Syracuse University drops interim tag from first chief diversity & inclusion officer

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SYRACUSE — Syracuse University created its new chief diversity and inclusion officer position in July 2018 and appointed Keith Alford to the role on an interim basis. Now, the university’s board of trustees executive committee has approved Alford’s permanent appointment to the role, Syracuse announced May 13. Alford’s selection fulfills a “key priority” of the […]

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SYRACUSE — Syracuse University created its new chief diversity and inclusion officer position in July 2018 and appointed Keith Alford to the role on an interim basis.

Now, the university’s board of trustees executive committee has approved Alford’s permanent appointment to the role, Syracuse announced May 13.

Alford’s selection fulfills a “key priority” of the Chancellor Kent Syverud’s workgroup on diversity and inclusion, which, in 2016, “delivered wide-ranging recommendations aimed at creating a more welcoming, respectful campus climate,” the university said.

Nearly 200 people had expressed interest in the position. A search committee had been working to fill the role since last November.

But the university to decided to stay with its initial selection, following Alford’s performance.

“In his capacity as interim chief diversity officer, Keith has exceeded expectations, serving as both a leader and a bridge, bringing together diverse groups and viewpoints in constructive dialogue that has produced action,” Syverud said in a news release. “I am grateful that the search committee diligently considered a strong lineup of candidates, and I am delighted that they found the most impressive candidate to be the person already doing the job in an innovative and effective way.”

In addition to his new role, Alford has also served as associate professor and chair of the Falk College’s School of Social Work. His areas of specialization include mental-health service delivery to children and families, culturally specific programming for children in out-of-home care, and contemporary rites of passage programming and loss/grief reactions among African American families, Syracuse said.

About the post

As chief diversity and inclusion officer, Alford reports directly to Syverud and serves on the chancellor’s executive team. He also provides “executive leadership, oversight and vision” in the administration of services, programs, policies, and procedures related to “advancing Syracuse University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” per the release.

Alford will work to centralize diversity and inclusion efforts in partnership with Syracuse University’s 13 schools and colleges; “work to curate resources and expertise for the University to use to develop a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible environment; and develop and collaborate to create educational opportunities on diversity, inclusion and equity,” per the release.

Alford will lead the implementation of a university-wide plan for diversity and inclusion that will “provide students with an education informed by multiple points of view, life experiences, abilities, ethnicities, cultures and belief systems.”

“Diversity requires inclusion, which means actively acknowledging, incorporating, engaging and facilitating participation from all groups,” Alford said in the release. “Targeted university endeavors from all divisional operations are strengthened when diversity and inclusion are given credence and fully embraced. Certainly, at Syracuse University, one’s commitment to excellence must be strong — ensuring a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible campus environment for all. Positive coexistence leads to rich collaboration, cooperation and camaraderie. The more we increase campus diversity on a number of fronts, the more educational advantages increase for everyone associated with campus life. I’m honored to serve in this capacity.”

CNY Tweets – May 27, 2019

Business Mentors, Subscriber Only

Some recent tweets that came across the @cnybj Twitter feed, offering various small business, leadership, HR, career, and personal tips. GSA @USGSADuring fiscal year 2018, GSA spent approximately $1.8B (38.8% of its budget) on small business purchases. Learn how your #SmallBusiness can sell to GSA … http://go.usa.gov/xmNzn Small Business Expo @SmallBizExpo5 Relationship-Marketing Strategies for Small

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Some recent tweets that came across the @cnybj Twitter feed, offering various small business, leadership, HR, career, and personal tips.

GSA @USGSA
During fiscal year 2018, GSA spent approximately $1.8B (38.8% of its budget) on small business purchases. Learn how your #SmallBusiness can sell to GSA … http://go.usa.gov/xmNzn

Small Business Expo @SmallBizExpo
5 Relationship-Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses to Use to Increase ROI http://twib.in/l/REg7aGa5E8MG

SBA @SBAgov
Protect your business and your employees ahead of a severe storm. Get preparedness tips from SBA partner @disastersafety — http://ow.ly/tDys30ot8ar

Allen Ruddock @AllenRuddock
Successful people take the time to do the things others can’t be bothered with http://dld.bz/eRBwH

NFIB @NFIB
“Hiring employees and training them is an investment, not just a ‘one and done’ event.” NFIB Chief Economist William Dunkelberg talks training challenges for #SmallBiz in op-ed @Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamdunkelberg/2019/05/07/cant-find-a-needed-employee-train-one/#7749e81f7b71 … #SmallBusinessWeek @NFIBResearch

Robert Britton @R_Britton_SE_MI
Utilizing technology to reduce HR administrative tasks can lead to big savings–when it’s done correctly. Check this out to learn how. #HR http://bit.ly/2Un2KaS

Steve Keating @LeadToday
People Really Do Follow the Leader: https://stevekeating.me/2014/03/23/people-really-do-follow-the-leader/

Dave Ulrich @dave_ulrich
We need leaders who are not about personal authenticity through emotion and intensity, but about creating sustainable value for others. Leaders succeed by making others better through recognizing and achieving their potential.

Lolly Daskal @LollyDaskal
Few people are fond of admitting that they cannot do everything. We all need someone to help us. That is the reality of life. @LollyDaskal http://bit.ly/2KoZBmu

Mark C. Crowley @MarkCCrowley
Whenever a manager criticizes an employee, it leaves a sting. It hurts. But studies show that praising employees on a 4:1 ratio, not only lessens these stings, it sends the message to people that they work for a manager who cares about them.

Hannah Morgan @careersherpa
Do you know about the New Phase In the Employee Lifecycle: Unretirement #careeradvice #hiringadvice @hrbartender https://www.hrbartender.com/2019/recruiting/employee-lifecycle-unretirement/ …

Mitch Mitchell @Mitch_M
You’re Worth What You Get Paid https://pcaofcny.com/consulting/you-re-worth-what-you-get-paid …

WovenCapital @WovenCapital
Following these four tips could hurt your financial future. Find out why. #personalfinance https://buff.ly/2EhTLTi

World Economic Forum @wef
Exercise makes you happier than having money, according to Yale and Oxford research https://wef.ch/2UV6Prb #health

Tegan joins Tompkins Financial board of directors

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ITHACA — Tompkins Financial Corp. (NYSE: TMP) announced that Jennifer R. Tegan, managing partner at the Cayuga Venture Fund, has recently joined its board of directors. Tegan will also continue as a director of Tompkins Financial’s subsidiary, Tompkins Trust Company, where she has served since 2016. Since starting with Cayuga Venture Fund (CVF) in 2002,

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Chemung Financial to pay dividend of 26 cents a share on July 1

Banks & Credit Unions, Subscriber Only

ELMIRA — Chemung Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: CHMG) recently announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of 26 cents a share. The dividend is payable on July 1, to common stock shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 17. At the banking company’s current stock price, the

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Triggers to Typewriters: The story of L.C. Smith, Gun Maker

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Guns are not usually associated with typewriters considering their primary purposes are vastly different. However, Syracuse was an exception to that statement. Before the typewriter industry that made him his greatest fame and fortune, Lyman Cornelius Smith was a renown Syracuse gun manufacturer. L.C. Smith was born in Connecticut. At the age of nine, his

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L.C. Smith was born in Connecticut. At the age of nine, his family moved to Lisle, N.Y. — located in Broome County, just north of Binghamton. L.C.’s father was extremely entrepreneurial, making a comfortable living as a general merchant, sawmill owner, and operator and tanner. L.C. Smith moved to New York City when he was age 23, but returned to Lisle penniless within two years.

His father then sent L.C. and his brother, Leroy, to Syracuse to set up a lumberyard on the corner of Burt and South Salina Streets. The lumber business was booming at the time due to the building requirements of the salt making industry. Soon after his arrival in Syracuse, L.C.’s hometown friend, W. H. Baker, convinced him that the future was in the manufacturing of guns, namely his Baker gun. Smith had recently made the acquaintance of Ms. Flora Burns, daughter of former Syracuse Mayor Peter Burns. Smith’s father-in-law had made his fortune in the saddlery business through his lucrative contract with the Union Army. L.C. and Flora eventually wed. Burns soon provided Smith with the necessary funds to purchase a gun-manufacturing plant located near the Armory off Walton Street in 1877. It had a large shooting gallery located on the roof for testing purposes. The company began with eight employees and three milling machines. The gun developed by Baker was a breech loading gun. It was a popular gun and the company grew significantly. Smith and Baker were partners with Smith’s brother Leroy and brother-in-law George Livermore. Another of L.C.’s brothers, Wilbert, also worked in the factory. Despite financial success, Baker realized that he could not work with L.C. and broke from the company. In late 1879, Baker dissolved the partnership and opened the Ithaca Gun Company along with Livermore and Leroy. Wilbert, remained as L.C.’s plant manager. Smith retained the rights to continue to manufacture guns originally patented by Baker.

Smith moved his factory to a building located in the what was once the 100 block of S. Clinton St. The building had previously been the site of a carriage manufacturer. His factory took up most of the block. Gun sales began to drop off and Smith decided that he needed to develop and manufacture a more unique gun.

Fortunately, for L.C.’s sake, an individual by the name of Alexander T. Brown had been hired as a lathe operator in 1878. Brown was a gifted inventor and quickly designed and received a patent to manufacture a new cocking mechanism. This patent was followed by several others, leading to the design of a gun in 1884 that would become an American legend — the L.C. Smith gun, marketed as “the gun that never shoots loose and is a thing of beauty and a joy forever.” Trap shooting was a popular sport and the LC Smith gun received many accolades from trap shooters nationwide. In 1886, Brown patented a design for the hammerless gun. This gun was so advanced for its time that it remained unchanged for more than 60 years.

At its peak, the company employed 175 men, running close to 100 machines. Brown continued to make improvements to his gun patents while also designing and developing other projects including a design for a ‘visible’ typewriter (unlike original typewriter machines, typists were able to immediately see what they were typing). In 1888, L.C. Smith sold his gun manufacturing business to the Hunter Bros. company, which commenced moving the business to Fulton. Hunter took many of the craftsmen and most of the equipment once owned by Smith with him. The L.C. gun, nicknamed the “Sweet Elsie,” continued to be manufactured by Hunter Bros. and other companies for decades.

L.C. Smith and Alexander T. Brown then began their typewriter-company journey that lasted several decades — making millions of dollars due entirely to Smith’s financial acumen and Brown’s mechanical genius. Thanks to these gentlemen, Syracuse became the center of America’s typewriter manufacturing industry and eventually became known in many circles as “Typewriter City.”

Karen Y. Cooney is support services administrator at the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) in Syracuse.

Flex-Hose, Cryomech plan to expand their operations

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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, the office of Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon recently announced. Flex-Hose Co. plans to relocate from its current location

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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, the office of Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon recently announced.

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 Inc., 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.

Expansion details
Flex-Hose currently operates in buildings at 6801 and 6809 Crossbow Drive in DeWitt, Joanna Carter, the company’s senior VP, says in an email response to a CNYBJ inquiry. Both buildings cover about 22,000 square foot, Carter noted. Flex-Hose plans to relocate to a 38,000-square-foot space in the former Wine Merchants warehouse at 4560 Buckley Road in Clay, she adds.

The projected $3 million project will help retain 32 jobs and create another 50 positions, per Onondaga County. Flex-Hose says the expansion is needed to “adequately and sufficiently” support the company’s current customer demand.

Cryomech wants to relocate into a new facility to be constructed on a 14-acre vacant site on Moore Road in DeWitt. It currently operates at 113 and 127 Falso Drive in DeWitt. The new 76,500-square-foot building would house the company’s new manufacturing plant and office space. The firm anticipates that construction on the new building will begin this summer.

As part of its move, Cryomech would add about 19 new jobs. The employee-owned company employs about 125 people now, including office staff, engineers, researchers, skilled manufacturing workers, and others.

“The best opportunity for economic growth will always be with those companies whose roots are right here in Onondaga County and Flex-Hose and Cryomech are perfect examples of local successes stories,” McMahon said in a news release. “We are excited by the progress, potential and investments being made by these companies and most importantly for the new jobs that will be created right here in Onondaga County.”

N.Y. manufacturing index climbs in May to highest mark in six months

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

Manufacturing activity in New York state gathered momentum in May, according to a recent report. The Empire State Manufacturing Survey general business-conditions index rose 8 points to 17.8 in May, its highest level since last November. The index also rose 6 points to 10.1 in April after falling 5 points to 3.7 in March. The

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Manufacturing activity in New York state gathered momentum in May, according to a recent report.

The Empire State Manufacturing Survey general business-conditions index rose 8 points to 17.8 in May, its highest level since last November.

The index also rose 6 points to 10.1 in April after falling 5 points to 3.7 in March.

The May reading, based on firms responding to the survey, indicates “business activity picked up significantly in New York,” the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said in its May 15 survey report.

A positive index number indicates expansion or growth in manufacturing activity, while a negative reading points to a decline in the sector.

The survey found 36 percent of respondents reported that conditions had improved over the month, while 18 percent said that conditions had worsened, the New York Fed said.

Survey details
The new-orders index rose 2 points to 9.7, indicating an increase in orders. The shipments index jumped 8 points to 16.3, pointing to a strong pickup in shipments.

Unfilled orders inched higher, delivery times were little changed, and inventories were “somewhat below” last month’s levels, the New York Fed said.

The index for number of employees fell 7 points to 4.7, a level indicating that employment increased “only to a small degree.” The average-workweek index held steady at 4.4.

Price increases were similar to those seen last month. The prices-paid index was little changed at 26.2, as was the prices-received index at 12.4.

Manufacturing firms were “significantly more optimistic” about the six-month outlook than they were last month, the New York Fed said.

The index for future business conditions shot up 18 points to 30.6. The indexes for future new orders and shipments climbed to similar levels.

Companies expected solid increases in employment but no change in the average workweek in the months ahead. The capital-expenditures index was little changed at 26.2, and the technology spending index came in at 22.8, up slightly from April’s reading.

The New York Fed distributes the Empire State Manufacturing Survey on the first day of each month to the same pool of about 200 manufacturing executives in New York state. On average, about 100 executives return responses.

Broome County hotel occupancy rate jumps nearly 9 percent in March

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

BINGHAMTON — Hotels in Broome County were significantly fuller in March than in the year-ago month, according to a recent report. The hotel occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county rose 8.9 percent to 56.1 percent in March from 51.5 percent a year earlier, according to STR, a Tennessee–based

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The Cake Shop CNY specializes in high-end cakes, treats

Business Mentors, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Stacey Lorraine is the owner, cake artist, office manager, and dishwasher — yes, she does it all — at The Cake Shop Central New York, located in Skaneateles. Born and raised near Washington D.C., Lorraine got her start working at a local bakery when she was 16. From that point on, she fell in love

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Stacey Lorraine is the owner, cake artist, office manager, and dishwasher — yes, she does it all — at The Cake Shop Central New York, located in Skaneateles.

Born and raised near Washington D.C., Lorraine got her start working at a local bakery when she was 16. From that point on, she fell in love with everything baking, going on to become a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. While she spent a short stint working in restaurants, Lorraine found her true passion in making custom cakes.

Like many well-versed entrepreneurs, Stacey’s education extended well beyond the classroom. She has had the opportunity to travel to, work for, and learn from some of the best cake shop owners and managers in the country. Following an internship at Mark Joseph Cakes in New York City, she spent four years decorating cakes at Betty Bakery and Cheryl Kleinman Cakes in Brooklyn.

Stacey has also competed professionally, constructing her custom cakes on multiple Food Network shows. In 2011, she was awarded 2nd place on “Food Network Challenge” for a Renaissance-themed cake. Six years later, she returned to win the 1st place prize on “Cake Wars,” alongside Kristina Serfass, her former boss, and owner of “Baked. Custom Cakes” in Seattle.

After many cake-based adventures, Stacey got married and settled down in Central New York. It was then, that she decided to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. She had more than a plateful of knowledge and experience in baking, but she found that she was lost when it came to the business side of her dream.

Lorraine decided to reach out to the Onondaga Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance on how to get started with her startup in 2017. “I really didn’t have an idea where to begin when starting a business” she recalls. “As a new business with tight capital, having free resources that could help guide me in the right direction was an amazing opportunity.”

I worked with Stacey to develop her business concept and put it into action. That included helping to connect her to a banker, accountant, insurance agent, lawyer and other professionals that could help her get started as a small business. We also discussed the dos and don’ts of business, including the intricacies of the food industry.

From not knowing where to begin in 2017, to her success now in early 2019, Stacey’s experience and enthusiasm has led her business to grow rapidly. The Cake Shop now has a brick and mortar location at 35 Fennel St. in Skaneateles.

The Cake Shop is a studio that offers custom orders by appointment only. Stacey Lorraine creates wedding cakes, custom cakes, and a small variety of bite-sized treats for all occasions to the Central New York area. Everything is made from scratch in-house and with locally sourced ingredients when possible.

Stacey is a talented small-business owner who took the time and patience to learn the business side of her venture, to make her dreams come true. She takes that same time and patience to give every one of her client’s orders the care and attention it deserves, making every client’s dessert dreams come true, too.

For more information on The Cake Shop, visit https://www.thecakeshopcny.com/wedding-cake.

Advisor’s business tip: Make sure to build your professional network and educate yourself on all aspects of your business. These things will create a solid foundation for growing your business.

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

Cortland family business among SBA Small Business Excellence Award winners

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DeWITT — A privately owned family business in Cortland was among the area companies honored recently 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

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DeWITT — A privately owned family business in Cortland was among the area companies honored recently 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. The event was part of National Small Business Week.

Charlie Forkey Jr. and Charlie Forkey III, the owners of Forkey Construction and Fabricating Inc., called it “very humbling to be selected for this award.”

“The opportunity to work as a family to build our business, create career opportunities for our team, and have a positive impact on our community is priceless. We are thankful to our customers and our hardworking team, and we appreciate NBT Bank’s partnership and support as we have grown over the years,” the Forkeys said in an SBA news release.

NBT Bank had nominated the firm for the excellence award. “I began working with the Forkey family in 2007. As their banker, I have always been impressed by their financial success and their vision for the future. The Forkey family and their company are proof that the American dream is alive and well, and NBT Bank is honored to be part of their journey,” Kellyanne Truesdale, an NBT Bank VP who nominated the business, said in the SBA release.

Small businesses are selected for the awards based on their company’s longevity, innovation, sales growth, increased employment, ability to overcome adversity, and community contributions.

The New York Business Development Corporation, area lenders, and economic developers joined the SBA in honoring the businesses during the luncheon.

“The 21st Annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon gives us the opportunity to celebrate our business community leaders for their small business successes,” Bernard J. Paprocki, SBA Syracuse district director, said in a news release. “Small-business owners develop deep community connections, provide the critical backbone of our economy, employ local residents, and contribute to the vibrancy and innovation of our nation.”

Besides Forkey Construction, the honorees include four businesses in Onondaga County; two each in Oswego, Cayuga, Madison, and Jefferson counties; and one each in St. Lawrence, Tompkins, Broome, and Oneida counties.

Onondaga County
Property Management Consulting Services, Inc. was honored with an excellence award. Solvay Bank nominated the business, which is owned by Tracy Newman and Rebecca Newman and located at 829 W. Genesee St. in Syracuse.

Recess Coffee and Kitchen LLC, owned by Jesse Daino and Adam Williams, was also recognized during the luncheon. Berkshire Bank nominated the company, which is located at 114 Boss Road in Syracuse.

Another winner was Ashley McGraw Architects, D.P.C., which Citizens Bank nominated for an excellence award. The firm, which is owned by Edward McGraw, Matthew Broderick, Nicholas Signorelli, Sandra March, Andrew Schuster, and Susanne Angarano, operates at 125 E. Jefferson St. in Syracuse.

The recipients also included Whelan & Curry Construction Services, Inc., which is owned by Christopher Corfield. M&T Bank nominated the firm, which is located at 4103 New Court Ave. in DeWitt.

Oswego County
Man in the Moon Candies, owned by Amy Lear, was honored with an excellence award. The New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Oswego nominated the company, which is located at 192 West First St. in Oswego.

The honorees also included Bardy’s 4 Seasons Tire & Auto Repair, Inc., which is owned by David Bardeschewski and Lisa Hall and located at 5963 S. Main St. in Sandy Creek. Operation Oswego County, Inc. nominated the company for the excellence award.

Cayuga County
Lilly Plumbing and Heating, which is owned by Greg and Kathy Gallinger, was recognized during the luncheon. Five Star Bank nominated the company, which is located at 4974 Rockefeller Road in Auburn.

Active Physical Therapy Solutions PC, owned by Dr. Dale Buchberger, was also honored with an excellence award. New York Business Development Corporation nominated the business, which is located at 91 Columbus St. in Auburn.

Madison
Ray Brothers Barbeque, owned by Tucker Ray and Colin Ray, was recognized during the luncheon. NY SBDC Onondaga nominated the company, which is located at 6474 Route 20 in Bouckville.

WISE Women’s Business Center presented a 2019 Small Business Excellence Award to Devine Gardens LLC, owned by Tina Jacobs and located at 4015 Ryan Road in Morrisville.

Jefferson County
In Jefferson County, the honorees included DNJ Management LLC, which is owned by Damon Draught and Sonja Draught. NY SBDC Watertown nominated the business, which is located at 26475 Johnson Road in Evans Mills.

In addition, Katie Clough-Perin, DDS, PC was honored. Watertown Savings Bank nominated the business, which is located at 1340 Washington St. in Watertown.

Additional recipients
Among other winners, 3 Bears Gluten Free Bakery and Café of St. Lawrence County won an excellence award. The NY SBDC Canton nominated the business, which is owned by Christopher Durand and Faye Ori and located at 51 Market St. in Potsdam.

Shortstop Deli, which is owned by Chuck Dong and located at 200 W. Seneca St. in Ithaca, was also honored. Tompkins Trust Company nominated the business for an excellence award.

NY SBDC Binghamton nominated two businesses that won an excellence award: 205 Dry and Uncorked Creations. Alise Willerton owns both businesses, which are located at 205 State St. in Binghamton.

Another honoree was Clinton Pet Vet, nominated by NY SBDC Mohawk Valley. The business, which is owned by Dr. Jessica Price, is located at 60 Dwight Ave. in Clinton.

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