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

Val Bialas Ski Center in Utica breaks ground on a snowmaking project
UTICA, N.Y. — The City of Utica is embarking on a $2 million renovation project at the Val Bialas Ski Center. New York State Assemblywoman

Small Business Saturday, Christmas & Crafts are set for the holiday weekend
With the holiday shopping season underway, the annual Small Business Saturday is set for this Saturday, Nov. 29, and Christmas & Crafts is scheduled Friday

Organizations in Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton to receive funding for homeless housing
ALBANY, N.Y. — The Rescue Mission in Syracuse, People First in Utica, and Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc. are among the organizations awarded

Five woman-owned businesses in Oneida, Herkimer counties each win $5K in grant funding
ROME, N.Y. — Five woman-owned businesses in Herkimer and Oneida Counties were each awarded $5,000 to support the growth and development of their businesses. The

WNY health insurer affiliates with MVP Health Care
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A Western New York health plan is affiliating with Schenectady–based MVP Health Care. Independent Health will join MVP’s family of companies, subject to regulatory approvals. The boards of directors of both organizations unanimously approved the transaction, per MVP’s Nov. 18 announcement. Neither health insurer released financial terms of their agreement. In their

DEC announces land acquisition to preserve more than 3,300 acres in Herkimer County
SALISBURY, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Oct. 22 announced the acquisition of 3,387 acres of forest and wetlands located in the towns of Salisbury and Norway in Herkimer County. The parcel, purchased from the Open Space Institute (OSI), will be managed for forest products, expanded recreational access, protection
Oneida County hotel business benchmarks improve in October
UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County hotels posted an increase in a trio of key indicators of business performance in October. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold

Utica First Insurance Company readies for leadership transition
UTICA, N.Y. — Utica First Insurance Company will have a new president and CEO when the calendar turns to 2026. Ryan Fleming will succeed retiring president and CEO Scott Shatraw. The firm announced Fleming’s appointment on Sept. 16. Fleming joined Utica First Insurance in 2024 as VP of marketing and agencies and has “demonstrated his

UTICA, N.Y. — The City of Utica is seeking state funding for downtown-improvement projects from two New York programs focusing on such projects. The city

Point Place Casino formally opens new hotel, restaurant, event space
SULLIVAN, N.Y. — The Oneida Indian Nation on Monday formally opened the newly expanded Point Place Casino Hotel in the Bridgeport area of the town
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.