AIS wins nearly $50M Air Force contract

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ROME, N.Y. — Assured Information Security Inc. (AIS) has been awarded a $49.9 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for the Dauntless Cyber Platform/Prototype. The pact is for research, development, integration, testing, evaluation, and transition of new and emerging technologies that improve mission coordination, advance the capabilities of cyberspace operations in an array of […]

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Murphy takes charge of fundraising efforts at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute

Health Care, Nonprofits, Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

UTICA, N.Y. — John Murphy of Clinton recently took over as director of development and donor relations at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI), the Institute announced. Murphy was previously director of milestone reunions for Hamilton College, where he had secured nearly $10 million in gifts and pledges for the college’s current campaign, and more than

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Berkshire Bank’s parent company to pay quarterly dividend on March 30

Banks & Credit Unions, Regional News, Subscriber Only

The board of directors of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB), parent of Berkshire Bank, recently approved a quarterly cash dividend of 12 cents per common share. The dividend will be payable on March 30, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 23. At Berkshire Hills Bancorp’s current stock price, the

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Carrols Restaurant Group announces inducement grant of shares to new COO

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAST) on March 12 revealed that it granted 250,000 restricted shares of the company’s common stock as a “material inducement” for its new chief operating officer (COO) to come aboard on Feb. 15. The award will vest in roughly one-third increments on the first, second, and third anniversaries

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EVOKE: Creativity shows education & creative expression

Business Mentors, Health Care, Small Business, Subscriber Only

MARCELLUS — In late November 2020 Chelsea Lembo, a former public elementary-school teacher and certified educator with a specialty in arts-integrated learning, was organized and ready to make an impact. She had already established an entity (LLC) for her startup and had a space secured in Marcellus where she could provide students with creative workshops.

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Before the 2020 pandemic, Lembo had planned to start her business exclusively as a creative-based learning experience. After COVID hit, she decided to pivot her business plan by assessing the immediate needs of her target customer base. Chelsea — who has a master’s degree in elementary education and creative arts in learning from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts — knew that she could give stressed working parents a safe place for their children to go and learn during the day. Her expertise and experience (https://www.evoke-creativity.com/mslembo) allowed her to assist full-time home-schooled and hybrid students with their remote learning, while still offering her creative classes after the kids finish their academics.

While Lembo was originally referred to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Onondaga Community College (OCC) for help with her market research she stated, “I chose to keep working with them because the communication was excellent, and I feel that my advisor (Keyona Kelly) really listens to what I need and helps me to develop a plan for success by providing support and guidance as I navigate my business venture Having an ally who has the best interests of my business in mind, who can coach me on aspects of the business world as I learn to navigate it, has been an enormous asset.” And with the help of the SBDC, Lembo was able to open the doors of EVOKE: Creativity’s Learner’s Lounge on West Main Street in Marcellus, on Jan. 4.

EVOKE: Creativity’s Learner’s Lounge programming provides daytime childcare for K-6 homeschool learners or hybrid students to attend on their remote-learning days. It provides a structured learning environment to help students stay on track with their education. Participants of this program receive support with organizational skills, time management, and academic content. Both brain science and the growth mindset are used as a lens to discuss the learning process, helping children build confidence and grit.

The Learner’s Lounge program also connects the child’s teachers and parents with another educator, expanding the support system for the learners who attend. The gratitude for this special program can be easily found online, with various quotes like these: “Chelsea makes learning fun! The learning lounge is warm and inspiring,” “Our daughter never wants to leave!” and, “Chelsea Lembo has started a business where teacher dreams come true and, during COVID times, work from home parent dreams come true as she supports students doing virtual learning.”

The Learner’s Lounge offers youth in the community a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters creativity, as well the space and time for the grown-ups who care for them to focus on their other responsibilities.

Business is going well for this much-needed resource; in fact it is going so well that Chelsea Lembo has announced an expansion of EVOKE: Creativity’s programming and space will be coming this May 2021. The two pillars of EVOKE: Creativity’s foundations are education and creative expression. The physical expansion of the space will serve as a type of “Artist’s Office,” or studio, where creatives can come together to work on their own projects and collaborate with others. It will also serve as studio space for learners to produce creative projects when participating in the educational and enrichment programming offered through EVOKE: Creativity.

The added network of artists involved with the expanded studio space will also provide classes and coaching, as well as participate in community projects as creative mentors. The expansion will be part studio (where students and artists can work on their own projects), part community space (where artists can meet and collaborate with other artists), and part classroom (where artists can offer classes about things they love, and can even serve as creative mentors for younger or newer artists). The expansion will help promote the visibility of art in our community, encouraging anyone to explore the creative arts while also enhancing the programming offered through EVOKE: Creativity.

EVOKE: Creativity’s Learner’s Lounge will continue to offer a daytime academic, arts-integrated service for school-aged learners with plans reaching into the 2021-2022 school year. Programming at EVOKE: Creativity will expand to include afternoon and weekend classes in addition to school-break and summer programs for learners of all ages.

To learn more about EVOKE: Creativity’s Learner’s Lounge, visit its website at https://www.evoke-creativity.com/.

Advisor’s Business Tip: Tailor your concept to solve a problem or fill a need where you see a gap for your target market. This will allow for a more streamlined sales strategy, reduce competition, and create a loyal and satisfied customer base.

Keyona Kelly is a certified business advisor at the SBDC, located at OCC. Contact her at k.r.kelly@sunyocc.edu

Here’s how much area local governments are getting in stimulus money

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County and city governments across New York are in line for a cash infusion from the newly passed, federal $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, dubbed the American Rescue Plan. Onondaga County will get more than $89 million, Oneida County is set to receive over $44 million, and Broome County will be allocated nearly $37 million. Besides the

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County and city governments across New York are in line for a cash infusion from the newly passed, federal $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, dubbed the American Rescue Plan.

Onondaga County will get more than $89 million, Oneida County is set to receive over $44 million, and Broome County will be allocated nearly $37 million.

Besides the counties, the bill will also provide relief funding for Upstate cities — the City of Auburn will receive about $22.2 million; Binghamton, $48.3 million; Ithaca, $17 million; Syracuse, $126.2 million; and Utica, $64 million, according to the office of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.)

The measure includes $23.8 billion in state and local fiscal aid, including almost $12.6 billion for New York State’s government and over $10.8 billion for counties, cities, towns, and villages. Of that, $6.1 billion is for New York metro cities, $3.9 billion is for New York’s county governments, and $825 million flows to the state’s small cities, towns, and villages, per Schumer.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said he’s “very pleased” that the federal government is providing counties financial help to recover from the pandemic.

“The federal government told us to shut down our economy last March and April, as did the state of New York. When you do that, that’s a mandate. There’s economic hardships related to that,” McMahon said during his March 8 coronavirus briefing at the Oncenter. “The one large employer that really wasn’t helped was the one specifically doing the work on the front lines, and that’s [Onondaga County].”

The federal funding will allow Onondaga County to “reactivate,” including continue responding to ongoing pandemic challenges, McMahon said. The cash infusion will also allow the county government to restart planned investments with a focus on helping people, addressing poverty, modernizing our infrastructure, and developing economic-development opportunities.

“This [funding], and potentially what the state [provides], allows us to continue to end this pandemic and respond to it, shore up operations that are having challenges, and then reactivate planned investments that we’ve already had,” said McMahon.

“After a long and trying year, help is coming for the people of Syracuse. I thank President Biden for delivering on his promise to provide comprehensive relief to Americans,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in a March 11 statement. “New York State played an important role in making this aid a reality, in particular, through the drive and determination of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the steady support of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. City government is already working to ensure the funding coming to Syracuse is used to address the devastating impacts of the pandemic; to help people get back on their feet; and to speed our recovery. We will engage with the Common Council and the community to make sure all voices have an opportunity to be heard at this historic and transformational moment for the City.”

Madison County is expected to receive $13.76 million in funding from the federal government in the American Rescue Plan.

“On behalf of the Madison County Board of Supervisors and the residents of Madison County, I would like to thank Majority Leader Schumer for his steadfast support of counties and delivering much needed aid during these difficult times caused by the COVID 19 pandemic,” said John Becker, chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors. “The ‘American Rescue Plan’ recognizes that the local governments have been at the frontline of this public health crisis. The financial support will help us rebuild our community and make it stronger than ever.”

The American Rescue Plan’s injection of funding for cash-strapped localities can be used to pay for essential services, retain vital frontline workers, and offset lost revenues and help cover increased costs from the COVID-19 emergency.

GOFCC virtual annual meeting includes awards, mayoral discussion

Health Care, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO COUNTY — The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GOFCC) used its 2021 annual meeting to announce awards, provide remarks from New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, and provide a discussion involving the mayors of Oswego and Fulton. GOFCC held the virtual event — which had a theme of “Adapt, Innovate and Endure” — on

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GOFCC held the virtual event — which had a theme of “Adapt, Innovate and Endure” — on March 4. The GOFCC is an affiliate of CenterState CEO.

In her remarks, Katie Toomey, executive director of the GOFCC, highlighted the chamber’s programs and ongoing efforts to support members and drive economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 economic crisis.

“This past year, Oswego County faced unprecedented challenges, yet was able to meet this moment of crisis by focusing on partnerships and supporting each other as a community,” said Toomey. “Now as we work to accelerate our recovery, we do so knowing that we have the raw materials to achieve anything we set our collective sights to. The year ahead holds new opportunities and I look forward to working with our partners across the region to drive us toward our bold vision for a vibrant and growing community.”

The chamber presented three awards during the event. The organization recognized Oswego Health with the Community Investor Award. It also honored Chena Tucker, director of SUNY Oswego’s Office of Business and Community Relations with the Nancy L. Premo – Woman of Distinction Award. The chamber presented its President’s Award to Jill Abbott, owner of Uniforms Etc. and Zamp Marketing of Fulton.

The event also included a keynote discussion with Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow and Fulton Mayor Deana Michaels, which Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, moderated.

“2020 was a challenging year to be sure, but the Oswego community stepped up,” said Barlow. “Despite all we had against us, we continued to make progress in our neighborhoods, throughout downtown, and all along our waterfront. In 2021, the challenges will continue, but I know our community partners, stakeholders, and residents will rise to meet the challenge. The City of Oswego stands ready to assist our business community and appreciate the help and resources CenterState CEO has provided to the Oswego community throughout the pandemic.”

“Fulton has proven time and again we have the toughness and endurance to weather any storm,” Michaels said. “With this pandemic however, there were simply no ‘how to’ books to guide us. At first, we had to react to survive. But quickly we learned to pivot to a more proactive game plan. It was clear that our success as a community was going to depend on strong collaboration, adapting to the changes and finding innovative and sustainable solutions. We are doing just that, and I could not be more proud of our community efforts.”

In her remarks, New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul shared the state’s vision to “reimagine, rebuild and renew” New York.

Snowmobiling paradise Lewis County to measure its economic impact

Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

LOWVILLE — Snowmobiling is big business in the Tug Hill area and Lewis County. Now, policymakers want to find out just how big. Lewis County Economic Development says it is working with Jefferson Community College (JCC) and Camoin Associates Economic Development of Saratoga Springs to conduct an economic-impact study of snowmobiling in Lewis County and

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LOWVILLE — Snowmobiling is big business in the Tug Hill area and Lewis County. Now, policymakers want to find out just how big.

Lewis County Economic Development says it is working with Jefferson Community College (JCC) and Camoin Associates Economic Development of Saratoga Springs to conduct an economic-impact study of snowmobiling in Lewis County and the Tug Hill region.

Jefferson County Economic Development, the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, Oneida County Tourism, Oswego County Community Development, Tourism and Planning, Operation Oswego County, the Tug Hill Commission, and several area snowmobile clubs are also involved.

JCC students are visiting “high-traffic” locations throughout the four-county area interviewing snowmobilers on a “variety of aspects of the popular winter sport,” Lewis County Economic Development said.

Snowmobilers can also take a survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCTHRSNOW2021.

The survey will conclude April 1. Jenna Kraeger, economic-development specialist with Lewis County Economic Development, tells CNYBJ.

People who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $250 cash grand prize, “along with several local Tug Hill door prizes including gift certificates and apparel,” per the release.

The results of the economic-impact analysis are expected to be complete by this summer.

Study purpose

Lewis County Economic Development says the Tug Hill region is known for snow, as “national weather data shows it is the snowiest place east of the Rocky Mountains.”

The snow and “extensive trail network, enabled by landowners and local governments who willingly allow trails on property with no compensation, has created a strong winter economy reliant on snowmobiling.”

By “quantifying the significance” of snowmobiling activity, the partners will be “better able” to communicate the impacts of the sport on the local economy to residents, landowners, local governments, and New York state.

Long term, the group hopes to help make Tug Hill “an even more appealing destination to help bolster local spending and growth of existing and new businesses.”

NNY Community Foundation, Zoo New York announce Animal Wellness Fund

Nonprofits, Regional News, Subscriber Only

WATERTOWN — Zoo New York and the Northern New York (NNY) Community Foundation announced they are partnering to establish a new charitable fund to provide animal care and habitat revitalization at the Watertown zoo. The Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund has been created at the Northern New York Community Foundation. The fund is designed

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The Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund has been created at the Northern New York Community Foundation. The fund is designed to help support medical-care costs for zoo animals and enhance animal habitats, per a news release about the effort. The Community Foundation recently awarded a $25,000 matching commitment to encourage charitable gifts from the community toward this meaningful fund.

“Zoo New York is committed to the highest quality veterinary care and overall wellness of the animals in our care” Larry Sorel, Zoo New York executive director, said. “This new partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation will ensure our ability to continue to do just that into the future. The Community Foundation’s support of the Zoo over the years has been significant. This is just one more example of how the Foundation makes Northern New York a great place to live and raise a family.”

The Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund was developed after one zoo animal developed complications from a preexisting injury. Beaker, the great gray owl, came to Zoo New York after being hit by a truck in Alaska. After the accident, Beaker suffered a lost wing and some damage to his eye. The eye injury came to a head in the summer of 2020.

Zoo New York staff and the community quickly collaborated to ensure that costs were covered for the owl’s procedure, per the release. Zoo New York engaged the NNY Community Foundation to create a charitable fund that supports future costs to help animals and their habitats at the zoo.

The creation of the Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund is an extension of the organization’s long-standing partnership with the NNY Community Foundation. The foundation will match any gift made directly to the fund, dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000.

“The Zoo has a long history of public-private partnerships and we have been a part of protecting that investment over the years,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.

Zoo New York is a 32-acre zoo in Watertown that says it is home to abundant threatened or endangered animals, including wolverines, bears, eagles, mountain lions, and more. The zoo attracts nearly 50,000 visitors per year, is supported by more than 600 member households, and reaches more than 30,000 people through education programs.

2021 CNY Construction Projects

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Regional News, Subscriber Only

Click to View the 2021 CNY Construction ProjectsSpecial Report Sponsored by:

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