Composter helping St. Lawrence County school turn food waste into organic material

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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 […]

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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.”

Lake Placid Central School and the Wild Center in Tupper Lake are also using similar equipment, per an Aug. 20 news release from ANCA.

The organizations are utilizing replicas of a model composter that was built at North Country School Camp Treetops (NCS/CTT) in Lake Placid in 2017. The machine allows schools and communities to process up to 200 pounds of organic matter each day, turning waste into compost in about a month’s time, ANCA said.

“Composting with this in-vessel system allows organizations, municipalities or businesses to save money by reducing landfill costs, reducing methane emissions, creating a valuable soil amendment and reducing water pollution that can occur with open-air composting piles,” John Culpepper, NCS/CTT director of facilities and sustainability, said. “The shortened retention time and mechanized rotation make large-scale composting much more streamlined.”

The estimated cost of one composting machine is about $30,000, plus $10,000 for the shipping container. Culpepper estimates the system pays for itself in five to eight years, due to cost savings from tipping fees and the value of finished compost. The composters offset about nine metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually — the equivalent of removing two vehicles from the road.

About the pilot project

The 2017 pilot project was funded through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) cleaner greener communities program funded the 2017 pilot project. The cleaner greener communities program is a four-year, $100 million initiative aimed at “moving New York communities toward a more environmentally sustainable future,” per the release.

The program encourages communities to create public-private partnerships and develop “regional sustainable growth strategies” in areas such as emission control, energy efficiency, renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, and other carbon reductions.

ANCA secured NYSERDA funding for the systems and worked closely with NCS/CTT and site hosts to ensure the project met its goals and requirements.

“Today’s announcement is an excellent example of the impact local communities can have by coming together in an effort to advance sustainability and environmental stewardship,” Alicia Barton, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said.

In two years, NCS/CTT has processed more than 116,000 pounds of organic material, composed mostly of food scraps, into 53 cubic yards of high-quality compost that is then used in the school’s vegetable gardens.

ANCA secured additional funding from NYSERDA in the fall of 2018 to construct three more composting units in the region. Culpepper and Jennifer Perry, ANCA sustainability project coordinator, selected the host organizations based on their “proven commitment” to sustainability initiatives and their ability to successfully complete projects.

“Lake Placid, Hermon DeKalb and The Wild Center stood out immediately as ideal recipients for the systems,” Perry contended. “We’re excited to have these partners on board, demonstrating how the composters work and how they can benefit communities across the North Country.”

Perry said Hermon DeKalb’s composting system will be supported by several committed community members including an Amish farm, a local restaurant, and SUNY Canton.

The systems are housed in retrofitted 40-foot shipping containers, which were purchased in part with funds from the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse & Recycling green schools grant program, ANCA said.

Brindisi pushes legislation that would require DOD to buy American-made flatware

Manufacturing & Engineering, Regional News, Subscriber Only

SHERRILL — U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi (D–Utica) on Sept. 3 joined employees at Sherrill Manufacturing Inc. to ask Congress to include his Support Procurement of our Nation’s Stainless Steel Act (SPOONSS) in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference bill. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) was previously required to purchase American-made flatware, but due

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The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) was previously required to purchase American-made flatware, but due to a supply problem, this obligation was removed in the 2007 NDAA. Since then, domestic flatware and dinnerware production “has rebounded,” Brindisi’s office contends.

The congressman says he “successfully amended” the House version of the NDAA to include this legislation and now wants congressional leadership to include the provision in the final bill.

Sherrill Manufacturing produces several lines of flatware under the Liberty Tabletop brand and continues to grow its workforce and revenue, Brindisi’s office said. Liberty Tabletop is a division of Sherrill Manufacturing.

“This is a no-brainer,” Brindisi said about SPOONSS, in a Sept. 3 news release. “Congress constantly talks about bringing back and keeping good-paying American jobs. This actually gets it done. [U.S. Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnell and other Congressional leaders owe it to our soldiers and to our manufacturers, like Liberty Tabletop, to get this done,” he said.

Brindisi’s bill would reinstate the Berry Amendment’s long-standing DOD domestic-sourcing requirement for stainless-steel flatware. The congressman secured this provision in the NDAA, his office said.

The SPOONSS Act has been introduced in previous years but was defeated each time it came to a vote, per Brindisi’s release.

“Thank you to Congressman Brindisi for his tireless advocacy on this bill,” Greg Owens, CEO of Sherrill Manufacturing, said. “This legislation is about keeping jobs in America and will create more good-paying jobs for Oneida County. It is time for Congress to do the right thing and get this bill to the President’s desk.”

Oneida County grant program awards $431,000 to local businesses

Regional News, Subscriber Only

Creates 21 jobs UTICA — Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. recently announced that the Oneida County Program Income Grant initiative awarded $431,650 in grants to local businesses for equipment purchases and production expansion this year. The funding contributed to job retention and led to the creation of 21 jobs, the county says. The

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Creates 21 jobs

UTICA — Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. recently announced that the Oneida County Program Income Grant initiative awarded $431,650 in grants to local businesses for equipment purchases and production expansion this year.

The funding contributed to job retention and led to the creation of 21 jobs, the county says.

The Oneida County Program Income Grant program is designed to utilize the county’s New York State Office of Community Renewal program income funds to enhance flexibility and affordability and assist new and existing county businesses provide new job opportunities and retain existing jobs, per a county news release.

Assistance is offered as a grant to eligible businesses through Mohawk Valley EDGE. The program may encompass projects within microenterprise, small business, and economic-development frameworks as defined by the New York State Office of Community Renewal (NYSOCR) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) guidelines.

In 2019, the following businesses were awarded funding for the following initiatives:

• Riverhawk Company (New Hartford): $90,000 for a milling-equipment purchase for increased productivity and efficiency.

• Delta Hardwood Flooring (Boonville): $66,650 for inventory expansion for hardwood-floor finishing line.

• Joe’s Jerky (Sherrill): $50,000 for production-equipment purchases, capacity, and distribution upgrades.

• Square One Coating Systems (Whitestown): $50,000 for equipment purchases for expansion into new markets and efficiency upgrades.

• Paris Compression Molding (Marshall): $35,000 for equipment purchases for diversification and expansion into new markets.

• Audioptix (New Hartford): $35,000 for an equipment purchase for modernization as a creative production hub in Central New York.

• Adirondack Barrel Cooperage (Remsen): $35,000 for an equipment purchase for expansion and product customization.

• Willson’s Nursery of Waterville (Sangerfield): $35,000 for an automated filling machine for increased capacity and efficiency.

• Metal Parts Manufacturing (Trenton): $35,000 for a milling machine and upgrade for increased capacity and efficiency.

“Oneida County continues to leverage strategic investments that help our local businesses grow and thrive,” Picente said in the release. “We are pleased to have facilitated the awarding of this funding along with our partners at Mohawk Valley EDGE and I am pleased to see that it has resulted in a positive economic impact on our community.”

Steven DiMeo, president of Mohawk Valley EDGE added, “Capital in smaller dollar amounts is often difficult to access for our small business community. This partnership with Oneida County helps startup and existing companies provide new job opportunities, keep existing jobs and, ultimately, broaden the tax base of Oneida County.”

In order to qualify for the Oneida County Program Income Grant program, businesses must:

• Be involved in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, agri-business, high technology, research and development, and traditional and innovative small-business sectors.

• Fall into the business categories of: microenterprise (5 employees or less, including the owner(s)); small business (6-25 employees), or economic development (greater than 25 employees).

• Be located within Oneida County, but outside of the CDBG entitlement cities of Utica and Rome.

• Create jobs, which are available to, or held by, low- and moderate-income persons as defined by NYSOCR and CDBG guidelines. In the case of a microenterprise, if the owner of the applicant business is to be considered as a new job, he/she must meet low- or moderate-income CDBG guidelines at the time of application to the program.

Grant funding may be used for the purchase of capital assets such as production machinery and equipment, furniture, fixtures, and working-capital uses.

Hotel Saranac installs EV charging station to complete energy project

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Health Care, Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

SARANAC LAKE — The Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake has installed an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, representing the “final segment” of a four-year energy-saving project. The overall project included the installation of clean-energy technologies and energy-efficiency upgrades. The charging station was installed in August, Jennifer Perry, ANCA sustainability project coordinator, tells CNYBJ in an

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Dannible manufacturing conference set for Oct. 17

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — Syracuse–based accounting firm Dannible & McKee, LLP is set to host its annual manufacturing conference on Oct. 17 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA. The event will include presentations on the latest industry trends and economic outlook, strategies for improving profitability, maximizing your accounting software, and new tax provisions impacting

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SYRACUSE — Syracuse–based accounting firm Dannible & McKee, LLP is set to host its annual manufacturing conference on Oct. 17 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA.

The event will include presentations on the latest industry trends and economic outlook, strategies for improving profitability, maximizing your accounting software, and new tax provisions impacting the manufacturing industry, according to Dannible & McKee’s email announcement about the event.

The speakers will include Randy Wolken, president and CEO of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association.

The day’s agenda includes registration and a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues through 12 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

A continuing professional education (CPE) credit is also available through this conference, per the email announcement.

Those interested in attending should register by Oct. 14 at the firm’s website.

Presentations

Wolken’s presentation is titled, “New York State Manufacturing: Outlook and Opportunities for the Future.” He’ll focus on the current state of the manufacturing industry across New York and highlight the future opportunities for growth in the region.

In addition, John Martin and Brian Potter, Dannible & McKee tax partners, will speak on the topic, “2019 Tax Update for Manufacturers.” Their session will explore recent tax developments for manufacturers, including recently passed legislation, accounting-method changes, and tax-credit incentives available to manufacturers.

The presentations also include: “How Can Manufacturers Increase Profitability and Grow Business Value?”

Victor Vaccaro, Jr., Dannible & McKee audit partner, will provide attendees with 10 “straightforward, cost-effective” management tools that a manufacturing company can utilize to increase profitability and maximize the value of the business.

The event will include a panel presentation titled, “Getting the Most out of Your Accounting Software.” In it, the firm will discuss how to get the most from accounting software so that “it can truly become an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.”

Dannible & McKee will also answer audience questions about how manufacturers might better utilize their current software packages and when they might consider upgrading to a new software product.

Utilities jobs decline in Syracuse MSA and statewide

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

The number of utilities jobs in the Syracuse metropolitan statistical area (MSA) dropped by 100 positions, or 2.6 percent, in July from the year-prior period, according to a report from the New York State Department of Labor in August. The figures showed a net loss of 1,200 utilities jobs (a 3.1 percent drop) statewide in

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Manufacturing jobs drop by over 6 percent in Utica-Rome in past year

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

Manufacturing jobs in the Utica–Rome metropolitan statistical area (MSA) declined by 700 positions, or 6.2 percent, in July, compared to the year-ago period, according to statistics released by the New York State Department of Labor in August. The Utica–Rome MSA is defined as Herkimer and Oneida counties. The data also showed a net loss of

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Cornell, Alfred to use FuzeHub grants in work with manufacturers

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

Cornell University will use a $35,000 grant for its work with Ionica Sciences, a manufacturing firm that is headquartered on the Cornell campus. At the same time, Alfred University will utilize separate $50,000 grants for its work with two manufacturers. FuzeHub, an Albany–based nonprofit, awarded the funding. The grants are among a total of $417,165

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Cornell University will use a $35,000 grant for its work with Ionica Sciences, a manufacturing firm that is headquartered on the Cornell campus.

At the same time, Alfred University will utilize separate $50,000 grants for its work with two manufacturers.

FuzeHub, an Albany–based nonprofit, awarded the funding. The grants are among a total of $417,165 awarded to nine companies through the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, FuzeHub announced on Sept. 3.

The awards seek to facilitate research, development, and operational improvements in the organization’s second announcement of grants this year.

FuzeHub says it provides small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York with “guided access to an extensive network of industry experts, programs and assets to solve business-growth challenges.”

“The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund manufacturing-grant proposals continue to reflect the spirit of advancement, from all aspects of the technology ecosystem” Julianne Clouthier, industry engagement manager for FuzeHub, said in a release. “FuzeHub continues to see many applications from public and private universities as well as manufacturing extension partnership centers, or MEP centers, but we are also seeing more interest from local economic-development organizations which in turn has yielded a remarkable diversity in the grant proposals. From 3D printing for wearables to collaborative robots (cobots), and advanced medical testing for Lyme Disease and management of dry eye disease, these grant awardees are demonstrating that there is no shortage of innovation in New York,” she added.

Cornell / Ionica Sciences grant

Ionica Sciences has developed a “high sensitivity, precision” platform for the detection of infectious diseases in human-serum samples, per the release. The first test under development is the IonLyme test, a “high sensitivity” assay for Lyme disease in humans. Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease, is the “fastest growing,” vector-borne infectious disease in the U.S.

To address the need for a better Lyme disease diagnosis, Ionica Sciences has combined two existing technologies — DNA aptamers and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) — to create a “novel direct test” for Lyme disease. In collaboration with FuzeHub, Ionica will use the $35,000 grant to purchase a 96-well Raman spectrometer to help transition the IonLyme test from the research laboratory to a clinical reference lab for future sale of the assay to physicians.

Alfred University grants

Alfred University and FlexTraPower, Inc., which does business as Bonbouton, are partnering to advance the manufacturing of conductive fibers for functional textiles.

In addition, Alfred University and Lithoz America, LLC. have teamed up on an additive manufacturing (AM) project of all solid-state fuel cells and batteries using yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and lithium super ionic conductor (LISICON) for fuel cell and battery applications, respectively.

Lithoz is an Austrian firm that specializes in the development and production of materials and additive manufacturing systems for the 3D printing of bone replacement material and high-performance ceramics, per its website. Lithoz America LLC operates in Troy, near Albany.

Jeff Lawrence Fund

FuzeHub awarded the funding from the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund.

Lawrence, who died in 2015, was a top executive at the Albany–based Center for Economic Growth, the manufacturing extension partnership (MEP) center for the Capital Region, and a supporter of the New York manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities.

The manufacturing-innovation fund, which was established with $1 million annually for five years, supports activities designed to “spur technology development and commercialization” across New York state.

FuzeHub is administering the fund as part of its role as the Empire State Development (ESD)-designated statewide MEP center. As part of the fund, FuzeHub offers manufacturing-innovation grants. The awards are available to New York nonprofit organizations, including higher-education institutions, proposing “innovative” projects involving small and mid-sized manufacturers or early-stage companies, FuzeHub said.

Is Your “Inner Critic” Undermining Your Career?

Business Mentors, Subscriber Only

5 Ways to Boost Your Confidence The workplace, like the playing field in sports, is packed with competition — often against oneself. It demands being at your best, reaching and exceeding goals, working hard to master all aspects of a position, and proving you’re capable of taking on more. Some people might have all the

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5 Ways to Boost Your Confidence

The workplace, like the playing field in sports, is packed with competition — often against oneself. It demands being at your best, reaching and exceeding goals, working hard to master all aspects of a position, and proving you’re capable of taking on more.

Some people might have all the requisite skills to succeed, but they also may become their own biggest obstacle when self-criticism gets in the way, corporate observers say. Confidence becomes a problem when difficult experiences at work, such as making mistakes or being passed over for an opportunity, cause us to question ourselves and create negative thoughts.

To produce positive thoughts and smooth the path toward success, one needs to create a mindset based on processes that are purposeful.

The mind can get lonely and focus on negative things. We risk giving our attention to thoughts that can eat away at us, destroy our confidence, and take us out of our rhythm.

We begin to listen to a cartoon version of the devil who sits on one shoulder and whispers in our ear. So, we need to develop ways to listen to that other voice within us, that angel on the opposite shoulder, to quiet the inner critic.

I suggest a five-step process to develop a more positive mindset and boost your confidence in the workplace:

Focus on winning in the present. Dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about what comes next can create self-doubt. Staying present is key and requires resiliency, which leans on past training and the skills that led to achievements. I liken a resilient worker with athletes like a placekicker, who shakes off a missed field goal and comes back to make the game winner. The workplace setting doesn’t wait for you to get over things. And rather than fearing making more mistakes, you must ask yourself: “What’s important now?” To be the best you can be in the current moment, you have to focus all of your energy on the present and embrace it.

Breathe to relax and refocus. Refocusing always starts with your breath. It casts out distractions and allows you to be yourself. Focusing on your breathing reminds you that this is something you can control, and in turn you can control your thoughts. Ultimately, you are training your subconscious mind how to use breath to settle you.

Meditate. Meditation builds off your controlled, sustained breathing, and it becomes a practice to develop clarity and create a calm space in the mind. Meditation brings control and harnesses much of the untapped power of the mind. It aligns your mind, body, and spirit.

Visualize. To reach peak performance, people must be able to see themselves performing well. The more precisely you can see yourself in action, the more you are able to adjust and control that image, change its details, and guide its outcome. Visualization also entails tapping into an emotion, feeling the confidence of the moment that you see yourself making happen.

Engage in self-talk. Learn to become your own best motivator. You can do this through the power of positive language directed at the self. We want to develop a language that creates purposeful optimism. Find specific language that can give voice to your feelings and enhance your internal drive.

Training the mind to generate confidence, qualm fear, and spark joy empowers people to be better than their negative side thought they could be. ν

Grant Parr is a mental sports performance coach and the author of “The Next One Up Mindset: How To Prepare For The Unknown.” Parr owns and runs Gameface Performance, a consulting firm that enhances mental skills for athletes and coaches.

Barclay Damon adds 20 attorneys from law firm that recently dissolved

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Law, Accounting & Taxes, New York News, People on the Move

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Barclay Damon LLP has added 20 attorneys who previously worked for a Richmond, Virginia–based law firm that recently dissolved. The lawyers previously

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