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

DFS adopts insurance guidance to combat discrimination in artificial intelligence
ALBANY — It was a step meant to protect consumers from unfair or unlawful discrimination by insurers using artificial intelligence (AI). The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), a financial regulatory agency, a few months ago adopted guidance focused on the topic. “New York has a strong track record of supporting responsible innovation […]

EBRI issues research findings on 401(k) plan account balances, allocations
Researchers with the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) on Aug. 27 reported their findings from an analysis of 401(k) plan participants drawn from the EBRI /ICI 401 (k) database. The analysis focused on the 2.1 million consistent participants in the database over the six-year period from year-end 2016 to year-end 2022, per the EBRI Issue

Recent grads connect with area job openings through CAI
SYRACUSE — The human-resources manager at American Food & Vending in Salina, calls the Career Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI) “an awesome initiative.” “We hired a graduate last year who is now a full-time employee of ours,” Ian Ballard said in a CenterState CEO announcement. “If it wasn’t for the Initiative, this is an individual who we

State pension fund posts nearly 1.4 percent return in fiscal quarter
ALBANY — The New York State Common Retirement Fund generated a return of 1.38 percent for the state fiscal first quarter ending June 30, 2024. That’s according to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who also reported that the fund closed the quarter with an estimated value of $267.7 billion, the same value as three

Workforce Development Board offers training program for renewable-energy jobs
UTICA, N.Y. — The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Oneida, and Madison Counties, Inc., recently announced its new Building Pathways to the Infrastructure Careers grant

Griffiss Institute names VP of intergovernmental affairs
ROME — The Griffiss Institute recently appointed Angela Wright as its new VP of intergovernmental affairs. The organization said this strategic addition to its team is part of its continued efforts to expand the VICEROY Scholars program. “Angela’s proven track record in government relations and advocacy will be invaluable as we strengthen our strategic partnerships

Utica University names VP for enrollment management
UTICA — Utica University recently appointed W. Eric Sykes as its new VP for enrollment management, following a comprehensive national search. “To land a remarkable thought-leader and practitioner in the enrollment management field such as Eric is a testament to his abilities as well as the opportunities Utica University presents,” Utica University President Todd Pfannestiel

Ask Rusty: For Advice on When to Claim Social Security
Dear Rusty: I could use some advice on whether or not I should start collecting my Social Security benefits now. I am 67 years and three months old, and plan to continue working for at least for the next year or two. Signed: Seeking Answers Dear Seeking Answers: Deciding when to claim Social Security is,
VIEWPOINT: N.Y. Enacts Statewide “Freelance Isn’t Free” Legislation
On Nov. 22, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law the “Freelance Isn’t Free Act,” which was amended on March 1, 2024. The Act is codified in Article 44-A of the New York General Business Law. Article 44-A of the General Business Law creates several protections for freelance workers retained as independent contractors. The Freelance

Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY completes fourth-floor expansion project
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York (RMHC of CNY) on Thursday announced the completion of its $1.1 million expansion of
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