According to Inc., Dickerson created an ergonomic pillow that transforms a bed into a couch. Dickerson hopes to start selling the product, known as the Rylaxer, at colleges nationwide next year.

Sales of previously owned single-family homes in New York State plummeted nearly 40 percent in January from December.

SYRACUSE — Jon Denney has watched his management team at Avalon Document Services, Inc. grow to the point that he’s ready to focus on one of his life’s passions.

MANLIUS — Douglas St. Laurent is hoping his loyal customers are devoted enough that they’ll drive a few more miles to reach his business.

The owner of St. Laurent Framing has closed his Syracuse and Rochester locations and consolidated the two into the 1,600-square-foot Ironstone Gallery at 8188 Cazenovia Road (Route 92) in Manlius.

SYRACUSE — Samuel (Sam) Cosamano became interested in engineering while attending Whitesboro High School.

Now, more than 14 years after graduating from high school, Cosamano has launched his own consulting mechanical and electrical engineering firm called IPD: Engineering. IPD is short for integrated project delivery.

DeWITT — Collins White, president of Defenshield Inc., flew home to Syracuse in October 2001 noting the airports full of well-armed National Guard, state troopers, and local police — all wearing little body armor.

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"Accountability breeds response-ability."

- Stephen R. Covey

The importance of strategic planning is a frequent topic of this column because it's essential to business success. Especially in