Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.

Tioga Downs formally opens new hotel in Nichols
NICHOLS, N.Y. — Tioga Downs has formally opened the new hotel at its racing, casino gaming, and entertainment complex in Nichols in Tioga County. Lt.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University will use a donation of $3.5 million for “significant” renovations to Archbold Gymnasium. The improvements will include the creation of
Greater Utica Chamber names 15 finalists for 2017 Business of the Year Awards
UTICA, N.Y. — The Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce has announced the 15 finalists for its 2017 Business of the Year Awards. The organization will

Schumer pushes bill to restore cuts to Teamsters’ pensions
SYRACUSE — U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) on Nov. 22 told members of Teamsters Local 317 that he’s working to get a bill

AAA report forecasting highest year-end pump prices since 2014
AAA is predicting drivers won’t find “significant” holiday savings at the gas pump this December. Even though AAA expects gas prices to decline between now

Companies hear about 10 suggestions for improving profitability
DeWITT — Business owners should establish an effective business-planning process, prepare a detailed sales and marketing plan, and improve their supply-chain management. These three recommendations
Grant Thornton offers 10 year-end tax-planning tips in an uncertain tax environment
As 2017 nears its end, an uncertain tax and legislative environment means that year-end tax planning could be more important than usual. The possibility of

Syracuse airport offers holiday travel tips
SYRACUSE — People flying from Syracuse Hancock International Airport during the busy holiday season should prepare for “increased” passenger volume, newly implemented Transportation Security Administration

CCBLaw, Wood & Smith to combine in merger of health-care focused firms
SYRACUSE — The Syracuse–based law firms Cohen Compagni Beckman Appler & Knoll, PLLC (CCBLaw) and Wood & Smith P.C., which both focus on health-care law,

SUNY chancellor, OCC president discuss Excelsior-scholarship program
The office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo describes the Excelsior scholarship as providing tuition-free college at New York’s public colleges and universities to families making up