NBT profit rises nearly 9 percent in first quarter

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NORWICH — NBT Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBTB), parent of NBT Bank, posted a high single-digit increase in first-quarter profit on the strength of gains in both interest-based income and fee-based income. NBT reported net income of $36.7 million in this year’s first quarter, up 8.6 percent from $33.8 million in the year-prior quarter. The banking […]

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Cybersecurity can present challenges in health care

Law, Accounting & Taxes, Subscriber Only, Technology

Technology in health care goes beyond the latest surgical instruments and can create challenges for an organization’s information technology (IT) department. One of the biggest challenges that health-care organizations face on cybersecurity is retaining talent, according to Charlie Wood, a partner and practice lead at FoxPointe Solutions, the cyber risk-management and compliance subsidiary of the

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Technology in health care goes beyond the latest surgical instruments and can create challenges for an organization’s information technology (IT) department.

One of the biggest challenges that health-care organizations face on cybersecurity is retaining talent, according to Charlie Wood, a partner and practice lead at FoxPointe Solutions, the cyber risk-management and compliance subsidiary of the Bonadio Group.

It can be hard for employers in Central New York to compete with those in bigger cities when it comes to attracting top talent, he notes. “You can’t pay what they pay in the big cities.”

That can often lead to turnover as employees move on to new career opportunities. The problem, Wood notes, is that those IT staff members take their knowledge and experience with them when they leave.

That means there can be a vulnerable period at the organization while it searches for and brings a new employee up to speed.

Individuals or groups trying to maliciously access data, the “bad actors,” are always looking for those vulnerabilities to gain access. Threats can come from a variety of sources, both externally and internally, Wood adds.

Phishing and ransomware attacks remain a concern. Other attacks can come from surprise means like a computer inadvertently left unlocked and accessible, Wood says.

Other events like mergers and acquisitions can create challenges, especially as smaller organizations are integrated into larger systems. For other organizations, budget constraints may impact the IT department and cybersecurity.

Regulatory complexity is an ongoing concern, especially for health-care systems, which have to protect health information, private data, and payment information.

“In health care, you have so much sensitive data,” Wood notes. “It’s a never-ending battle for these organizations.”

A breach can have far-reaching impact for an organization. “Reputational damage can be pretty significant,” Wood says. A breach can also come with fines or potential lawsuits. Some attacks may even prevent a health-care facility from providing care.

To best protect themselves, health-care organizations need to have robust cybersecurity and rigorous training for employees. Telling employees to “use common sense” on emails isn’t enough, Wood adds. Email content filtering, for example, can help weed out phishing attacks.

Some organizations may want to consider outsourcing at least some of their IT functions. “Find a virtual something instead of having IT in house,” Wood recommends. A virtual compliance officer, for example, is focused solely on all the laws and regulations to ensure compliance for an organization, freeing up in-house IT staff to focus on other things.

There are also resources available to help health-care organizations better protect themselves that may offer things like free software or vulnerability scans.

Organizations can also look for grants to supplement their IT budgets.

“There are grants out there,” Wood says. “There are cost-effective solutions out there.”

Kris-Tech Wire leader set for MACNY’s Wall of Fame

Manufacturing & Engineering, Small Business, Subscriber Only

DeWITT — Graham Brodock, president of Kris-Tech Wire of Rome, is set for induction to MACNY’s Manufacturers Wall of Fame. DeWitt–based MACNY, The Manufacturers Association is recognizing Brodock for his “visionary leadership and transformative impact” at Kris-Tech Wire, where he has served as president since 2014. MACNY’s Manufacturers Wall of Fame recognizes people who have

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DeWITT — Graham Brodock, president of Kris-Tech Wire of Rome, is set for induction to MACNY’s Manufacturers Wall of Fame.

DeWitt–based MACNY, The Manufacturers Association is recognizing Brodock for his “visionary leadership and transformative impact” at Kris-Tech Wire, where he has served as president since 2014.

MACNY’s Manufacturers Wall of Fame recognizes people who have “demonstrated long-term dedication, outstanding leadership, and significant contributions” to their industries and communities in Central and Upstate New York, the association said in its announcement.

MACNY members and community leaders will honor Brodock at the association’s 112th annual Celebration of Manufacturing on May 22 at the SRC Arena & Events Center on the campus of Onondaga Community College in the town of Onondaga.

Under Brodock’s guidance, Kris-Tech has evolved from a small regional wire mill to a nationally recognized manufacturer, MACNY said. Brodock’s approach to leadership, which blends culture, employee wellness, and cutting-edge manufacturing practices, has “propelled the company into a new era of growth and success,” per the announcement.

“Graham exemplifies the values of innovation, dedication, and leadership that MACNY seeks to recognize with our Manufacturers Wall of Fame,” Randy Wolken, president and CEO of MACNY, said. “His ability to blend visionary leadership with a deep respect for culture and employee well-being has transformed Kris-Tech Wire into a highly respected leader in the manufacturing sector. His commitment to continuous improvement, both in manufacturing and in people development, is truly inspiring. We are proud to honor him with this prestigious recognition as he continues to make a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and his community.”

Brodock’s investments in manufacturing capabilities have also made a big impact. He led the construction of a new facility in Rome and has driven continuous upgrades to Kris-Tech’s production lines. Brodock has also focused on employee training and leadership development, which has positioned Kris-Tech for global expansion in the years ahead, MACNY said.

“It’s a real honor to be acknowledged by the manufacturing community and our peers at MACNY,” Brodock said in the MACNY announcement. “Kris-Tech has been fortunate enough to flourish as a national manufacturer for over 40 years. As we all know, moving a company forward takes more than a single person or idea. Our company has prided itself on attracting and hiring the best people and giving them the tools to be their best selves. With that in mind, our team has taken it upon themselves to grow our culture, build our market, and support our community. Without our employees, none of this would be possible.”

Distinctive background

MACNY describes Brodock’s journey to leadership in manufacturing as “unique.” With no formal background in manufacturing or business, he studied art history as an undergraduate and went on to earn a master’s degree in Ancient Greek and Latin from Cambridge University in Cambridge, England.

Brodock later taught high school Latin in Austin, Texas, before pivoting to the manufacturing industry by joining Kris-Tech Wire. His liberal-arts education and “diverse experiences have shaped his distinctive leadership style, emphasizing respect, personal growth, and a commitment to continuous learning,” MACNY said.

New Christopher Community leader starts position

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — Christopher Community, Inc., a housing development and management organization, has a new president and CEO. Jeffrey Eysaman, who started in the new role April 23, succeeds Justin Rudgick, who departed Christopher Community earlier in the year to pursue other opportunities, a spokesman tells CNYBJ in an email. The nonprofit Christopher Community manages more

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SYRACUSE — Christopher Community, Inc., a housing development and management organization, has a new president and CEO.

Jeffrey Eysaman, who started in the new role April 23, succeeds Justin Rudgick, who departed Christopher Community earlier in the year to pursue other opportunities, a spokesman tells CNYBJ in an email.

The nonprofit Christopher Community manages more than 3,300 units across 70 properties across Central and Western New York.

As president and CEO, Eysaman will oversee the overall management, operations, and strategic direction of Christopher Community. He will lead the organization in executing its mission and vision, promoting growth and sustainability, and ensuring financial health and operational efficiency, Christopher Community said.

Eysaman most recently served as executive director of the Thomas M. Menino YMCA in Boston between 2024 and 2025. His time in Boston followed leadership roles with the YMCA of Central New York, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse, and Peaceful Schools. His career has centered on creating inclusive, supportive environments for underserved communities throughout New York and beyond, Christopher Community said.

His achievements include being a TEDx speaker at Onondaga Community College in 2018, receiving the New York State Senate Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Civic Virtue from Senator Rachel May (D–Syracuse) in 2019, and graduating from the LeadForward Leadership Program in 2022 and the YMCA of the USA Emerging Global Leaders Institute in 2023.

Eysaman earned bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the College of Saint Rose.

“I’m honored to return to a community that means so much to me, and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to lead an organization committed to ensuring safe, affordable housing for those who need it most,” Eysaman said in the Christopher Community announcement. “Together with our dedicated team, I look forward to building solutions that strengthen lives and neighborhoods across Central New York.”

Christopher Community says that for more than 50 years it has helped low- and moderate-income families and seniors find housing to fit their specific needs. It administers Onondaga County’s Rental Assistance Program (Section 8), which serves more than 1,200 households.

State OGS certifies three Central New York firms as SDVOBs

Small Business, Subscriber Only

ALBANY— New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy recently announced that 33 businesses across the state were certified as service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOBs), including three small businesses in the 16-county Central New York region. The New York OGS Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development (DSDVBD) issued the certification to CM Property

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Oneida County hotel occupancy jumps in March

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

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County hotels registered a robust rise in overnight guests in March, as two other key benchmarks of business performance also improved.

Former Candor mayor sentenced to 60 days jail for theft

Law, Accounting & Taxes, Southern Tier, Subscriber Only

CANDOR — The former mayor of the Village of Candor in Tioga County has been sentenced to two months in jail for his theft of more than $23,500 in village funds. Eric Halstead, who was Candor’s mayor from 2012 until he resigned shortly after his arrest in July 2024, pled guilty on Jan. 10 to

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Oswego Health starts medical assistant certification program to help train, advance current employees

Health Care, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — Oswego Health recently announced the launch of its new medical assistant certification program. This initiative is designed to provide current employees with a clear pathway to advance into clinical roles, equipping them with the skills and credentials to excel in health care while strengthening the local workforce, Oswego Health explained in an April

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OSWEGO — Oswego Health recently announced the launch of its new medical assistant certification program.

This initiative is designed to provide current employees with a clear pathway to advance into clinical roles, equipping them with the skills and credentials to excel in health care while strengthening the local workforce, Oswego Health explained in an April 8 announcement.

Oswego Health is implementing the medical assistant program in collaboration with Cengage and adhering to the standards of the National Healthcareer Association (or NHA). The program offers a flexible, online learning experience where employees will engage in coursework covering vital topics such as medical terminology, clinical procedures, and CPR certification while gaining hands-on clinical experience. Successful program completion will prepare participants to take the certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) exam, Oswego Health said, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in various clinical settings across the health system.

The medical assistant program is designed to be completed in six to nine months, allowing employees to balance their studies with their current positions, the health system stipulated. Upon certification, employees will be eligible to transition into clinical positions in multiple departments throughout Oswego Health. The health system said it is investing $4,000 per employee to support this career growth and fund their participation in the certification program.

“We are dedicated to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity at Oswego Health. By offering programs like the Medical Assistant Certification, we empower our employees to advance their careers while enhancing the level of care we provide to our community,” Marq Brown, VP of human resources and chief people officer at Oswego Health, said in the announcement. “This is just one example of how we are reinvesting in our workforce and positioning ourselves as an innovative and supportive employer of choice in Oswego County.”

The first group of six Oswego Health employees began their training on April 15.

Most CNY sub- regions gained jobs in March compared to a year ago

Subscriber Only

The Syracuse, Watertown–Fort Drum, Binghamton, and Elmira regions all gained jobs between March 2024 and this past March. At the same time, the Utica–Rome and Ithaca metro areas lost jobs in that same 12-month period. That’s according to the monthly employment report that the New York State Department of Labor issued on April 17. The

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NNY Community Foundation’s Rock Charitable Fund supports 11 St. Lawrence County nonprofits

Nonprofits, North Country, Small Business, Subscriber Only

WATERTOWN — The Northern New York (NNY) Community Foundation in early April announced that 11 nonprofit organizations serving St. Lawrence County residents will share $148,460 in grant funding from its Rock Charitable Fund to preserve local history and maintain churches and cemeteries in the region. The legacy fund was established at the Community Foundation in

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Marjorie Rock — Second Lieutenant Marjorie J. Rock, U.S. Army Nurse Corps, 1942.
PHOTO CREDIT: NNY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The legacy fund was established at the Community Foundation in 2019 through a bequest from St. Lawrence County resident and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Marjorie J. Rock, who passed away in February 2017 at age 96.

“Marjorie’s legacy continues to have a profound impact, ensuring that St. Lawrence County’s history, heritage, and community spaces are preserved for future generations,” Kraig Everard, the NNY Community Foundation’s director of philanthropy, said in the announcement. “Through support for these important projects, we honor her generosity and her deep connection to the place she called home.”

The following 11 St. Lawrence County organizations will share $148,460 in grant support:

• Notre Dame Catholic Church, Ogdensburg — $36,500 to support the restoration of a highly visible large stained-glass transept window.

• Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton — $25,040 to help replace two heating systems. Capital-reserve funding will cover up to 50 percent of the project.

• Bayside Cemetery Association — $20,000 to help restore an urn-bearing tower adjacent to the cemetery’s gatehouse building. This project provides for the restoration and stabilization of the sandstone gates and towers of the entrance to preserve this cultural and historic legacy.

• Clark-Robinson American Legion Post 68, Norwood — $16,133 to complete a floor-replacement project. Grant funding will support half the project budget while the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion’s Auxiliary will cover remaining costs.

• St. Olympia Orthodox Church, Norwood — $20,814 to support a restoration project and complete a facility assessment. Grant funding will help restore ceilings and walls in a side room and foyers. The total grant award includes up to $6,000 to consult with a preservation architect to create a preservation and restoration plan.

• Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg — $10,587 to help replace the gift shop window, the largest window in the museum, which has deteriorated due to wood rot and other weather-related damage.

• Pierrepont Hill Cemetery Association — $6,533 to support planting Green Mountain Boxwoods along the north and east border of the property that will serve as a more aesthetically pleasing boundary.

• Town of Waddington — $5,680 to help conduct a building-condition assessment for the old Waddington Town Hall. Town officials plan to use the assessment as support for future funding applications that would seek repairs to preserve this historic building.

• Flackville Cemetery Association, Lisbon — $2,900 to help purchase top soil, grass seed, crusher run for driveway, tree removal, and monument work. The Cemetery Association and its cadre of volunteers are working to maintain the property for the benefit of the community it serves.

• United Methodist Church of Norwood — $2,600 to help stop rainwater runoff from further damaging the church’s historic steeple. As part of an ongoing capital-improvement project, immediate support is needed to preserve the historic steeple.

• Purmort Cemetery Corporation, Heuvelton — $1,673 to help remove a large dying maple tree and repair a large headstone in danger of toppling. The Town of Depeyster recently increased its support of the cemetery.

Since the Rock Charitable Fund began grantmaking efforts in 2019, it has awarded nearly $705,000 in grant funding to support 43 projects at 39 St. Lawrence County organizations, including churches, cemeteries, places of historical significance, and those supporting veterans of the U.S. military.

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