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

Community Bank System gets regulatory approval for Elmira Savings Bank acquisition
DeWITT, N.Y. — Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) on Friday announced that is has received regulatory approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller

Berkshire Bank names Morris regional president of New York region, including CNY
ALBANY, N.Y. — Berkshire Bank, a regional community bank with branches in New England and New York, recently appointed James J. Morris IV as its

NBT Bancorp hires Sparks as general counsel
NORWICH, N.Y. — NBT Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: NBTB) has hired M. Randolph (Randy) Sparks as executive VP and general counsel. In this position, Sparks will

New York manufacturing index surges back into positive territory in April
The Empire State Manufacturing Survey general business-conditions index soared in April, rising 36 points to 24.6, indicating a return to expansionary business conditions in the

Racker recognized as a certified living-wage employer in Tompkins County
ITHACA, N.Y. — Racker was recently certified as a “living wage employer” by the Tompkins County Workers’ Center. The living wage in Tompkins County is

NBT names successor to retiring CNY Regional President Shirtz
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The man who has been serving as Mohawk Valley regional president for NBT Bank is preparing for additional duties. David Kavney will succeed Richard Shirtz as the Central New York regional president following the March 31 announcement that Shirtz is transitioning toward retirement. Kavney will also maintain his role leading the Mohawk

SBA makes changes to Community Advantage pilot program
The Biden-Harris Administration on March 30 announced what it called “impactful reforms” to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Community Advantage pilot program. The changes seek to prioritize “equitable access to capital for low-income borrowers and those from underserved communities,” the SBA said. Vice President Kamala Harris and SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the reforms. Changes announced

People news: LoCicero joins Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union
GENEVA, N.Y. — Kevin M. LoCicero has joined the loan department at Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union as its VP/lending manager. In this role, LoCicero

AmeriCU’s Gwak appointed to Leadership Greater Syracuse board of directors
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Jin Gwak, AmeriCU Credit Union’s chief digital & information officer, recently joined the board for Leadership Greater Syracuse (LGS), a nonprofit organization that offers a yearlong civic-leadership training program. Gwak, who was a member of the LGS Class of 2015, joined the credit union in 2013. In her role as chief digital

New York state manufacturing activity contracted in March
Empire State index fell to lowest level since early in pandemic The Empire State Manufacturing survey general business-conditions index declined nearly 15 points in March to -11.8, reaching its lowest level since early in the COVID-19 pandemic. The index — the monthly gauge on New York’s manufacturing sector — had moved back into positive
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.