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

Ask Rusty: I’d like to retire early, but don’t want my Social Security cut
Dear Rusty: I will turn 65 [soon] and my husband is age 72 (he retired in 2019 at age 66). I would like to retire and enjoy some time with him before he gets too much older. I do not want to have my Social Security (SS) benefits reduced by retiring earlier, but I don’t […]

VIEWPOINT: Why New York’s Health Premiums Keep Going Up
New Yorkers continue to face some of the costliest health-insurance premiums in the U.S., and the insurance industry’s recently finalized rate applications shed light on why that is. In summaries filed with the state regulators, insurers attributed their price hikes to rising costs — including state-specific factors, such as insurance taxes and coverage mandates, as

Tompkins Financial appoints CFO to its Central New York market board
ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins Financial Corp. (NYSE: TMP) recently announced that Matthew Tomazin, its executive VP, chief financial officer (CFO), and treasurer, has been appointed to its market-based board serving the Central New York region. His expertise will help ensure that Tompkins continues to effectively reach its regional clients and deepen its commitment to the

Oneida County budget proposal includes first property-tax increase in 13 years
UTICA, N.Y. — The proposed Oneida County budget includes a 2.9 percent increase in the property-tax levy, the first such increase in a county budget

Work on Adirondack Rail Trail, project at Tupper Lake rail station wraps up
Construction is complete on the third and final phase of the Adirondack Rail Trail, making the 34-mile, multi-use recreational corridor between Lake Placid and Tupper

F. M. Howell & Company names new CFO
ELMIRA, N.Y. — F. M. Howell & Company, an Elmira–based provider of packaging products and services, announced on Monday that it has appointed Michael P. Hosey as its new chief financial officer (CFO). He brings extensive experience in financial leadership and community engagement to the role. Hosey has served as the company’s interim director of

Cornell University using $5 million NIH grant to launch autism-research center
ITHACA, N.Y. — Investigators at Cornell University’s Ithaca campus and Weill Cornell Medicine will use a three-year, $5.1 million grant to launch an autism-research center.

Firley, Moran, Freer and Eassa names new managing partner
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Firley, Moran, Freer and Eassa CPA, P.C. (FMF&E), a Syracuse–based accounting and advisory firm, announced that it has appointed Andrea LaBarge as its new managing partner. She follows current Managing Partner Daniel Gilheney, who will transition to the role of senior advisor following 38 years of leadership and service at the CPA

SUNY Oswego professor selected for SUNY’s inaugural AI for the Public Good fellows program
OSWEGO, N.Y. — SUNY Oswego’s Mohammad Tajvarpour is one of 20 members in the inaugural class of SUNY’s AI for the Public Good fellows. Tajvarpour’s

New state law requires quick reporting of cybersecurity, ransomware incidents
ALBANY, N.Y. — A new state law is now effect that requires all municipal corporations and public authorities to report cybersecurity incidents within 72 hours and ransomware payments within 24 hours to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). Within 30 days of making a ransomware payment, the victim organization
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.