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

Solvay Bank sets sights on growth in the Mohawk Valley
SOLVAY — After more than 106 years of serving Central New York, Onondaga County–based Solvay Bank is pushing its reach further with its sights set on the Mohawk Valley. In late December, the banking company announced its commercial expansion into the Mohawk Valley and the hiring of Matt Nicholl as VP, commercial-loan officer, to serve […]

Student-run bank deepens Tioga State Bank’s community connections
SPENCER — Tioga State Bank’s (TSB) new student-run branch at Spencer-Van Etten High School in northwestern Tioga County does more than provide a convenient place for students, faculty, and staff to bank. It deepens the bank’s connection with the community it has served for 160 years and provides an opportunity for TSB to offer even

Visions FCU’s financial-readiness center opens at Syracuse University
Aims to help veteran, military-connected community SYRACUSE — Visions Federal Credit Union (FCU) says its financial-readiness center at Syracuse University’s National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) seeks to provide “support and guidance” for the university’s veteran and military-connected community. The resource for student veterans and military families is made possible by the collaboration between

Generations Bank, FHLBNY grants help five area nonprofits
SENECA FALLS — Five nonprofit organizations in Union Springs are using grant funding from Seneca Falls–based Generations Bank. The bank announced it secured $50,000 in grant money from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY). The five grant recipients are the Springport Free Library, Frontenac Historical Society, Western Cayuga County Food Pantry, Union
Watt reflects on time at NBT as he prepares for retirement
NORWICH — While the Jan. 22 announcement that NBT Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBTB) President/CEO John H. Watt, Jr. will retire this coming May might have caught some by surprise, it’s a decision Watt says he reached last year. What spurred the decision? “The bench!” he tells The Central New York Business Journal. “The strength of
People news: Security Mutual hires Kentch
ITHACA, N.Y. — Security Mutual Group recently announced the appointment of Samantha Kentch to the insurance company’s cancellations department. Prior to joining Security Mutual, she worked for two years at the Tompkins County Department of Social Services. Kentch is a graduate of Groton High School in Tompkins County and holds certifications in digital media and

Winter Fair with food, rides, music set for this weekend at the Fairgrounds Expo Center
GEDDES, N.Y. — Winter Fair 2024 is set for Friday, Feb. 2 through Sunday, Feb. 4, at the Expo Center at the New York State

Destiny USA, Syracuse police say Flock cameras are preventing, solving crime
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Destiny USA on Thursday said its license-plate reading (LPR) cameras have “proven to be a powerful tool in preventing and solving crime in the Syracuse community.” The announcement comes six months into its partnership with the Syracuse Police Department and Atlanta, Georgia–based Flock Safety Flock Safety cameras have scanned nearly 400,000 vehicles
Oneida County Tourism launches revamped beverage trail
UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County Tourism (OCT), the official tourism-promotion agency for Oneida County, has launched a refreshed, digital version of the Heart of NY Beverage Trail highlighting local wineries and breweries. The mobile, interactive trail — accessible on the OCT website — features 10 partners throughout the county. Those taking part in the year-long

Mackenzie Hughes elects new managing partner
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse–based law firm Mackenzie Hughes LLP announced it has elected a new managing partner. The firm elected attorney Richard Engel for the role. He succeeds attorney Anne Ruffer, who stepped down as managing partner on Dec. 31, after having served in the role for six years. As managing partner, Engel will oversee
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.