Lockheed Martin’s Salina plant awarded more than $15 million radar systems order from U.S. Navy

Get our email updates

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

SALINA — Lockheed Martin Corp.’s (NYSE: LMT) Salina plant has been awarded a nearly $15.3 million delivery order from the U.S. Navy for four retrofit advanced-radar processor systems. The order includes required non-recurring engineering and 16 high-density servers for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye radar plane. Work will be performed in Salina (54 percent) and Andover, […]

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

How Social Media Can Change The Whole Game For A New Business

Business Mentors, Subscriber Only

To become a successful entrepreneur, the new business owner must find ways to reach customers. Social media can make that job easier. The rise of social media as a marketing tool has had a major impact on businesses, particularly startups. Studies have shown that more people follow brands on social media than follow celebrities. But

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

To become a successful entrepreneur, the new business owner must find ways to reach customers. Social media can make that job easier.

The rise of social media as a marketing tool has had a major impact on businesses, particularly startups. Studies have shown that more people follow brands on social media than follow celebrities.

But while social-media marketing can put a new business on the map, missteps can be made that are costly to the bottom line, and one’s reputation.

There’s good and bad social-media marketing. As an entrepreneur, few of us are good at it. We can play around with it and learn about it, or throw a little money at it here and there.

Now that social-media marketing is such a big business, you really have to find the right marketing company that fits you. Either way, through a company that focuses on it or doing your social-media marketing in-house, it’s imperative to learn what to do, and what not to do, if you want social media to be an effective tool to attract and retain customers.

Here are five ways to make social media work for your new business:

Know who and where your customers are. Adopting social-media tools must be a well-planned and researched step. It starts with determining who your target audience is — who would have a need for your product? — and their demographics. Then it’s vital to find out which platforms your potential customers are on before devising an appropriate strategy for each.

Know what your message is. This has to be specific. You need various angles in order to pull them into a core message. There’s too much clutter and competition out there in social media for you to be general and bland about your product’s value. If you want to build more customers, you need to give them what they want and message it in a way they can relate to.

Set goals on customer engagement. The whole idea is creating curiosity in your product. How many responses should you expect in the early weeks, the third month, and so on? Is your message working or does it require tweaking? Setting a goal for number of responses is a metric you need to have.

Find the right marketing company. Social-media marketing can be of utmost importance to entrepreneurs who do it themselves because they don’t have the large marketing budgets that more established companies have. But those entrepreneurs who do hire social-media marketing companies shouldn’t get aligned with a firm that has too many accounts to spend significant time with them. Finding the right marketing team is easier said than done. They need to understand you and your message completely. They need to see your passion for the business and you must see their passion for getting your message out there effectively. The right marketing company becomes an integral member of your team, not just a vendor.

Learn from failure. This is often the best teacher. I fail every day but my company has come a long, long way. From losses come victories, creative solutions, more curiosity and optimism. All of that drives you and your company forward on various social media platforms.

Social media is a great way to create a buzz about your business. But it takes time, patience, flexibility, and perseverance. And for many entrepreneurs, it’s become a daily part of their business model that they can’t do without.

Deni Sciano (www.ScoreGameDayBag.com) is the founder of Score! Designs, LLC, a women-owned designer handbag company.

New York State seeks to boost snowmobiling winter tourism

Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SARANAC LAKE — New York wants to boost the winter-tourism industry in the North Country and across the state through snowmobiling. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Feb. 16 announced that New York State will host a free snowmobiling weekend for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers March 14-15. During the promotional weekend, the state will waive fees

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

SARANAC LAKE — New York wants to boost the winter-tourism industry in the North Country and across the state through snowmobiling.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Feb. 16 announced that New York State will host a free snowmobiling weekend for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers March 14-15.

During the promotional weekend, the state will waive fees for visitors from out of state with “properly registered and insured” vehicles who want use New York’s nearly 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails.

Cuomo made the announcement before snowmobiling with his three daughters — Cara, Mariah, and Michaela — at Saranac Lake.

Participants in the free snowmobiling weekend must operate a snowmobile with valid registration in their home state or Canadian province and must carry any applicable insurance as required by their home state or province.

Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York before or after this promotional weekend can use the “NYS registration for out-of-state snowmobile” service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. The state DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.

The tourism promotion agency I Love NY will promote the weekend by launching a digital and social-media campaign targeting out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts.

To further support the snowmobiling community this season, the state has awarded $4.2 million in local grants for snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming across New York.

Sledders can get more information about snowmobiling at destinations such as the Tug Hill Plateau, along with updated information about the free snowmobiling weekend at iloveny.com, the governor’s office said.

New York State says it supports snowmobiling with a Statewide Snowmobile Trail System traversing 45 counties, maintained by about 230 clubs, and funded through 51 municipal sponsors.

Snowmobiling tourism economic impact

Cuomo’s office cites a 2011 study by SUNY Potsdam indicating that the state’s snowmobiling community has a seasonal economic impact of $868 million.

Winter-tourism activities also support economic growth across the state, generating nearly $14.4 billion in direct visitor spending, per Cuomo’s office. The North Country attracted more than 13 million visitors in 2018, up 21.6 percent since 2011. Direct spending increased by more than 23 percent to $1.26 billion.

“New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of some of the best snowmobiling trails in the nation, all with the backdrop of stunning natural beauty that has to be seen to believe,” Cuomo said. “With this free snowmobiling weekend, we are encouraging visitors from far and wide to come to the North Country and points between, experience our great outdoor recreational activities for themselves and further strengthen New York’s booming tourism industry.”

Winter Fair at State Fairgrounds draws smaller crowd after winter storm

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

GEDDES — The Feb. 7 winter storm that blew across upstate New York made the second annual Winter Fair at the State Fairgrounds “a little bit more challenging” this year. “We had a weather condition that we didn’t have the first year,” says Steve Becker, president and owner of Premier Promotions and promoter of the

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

GEDDES — The Feb. 7 winter storm that blew across upstate New York made the second annual Winter Fair at the State Fairgrounds “a little bit more challenging” this year.

“We had a weather condition that we didn’t have the first year,” says Steve Becker, president and owner of Premier Promotions and promoter of the Winter Fair event, referring to the snowstorm.

Overall attendance at this year’s Winter Fair was about 15,000, down from an attendance count of about 25,000 at the inaugural event in 2019, he notes. Becker spoke with CNYBJ on Feb. 17.

He believes the snow discouraged travelers from places such as Albany, Buffalo, Watertown, and Binghamton, which reduced the overall attendance figure.

“People were still kind of snowed in, even on Saturday,” says Becker.

The same situation applied to those living even closer to the venue in places such as Central Square, he notes.

Becker believes that if the Winter Fair had the type of quiet winter weather that came the following Valentine’s Day weekend, it would’ve attracted an overall attendance figure similar to last year, “if not more.”

This year’s Winter Fair had an expanded area for rides with 16 rides, including two Ferris wheels instead of one, more food vendors, and fireworks displays both Friday and Saturday night.

Most of the food vendors and ride operators say they’ll return for the 2021 Winter Fair, according to Becker.

“All the music and entertainment went off without a hitch,” he says.

The event is funded through sponsors, such as Stanley Law Offices, L.L.P. And, Onondaga County provided funding to help pay for the fireworks displays.

“[Onondaga County Executive] Ryan McMahon is very big on the idea that events bring in people from outside the area, help with sales tax … this is the second year [the county] has been a sponsor,” says Becker.

The City of Syracuse also provided the stage for the entertainment performers, he adds.

The event also raised $4,000 through the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation for the Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse, up from $3,600 last year.

Becker says he’s already planning for the next Winter Fair, which will be held at the end of January in 2021.

“We call it Winter Fair because of the timing … about six months before the State Fair,” says Becker.

The New York State Fair provides promotional support for the Winter Fair, he adds. Becker also says tourism promotion agency I Love NY mentioned Winter Fair in its February blog about statewide activities to which people can travel, a promotion that he called “very helpful this year.”

Becker says the Winter Fair is starting to gain traction as a go-to event in the winter.

“After two years, even though I still feel we’re in our infancy, we’re becoming a tradition,” he contends.

Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley elects 2020 officers

Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

The Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley (CAMV) recently announced its new slate of officers for 2020. They are as follows: • President — Raymond J. Durso, Jr., executive director of The Genesis Group • First Vice President — Bill Guglielmo, president of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce • Second Vice President — Karen Pike-Roberts of the

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

State approves $300M in funding for Reimagine the Canals initiative

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) board of trustees has authorized a five-year funding plan for the Reimagine the Canals Initiative, which seeks to help expand tourism, boost economic development, and reduce flooding along the Erie Canal corridor. The $300 million project was first announced in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2020 State of the State address. The

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

The $300 million project was first announced in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2020 State of the State address.

The NYPA board also approved $30 million to fund Reimagine initiative projects in 2020 as part of the five-year plan, which also aims to enhance irrigation, restore wetlands, and expand recreational fishing opportunities.

NYPA runs the New York State Canal Corporation and the 524-mile state Canal System as a subsidiary.

“The Erie Canal transformed New York into an economic powerhouse in the 19th century, and in the 21st century can again serve as an engine for growth along the canal corridor,” Cuomo said in a Jan. 29 news release. “With this initiative, we are both honoring the canal’s heritage and ensuring a very bright future.”

Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, praised the proposal in a Jan. 8 statement following Cuomo’s State of the State message.

“We applaud the state’s $300 million plan to reimagine the Erie Canal. This important investment …holds the potential to boost tourism and support recreational fishing but also to mitigate flooding by improving irrigation and restoring wetlands,” said Simpson.

Projects involved

Projects that will move forward with the initial funding include the winner of the Reimagine the Canals competition, a canalside pocket neighborhood. It’ll be developed by Madison County at a former industrial property in Canastota along the Old Erie Canal, “demonstrating a model for 21st century canalside living,” per Cuomo’s office.

The projects also include a new whitewater “destination” at the north end of Cayuga Lake near Seneca Falls, to increase eco-tourism and sport visitors to the region.

In addition, the projects include the “Brockport Loop” in Monroe County. It will connect SUNY College at Brockport to the Empire State Trail and the village of Brockport through the transformation of a canal guard-gate into a pedestrian bridge and overlook.

Another project involves interactive, hydro-powered illumination of Canal “movable dams” — initially in Amsterdam and Canajoharie in the Mohawk Valley — to “celebrate” the canal’s heritage and history.

They also include the historic Guy Park Manor on the Mohawk River in Amsterdam, which will be “reborn as a hospitality and recreation destination.” A pedestrian bridge constructed across a canal lock will provide access to the Empire State Trail on the opposite side of the river.

“Gov. Cuomo’s plan to Reimagine the Canals will bring new energy, enthusiasm and economic development to the canal corridor,” Brian Stratton, director of the New York State Canal Corporation, contended in Cuomo’s release. “Today’s board action approving the funding for these new initiatives is a positive step for the Canal Corporation and the communities that we will work so closely with to make these programs a reality. We are excited to begin.”

State park visits increased last year, governor says

Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Gov. Andrew Cuomo last August announced that fees at more than 30 campgrounds, parks, and boat launches along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River would be cut in half to encourage increased tourism in regions impacted by high water. That announcement helped “in part” as attendance at state parks campgrounds in 2019 “surged to

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

That announcement helped “in part” as attendance at state parks campgrounds in 2019 “surged to a record high” of 688,369 nights, a 2.4 percent increase over the previous year’s record.

Since 2011, total overnight stays at state parks campgrounds have risen 26 percent.

The increase at campgrounds was part of a “record breaking” 77.1 million visits to New York’s state parks, historic sites, campgrounds, and trails in 2019.

The estimated attendance was up nearly 3 million visits from 2018, an increase of 4 percent, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a Feb. 11 news release.

It reflects an overall increase of 33 percent — or more than 19 million visits annually — since Cuomo took office in 2011, his office said.

“The NY Parks 2020 initiative has revitalized our state parks and historic sites, and improved them by adding new crown jewels to the system like Shirley Chisholm Park in Brooklyn,” Cuomo said. “Tourism is booming in New York and these beautiful sites are drawing visitors to all corners of the state, offering affordable opportunities for outdoor recreation and to experience our natural treasures while providing an economic boost to local communities.”

Since 2011, the number of campgrounds increased from 65 to 68, with total campsites available rising from 8,379 to 8,555. The number of full-service cottages — which include amenities like power, kitchen, bath, beds, living room, and outdoor living space — jumped from 50 to 128, and the number of cabins rose from 791 to 830.

Several state park golf courses also saw attendance increases, including St. Lawrence State Park Golf Course near Ogdensburg; Indian Hills Golf Course in Painted Post in Steuben County; and Soaring Eagles Golf Course at Mark Twain State Park in Horseheads. About 600,000 rounds of golf are played at state park golf courses each year.

The Governor’s NY Parks 2020 program is a “multi-year commitment to revitalize” state parks with $900 million in projects supported by state and private funding. The fiscal year 2020-21 state budget proposal includes $110 million toward this initiative.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, and boat launches.

Report: NYS local sales-tax collections rose 4.7% in 2019

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

ALBANY — Local sales-tax collections statewide grew 4.7 percent to $18.3 billion in 2019, according to a recent report from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. While this was slower than the 5.3 percent annual growth for 2018, it surpassed growth in all other years since 2013. “The economic climate in New York state

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

ALBANY — Local sales-tax collections statewide grew 4.7 percent to $18.3 billion in 2019, according to a recent report from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

While this was slower than the 5.3 percent annual growth for 2018, it surpassed growth in all other years since 2013.

“The economic climate in New York state was positive through 2019 with continued employment and wage growth,” DiNapoli said in a statement. “Although all regions saw increased sales-tax collections, the upstate regions had weaker collections than the downstate region.”

The Central New York region (which the state defined as Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties) posted 2.3 percent growth in sales-tax collections in 2019. The Mohawk Valley area (Oneida, Herkimer, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Schoharie counties) generated a 3.5 percent increase last year, while the North Country (Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Lewis, Essex, Franklin, and Clinton counties) had 3.4 percent growth, and the Southern Tier region (Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins counties) posted a 3.3 percent increase.

Sales-tax collections across the state rose fastest during the second half of 2019, growing 6.3 percent in the third quarter and 5.6 percent in the fourth quarter, per the comptroller’s office.

DiNapoli’s report also spotlighted the impact of the changes made by the state to the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) program in state fiscal year 2019-20. The comptroller was directed to replace the funds that were cut by withholding $59 million from county sales-tax collections to make AIM-related payments to most towns and villages. According to the report, the total statewide year-over-year increase for all county sales-tax collections after subtracting AIM-related payments would decrease to 3.9 percent instead of 4.4 percent (See Figure 6 in the report).

The full report is available at: https://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/pubs/research/growth-in-local-sales-tax-collections-second-half-2019.pdf

Historic Herkimer Jail Preservation & Tourism Project gets $10K in funding

Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

HERKIMER — Friends of Historic Herkimer County recently received $10,000 in grant funding to help pay for its Historic Herkimer County Jail Preservation & Tourism Project, helping to repair, restore, and preserve the physical structure of the 1834 jail. The money came from the M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund (MTPT) of the Community Foundation

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

St. Lawrence Chamber lays out key tourism initiatives for 2020

Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

The Central New York Business Journal recently touched base with Brooke Rouse, executive director of the St. Lawrence County of Chamber of Commerce. Rouse says these are the major tourism initiatives for the chamber in 2020: • Continue to develop and promote the new interactive trails website: www.STLCtrails.com. STLC Trails is a free and easy-to-use tool that

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

Get our email updates

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

Get our email updates

What's New

Upcoming Events

Annual Nonprofit Conference 2026

Tompkins Chamber Small Business Roundtable

Tompkins Chamber Business After Hours

CNYBJ Job Board

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get our email updates