Downtown Albany BID Celebrates 30 Years and Honors Downtown Leaders at Annual Meeting
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) hosted its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, at 60 State Street, marking 30 years since the organization’s founding and looking ahead to a new era of investment and growth in downtown Albany. The event, presented by Hudson Valley Credit Union, brought together Downtown stakeholders, elected officials, residents, and community members to reflect on the District’s history and discuss its future.
Two new members were also announced to the Downtown Albany BID Board of Directors: Class A Property Owner Pamela Howard, Executive Director of Historic Albany Foundation, Inc., and Class B Commercial Tenant Joe Slichko, Partner at Fort Orange General Store and Principal at Capital Region BOCES.
The program featured a panel discussion with leaders involved in Downtown’s ongoing development, including Ryan Jankow, President and Founder of Jankow Companies; Ruth Mahoney, Executive Vice President and President of Wealth Management at NBT Bank; Robert Schofield, Managing Partner at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP; and Patrick Toomey, Director of Business Development at NeoVista Hospitality Group.
The Annual Meeting also recognized individuals and businesses whose leadership, collaboration, and investment are helping shape downtown Albany’s future.
“It is my honor to celebrate Ruth Mahoney’s dedication to Downtown, having started her career in this city nearly 30 years ago—a recognition that is truly well deserved,” said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director for the Downtown Albany BID. “I’m also delighted to congratulate The Fort Orange General Store for receiving an award as a pivotal establishment in our District, and it was a pleasure to present it to Erica Cubello and Joe Slichko, two outstanding champions of Downtown since day one.”
Ruth Mahoney Receives 2026 Jim DiNapoli Award
Ruth Mahoney, Executive Vice President and President of Wealth Management at NBT Bank, received the 2026 James M. DiNapoli Award for her longstanding commitment to downtown Albany and leadership in advancing the Capital Region.
In 2025, NBT Bank opened its Eastern New York Regional Headquarters at 677 Broadway, relocating 40 employees from its Colonie office to a newly renovated floor of the Class A office building. Mahoney played a central role in the decision, which brought NBT employees into Downtown and created a modern, collaborative workplace in the heart of the city.
The move has since become a regional meeting destination for NBT employees across the company.
“What we've found is our employees use it from all over the NBT franchise,” Mahoney said. “It's become this great regional meeting spot for everybody. It's really exceeded our expectations.”
The move also represented a full-circle moment for NBT Bank, which helped finance the construction of 677 Broadway in the early 2000s.
Having spent more than three decades working in and around Albany, Mahoney has witnessed Downtown’s evolution firsthand. From her office overlooking Broadway, she sees the continued investment in the District, including Clinton Market Collective, the Olde English Downtown Dog Park, public art, and the Palace Theatre.
As co-chair of the Capital Region Economic Development Council, Mahoney continues to advocate for collaboration and investment throughout the region, including initiatives such as Governor Kathy Hochul’s Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative, which will provide downtown Albany with $200 in economic development.
“I've always believed that strong downtowns are essential for strong communities,” Mahoney said. “Downtown Albany serves as the economic, government, and cultural center of our region.”
Fort Orange General Store Receives 2026 Luminary Award
The Fort Orange General Store received the 2026 Downtown Luminary Award, recognizing owners Erica Cubello and Joe Slichko for their commitment to supporting fellow businesses, fostering community connections, and investing in downtown Albany.
Since taking over the store two years ago, Cubello and Slichko have expanded the shop’s selection of Albany-inspired merchandise while prioritizing products from local makers, artisans, and minority-owned businesses. They have also used storytelling to connect customers with Downtown through their podcast, Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, and Cubello’s social media series, Walk Albany With Us.
“We're just starting small and making changes that make sense where we can,” Cubello said. “I love this city for everything it is, and I just want to amplify what we have.”
Their commitment extends beyond the storefront. In 2025, Fort Orange General Store became the premier sponsor of the BID’s Downtown is Pawsome public art exhibit and has supported several other BID events. For the BID’s inaugural 518 Day Road Race and Celebration, Cubello custom-designed a Nipper mascot, as well as participated in the race, and Slichko donned the mascot uniform the day of the event — literally going the extra mile for their community.
The couple has also collaborated with neighboring businesses to strengthen South Broadway and promote the emerging “SoBro” identity.
"I see so much potential in our city, around every corner," Cubello said.
