Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
VIEWPOINT: OFCCP Issues Updated Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) approved the use of a revised voluntary self-identification of disability form (Form CC-305) on April 25. The recently released form includes updated language and additional examples of disabilities. Federal contractors and subcontractors have until July 25, 2023, to implement the new form into their applicant and employee […]
Ask Rusty: How Much Can I Earn in my First Year on Social Security?
Dear Rusty: My 62nd birthday is in late August of this year. I would like to start collecting Social Security, but after reading about the need to keep my earnings less than $21,240 in the first year it doesn’t seem fair to those who have birthdays later in the year. I will have earned a

HISTORY FROM OHA: A Brief History of Allen Tool Corp. and Allen Tool Phoenix
Charles Thomas Allen was born in Syracuse on Jan. 26, 1887. His British father died when Allen was just an infant. Allen’s mother, Minnie Newman Allen, raised in Pompey, brought up her young son in Syracuse. Mrs. Allen would later marry Henry Keene and become a stepmother to Keene’s son, Leon Henry Keene. Charles Allen
VIEWPOINT: It’s not about growing old; it’s about how you grow old
More Americans than ever are growing older and healthier these days. Consider the fact that, on average, we were lucky if we lived past 47 years of age at the beginning of the 20th century. Yet nowadays most men and women in the U.S. can look forward to celebrating birthdays well into their 70s. In
VIEWPOINT: Get Creative in Three Areas to Win the Battle for Talent
The Federal Reserve’s March edition of the “Beige Book” provided a summary of an economy that is improving in many ways but continues to present challenges. Unemployment rates continue to fall, creating unprecedented, widespread workforce shortages. Inflation remains high, creating additional financial burdens and upward wage pressures as employees struggle to pay more for everything. The Fed’s specific
VIEWPOINT: Planning a Benevolent Business Exit
If you’re a business owner, at some point you may begin thinking about an exit strategy. Sometimes that strategy presents itself in the form of an unplanned, unsolicited buyer. Before you engage any potential acquirers, you might want to explore the benefits of contributing an ownership interest in your business to a donor-advised fund or
VIEWPOINT: Supporting woman-owned small businesses is good for the economy
Women entrepreneurs are vital for worldwide economic recovery. In 2021, more than 40 percent of entrepreneurs offering innovative products in the U.S. were women, and women entrepreneurs were 84 percent more likely than men to utilize new technology in their early-stage startups. Studies have shown that if women participated in entrepreneurship at the same rate
VIEWPOINT: I think I have a problem … with problems
I see them everywhere I look — in the news, on television talk shows, and even in academia, where most of us were likely the beneficiary of many years of problem-solving practice. Math tests asked us to solve countless problems: find the value of X in a complicated algebra passage, for example. We learned the
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. I remember reading that you can start Social Security and, if not needed, pay
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. Signed: Still Grieving Dear Still Grieving: There is really only one way to start receiving surviving spouse benefits — you must contact Social Security (SS) directly to apply. You can call (800) 772-1213 or
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.