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First Niagara Financial Group (NASDAQ: FNFG) is planning a new focus on small-business banking. “It’s an untapped market for us,” First Niagara Retail Banking Director Scott Fisher says. “We were missing a slice of the market.” The Buffalo–based banking company added a new team of 40 bankers throughout its footprint who will focus on small […]

Rising prices are a concern though   Recent business-activity growth continued for New York manufacturers in March, according to a survey released March 15 by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. But increased input prices, driven by higher gas prices, emerged as a trouble spot. The Empire State Manufacturing Survey’s general business conditions index

SYRACUSE — The 10 semi-finalists for this year’s Creative Core Emerging Business Competition include startups working on everything from biorefinery technology to biometrics. The Central Upstate Regional Alliance announced the semi-finalists March 21. The competition seeks to honor the most innovative, growth-oriented company in the region. The winner of the contest’s $200,000 grant prize will

SALINA  —  Sustainable Office Solutions, LLC has moved under a bigger roof. A bigger, bright-green roof. In October, the furniture company moved its headquarters to suite 30 at 900 Old Liverpool Road in the town of Salina. The new location gives it 1,400 square feet of office space along with 16,000 square feet of warehouse

SYRACUSE  —  The organizers of the New York State Green Building Conference decided to build out the event’s educational offerings this year. “We’ve expanded the scope to now include two days of education regarding all different aspects of green building,” says Tracie Hall, executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council New York Upstate Chapter.

PULASKI — A new division of the Fulton Cos. is focusing on control systems for building energy systems.   Synex Controls was originally developing electronic-control systems meant to ensure that condensing boilers run efficiently and maintain comfortable indoor environments. Fulton, a manufacturer of boilers, started the division in January 2011. Soon after Synex began, customers

Business owners considering the construction of a new building or the substantial renovation of an existing structure should consider using green-building practices to capitalize on the economic incentives available.  While these incentive programs are not always well known or publicized, they can lead to substantial savings, both initially and throughout the life of the building. 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has recognized three home builders and three energy raters with awards for excellence in building New York Energy Star Homes during 2010 and 2011.  New York Energy Star Homes are new homes designed to consume less energy than the typical house built to New York