT Public Media will be Anthony V. Hayes, the public broadcasting organization announced Tuesday.
​
​
January 17, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: WMHT's new CEO arrives after leading PBS channel in Massachusetts
WMHT Public Media, the region's public television operation, has hired Anthony V. Hayes to replace Robert Altman, who is stepping down this year after 15 years as president and chief executive of WMHT.
​
January 15, 2023
​
Daily Gazette: HIGH NOTES: Helping kids at holidays, supplies for underprivileged, free language courses
In Colonie, The Wojeski Fund, a charitable fund sponsored by Wojeski & Company CPAs P.C. of Colonie, raised $90,000 last year to support children in need around the holidays.
​
January 4, 2023
​
News 10 ABC Albany: New partnership to offer coding education with CUNY
CanCode Communities, an Albany workforce training nonprofit that trains non-traditional students in software programming, is partnering with The City University of New York system for the first time to offer classes in New York City.
​
January 4, 2023
​
Albany Times Union: CanCode Communities signs training deal with CUNY in NYC
CanCode Communities, an Albany workforce training nonprofit that trains non-traditional students in software programming, is partnering with The City University of New York system for the first time to offer classes in New York City.
​
January 4, 2023
​
Altamont Enterprise: State awards funds for supportive housing
Nine organizations in the Capital District, including Rehabilitation Support Services, have received funding to pay for supportive housing to serve older adults, survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, and veterans and chronically homeless families, as well as individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder.