Marie J. French is reporting in the Albany Business Review that Hudson-based Columbia Memorial Health has finalized a broad affiliation agreement with Albany Medical Center. Albany Med is the second-largest health care provider in the Albany area and one of the area's largest private employers. The affiliation focuses on integrating care for patients who get services from both organizations, bringing care closer to patients and the efficient use of information technology. Columbia Memorial CEO and President Jay Cahalan said the arrangement provides both institutions with a greater ability to do long-range planning together. Both health care systems will maintain separate boards, executive leadership, medical staff and employees. The first joint meeting of the two boards will take place, Mon., Jan. 11. The partnership comes at a time when health care systems are facing increased pressure from government initiatives to reduce costs and improve quality of care. Read the full story in the Albany Business Review.