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

SUNY Poly expands graduate offerings with master’s degree in civil engineering
MARCY, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) this week said it’s starting a master of science (MS) degree program in civil engineering. It’s designed to “prepare the next generation of engineers with the advanced expertise and leadership skills required to address pressing infrastructure and sustainability challenges,” the university said. “The launch of SUNY Poly’s […]

Groundbreaking held for upcoming Mission Exchange Building in Syracuse, one of several DRI projects
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse on Thursday broke ground for construction of an $11.6 million mixed-use facility. The Mission Exchange Building

INSPYRE Innovation Hub is now open for entrepreneurs, the public to see
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The first in a series of monthly open-house events at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub (the expanded former Tech Garden) is set for Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. The 90-minute event allows those interested to “explore our startup services and programs and learn how we support entrepreneurs in Central [New York!],” per the

MVHS COO LeCates to assume CEO role later this month
UTICA, N.Y. — Dr. William LeCates, who has been serving as COO of the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) for the past 14 months, will become the system’s top executive on Oct. 20. The MVHS board of directors on Sept. 18 announced the appointment of LeCates, who will succeed Darlene Stromstad, who is retiring after

SNCC to use another Spectrum $25K gift for workforce-development program
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Northeast Community Center (SNCC) will use an additional $25,000 grant from Spectrum to further enhance its workforce-development program. The funding comes through the Spectrum Community Center Assist (SCCA) initiative. It’s part of Spectrum’s $30 million philanthropic initiative to revitalize local community centers and invest in job-training programs in rural and

SUNY Poly appoints director of NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence in Marcy
MARCY, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) has appointed Jim Staihar, assistant professor of business ethics, as the inaugural executive director of its NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence. SUNY Poly formally opened the NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence during a ceremony held on Sept. 19. “I am deeply honored to be named Executive Director

Utica to host the 2026 NYS Tourism Conference
UTICA, N.Y. — Utica will host the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference, presented by the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA). The event is set for April 22-24, 2026 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica, located at 200 Genesee St. in downtown Utica. It will welcome more than 200 tourism professionals from across

Gillibrand again pushes FAMILY Act for universal paid leave
The proposed Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) and other Democrats in Congress, would guarantee up to 12 weeks of partial income for workers who need to take leave for serious medical and family events. Paid medical and family leave is “especially helpful” for new parents and older

Former Durhamville Fire Dept. treasurer admits to $92K theft
DURHAMVILLE, N.Y. — Sentencing is set for Nov. 21 for the former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department in Oneida County, who recently pled guilty to stealing more than $92,000 from the fire department over a seven-year period. As part of the plea, Kimberly Simchik, 62, of Durhamville will pay restitution of just over $92,000

Barclay Damon forms practice handling pharmacy matters
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Barclay Damon, LLP says it has a multidisciplinary group of attorneys providing legal services across the pharmacy, pharmaceutical, and health-innovation industries. Its national pharmacy team builds on decades of experience advising retail, specialty, compounding, infusion, long-term care, and 340B pharmacies as well as wholesalers, manufacturers, investors, and startups into a nationally focused,
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