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

National Grid New York president to speak at SUNY Oswego on Oct. 24
OSWEGO, N.Y. — Sally Librera, president of National Grid New York, will be the featured guest during SUNY Oswego’s second annual Sheldon Lecture on

Naturally Lewis names nominees for membership awards, seeks votes
LOWVILLE, N.Y. — Naturally Lewis has announced the nominees for its 2025 Naturally Lewis Membership Awards and is accepting votes from the public on them through Oct. 24. It’s a chance for community members to have their say and help recognize Naturally Lewis member businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community

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

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

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

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

Herkimer College names director of campus safety
HERKIMER, N.Y. — Herkimer County Community College recently announced it has appointed Michael J. Jory, of Herkimer, as its director of campus safety. Jory has served as chief of police at the Herkimer Police Department since January 2017. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing all police operations, personnel, and resources, setting departmental policies,

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

ConMed adds Bio-Techne CEO to board of directors
ConMed Corp. (NYSE: CNMD), a surgical-device maker originally based in the Mohawk Valley region, recently announced that Kim Kelderman joined its board of directors, effective Sept. 8. “My fellow directors and I are delighted to welcome Kim to the board,” LaVerne Council, chair of ConMed’s board, said in the announcement. “Kim brings extensive global leadership
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.