Second flyover ramp along I-481 in Cicero is now open

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CICERO, N.Y. — A second flyover ramp connecting Interstate 481 (I-481) northbound (future I-81) to State Route 481 northbound in Cicero opened in time for

A.O. Fox Hospital opens new universal inpatient care unit

Southern Tier, Construction, Design & Real Estate, Health Care, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

ONEONTA, N.Y. — Bassett Healthcare Network’s A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta opened a new eight-bed universal inpatient care unit on Tuesday, July 1 to serve

NYS awards Tompkins County $1 million grant for project at SouthWorks Ithaca

Southern Tier, Construction, Design & Real Estate, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Featured, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Nonprofits, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism

ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins County will use a $1 million state grant to support infrastructure construction for The Woods, the first phase of the SouthWorks

Oneida County hotel occupancy, room revenue jump double digits in May

Subscriber Only, Construction, Design & Real Estate, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County hotels registered a strong month of business in May, posting increases in overnight guests and room revenue that each exceeded

Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown campaign is now in its 11th year

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Small Business, Subscriber Only

Harvey Skeele ON Farm Fest set for Sept. 20 SYRACUSE — It’s a campaign that seeks to encourage the public to choose food and products grown in Onondaga County by more than 570 farm families. The 11th year of the “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown.”

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Harvey Skeele ON Farm Fest set for Sept. 20

SYRACUSE — It’s a campaign that seeks to encourage the public to choose food and products grown in Onondaga County by more than 570 farm families.

The 11th year of the “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown.” campaign is now underway.

The Onondaga County Agriculture Council launched the campaign at the June 26 farmers market at the CNY Regional Market at 2000 Park St. in Syracuse.

The council also used the event to announce 10 host farms for the 9th annual Harvey Skeele ON Farm Fest, which will take place on Sept. 20.

This year’s host farms include Anyela’s Vineyards, Tre-G Farms, Albanese Longhorns, Emmi Farms, Brady Farm, Sunshine Horses, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch, Palladino Farms Heritage Hill Brewhouse & Kitchen, Dutch Hill Maple, Navarino Orchard, Rocking Horse Farm, according to the ON Farm Fest page of the Onondaga Grown website.

The county’s Agriculture Council chose to launch the Onondaga Grown campaign at the CNY Regional Market to highlight the fact that shoppers can access freshly harvested food from dozens of local farms — “all in one convenient location,” per an announcement from Onondaga County.

“This year’s been a challenging year for farms already with the very cool and wet spring we had. It creates a whole … list of challenges,” Onondaga County Legislator David Knapp, who also chairs the Onondaga County Agricultural Council, said in his remarks at the June 26 event. “Our farms persevere and get it done, even when the weather turns [hotter] and we’re in over a hundred degrees feel-like temperature … We were bailing hay on Tuesday.”

The “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown.” campaign educates the community on the health and economic benefits of purchasing in-season produce and other local products. Through radio and TV commercials, social-media posts, and signage, the campaign also highlights specific producers from within Onondaga County.

All local retailers — from restaurants to grocers, farm stores to markets — who offer agricultural products grown in Onondaga County are invited to participate in the Onondaga Grown campaign by requesting a free media kit containing posters, window clings for entryways, and sheets of stickers for Onondaga Grown products, giving consumers an “easy way to identify and purchase” those products.

“Buying local not only means fresher, tastier, more nutritious food for our families, but it also helps build stronger connections with our local family farms,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said in the county’s announcement on the topic. “Those relationships between farmer and consumer are further strengthened thanks to our popular ON Farm Fest event! This fun and informative day of agritourism is completely free and we are incredibly proud to offer this unique experience each year … I want to thank everyone who helps make this campaign and ON Farm fest possible.”

ESF capital campaign gets key gifts from Hueber-Breuer, alumni

Education & Training, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — A Syracuse construction company and two graduates have made major donations to the largest fundraising initiative in the history of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., Inc. of Syracuse has pledged $250,000 to the Campaign for ESF, while two 1979 graduates Jesse and Betsy Fink plan to

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Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., Inc. of Syracuse has pledged $250,000 to the Campaign for ESF, while two 1979 graduates Jesse and Betsy Fink plan to donate $2 million to the $40 million Campaign for ESF.

Hueber-Breuer

The Hueber-Breuer donation will support ESF initiatives that include unrestricted scholarships; the Timbuctoo Program, which is committed to increasing awareness, access, and opportunity in environmental fields for high school-aged youth from “systemically marginalized” communities; the construction-management degree program; and conservation efforts on the Onondaga Lake watershed.

Hueber-Breuer’s donation continues its longstanding partnership with ESF, the college said in its announcement.

Founded in 1872, Hueber-Breuer is a sixth-generation, family-owned firm that offers services in construction management, design-build, and general contracting services across the region.

Speaking at the campaign launch, Andy Breuer, president of Hueber-Breuer and a member of the ESF College Foundation board of directors, emphasized the importance of investing in ESF’s mission.

“ESF has relevance on both a global and local scale. I know that when we support ESF, we’re investing in passionate young people who are engaged in the fight against climate change and other global environmental issues,” Breuer said. “We’re also investing in a practical, well-equipped workforce — as evidenced by the outstanding ESF graduates who work for Hueber-Breuer. For me, ESF represents legacy, practicality, relevance, problem solving, value, and opportunity.”

The donation comes as ESF embarks on its $40 million Campaign for ESF, which aims to expand student access, enhance campus-learning environments, and advance critical research, the college said.

Fink donation

ESF describes Jesse and Betsy Fink as “longtime champions of environmental innovation and education,” per the school’s announcement.

The Finks have doubled their investment in the Betsy and Jesse Fink Career Development Program and expanded their support for two “cornerstone” initiatives at ESF: the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment (CNPE) and the Restoration Science Center (RSC).

“Private donations are more important now than ever before and we are very grateful to Jesse and Betsy,” ESF President Joanie Mahoney said in the announcement. “The Finks are helping to ensure that ESF has the resources it needs to continue our groundbreaking research and prepare our students to be the environmental leaders of tomorrow.”

Systemic investing

The Finks’ gift reflects their commitment to “systemic investing,” a philanthropic approach that seeks to “transform the underlying systems that drive environmental challenges,” the school said. Their foundation, the Betsy and Jesse Fink Family Foundation, supports organizations and leaders working toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

“Supporting ESF is really important to us because it formed who we are and gave us a foundation for our environmental work,” Jesse Fink said in the school’s announcement.

Founded in 2018, the Betsy and Jesse Fink Career Development Program helps ESF students secure internships and fellowships, covering travel and other related expenses.

Jesse Fink says he’s grateful to ESF for helping launch his career.

“The career development team played a big role in getting me my first job … As a result, I personally want to do everything we can to help students get an internship or fellowship,” he added.

Betsy Fink’s undergraduate studies in forest ecology and restoration “nurtured a deep commitment” to biodiversity and sustainability,” ESF said. She’s been particularly inspired by the work of the CNPE’s founding director and 1975 graduate Robin Wall Kimmerer.

“Storytelling is a powerful tool for helping people understand and care about how we use and relate to the natural world, and few have done this more powerfully than Robin, whose work inspires more thoughtful and respectful stewardship of our shared resources,” Betsy Fink said in the ESF announcement.

United Way of the Mohawk Valley launches new strategic plan

Nonprofits, Mohawk Valley, Small Business, Subscriber Only

UTICA — United Way of the Mohawk Valley recently unveiled a new strategic plan that will guide the nonprofit organization as it works to help the community over the next two years. It was time, says CEO/Executive Director Susan Litera, who has been in the role for about 18 months. The needs of the community

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UTICA — United Way of the Mohawk Valley recently unveiled a new strategic plan that will guide the nonprofit organization as it works to help the community over the next two years.

It was time, says CEO/Executive Director Susan Litera, who has been in the role for about 18 months. The needs of the community have changed in recent years, and the United Way’s strategic plan needed to better align with those needs.

“Before we really launched into it, my team and I spent a lot of time pulling data and analyzing it,” Litera says. The organization also polled the community, members, partners, and other agencies “to make sure the work we going to do makes the most sense for the community.”

After pouring through all that data, the community’s needs became apparent, she says. “There weren’t a ton of surprises, but it was tough to see.”

Food and housing insecurity are among the top issues the community faces, and those numbers have increased dramatically in recent years, Litera says. “Transportation is another one.”

Those needs all fall into three impact areas the United Way of the Mohawk Valley outlined in the plan — health and wellness, economic stability, and community responsiveness.

Through health and wellness outreach, the United Way works to support people with complex needs and those who struggle to afford basic needs. Under economic stability, the United Way is working to strengthen and broaden its revenue streams to address issues including housing, employment, transportation, and education. Finally, under community responsiveness, the United Way works with community partners to develop a comprehensive response system that supports the community during critical and urgent needs.

“We’ve got a plan, we’ve got a mission, and now we just execute,” Litera says. The organization supports one out of every three people in Herkimer and Oneida counties in some way.

The new plan recently came into play after two tornadoes struck Oneida County in late June. The United Way’s plan calls for a proactive emergency response plan – formulated after last July’s tornado that struck downtown Rome. Rather than reactively work to raise funds after a disaster strikes, the new plan incorporates a disaster relief fund, and the United Way was able to utilize that fund after the June tornadoes to support clean-up and other efforts.

The new strategic plan also trends heavily toward collaboration and working in partnership with other community organizations, Litera notes. “Everything is centered on and based around collaboration,” she says. “Even agencies doing similar work have gaps.”

Working together with other agencies helps ensure wraparound care that helps people with long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes, Litera says.

The United Way of the Mohawk Valley is also shifting its fundraising and gifting model as the agency finds itself doing more direct support along with its traditional grants to other organizations. Working collaboratively with other agencies also helps increase the odds of obtaining funding, she adds.

The United Way of the Mohawk Valley has served the area since 1921.

Project review, local awards highlight Operation Oswego County’s annual meeting

Small Business, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — Operation Oswego County (OOC) used its recent annual meeting to highlight area projects it views as “transformative.” The projects included ConnextCare’s $11.8 million new facility in downtown Oswego; NET & Die’s $6.7 million renovation of a former retail space in Fulton; and the $8.5 million revitalization of the historic Old City Hall into

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OSWEGO — Operation Oswego County (OOC) used its recent annual meeting to highlight area projects it views as “transformative.”

The projects included ConnextCare’s $11.8 million new facility in downtown Oswego; NET & Die’s $6.7 million renovation of a former retail space in Fulton; and the $8.5 million revitalization of the historic Old City Hall into a brewery and apartments, along with the $1.5 million Foundry project.

In addition, OOC and the County of Oswego IDA (COIDA) in 2024 helped with projects that resulted in the creation or retention of 605 jobs and more than $165 million in capital investment, supporting 53 new, expanded, or retained facilities. The projects were located throughout Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton, along with the villages of Parish, Phoenix, and Pulaski, and eight towns as well.

Austin Wheelock, executive director of Operation Oswego County, shared the information as OOC held its 73rd annual meeting on June 19 at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego. Peter Cullinan, president of the OOC board of directors, welcomed 170 representatives of businesses, government, education, labor, and other community organizations to the meeting.

Peter Nwosu, president of SUNY Oswego, was the event’s keynote speaker and joined OOC Executive Director Austin Wheelock for a fireside chat on education and workforce development. They discussed SUNY Oswego’s Vision 4040 Plan, how the college is aligning with evolving workforce demands, and its role in supporting Micron Technology Inc.’s (NASDAQ: MU) investment in Central New York.

Awards

OOC also recognized three business organizations, a successful entrepreneur, and a long-standing, economic-development advocate for their contributions to economic development and job creation in Oswego County.

The Ally Award for 2025 was presented to the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce in recognition and appreciation of the vision, commitment, and leadership it provides to support local businesses.

The Business Excellence Award for 2025 was given to Sorbello and Sons Farms for demonstrating leadership and commitment in operating and retaining Sorbello and Sons Farms in Oswego County.

The 2025 Jobs Award was presented to Oswego Industries for its contribution and impact on the Oswego County economy by providing contract textile manufacturing and other specialty services in the city of Fulton.

Scott Antonacci received OOC’s 2025 Dee Heckethorn Entrepreneur Award in recognition and appreciation of exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and dedication for starting multiple advanced manufacturing and prototyping businesses in the town of Schroeppel.

OOC also honored Ron Tascarella with the 2025 Martin Rose Economic Developer Merit Award for his record of leadership, expertise, support, and commitment to and his efforts to “enhance the economic vitality” of Oswego County’s businesses, industries, communities, and citizens.

Tascarella, who worked in the local banking industry for more than four decades, most recently worked as the executive VP and chief lending officer at Pathfinder Bank for 18 years. He helped the bank grow its loan portfolio by hundreds of millions within Oswego County, OOC said.

Semifinalists chosen for 2025 Genius NY accelerator

Manufacturing & Engineering, Small Business, Subscriber Only, Technology

SYRACUSE — The Genius NY program in downtown Syracuse is moving forward with 11 semifinalists for this year’s competition. They include five companies from the U.S., five from Europe, and one from South America. Genius NY, operated by CenterState CEO, is the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems and robotics. The in-residence

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SYRACUSE — The Genius NY program in downtown Syracuse is moving forward with 11 semifinalists for this year’s competition.

They include five companies from the U.S., five from Europe, and one from South America.

Genius NY, operated by CenterState CEO, is the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems and robotics. The in-residence program invests more than $3 million in five finalist companies annually, including a $1 million grand prize awarded at a pitch finals event.

Genius NY is short for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York.

The semifinalists will now compete to see which five are selected for the one-year accelerator based at CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub in downtown Syracuse. Finalists will be announced in August, and then finalist teams will relocate to Central New York in early September.

Finalists will go on to pitch to a panel of judges and live audience during Innovation Night in spring 2026. Formerly in the fall after teams arrive in Central New York, Innovation Night’s new spring event allows teams more time to develop their business and become rooted in the community.

“This round saw record interest from U.S. and international startups, a testament to not only the program’s success and impact, but it’s growing value and competitiveness,” Kara Jones, director of Genius NY, said in the announcement. “We’re also seeing more applicants in the validation stage, indicating a strong pipeline of companies ready for market entry and growth, and over 43% of this round’s applicants identify as Minority, Veteran and/or Women-owned Business Enterprises, reflecting the program’s ongoing commitment to inclusive innovation. We’re excited to see which semifinalists emerge as our top five for this year’s cohort.”

A team of more than 50 evaluators reviewed 91 applications for semifinalist selection. More than half of applicants came from U.S. based companies and 60 percent identified as being in the “validation” phase, indicating a strong pipeline of companies ready for market entry and growth.

Semifinalists will pitch their technologies and business plans to a panel of executive advisers. The advisers are looking for companies that will stay in the Central New York area, participate in and contribute to the region’s growing UAS ecosystem, will scale and be successful, and represent diversity of technology focus and team makeup.

Finalists will be announced in August, and then finalist teams will relocate to Central New York in early September.

Semifinalist companies, locations

The semifinalist companies include Alerion of Gipuzkoa, Spain, a firm that’s described as creators of the world’s first drone that’s certified to safely operate in explosive environments, such as oil and gas facilities.

Cyphra Autonomy of Fenton, Missouri, which designs autonomous robots that move materials around construction sites, built for easy use by everyday workers.

Danu Robotics of Edinburgh, Scotland, which develops artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robots that sort recycling materials quickly and accurately, helping waste facilities boost efficiency and reduce costs.

Flox of Stockholm, Sweden transforms drones into AI-powered wildlife management tools to prevent bird strikes and protect critical infrastructure.

IONA of London, England is described as providing a “complete drone delivery solution” —including aircraft, software and services — to help logistics companies scale operations.

Kookiejar of Ostergotland, Sweden provides Vertiport-as-a-Service, a remote monitoring and coordination platform for helipads and next-generation air mobility hubs.

Larmarr AI of New York City uses drones and AI to inspect building exteriors, “delivering faster, more affordable, and more accurate data than traditional methods,” per the announcement.

Lighthouse Avionics of Hilliard, Ohio offers low-cost radar systems to monitor low-altitude airspace for drone threats, bird strikes and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance needs.

Modovolo of New York City is a drone company building low-cost, modular aircraft with extended flight times, designed for a wide range of commercial and defense uses.

Skyfire AI deploys autonomous drone swarms and AI to improve response times and situational awareness for first responders and defense teams.

Vetkiosk of Neuquen, Argentina A robotic feeder system that delivers individualized nutrition and medication to livestock, improving animal health and farm efficiency.

Hochul signs bill to strengthen cybersecurity in NY municipalities

Law, Accounting & Taxes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Regional News, Southern Tier, Subscriber Only, Technology

ALBANY — A new state law is aimed at “enhancing the cybersecurity and resilience” of state and local-government networks across New York. First announced in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State, this legislation will improve the state’s ability to respond to threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and reduce statewide cybersecurity risks, Hochul’s office contended

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ALBANY — A new state law is aimed at “enhancing the cybersecurity and resilience” of state and local-government networks across New York.

First announced in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State, this legislation will improve the state’s ability to respond to threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and reduce statewide cybersecurity risks, Hochul’s office contended in a June 27 announcement.

Hochul signed the bill and made the announcement that day, following a meeting with city, county, town and village officials from across the state to discuss current security efforts in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“My top priority as Governor is the security and safety of all New Yorkers, and with this legislation we’re strengthening our ability to respond to and ultimately prevent cyber threats all across our state,” Hochul said. “As global conflicts escalate and cyber threats evolve, so must our response, and we are taking a whole of government approach in doing so. Requiring timely incident reporting and providing annual cybersecurity training for government employees will build a stronger digital shield for every community across the State and ensure they get the support they need when it matters most.”

The legislation mandates that all municipal corporations and public authorities promptly report cybersecurity incidents and ransom payments to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), fortifying the statewide defense against digital threats, per Hochul’s office.

Under the new law, municipalities and public authorities are required to report cybersecurity incidents within 72 hours to DHSES and provide notice of payment of a ransom within 24 hours. The legislation also mandates annual cybersecurity-awareness training for government employees across New York and sets data-protection standards for state-maintained information systems.

“The cyber threats that municipalities face have never been more numerous, more sophisticated, or more dangerous, and coordinated whole-of-government information sharing is more important than ever to tackle these threats,” Colin Ahern, New York State chief cyber officer, said in the announcement. “This legislation will enable New York State to build situational awareness of statewide cyber threat activity and create a comprehensive threat picture that can protect all New Yorkers. Ensuring that state and local government employees complete annual cybersecurity awareness training adds another line of cyber defense and empowers government employees statewide to recognize and respond to cyber threats.”

State and local governments are on the front lines of a growing wave of cyberattacks that threaten essential services and public data. As attackers become more sophisticated and aggressive, municipalities face “mounting risks with limited support and rapidly evolving threats,” Hochul’s office said.

Recent ransomware incidents across the country have underscored the urgent need for coordinated, statewide action to help local agencies respond swiftly and protect the communities they serve. The 72-hour reporting requirement will give New York State critical visibility into threats, allowing for faster response, better coordination and damage limitation, the state contends.

“The enactment of this legislation marks a critical step forward in strengthening our collective defense against digital threats to the State and its local governments,” Barbara Van Epps, executive director of the New York State Conference of Mayors, said in the announcement. “By requiring prompt incident reporting, ransomware disclosures and annual cybersecurity training, the Governor is sending a clear message: cybersecurity is not just an IT issue — it’s a core public safety priority that demands coordination, vigilance and shared responsibility.”

“Almost everything that counties and local governments do today rely on some type of information technology system, and we know that these systems are under threat,” Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties said. “This new law is designed to raise the baseline of understanding of cybersecurity for all local leaders and employees so we can all better defend the information systems and data we all rely on to operate government and serve residents.”

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