Email News Updates

Business Mentors

Ask Rusty: Can I Get Survivor Benefits While Still Working?

Dear Rusty: I lost my wife several years ago and I qualified for Social Security spousal benefits. Unfortunately, because of my income, I have not been able to take advantage of this benefit. Read More
HISTORY FROM OHA: If It’s Hardware We Have It: The Burhans & Black Story

The history of Burhans & Black, Inc. dates back to 1874 when Henry Nehemiah Burhans’ sash, blind, and door company joined with Jerrold William Black’s hardware business to become Burhans, Black & Co. Read More
VIEWPOINT: The Impact of N.Y.’s New Pay-Transparency Law on Employers

On Dec. 21, 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the long-anticipated New York State pay-transparency bill into law. Read More
Ask Rusty: For Some Simple Guidance About Medicare

Dear Rusty: I’m nearing 68 years old, have never signed up for Medicare, but am thinking that I should look into it. I’m currently covered by my wife’s health insurance through her employer. Read More
VIEWPOINT: NLRB Restores Obama-Era Bargaining-Unit Test

On Dec. 14, 2022, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) issued a decision that (again) modifies its standard for bargaining-unit determination cases where a labor union seeks to represent a unit that contains some, but not all, of the job classifications at a particular workplace. Read More
CEO FOCUS: Evolving our Communications and Operational Teams to Support Members and Staff

I’ve [recently] highlighted shifts to our forward-facing work resulting from a strategic refresh process that has helped us redefine our goals, metrics, and the resources required to best meet the evolving needs of our members and the community. Read More
Ask Rusty: Will My Wife’s Benefit Change My Claiming Decision?

Dear Rusty: I’ll be 69 in April 2023, and my wife will be 59 [in about a month]. I’m still working and am trying to determine whether I should take Social Security at 69 or 70. Read More
VIEWPOINT: How Can Your Business Transform In An Uncertain Economy?

When you’re in a tough spot —personally or professionally —and not sure of where to go or what to do, you need to look within at your fear. Read More
Ask Rusty: How Do I Avoid Pitfalls & Get Maximum Social Security?

Dear Rusty: I turned 70 in June of this year and want to start receiving benefits. Read More

Business Calendar

CNYSME Headshots and Networking Event 4/6/2023 2:00 PM - 4/6/2023 7:00 PM Read More
APTD and CPTD Information Session 4/12/2023 12:00 PM - 4/12/2023 2:00 PM Read More
Greater Binghamton Chamber’s Connect Over Lunch 4/13/2023 11:45 AM - 4/13/2023 1:15 PM Read More

Opinion

OPINION: Upstate Business Survey Should Be a Call to Action for Albany New York’s business community has expressed deep concerns regarding the direction of the state and its financial outlook, but it does not appear businesses will be getting much relief anytime soon. Read More
OPINION: Our System Can’t Work Without Compromise If you’ve been paying attention to national news, you know that one of the big topics preoccupying Washington is a debate over lifting the debt ceiling. So, for that matter, is overhauling Social Security. Read More
OPINION: Presidents get blamed for recessions on their watch If anything has a knack of making presidents in otherwise commanding positions into one-term presidents, it is recessions of the U.S. economy. Read More

Business Mentors

Ask Rusty: How Do I Withdraw My Application for Social Security? Dear Rusty: I will be 67 [soon] and reached my full retirement age in July 2022. My wife and I are discussing whether we should take Social Security now or wait until we are age 70 to get a higher benefit. Read More
Ask Rusty: What’s the Best Way to Start Receiving My Survivor Benefit? Dear Rusty: When one becomes a widow/widower, what is the most efficient way to start receiving the deceased’s monthly Social Security. Read More
VIEWPOINT: NYS Pay-Transparency Law Amendments Signed into Law On March 3, 2023, a bill (https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2023/S1326) amending the New York State pay-transparency law was signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul. It reflects changes that the governor requested in exchange for her approval of the law in December 2022. Read More

People on the Move

Pinckney Hugo Group Pinckney Hugo Group, has hired ERIN BROWN as director of finance and accounting. Read More
NICHOLAS SCHNELLER KeyBank has promoted NICHOLAS SCHNELLER to VP and commercial relationship manager, focusing on servicing middle-market companies. Read More
DANIEL SAADA DANIEL SAADA, M.D. has joined the medical staffs of Geneva General Hospital and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital as an emergency-medicine physician. Read More