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

Agreement gives TC3 graduates a transfer path to Cornell CALS
DRYDEN, N.Y. — A new articulation agreement will provide graduates of TC3 in Dryden a direct-transfer path to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at nearby Cornell University. Amy Kremenek, president of Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3), and Benjamin Houlton, dean of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, participated in an Aug. […]

State awards Binghamton planning grant for study of Binghamton Plaza site
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Empire State Development has awarded the City of Binghamton a $75,000 grant for redevelopment planning at the Binghamton Plaza site under the
Broome County hotels post solid business gains in July
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Broome County hotels registered a slight rise in overnight guests in July, as two other benchmarks of business performance increased significantly more in the month. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county edged up 1.8 percent to 75.4 percent in the seventh month of 2025,

UTICA, N.Y. — Utica Royalties — a nonprofit empowering youth through arts, culture, and wellness — recently announced the appointment of Hawa Peters as its new executive director. “Peters, the visionary founder of the organization, returns with renewed purpose to lead a movement that uplifts young voices, supports families, and strengthens the community through creativity,
CNY jobless rates fall in July compared to a year ago
The unemployment rates in the Syracuse, Utica–Rome, Watertown–Fort Drum, Binghamton, Ithaca, and Elmira regions were all lower in July compared to the same month in 2024. The figures are part of the latest New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) unemployment data released on Aug. 19. Regional unemployment rates The jobless rate in the Syracuse

Picente calls Oneida County’s 5-year agricultural plan a bold step
UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County’s five-year agricultural strategic plan focuses on strengthening the region’s agricultural economy, protecting farmland, and expanding opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses across the county. “This plan is a bold step toward ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Oneida County’s economy and identity,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. contended in

Five Star Bank parent reports nearly 32 percent drop in Q2 net income
WARSAW, N.Y. — Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISI), parent company of Five Star Bank, recently reported net income of more than $17.5 million in the second quarter of this year, down 31.6 percent from $25.6 million in the second quarter of 2024. After preferred dividends, Financial Institutions’ net income available to common shareholders was almost

Former Vernon Center FD treasurer pleads guilty to stealing over $300,000
VERNON CENTER— A former treasurer for the Vernon Center Fire Department has pled guilty to stealing more than $300,000 from the department. Jonnell Rose, 52, pled guilty before Judge Michael Nolan in Oneida County Court to grand larceny in the second degree and will be sentenced on Oct. 28. That’s according to an Aug. 14
Community Foundation names two new trustees, slate of officers
UTICA — The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties recently announced two new board of trustees’ members and new officers. The two new members are Lydia Berez and Ryan Miller. Berez is a senior VP at Utica National Insurance Group, where she serves as general counsel and compliance officer. After beginning her legal career

NBT Bank names commercial banking regional manager for CNY
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — NBT Bank has appointed Luke Fagan as commercial banking regional manager for the Central New York region. Fagan is based at NBT’s Syracuse financial center in the Post Building in downtown Syracuse, the Norwich–based bank announced. He will be tasked with helping lead and grow the bank’s team of local commercial bankers.
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.