Leadership changes, construction projects, office moves, and acquisitions were among the highlights 

SYRACUSE — Leadership changes, construction projects, office moves, acquisitions, startup companies pursuing growth, and companies announcing job cuts and additions made headlines during the past year as CNYBJ reviews some of the stories that we reported in 2019.

JANUARY

(1/7) JGB Enterprises Inc., which supplies hoses and hose assemblies for commercial and military applications, is now under new ownership. Jay Bernhardt, founder, owner, and CEO, sold the business to Washington, D.C.–based HCI Equity Partners. The acquisition closed on Dec. 13, 2018, says Bernhardt. He declined to disclose the acquisition price. Bernhardt, who launched his firm nearly 42 years ago, calls the decision to sell “bitter sweet.” In the deal, HCI acquired JGB’s stock, customer list, and about 300 employees.

Upstate Medical University decided to remove the term “interim” from the titles of two top officials at Upstate University Hospital. It appointed Dr. Robert Corona as CEO and Dr. Amy Tucker as chief medical officer (CMO) of Upstate University Hospital, “effective immediately.” Corona had served as interim CEO since March, 2018 and Tucker served as interim CMO since April, 2018.

Byrne Dairy Inc. announced plans to create nearly 250 jobs in Onondaga County as part of the firm’s $125 million plan to expand its facilities. The company held a Dec. 20 ceremony to break ground on a $24 million expansion at its Ultra Dairy plant in DeWitt, representing the first phase of its expansion plan. The three phases — supported by $15 million in state funding — include several additional projects at its other production and warehouse facilities.

(1/14) Insurance agency Haylor, Freyer & Coon was looking ahead to the late spring or early summer in its plans to move its headquarters to One Park Place at 300 S. State St. in downtown Syracuse. The firm had operated at 231 Salina Meadows Parkway in the Salina Meadows Office Park off Buckley Road in the town of Salina. Haylor, Freyer & Coon took over the space that Barclay Damon, LLP vacated in 2016 before moving to Onondaga Tower in downtown Syracuse, which now bears the law firm’s name.

DeWitt–based Dumac Business Systems, Inc. acquired Total Retail Solutions (TRS) of Louisiana, a provider of point-of-sale (POS) and loss-prevention products to independent grocers. The acquisition closed Dec. 1. Dumac is headquartered at 19 Corporate Circle in DeWitt. West Monroe, Louisiana–based TRS supports about 400 supermarkets in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, Dumac said.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) has a new robotics lab at its Marcy campus that the school is using for research, development, and educational opportunities based on robotics and automation capabilities. The Hage Family Robotics Lab is named in honor of the Hage family “in recognition of decades of significant support” for SUNY Poly “over nearly a quarter century.”

(1/21) The Oneida Indian Nation on Jan. 8 said it plans to begin construction “shortly” on sports-betting venues at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona and Point Place Casino in Sullivan. The venue, referred to as a sports book, is called “The Lounge with Caesars Sports.” The Oneida Nation also released renderings of what the new sports books will look like.

The most frequent question that the interim president of Upstate Medical University heard after he assumed the duties was about the health of the medical school. “It’s a very fair question, and I’m really happy to tell you that we are healthy, we are strong, and we will flourish in 2019,” said Dr. Mantosh Dewan. It’s how Dewan opened his remarks to local reporters in a Jan. 4 question-and-answer session at Weiskotten Hall, while later acknowledging that the medical school is the subject of “investigations.” Dewan took over the position on Dec. 23, 2018, after former president Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena stepped down a day earlier.

Little Falls Hospital was preparing for a new 5,000-square-foot primary care center that will replace the existing facility on Gibson Street in Dolgeville. The project’s estimated cost is about $3 million and will rely on grants, foundation support, and donations from the greater Dolgeville community.

Taitem Engineering, PC announced it was closing its solar-panel contracting division, effective Feb. 29. The unit has been open six years and has completed more than 300 solar PV (photovoltaic) system installations, the Ithaca–based firm said. Taitem President Lou Vogel said “unstable regulatory conditions, decreasing state and federal support, and the increasing preference for community solar made it too difficult” to continue on with the solar-installation business.

(1/28) Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh says the “Syracuse Surge” is a “big plan, probably the biggest economic growth initiative ever put forth by the City of Syracuse” Walsh said his administration has been working with its partners in government, business, and the nonprofit community to make it happen. He used his second State of the City address on Jan. 17 to provide details about the “Syracuse Surge.” Walsh delivered his speech at the Redhouse Performing Arts Center at 400 S. Salina St. in Syracuse.

ABC Creative Group, a Syracuse–based marketing and advertising agency, has moved to a 6,400-square-foot space at 235 Walton St. in Syracuse’s Armory Square. The firm previously operated in a 5,200-square-foot office at 430 E. Genesee St. in Syracuse. ABC Creative is now situated in the same building that is home to radio station operator, Galaxy Media. The ad agency began operations in its new space on Dec. 15, 2018. Its landlord is 235 Walton LLC.

The Everson Museum of Art recently announced the opening of its newly renovated and newly named Danial Family Education Center. The 3,000-square-foot Danial Family Education Center features flexible class spaces, a new kiln, parent lounge, and gallery walls to feature student work.

FEBRUARY

(2/4) A Rochester–area native will return to upstate New York for a leadership role at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Upstate Medical University has named Dr. Gregory Conners as the facility’s new executive director, effective March 4, Upstate Medical said. He currently serves as associate chair of pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinic at the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine.

A Georgia firm announced plans to take ownership of Sunoco LP’s (NYSE: SUN) corn ethanol plant and grain-malting operation near Fulton during the first quarter of 2019. Attis Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: ATIS) on Jan. 22 announced that it plans to pay $20 million in cash for the property at 376 Owens Road in the town of Volney. Its overall plan for the site includes adding up to 100 new jobs.

CEO confidence across upstate New York in 2018 was measured at 96.6, down 0.5 points and “virtually unchanged” compared to 2017. That’s according to the annual Siena College Research Institute (SRI) Upstate Business Leader Study, which the school released Jan. 25. “When you consider all the CEOs we spoke to, the collective sentiment is one of holding steady, of status quo,” Donald Levy, director of SRI, tells CNYBJ. The survey, conducted in 2018, is now in its 12th year. 

Community Bank is making a bigger investment in the Capital Region market by forging an agreement to acquire Kinderhook Bank Corp., parent company of National Union Bank of Kinderhook, for more than $93 million in cash. Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) opened a business banking office in Albany in 2018 and had a big first year, according to Mark E. Tryniski, president and CEO of the DeWitt–based banking company. 

A woman who served on the board of directors at First Source Federal Credit Union (FCU) between 2011 and 2016 was appointed as the organization’s first CFO. Pamela Goodison-Bick has also been a member of the New Hartford–based credit union for more than 20 years, First Source said.

(2/11) Binghamton–based HealthlinkNY plans to merge its operations with HealtheConnections, which is headquartered at 443 N. Franklin St. in Syracuse. The upcoming merger will form a “health-improvement organization” that spans 26 counties of the Central New York, Southern Tier, and Hudson Valley regions, HealtheConnections said.

Howard Potter of A&P Master Images in Utica says he expects annual revenue growth to continue at a 12- percent to 15-percent clip. Amanda and Howard Potter are two of the company’s 18 full-time employees, serving customers in 15 states and five countries, he explains. Amanda owns 51 percent of A&P Master Images, making it a woman-owned business enterprise.

Hartwick College plans to offer a master’s-degree program for the first time in the school’s 222-year history. It’s a graduate program in translational biomedical research management (TBRM). The master of science program, which is set to begin this fall, will be administered “mostly online,” Hartwick College said.

(2/18) Horseheads–based Hunt Engineers, Architects, Land Surveyors & Landscape Architect, DPC (Hunt) on Feb. 12 said it had named Chris Bond its new president. He had been serving as Hunt’s VP. Bond, who becomes the third president in the firm’s history, succeeds Dan Bower, who will remain as CEO and chief strategic officer.

Onondaga County awarded the nonprofit In My Father’s Kitchen a $200,000 contract for the Hire Ground initiative, a workforce-development program that targets area homeless people. A joint City of Syracuse and Onondaga County selection committee chose the local nonprofit after it submitted a proposal. The pilot program begins no later than May 1.

N.K. Bhandari, Architecture & Engineering, P.C. (NKB) — a 39-year-old firm servicing federal, state, K-12 school, and corporate clients — has revved up its growth over the last several years and is looking to keep it going. NKB has grown from nine employees in 2014 to 25 employees today, says Christopher Resig, company owner and president. That employee growth has been driven by strong revenue increases.

(2/25) United Airlines, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: UAL) announced plans to start offering daily, year-round, non-stop service to Denver International Airport from Syracuse Hancock International Airport beginning June 6. In its discussions with the local business community, the airport heard a “consistent message” that people want more direct service to more cities. 

The Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) moved its operations to the thINCubator at 326 Broad St. in Utica. The thINCubator, a business-development incubator, is a program of Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC). “This move is another step toward fulfillment of the entrepreneurship pledge made by MVCC in August 2018 to increase the college’s focus on entrepreneurship,” Randall VanWagoner, president of MVCC, said.

MARCH

(3/4) CenterState CEO, Central New York’s main economic-development organization, is recommending a “Community Grid Plus” solution in the discussion about the future of Interstate-81. It builds on the foundation of the New York State Department of Transportation’s (NYSDOT) proposed Community Grid alternative with 10 points of enhancement, per a document that CenterState CEO released

Evans Chevrolet, a nearly century-old Baldwinsville dealership, got a new name. The Ithaca–based Maguire Family of Dealerships acquired Evans Chevrolet of 112 Syracuse St. in the village, effective Feb. 20. The dealership soon began operating under the moniker Maguire Chevrolet of Syracuse.

Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. (B&L), a Salina–based engineering firm, says it has expanded its Watertown office. It now occupies the entire ground floor of the former HSBC building at 120 Washington St. B&L had been operating in a 2,000-square-foot space on the building’s second floor since opening the office in 2012.

(3/11) An Albany–based firm is preparing to conduct a study on the “potential repurposing” of the existing facilities of the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). MVHS and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties selected CHA Consulting, Inc. to handle the work. CHA is an engineering-consulting firm that is headquartered in the Capital District, but also has an office in Syracuse.

The number of farm cidery manufacturers across New York state has jumped from eight to 41 since the Farm Cidery Law was passed five years ago, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office says. The law created a new craft beverage license for hard cider produced with apples grown exclusively in New York. The license is similar to those available to farm wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

(3/18) Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) in early January acquired a Salina–based financial-services firm as it continues to add to non-banking business portfolio. Through its subsidiary, Community Investment Services, Inc. (CISI), which is part of Community Bank Wealth Management, the banking company completed its acquisition of certain assets of Wealth Resources Network, Inc. That firm provides wealth-management services including financial, retirement, and estate planning.

The Agency on March 8 said it is looking for a partner on the redevelopment of the former BAE site at 600 Main St. in the town of Union. It released a request for expressions of interest (REI) during an announcement at the site. The Agency has issued the REI with the intention of identifying “one or more” private development partners to move the redevelopment forward. Agency representatives view the site as a “critical gateway” to planned investment in both Johnson City and Endicott.

Solar Farms New York says a $40 million solar farm under construction on Cornell University–owned property in Dryden will generate enough electricity for about 3,000 homes. Crews are building the farm on a 125-acre property, Albany–based Solomon Community Solar LLC said. Solomon Community Solar does business as Solar Farms New York.

(3/25) For the past two bowl seasons, Geneva–based Cheribundi, Inc., a producer of tart cherry juice health drinks, has served as the title sponsor of the Boca Raton Bowl. The 1.4 million viewers who tuned in to ESPN last December to watch the UAB Blazers defeat the Northern Illinois Huskies were exposed to Cheribundi’s name, logo, and commercials throughout the broadcast.

New York Air Brake LLC (NYAB) acquired the business assets of a Missouri firm and expects that a “complete integration” process will take between one year and 18 months. Watertown–based NYAB is acquiring the assets of Snyder Equipment Company, Inc., a Nixa, Missouri–based manufacturer of locomotive fueling and servicing equipment as well as locomotive-component remanufacturing, NYAB said. 

A Syracuse law firm known for its commercial real-estate practice announced plans to combine with Hancock Estabrook, LLP, effective May 1. Hancock Estabrook, which is also based in the Salt City, didn’t release any financial terms of its agreement with Shulman Grundner Etoll & Danaher, P.C. Attorneys C. Daniel Shulman, Charles Grundner, Stephen Etoll, and Christian Danaher are joining Hancock Estabrook as partners, the firm announced March 4. 

APRIL

(4/1) Industry Standard USA LLC, a grounds-maintenance, facility-maintenance, and general-construction company, opened its first office in the town of Clay. The office opening happened just weeks after the firm won contracts to handle maintenance work at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cemeteries on Long Island and in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm, which started as a lawn-care company in early 2010, operates in a 2,000-square-foot space at 5 Lumber Way, off Steelway Blvd. South. The new office opened March 5. 

Syracuse–based law firm Bousquet Holstein PLLC opened a 2,200-square-foot office in Ithaca. The firm says the new space will allow it to “better serve its client base in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region.” Bousquet Holstein is leasing the space from Tompkins Trust Company, Jan Quitzau, the law firm’s director of marketing and public relations, says in an email response to a cnybj inquiry.

(4/8) SRC CEO Paul Tremont in late March transitioned away from his role as company president as he looks ahead to his upcoming retirement on Jan. 31, 2020. Company COO Kevin Hair has assumed the role of president and will succeed Tremont as CEO on Feb. 1, 2020, the firm’s board of trustees indicated. Tremont and Hair will “work closely” together, with the board of trustees, and all SRC employees to “ensure a successful transfer of leadership responsibilities,” SRC contended. 

Salina–based engineering firm Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. (B&L) announced it has acquired a Baltimore–area company as the local firm adds a second office in Maryland. B&L has acquired Eldersburg, Maryland–based Advanced Land and Water, Inc. (ALWI). It is a nine-person firm specializing in hydrogeological and environmental consulting, including expertise with complex water supply, discharge and contamination issues for clients throughout the mid-Atlantic region. 

(4/15) With its win in the Genius NY business competition, Sentient Blue Technologies wants to make a “massive pivot” to Syracuse, Rome, and Central New York. Sentient Blue, an Italy–based firm with operations at the Tech Garden in Syracuse, plans to use its Genius NY prize funding to accelerate the development and production of its hybrid power system for drones. 

Hale Transportation, a bus-transportation company based in Clinton in Oneida County, started a project that will quadruple the size of its 5,000-square-foot headquarters. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Berkshire Bank on April 9 joined Hale Transportation officials to break ground on the $2 million expansion project. 

Women who are community leaders throughout the Mohawk Valley met one-on-one with female students from SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) during a speed-networking event called “Women Who Mean Business.” Hage & Hage Law and Consulting LLC in Utica hosted the April 4 event, SUNY Poly said.

Nearly 20 women from public and private-sector industries offered mentorship, insight, and networking opportunities to the students at the second annual event.

(4/22) After running Grey Fox Felting — a home-based, e-commerce business specializing in needle felting kits, supplies, and original works of art — for four years, Erin and John Gardner recently expanded the business into their first storefront, called Grey Fox Mercantile. The Gardners opened Grey Fox Mercantile on March 23 in a 700-square-foot space at 70 Genesee St. in New Hartford.

Broome Talent Task Force has released its first progress report on efforts to address workforce-development and “talent-attraction” needs in Broome County. The report highlights the objectives established in Broome County’s plan to attract workers that covers a three-year time span through 2020, the Agency said. The Broome Talent Task Force is a group of representatives from industry, education, economic development, and nonprofit organizations. 

(4/29) Jason Terreri, the new executive director of Syracuse Hancock International Airport, will begin his new job on May 13. The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) on April 19 announced it had selected Terreri as the new director. He replaces Christina Callahan, who left in February to become deputy general manager of LaGuardia Airport in New York City.

Scholars & Champs — a new retail store offering apparel, fashion, art, and vintage items catering to Syracuse Orange sports fans — recently opened in downtown Syracuse. The new shop, located at 310 S. Salina St., is the brainchild of business owner, Bert “The Shirt” Aufsesser, a Syracuse University alum and Southern California native. Scholars & Champs formally opened on April 12 with a ribbon-cutting event.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) on April 18 awarded Syracuse $3 million as part of the AdvancingCities Challenge. The funding seeks to help local officials connect “talent from vulnerable populations” to jobs in high-tech industries. JPMorgan selected Syracuse because its proposal outlined local coalitions of elected, business, and nonprofit leaders working together to address major social and economic challenges such as employment barriers, financial insecurity, and neighborhood disinvestment.

MAY

(5/6) The Crouse Health Foundation continued its work to raise funding for an upcoming renovation and expansion of neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) at Crouse Health. Kinney Drugs Foundation has pledged $250,000 to the CrouseCares campaign in support of the NICU project. The Crouse Health Foundation says it plans to raise $10 million through private gifts to the CrouseCares campaign to support the $31 million NICU expansion and renovation project. The plan is to raise the funds by the end of 2020.

A new state task force will develop programs for training auto technicians and enabling participants to directly transition into the industry. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on April 20 announced the “Excelsior Automotive Technician Task Force” at the opening of the New York International Auto Show.

(5/13) Andrew Garcia, an experienced U.S. Air Force search and rescue pilot, started Finger Lakes HeliTours. Based at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, the Ithaca College graduate started the business to take customers up in the air for chopper tours. He says he started Finger Lakes HeliTours because his passion for aerospace entrepreneurship and a love of the area. The business had its grand opening on May 1.

Northeast Information Discovery (NEID) is conducting operations from its new headquarters located at 3197 Seneca Turnpike in Canastota. The firm, a woman-owned software company, also operates a second facility nearby at 11 Madison Blvd. NEID is focused on the research and development of advanced computer-network operations and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the intelligence and defense communities.

Nurses at Rome Memorial Hospital (RMH) can turn to SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) as an option for earning degrees to meet new state standards. RMH and SUNY Poly announced an agreement to help RMH nurses pursue degrees to meet those standards.

(5/20) Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research (NUAIR) has recently changed leaders as it continues its work on drone testing at Griffiss International Airport (Griffiss) in Rome. Michael Hertzendorf, who previously served as NUAIR’s chief of staff, has been named interim president and CEO, Elle Hanna, director of communications and media relations for CenterState CEO, said in an April 25 email response to a BJNN inquiry. Hertzendorf assumes the duties previously held by Major General Marke (Hoot) Gibson (ret).

Rome–based Assured Information Security (AIS) is working on a new U.S. Air Force contract and has also opened a new office in Denver, Colorado. The Air Force has awarded AIS a $48.4 million contract for “full spectrum” cyber capabilities. AIS is a growing cybersecurity firm that is headquartered at 153 Brooks Road in the Griffiss Business & Technology Park in Rome. The firm also has offices in Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, Colorado, and Oregon.

(5/27) Two area firms — Flex-Hose Co. Inc. and Cryomech Inc. — plan to expand in Onondaga County. The companies are expecting to spend a combined $20 million and add 70 new jobs between their respective projects. Flex-Hose Co. plans to relocate from its current location in DeWitt to a bigger space in Clay. The company manufactures metal pump connectors, industrial hose, expansion loops, and metal expansion joints. Cryomech, which manufactures high performance cryogenic equipment, is expecting to relocate to a new facility within the town of DeWitt. Crews have yet to build the new location.

Daniel Rickman started his new role as the deputy district director for the Syracuse district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). He succeeds Cathy Pokines, who retired in January. Rickman most recently served as branch manager, supervising the district’s Albany and Elmira offices, the SBA said. He’ll continue overseeing those offices until the SBA hires a replacement branch manager.

A privately owned family business in Cortland was among the area companies honored with a Small Business Excellence Award. Forkey Construction and Fabricating Inc., located at 3690 Luker Road in Cortland, was among 17 companies that the Syracuse district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognized from around Central New York. The agency presented Small Business Excellence Awards during a luncheon held May 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, near Carrier Circle in DeWitt. 

JUNE

(6/3) The City of Syracuse’s new online Zoning and Permitting Discovery Center is now available for use. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh described it as an online tool that allows businesses and residents to pursue the zoning and permitting information they need.

A nearly $5 million solar project in the town of Van Buren is now providing energy for the nearby Anheuser-Busch brewery. Located six miles from the company’s brewery in the town of Lysander, the 2.76-megawatt array will produce more than 3 million kilowatt-hours annually. It is the equivalent of providing enough energy to brew 3 million cases of beverages annually, according to the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

(6/10) Joanne Lenweaver, who served as director of the WISE Women’s Business Center for the past decade, tells CNYBJ she planned to retire at the end of September. WISE — which is short for Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship — is an entrepreneurship project of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. The center currently operates inside Axa Tower I at 100 Madison St. in Syracuse.

The construction work on the upcoming 115,000-square-foot National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at Syracuse University was well underway with a timeline that stretches through much of this calendar year. Rochester–based LeChase Construction Services, LLC, which operates an office at 609 Erie Boulevard West in Syracuse, is serving as the construction manager on the project. The endeavor has a total cost of $62.5 million.

Developers of the Whitney Lofts, a mixed-use redevelopment project that targeted 321 and 323 S. Salina St. in downtown Syracuse, formally opened the project. The $3.5 million development created 16 new apartments, a tenant fitness center, private terraces on two of the units along the back, said Ryan Benz, project developer and a licensed real-estate salesperson with Acropolis Realty Group of Syracuse. 

Officials broke ground on a mixed-use development project called Salina 1st LLC, which is located at 1081 South Salina St., south of downtown Syracuse. The project will include new mixed income residential units and commercial space, including light manufacturing, office and retail space. The property where crews will build the facility is a brownfield area, which will be mitigated to make way for the project, Empire State Development (ESD) announced.

(6/17) The man who had been serving as president and COO of MVP Health Care was selected to assume the role of CEO on Sept. 1. The Schenectady–based health insurer has named Christopher Del Vecchio to the role. The announcement follows the resignation of current CEO Denise Gonick, which MVP announced June 6. 

Crews started construction on the first phase of Carthage Area Hospital’s $45 million new hospital and health-clinic project. The work started during the first week of June, the hospital announced. The effort started with crews building a new road to town specifications, which will provide future access to the new campus. The Lundy Group of Companies and GYMO completed design and construction for this phase.

Tech Garden tenant Density Inc. is the first firm to use the facility’s new hardware center, which can accommodate light assembly activity. The firm builds an anonymous workplace-analytics product to count foot traffic in and out of businesses, CenterState CEO said. The firm was founded in Syracuse in 2014 and also has offices in San Francisco and New York City.

Tessy Plastics Corp. is citing new medical-products business as the reason for expanding the cleanrooms in two of its manufacturing facilities. They include the firm’s headquarters in Skaneateles and another plant in Elbridge, the firm said.

Booz Allen Hamilton plans to spend about $1.6 million to build a new 14,000-square-foot facility in the Griffiss Business & Technology Park in Rome as part of a real-estate partnership. The company has also committed to the creation of 60 new jobs and the retention of 158 existing jobs, Empire State Development (ESD) announced. Booz Allen Hamilton is a global management and technology consulting firm and government-services contractor.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon on June 10 announced the expansion of Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. (BCI) and Propel Pharmacy, LLC. BCI will be expanding into new space at the TR-20 Carrier facility, while Propel plans to expand into a new space in the town of Cicero. BCI is the Syracuse division of Akron, Ohio–based firm, per its website.

(6/24) The internship program Oneida County College Corps has placed nearly 200 local college students with close to 50 area employers in 2019, representing an increase in both participating interns and employers. The College Corps program placed 190 students with 47 employers in such fields as technology, engineering, business, law, marketing, education, health, finance, and human services. The program attracted 116 interns and 40 employers in 2017. The following year, the number of interns increased to 170 working at 40 employers, Oneida County announced.

Dannible & McKee, LLP, a Syracuse–based accounting firm, was settling into its new office that serves the Capital Region. The firm formally opened the new location at 220 Harborside Drive in Schenectady on May 9. The new space will enable Dannible & McKee to continue to accommodate growth in Eastern New York, the firm said.

The Syracuse–based law firm, Scolaro Fetter Grizanti & McGough, P.C. (SFGM) added R. Michael (Mike) Shafer and three staff members, who joined the firm May 1. Shafer joined SFGM as of counsel, says Jeffrey Fetter, president of the firm, who spoke with CNYBJ on June 18. Shafer is a founding partner of the Riehlman, Shafer & Shafer law firm that had offices at 397 Route 281 in Tully and at 39 Church St. in Cortland.

JULY

(7/1) Orgill, Inc., the world’s largest independent hardlines distributor, planned to build a 780,000-square-foot distribution center in Rome, its first such facility in the northeastern U.S. With it, the Collierville, Tennessee–based firm will create 225 new jobs, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. Orgill will build the distribution center, the company’s first in New York, in the Griffiss Business and Technology Park. The company plans to spend nearly $70 million to construct and equip the facility, which will serve Orgill’s customers throughout the Northeast.

Nearly 45 employees of Rome–based Assured Information Security (AIS) are working in a new office not far from the firm’s headquarters. AIS has opened a new office at 160 Brooks Road in Rome, which is located across the road from the company’s main office. The company’s SecureView unit is using the new office space, AIS says.

(7/8) Crews started building a new primary care center for Little Falls Hospital in Dolgeville. The hospital, a subsidiary of the Bassett Healthcare Network, on June 28 broke ground on the project. The upcoming facility will replace the current facility on Gibson Street, Little Falls Hospital said about the groundbreaking. Little Falls Hospital expects crews to complete the clinic project by the end of the year.

Binghamton University announced that some of its faculty are working to develop and demonstrate a new energy storage process for warehouse energy management. The project will use solar panels, a stationary energy storage system, and lithium-ion batteries on forklifts that will reduce energy costs for warehouse owners, according to Binghamton University.

The parachute on the package-delivery drones for Flytrex — an Israel-based drone company — are now considered “validated as compliant with industry standards.” It follows testing that NUAIR completed at the drone test site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome. NUAIR is short for Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research (NUAIR), a Syracuse–based nonprofit organization.

(7/15) The woman who served as director of operations of the CNY Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC) since 2016 is now its executive director. Upstate Medical University has named Kathi Durdon to the position, which is new, Darryl Geddes, director of public and media relations at Upstate Medical University, tells CNYBJ in an email. As executive director, Durdon will “strengthen” economic-development partnerships to promote opportunities for Upstate researchers, graduates and clients housed at CNYBAC, according to Upstate Medical.

Binghamton University and Cornell University signed an agreement that will allow Cornell students in the plant-sciences major to transfer into Binghamton’s doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program after three years of undergraduate study. The Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences signed the articulation agreement with the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Binghamton said. 

(7/22) Runningboards Marketing is a young Watertown–based marketing firm that offers clients the chance to advertise on a digital screen on the sides of its trucks. The message could be an advertisement for a commercial product or service, a political ad, or a Happy Birthday message, the company says. Richard (Calvin) McNeely III, president and majority owner of Runningboards Marketing, which was launched in early 2018, says the firm is now selling franchises and seeking buyers.

Four teams from the Syracuse area and two from Utica were among eight startup companies competing in the AFRL Commercialization Academy. AFRL is short for Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, which is more commonly known as Rome Lab. The companies are developing “innovations” in the cybersecurity, big-data analytics, information systems, and the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry, the Griffiss Institute said in its July 12 announcement. 

(7/29) Morse Manufacturing formally opened the firm’s new 120,000-square-foot facility at 103 Kuhn Road in the town of Salina. The company, which manufactures drum-handling equipment, had previously operated in a 35,000-square-foot building at 727 W. Manlius St. in the village of East Syracuse. The project cost $7.5 million, including renovations to the 120,000-square-foot building, site work, and landscaping, according to Onondaga County. 

FanDuel Group opened the company’s first retail sportsbook in New York state, located at Tioga Downs Casino Resort in Nichols in Tioga County. The FanDuel Sportsbook includes eight betting windows, 27 video displays including a large video wall, 14 self-service betting kiosks from IGTPlayDigital, three sports tickers, 12 lounge seats, seven high tables, two drink rails, and seating for more than 50 customers. 

When Barton & Loguidice D.P.C. (B&L) closed on its acquisition of a New Jersey firm in mid-June, it was the fourth acquisition the local firm had completed since April 2018.B&L on June 14 closed on its purchase of Cummings & Smith Inc. of Fairfield, New Jersey, says John Brusa, Jr., president and CEO of Barton & Loguidice. Cummings & Smith is a civil-engineering firm specializing in the solid-waste management sector, servicing clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Construction crews started work on a new branch for Compass Federal Credit Union (FCU) in Fulton and are expected to finish before the end of 2019. The 3,200-square-foot building will be located at 208 N. 2nd Street in Fulton. The new branch on North Second Street will replace the current Fulton location at the Canalview Mall.

Seneca Savings announced plans to open a new branch office in the hamlet of Bridgeport in the town of Sullivan in Madison County. The new office will operate at 584 Route 31 in Sullivan. Seneca Savings anticipates it will open this fall. Seneca Savings also announced that Bridgeport resident Courtney Kelly was named the branch manager at the upcoming location.

AUGUST

(8/5) The city of Auburn unveiled a plan involving 13 projects that it will target with its $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the projects during a July 30 event at the Auburn Public Theater. The state had announced the funding award last July.

Nonprofits are “essential” in upstate New York regions such as the Mohawk Valley and the Southern Tier where nearly one in four private-sector jobs was at a nonprofit in 2017. In addition, wages paid by nonprofits were higher than other private-sector employers in five of New York’s 10 regions. That’s according to a report that State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released July 23. 

(8/12) The six winners of Upstate Medical University’s medical device innovation challenge (MDIC) are moving on with their products’ development. Upstate MIND (medical innovation and novel discovery center) at Upstate’s Central New York Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC) sponsored the initiative, the medical school said. The winners include a shoulder-mounted intravenous (IV) system; urinary catheters with improved infection control; the transformation of well-known video games into respiratory therapy exercise; and an inconspicuous breast pump for moms, Upstate Medical said. 

The local office of Glen Allen, Virginia–based Hancock, Daniel & Johnson, P.C. moved to a bigger office in DeWitt and is opening an office in Saratoga Springs. The law firm — which is located north of Richmond, Virginia — markets itself as Hancock Daniel. It acquired Syracuse–based Centolella Green Law in early 2018. It now operates in space at 5793 Widewaters Parkway.

Crews continued work on a new 12,700-square-foot, three-tenant shopping center at 111- 117 Elwood Davis Road in the town of Salina. The site is on a property situated next to Burger King between Elwood Davis Road and 7th North Street. “Dollar Tree is going to be the main tenant,” says Carmen Emmi, Jr., a partner at Emmi Commerce Park Development Co. “They’re taking up the majority of the space.” 

The company that operates the movie theatres at Destiny USA announced plans to remodel the venues. Regal on July 22 said the project is part of a $20 million effort at Pyramid’s three properties in New York state. The Destiny USA work is part of a “significant, multi-center investment” to renovate multiple theatres across the Pyramid portfolio, Destiny USA said. 

(8/19) Water Safari Resort, Inc. announced plans to expand its Enchanted Forest Water Safari water theme park located in Old Forge in Herkimer County. The park will add three new water slides and replace two older slides, Killermanjaro and Serengeti Surf Hill, Empire State Development said. Empire State Development (ESD) has awarded $500,000 in funding from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative toward this project that, when completed, is “expected to increase traffic significantly in the region,” per the ESD. 

Hope Café & Tea House in Liverpool, which opened in August 2017, planned to open a second location in downtown Syracuse this fall at 357 South Warren St. at the intersection of South Warren and East Jefferson Streets. The existing café operates inside the Village Mall at 350 Vine St. in Liverpool. Hope Café & Tea House is an “extension” of the Liverpool–based charity The People Project, which owns the café, says Matthew Cullipher, CEO of The People Project. 

(8/26) A Cortland County dairy farm was the recipient of the 2019 State Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Award, recognized “for decades of dedication and community leadership in conservation.” New York State has honored Whey Street Dairy, located in Cuyler, for implementing conservation “best-management practices that benefit the environment and protect the community,” per an Aug. 7 news release.

Adirondack Bank on Aug. 15 opened a new branch in the village of Lake Placid at 2426 Main St., its second location in the Lake Placid area. Adirondack Bank currently has a branch located just outside the village, at 38 Hadjis Way in the town of North Elba, but for the “convenience of tourists, community members and businesses that need meeting space, it made sense to expand into downtown Lake Placid,” the bank said.

The National Institutes of Health awarded Cornell University $17.4 million for ongoing biomedical research at its MacCHESS sub-facility of its Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) — a national research facility, the university announced. MacCHESS is short for Macromolecular X-ray science at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. Cornell said MacCHESS “attracts hundreds of biomedical researchers each year.”

SEPTEMBER

(9/2) DraftKings Sportsbook at del Lago began taking the bets of sports fans on all major professional U.S. sports. The del Lago location, which opened Aug. 23, represents DraftKings Inc.’s third retail sportsbook location in the U.S. The 6,000-square-foot space offers sports fans a retail sports-betting venue with betting kiosks and video screens. 

Construction was slated to begin in the fall on a $12 million research center at Griffiss International Airport. Oneida County is partnering with Rome Lab, the Griffiss Institute, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute to create the center, which should be ready in April 2020. Officials are referring to the research center as the “open innovation campus.”

Startups in the fields of big data (smart cities, cybersecurity) and internet of things (IoT) (smart devices, artificial intelligence) can apply to participate in the next round of the Genius NY program. Genius NY is CenterState CEO’s in-residence business accelerator program at the Tech Garden in Syracuse. The organization calls it “the largest unmanned systems accelerator in the world.

(9/9) Once a $2 million renovation project is complete at the new location, Bryant & Stratton College plans to relocate its Clay campus from 8687 Carling Road, just off Route 31, to 7805 Oswego Road (Route 57). The school’s lease is set to expire at the end of the year, says Sue Cumoletti, market director of Syracuse colleges.

Preliminary construction work has started at a site on the west side of the city of Fulton that will be the future home of a new O’Reilly Auto Parts store. O’Reilly Auto Parts Enterprises LLC purchased the property at 28 W. First St. in Fulton back on May 30, 2017 from Rome Gas Inc. for $350,000, CNYBJ reported in its Aug. 7, 2017 issue. The site was formerly home to Fast Lane Car Wash. 

Some North Country organizations are using a large-scale composter to turn food waste into organic material. Hermon Dekalb Central School in St. Lawrence County is among them, including the composter in its local food program. That’s according to ANCA (Adirondack North Country Association), which describes itself as an “independent nonprofit organization growing the New Economy in northern New York.”

(9/16) Upstate Medical University announced it has forged an agreement for the Cardiovascular Group of Syracuse to be affiliated with Upstate and have its cardiologists join the medical school’s faculty. The move went into effect Sept. 1. The Cardiovascular Group of Syracuse had been affiliated with St. Joseph’s Health since Feb. 1, 2017.

ParTech, Inc. of New Hartford, a subsidiary of PAR Technology Corp. (NYSE: PAR), on Sept. 4 announced that it has agreed to acquire the assets of 3M’s drive-thru communications systems business. The acquisition cost is $7 million, according to a PAR Technology filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Maplewood, Minnesota–based 3M (NYSE: MMM) specializes in drive-thru communications for restaurants.

MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, will use a portion of grant funding awarded to a partner organization to help develop local and regional apprenticeship programs. DeWitt–based MACNY is partnering with JFF, which is headquartered in Boston. JFF, which is short for Jobs For the Future, says it is a national nonprofit “driving transformation in the American workforce and education systems.”

(9/23) Wildflowers Armory, which describes itself as a “multi-vendor marketplace” shop located at 225 W. Jefferson St., announced plans to move to a new location later this fall. It’ll move into the 2,000-square-foot space that Dunkin’ Donuts previously occupied in the McCarthy building at 217 S. Salina St., says Michael John Heagerty, one of seven owners who are part of an artisan collective and have equal ownership. The organization has operated in a 2,200-square-foot space across from the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (the MOST) since May 2018.

Anything But Beer — a local craft brewery that produces gluten free and vegan alcoholic beverages “that live at the crossroads of cider, wine, and beer” — is opening a taproom/restaurant at 201-203 S. Salina St. in downtown Syracuse. Anything But Beer (ABB) said it late July on its Facebook page that it was expecting to open its doors in late/summer/early fall.

(9/30) Onondaga County on Sept. 12 announced a pilot program with Lyft as a transportation provider for its JOBSplus! clients. San Francisco, California–based Lyft is a ride-sharing company that has drivers in the Syracuse and Central New York area.

When the investment firm she worked for was acquired by an out-of-state company, Catherine (Cathy) Cucharale says it was the perfect opportunity for her to branch out on her own. Cucharale Consulting Group, LLC, launched in June, puts the 35 years of experience of its founder, Cucharale, in regulatory, financial, and corporate management at the disposal of all sorts of businesses. She operates the business from her home in Westmoreland.

Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE: BGG) opened a new facility in the Sherrill Industrial Park. Milwaukee, Wisconsin–based Briggs & Stratton on Sept. 18 formally opened its $10 million, 552,000-square-foot commercial-products manufacturing facility in Sherrill. The firm is the “world’s largest” producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, and a designer, manufacturer and marketer of power generation, pressure washer, lawn and garden, turf care and job-site products, per the company’s LinkedIn profile.

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) is an initiative “combining entrepreneurial education with hands-on experience,” the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) says. Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) operates the EBV program. The SBA on Sept. 16 awarded the university a federal grant of $100,000 to further develop the initiative both locally and at partner institutions. 

The president of Runningboards Marketing, a Watertown–based mobile digital-billboard company, sees Syracuse as the “hub of Central New York” and wanted to have an office here. The company opened the office in early September at 224 Harrison St. as part of the new ShareCuse coworking space, according to Calvin McNeely, III, the firm’s president. The Runningboards Marketing home office is located at 19138 U.S. Route 11 in Watertown.

OCTOBER

(10/7) A North Carolina company announced plans to spend $1 billion to build the “world’s largest silicon carbide fabrication facility” in Marcy, near Utica. Cree, Inc. (NASDAQ: CREE) says it plans to create more than 600 full-time, “highly-skilled” technician and engineering positions at the Marcy Nanocenter on the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus near Utica, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. Cree — a firm that manufactures power and radio frequency (RF) semiconductors, lighting-class LEDs and lighting products — plans to call its new wafer fabrication facility, “North Fab.”

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin Corp.’s (NYSE: LMT) manufacturing plant in the town of Salina a radar contract that could be worth up to $3 billion in the long run and be the facility’s largest-ever contract. Lockheed will initially receive $281 million to develop and produce the Sentinel A4 radar system at the plant located on Electronics Parkway. The Army will award additional production funding at a later date, the office of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) said.

Richard (Rich) Duvall, CEO of Carthage Area Hospital, would also become the next CEO of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, effective mid-October. Duvall replaced Claxton-Hepburn’s interim CEO, Charles (Chuck) Gijanto, who is retiring from his current role.

Business executive Tom Golisano made another significant donation to Upstate Medical University. The medical school will use Golisano’s $3 million donation to help establish a center for special needs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Golisano — the founder and chairman of Rochester–based Paychex Inc. — had previously provided a $6 million naming gift for the Children’s Hospital.

(10/14) Construction got underway on an expanded, $17 million plant for Cryomech at 6682 Moore Road in the town of DeWitt. The firm is a manufacturer of cryogenic equipment. The company currently operates in a nearby location at 113 Falso Drive in DeWitt. Onondaga County first announced the company’s expansion plans in mid-May.

Liberty Resources Inc. and Genoa Healthcare on Oct. 4 held a formal reopening event for the newly renovated and expanded Family Healthcare Center and Genoa Healthcare Pharmacy. Liberty Resources, a Syracuse–based human-services agency, has expanded outpatient substance-use treatment services and increased capacity for primary care through grants awarded by the New York State Department of Health and New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services.

A California investment-management firm was looking ahead to the future of del Lago Resort & Casino now that it’s the sole owner following the Wilmot family’s sale of its 50 percent stake in the property in August. The Wilmot family sold its 50 percent stake in del Lago to its business partner — Los Angeles, California–based Peninsula Pacific — in a transaction that the Tyre Town Board approved during a meeting held in mid-August.

Lenox, Massachusetts–based Benchmark Development on Sept. 30 announced it will soon start construction of its newest hotel, Hampton Inn by Hilton, near Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. Construction is slated to begin in October and the developer anticipates opening the hotel next summer. 

(10/21) Bankers Healthcare Group (BHG) broke ground on the construction project for its future new $35 million financial headquarters located on property at 300-324 Spencer St. Spencer Street LLC will construct and furnish a 100,000-square-foot facility at 300-324 Spencer St. in Syracuse to house Bankers Healthcare Group and its Capital Collection Management unit.

Newly licensed certified public accountants (CPAs) will be subject to mandatory continuing professional education (CPE) requirements under a new state law that takes effect Jan. 1, 2020. That’s according to information posted on the website of the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA).

(10/28) JMA Wireless, a company that focuses on 4G and 5G software-based technology, plans to renovate the former Coyne Textile Services building into a high-tech manufacturing center and add jobs. JMA Wireless, located at 7645 Henry Clay Boulevard in Clay, has committed to move the manufacturing of 5G equipment from Texas to the Coyne building, south of downtown Syracuse. The firm will also create 100 jobs.

After serving as interim CEO for much of this year, Michael Hertzendorf is now leading NUAIR on a permanent basis as its new president and CEO. Hertzendorf succeeds Major General Marke (Hoot) Gibson (retired) as the organization’s top official. 

St. Joseph’s Health opened a new medical center in Camillus, providing services in the former Bon-Ton department store building at 5301 W. Genesee St. The 16,000-square-foot medical office currently offers cardiology services, primary care, and obstetrics. 

Community Bank System, Inc. (ticker: CBU), parent of Community Bank, N.A., on Oct. 21 announced it has agreed to acquire and Steuben Trust Corporation (ticker: SBHO), parent company of Steuben Trust Company, in a stock and cash deal valued at $106.8 million. DeWitt–based Community Bank says the deal extends its reach into Western New York (WNY).

AmeriCU Credit Union is now operating in its new Onondaga Hill branch at 4865 West Seneca Turnpike in the town of Onondaga. The new office started operations in that location in late September, says Ron Belle, chief experience officer at AmeriCU. The branch had previously operated at Onondaga Community College (OCC) for the past seven years.

NOVEMBER

(11/4) Buffalo–based Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. signed an agreement to purchase the Byrne Dairy fluid-milk operations, including the fluid-milk plant located in Syracuse, and “several” distribution centers throughout New York. In the deal, Upstate Niagara will purchase and operate Byrne’s milk-bottling plant at 240 Oneida St. in Syracuse and Byrne’s direct store delivery operation, Byrne Dairy said.

The Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse will use a $2 million state grant to replace the Salina Street marquee and all the seats in the venue’s auditorium. The Landmark anticipates crews will complete both projects in the summer of 2020. The total cost for both projects and all the ancillary projects that surround them is around $2.5 million. 

The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) will use a $500,000 state grant for improvements to the 112-year-old armory in which it operates. “This funding will ensure critical roof repairs, mechanical upgrades, and exterior work, all of which will be completed before our next Central New York winter,” said Lauren Kochian, president of the MOST.

Crews from Syracuse–based Hayner Hoyt Corporation began work on a project to expand the Oneida Indian Nation’s Point Place Casino. The work represents the first expansion of the young casino, which is located in the Bridgeport area of the town of Sullivan in Madison County. The Oneida Nation expects construction crews will finish their work by late spring of 2020. 

(11/11) A California firm will handle the design work on the café at the Everson Museum of Art after winning a competition to secure the job. The Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse and Syracuse University School of Architecture chose a company called Millions, a Los Angeles–based experimental architectural practice.

Syracuse University will use a $7 million donation for a project called Victory Court, which will connect the Carrier Dome and the Barnes Center at the Arch and for a fund to support the school’s libraries. Life trustee Robert Miron, a 1959 graduate, and his wife, Diane, donated the funding.

Rome Memorial Hospital (RMH) will conduct a search for a new president and CEO after David Lundquist resigned from the role on Nov. 1. Lundquist had served as hospital CEO since March 2016.

 Syracuse–based CH Insurance says it has acquired Life Insurance CNY, described as an “insurance-only financial-services firm” that operated in Syracuse. Joseph Convertino, Jr., president of CH Insurance, said the acquisition of Life Insurance CNY didn’t involve a financial transaction. Brian Winchell of Syracuse, who founded Life Insurance CNY, started working at CH Insurance on Oct. 1. 

(11/18) Top executives of Microsoft on Nov. 7 joined with the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, and Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) for a signing ceremony to launch Microsoft’s “expansive” partnership in Syracuse. Company representatives recently visited Syracuse, meeting with community stakeholders and planning for implementation of programs and services it will make available to people, nonprofits, and businesses.

Genius NY, a business-accelerator program at CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden, has a new director. The program says it has hired Jeff Fuchsberg as director of Genius NY. He has been serving as CenterState CEO’s entrepreneur-in-residence. Fuchsberg replaces Jonathan Parry, who departed the program to join a startup in Skaneateles, Elle Hanna, director of communications and media relations, tells CNYBJ in an email.

The Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse plans to add two floors, a project that will allow the facility to accommodate more resident-members, some of which are startup companies. Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement during a Nov. 12 visit to Million Air Hangar near Syracuse Hancock International Airport. 

The Rescue Mission Alliance has completed a $5.8 million project that expanded and renovated the Clarence L. Jordan Food Service and Culinary Education Center. The renovated center also offers workforce-training space to prepare adults for employment in the food service industry. 

(11/25) RealEats America of Geneva won the $1 million grand prize in the inaugural Grow-NY agribusiness competition. Dropcopter, a tenant of Syracuse’s Tech Garden, captured one of two $500,000 prizes at the pitch event held Nov. 13 in Rochester. Three companies from Ithaca — Capro-X, Combplex, and Whole Healthy Food — each won $250,000 prizes.

Companies from Albany and Syracuse captured the top two prizes in the IDEA NY business-accelerator competition. PreVision Corp. from Syracuse won $100,000 as the runner-up, while United Aircraft Technologies (UAT) of Albany won the grand prize of $200,000 during the event held Nov. 13 at Griffiss Institute in Rome, Empire State Development (ESD).

A family medicine physician with St. Joseph’s Physicians is the new president of the Onondaga County Medical Society. The installation of Dr. Justin Fedor as the organization’s 192nd president was part of its annual meeting held Nov. 7 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse, Destiny USA. Fedor succeeds Dr. MaryAnn Millar as president, the Onondaga County Medical Society said.

DECEMBER

(12/2) Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen, Inc. on Oct. 29 was certified by New York State as a women business enterprise (WBE). Cathy Pemberton expects to generate about 35 percent revenue growth at her homemade baked-cookie business in Armory Square this year. The business owner also has her eye on more growth in the future thanks to the recent certification and other initiatives.

A professor at Le Moyne College says the U.S. has a lot of available jobs in cybersecurity and not enough people to fill them. James Enwright, professor of practice in cybersecurity, pointed to data on website Cyberseek.org, which indicated that the U.S. has more than half a million job openings in cybersecurity nationwide, including 500 openings in the Syracuse area alone. Le Moyne College started its bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity in 2017.

The Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome (Rome Lab) will be the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) leading representative on the quantum economic development consortium (QED-C). Rome Lab serves as the lead Air Force Research Laboratory for quantum information technology, cybersecurity, and information sciences. The National Institute of Standards (NIST) leads the QED-C, which was created by the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act, the office of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) announced on Nov. 8.

(12/9) The new VP, CFO, and treasurer at Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAST) will assume his new duties in early January. Syracuse–based Carrols, the largest Burger King franchisee in the U.S., announced it has appointed Anthony (Tony) Hull to the position. He will replace Tim LaLonde, who has served as interim CFO since September when he temporarily rejoined Carrols after the death of the previous CFO Paul Flanders. 

Ithaca’s Sciencenter is closing out 2019 with a new executive director, who started work in her new role Nov. 22. The Sciencenter’s board of trustees selected Michelle Kortenaar to replace Dean Briere, who “has decided not to renew his contract” to serve in the same role, the Sciencenter announced.

Nickels Energy Solutions, LLC is wrapping up a year that saw the company move into some new office space and complete 60 solar-installation projects. However, the firm faces some new challenges in the solar industry heading into 2020. Brothers Steve and Kevin Nickels founded Nickels Energy Solutions in 2015 as a way to channel their growing interest in solar energy.