SUNY Poly and AIS expand research, innovation partnership

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MARCY, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Assured Information Security (AIS) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) marking an expansion of their partnership to

Community Financial System Q1 profit rises more than 21%

Banks & Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services, Mohawk Valley, New York News, North Country, Southern Tier, Subscriber Only

DeWITT, N.Y. — Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) — parent company of Community Bank, N.A. — recently reported net income of $49.6 million, or 93 cents per share, in the first quarter, up more than 21 percent from $40.9 million, or 76 cents, in the first quarter of 2024. Increases in net interest income

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Increases in net interest income (up more than 12 percent) and noninterest revenue (up over 8 percent) helped drive the profit gain. Total revenue at Community Financial System increased nearly 11 percent to $196.25 million in this year’s first quarter from almost $177.3 million in the year-ago quarter.

“Our Company had very solid core operating performance for the first quarter with meaningful growth in net income, operating net income and operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) over the prior year’s first quarter,” Dimitar A. Karaivanov, president and CEO of Community Financial System, said in the company’s earnings report issued on April 29. “The Company continues to execute on its focus to deliver sustainable growth and above average returns with below average risk as evidenced by our operating return on assets of 1.28% in the quarter. All four of our businesses — banking, employee benefit services, insurance services and wealth management services — achieved increases in revenues and improvements in core operating performance compared to last year’s first quarter…”

Community Financial System is a diversified financial services company headquartered in DeWitt. Community Bank is among the nation’s 100 largest banks with more than $16 billion in assets and operates about 200 branches across upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts. The company’s Benefit Plans Administrative Services, Inc. subsidiary is a provider of employee-benefits administration, trust services, collective investment-fund administration, and actuarial consulting services to customers nationally. The company’s OneGroup NY, Inc. subsidiary is a top 66 U.S. insurance agency. Community Financial also offers comprehensive financial planning, trust administration and wealth-management services through its Nottingham Financial Group operating unit.

Pathfinder Bancorp profit rises more than 40 percent in Q1

Banks & Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services, Mohawk Valley, New York News, North Country, Small Business, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO, N.Y. — Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBHC), the holding company for Pathfinder Bank, reported net income of $3 million, or 41 cents a share, in the first quarter of this year, up nearly 43 percent from $2.1 million or 34 cents, in the first quarter of 2024. Pathfinder attributed the growth to improving operating

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Berkshire Bank parent company to pay Q2 dividend of 18 cents a share in late May

Banks & Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Subscriber Only

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB) — parent company of Berkshire Bank, which has a significant presence in the Mohawk Valley region — recently announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of 18 cents per common share. The dividend is payable on May 29, to shareholders of record as of

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Future Farmers of America to get new facility at New York State Fairgrounds

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Education & Training, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Recently broke ground on the project GEDDES, N.Y. — Future Farmers of America (FFA) is looking ahead to the New York State Fair in 2026 when it’s expecting to have a new building at the State Fairgrounds in the town of Geddes. FFA on May 8 broke ground on the new structure. The upcoming facility

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Recently broke ground on the project

GEDDES, N.Y. — Future Farmers of America (FFA) is looking ahead to the New York State Fair in 2026 when it’s expecting to have a new building at the State Fairgrounds in the town of Geddes.

FFA on May 8 broke ground on the new structure. The upcoming facility will “ensure FFA students can continue to showcase New York agriculture to New Yorkers visiting The New York State Fair,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an announcement.

The 10,500-square-foot building will include a large exhibition space for FFA students to showcase their work, along with conference areas and more. Partners from Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; National FFA; and the New York State Legislature additionally joined to acknowledge the milestone in FFA history at the New York State Fair.

“For 100 years, New York FFA has empowered students to lead, serve, and grow in agriculture and beyond,” New York State FFA Director Juleah Tolosky said in the state’s announcement. “This new building at the Fairgrounds is more than a structure — it’s a symbol of what happens when we invest in young people and believe in their potential. We’re grateful to \and our partners across the state for supporting a vision that honors our past while building a stronger future for agricultural education.”

Administered by Cornell University, the New York State FFA Association is a youth organization that helps middle and high school students become leaders in a variety of career fields, including agriculture, Hochul’s office said. NY FFA develops leadership, personal growth, and career success through activities and opportunities nationwide, it added.

Hochul joined Richard Ball, commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy, New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave, and representatives from New York FFA to officially break ground on the new FFA building.

The new structure is part of a $34.7 million project to improve agricultural facilities at the State Fairgrounds that Hochul first announced in 2022. In addition to the FFA building, improvements will include a new show space for goats, which was completed last year. Also on tap is an upcoming new sheep barn and wool center and new horse barn, both of which are scheduled to be ready for this summer’s State Fair.

The governor’s executive budget this year includes $35 million in funding for the Fair’s Chevy Court and Suburban Park spaces to “enhance the Fair’s entertainment experiences for concertgoers,” Hochul’s office said.

Time capsule

As part of the groundbreaking ceremony, Ball announced the creation of a time capsule, which will be filled with historical items from FFA’s past and present and sealed when the ribbon is cut on the FFA building.

The commissioner dedicated the time capsule’s first entry, clips from several Agricultural Teacher Bulletins from 1926 to 1929, which showcase reports of the development of the Association of New York Young Farmers Club affiliation with FFA.

Ball additionally challenged each FFA chapter across the state to find or create an item meaningful to their chapter to go in the time capsule before it is sealed next year.

“There’s a long list of things that make The Great New York State Fair the best in the nation, but its continued focus on agriculture is what truly sets it apart, and its deep partnership with FFA has been a huge part of that,” Ball said in the state’s announcement. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this powerful program’s centennial than by breaking ground on a new building that will help introduce a whole new generation of young people to the value of our industry and inspire them to pursue meaningful careers in agriculture. I want to thank our Governor, our partners across the state, and of course our very own NY FFA who share this vision and make it a priority — because of their work, I know the future of agriculture is bright.”

ConMed announces executive changes

Manufacturing & Engineering, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

ConMed Corp. (NYSE: CNMD), a surgical-device maker originally headquartered in the Utica region, recently announced some executive changes. On April 1, the company appointed Andrew Moller, 50, as principal accounting officer, according to ConMed’s Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. This came after Moller had on Jan. 27 started serving in

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Former Sears building in Syracuse to become first ON-RAMP center

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Education & Training, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The former Sears building at 1300 S. Salina St. in Syracuse will be the future home of the first ON-RAMP workforce-development center. The flagship hub will anchor a “broader revitalization” of the site, which the City of Syracuse and CenterState CEO will lead, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced. ON-RAMP

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The former Sears building at 1300 S. Salina St. in Syracuse will be the future home of the first ON-RAMP workforce-development center.

The flagship hub will anchor a “broader revitalization” of the site, which the City of Syracuse and CenterState CEO will lead, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced.

ON-RAMP is short for One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships. The governor first proposed ON-RAMP in her 2024 State of the State address, and included it in the approved state budget.

The Syracuse location will serve as a “critical gateway” for both job seekers and manufacturing and construction firms, supporting the region’s growing demand for skilled workers, anchored by Micron Technology Inc.’s $100 billion commitment in Onondaga County, Hochul’s office said.

Empire State Development’s board of directors approved $8.5 million in funding for the flagship center, part of Hochul’s broader $200 million ON-RAMP initiative. The state will establish additional workforce-innovation hubs in the Capital Region, the Mohawk Valley, and the Finger Lakes.

Staff for the Central New York ON-RAMP center will be temporarily housed at CenterState CEO, located at 115 West Fayette St., while crews redevelop the South Salina Street site.

ON-RAMP is an initiative designed to expand workforce-development opportunities in advanced manufacturing for more New Yorkers.

Training provided through ON-RAMP will be based on the successful model developed by the Northland Workforce Development Training Center in Buffalo.

Northland’s model works to reduce the “major barriers” that prohibit students from enrolling and completing post-secondary education. Those barriers include transportation, child care, academic readiness, and affordability. Collectively, the four centers will combine industry, academia, social services, organized labor and community organizations to provide training and the “wraparound support necessary to empower more New Yorkers with the skills needed for careers in high growth industries,” Hochul’s office said.

Initial training programs will focus on career exploration, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), financial empowerment, and trade-specific skills for construction and manufacturing.

Construction training will include pathways to apprenticeship and trade-specific skills, and manufacturing training will focus on entry-level assembly and middle-skill technician training, including Onondaga Community College electrical mechanical technician training.

In the first year, training programs are expected to serve between 150 and 200 New Yorkers, per the governor’s office.

Upon completion of the new facility, the Syracuse location will offer flexible programs customized to employer skill and volume needs, create ways for community members to learn about the career that is right for them, and combine training with support to reduce barriers to employment.

The Central New York ON-RAMP hub will work with local partners to provide a “wide array of services in a single, central location,” Hochul’s office said.

Additionally, CenterState CEO plans to work with the City of Syracuse to explore how best to connect the new South Salina Street ON-RAMP location to the nearby City-owned lot, ensuring that these strategic properties are redeveloped with the community’s input. CenterState CEO will hold monthly virtual town-hall meetings to report on progress and hear from partners directly.

Greene County couple charged with theft of $35K in pension payments

Law, Accounting & Taxes, New York News, Subscriber Only

CATSKILL, N.Y. — New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione, and the New York State Police Superintendent Stephen G. James on April 16 announced the arrest of a Tannersville couple, Kelly Tuomey, 56, and her husband, Stephen B. Tuomey, 60, for allegedly stealing more than $35,000 in pension payments.

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The Tuomeys appeared in the Town of Catskill Court before Judge Richard Jacobs. Kelly Tuomey was charged with two counts of grand larceny in the third degree and eight counts of forgery. Stephen Tuomey was charged with one count of grand larceny in the third degree. Both defendants were due back in court on May 1.

Allegation details

Stephen B. Tuomey’s father retired from the New York State Office of General Services as a food-service worker in May 1997 and subsequently received monthly state pension payments via direct deposit into a joint checking account that he shared with the defendants, according to the comptroller’s office. Stephen’s father was also the beneficiary of his wife’s state pension and upon her death received her monthly pension payment via check.

Stephen’s father died on March 4, 2020 and both pension payments should have ended. However, the Tuomeys did not report the death of Stephen’s father to the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS). Instead, a total of $30,189.80 in electronic payments were made into the joint account and a total of $5,050.16 in paper pension checks were cashed after his father’s death. When NYSLRS learned of the death in 2022, all payments were stopped and an investigation was initiated, according to the announcement.

The investigation revealed that Kelly Tuomey allegedly forged her father-in-law’s name on the paper checks and deposited them into a joint checking account shared by her, husband Stephen, and the deceased. She then allegedly transferred more than $20,000 into her personal bank account and into another bank account, which she shared with her husband. Kelly and Stephen used the money to pay off various credit-card bills and other personal expenses.

“The defendants allegedly exploited a family member’s death to try to cheat the pension system and enrich themselves,” DiNapoli said in the announcement. “I will continue to safeguard the state pension system and work with law enforcement to hold those who would defraud it accountable. I thank DA Stanzione and the New York State Police for their continued partnership in protecting the pension system.”

27th Taste of Syracuse has the food, music, and crowds

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — More than 100 food options, music from 30 bands, and crowds of thousands are expected both days of the event described as Central New York’s largest food and music festival. The Taste of Syracuse is again set for the area in and around Clinton Square on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — More than 100 food options, music from 30 bands, and crowds of thousands are expected both days of the event described as Central New York’s largest food and music festival.

The Taste of Syracuse is again set for the area in and around Clinton Square on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7.

The event is officially known as The Summit Federal Credit Union Taste of Syracuse, presented by Tops Friendly Markets.

The festival, now in its 27th year, will include food vendors and nonstop live music from 30 bands and more than 100 local musicians in total. Steven Page, formerly founding member and lead singer of the group Barenaked Ladies, will be the headliner on Saturday evening on the Sweet Grass Main Stage, per the announcement from Galaxy Media.

On Friday evening, national touring act Sophistafunk will perform on the VisitSyracuse.com Erie Stage, and the popular Youth Talent Showcase returns Saturday to the Erie Stage from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., “highlighting the region’s rising stars.”

Those attending can sample signature bites from dozens of local restaurants and vendors, with over 100 selections available — many for just $2. Attendees can look forward to the return of fan favorites, alongside several new participants joining the 2025 lineup, Galaxy Media said.

“Whether you come for the music, the food, or the family fun, we truly have something for everyone,” Carrie Wojtaszek, COO of Galaxy Media, said in the announcement. “We’re especially proud to spotlight the incredible local talent and to raise funds and awareness for such meaningful causes.”

This year’s Taste of Syracuse will debut “Art in the Park” at Perseverance Park at the corner of Washington and South Salina Streets. It’s described as a showcase for local artists and will also feature an interactive chalk-art station.

The charitable partners for this year’s Taste of Syracuse are David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York. The Summit, Tops, and additional sponsors and vendors will support fundraising efforts throughout the weekend, with proceeds from activities at The Summit and Tops tents going directly to these organizations.

“Tops is proud to once again partner with Taste of Syracuse,” Kathy Allen, senior manager of community relations at Tops Friendly Markets, said in the announcement. “We invite everyone to visit our tent, enjoy a delicious variety of local favorites, and spin the Tops Prize Wheel to support David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York — two wonderful organizations making a real impact.”

“As your local credit union committed to supporting Syracuse and Central New York, we love to sponsor events such as this that make our region so special and unique, which is why The Summit has been the title sponsor of the Taste of Syracuse since 2017,” Twanda Christensen, VP of marketing and community engagement for The Summit Federal Credit Union, said. “If you stop by our tent, you not only have the chance to meet the people that serve you in our branches, but you can also enjoy fun activities and contests. All money raised goes directly to support caregiving families in Central New York.”

Rome Health nears completion of $45M capital project’s phase one

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Health Care, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

ROME, N.Y. — With the installation of new signage at the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services, Rome Health announced it has reached a significant milestone in its capital project to modernize surgical services and intensive care at the facility. The newly placed signage serves as a symbol of how close the health system is to

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The newly placed signage serves as a symbol of how close the health system is to opening the first phase of its state-of-the-art facility this summer, Rome Health said.

“This is an exciting moment for all of us,” Rome Health President/CEO AnnMarie Czyz said in the announcement. “Seeing the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services name go up is more than a construction milestone — it’s a heartfelt reminder of the incredible generosity and shared vision that has brought us to this point. We are so grateful to every donor, supporter, and friend who believes in what we’re building for the future of health care in our community.”

The $45.7 million capital project includes a 30,000-square-foot, three-story addition on the north side of the Rome Health hospital. The first phase focuses on constructing a new main entrance and replacing outdated operating rooms and the intensive care unit to create a modern, welcoming space that enhances comfort for patients and families.

The second phase of the project will renovate the former operating rooms and post-anesthesia care unit to establish a dedicated pre-operative and post-operative unit to streamline patient flow and improve surgical care, Rome Health said.

The project’s third phase will develop new support areas for staff to ensure they have the resources and environment needed to deliver care.

Funding for the project comes from a mix of public support and private philanthropy, including a $26 million New York State Transformation Grant and $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the City of Rome.

Rome Health Foundation conducted a $16.5 million fundraising campaign, attracting support from more than 400 donors. The foundation said $1.2 million remains left to be raised. “Community support is critical now more than ever to close the funding gap as the hospital prepares to open the new main entrance, Intensive Care Unit, and Kaplan Center for Surgical Services,” the announcement stated.

The Kaplan Center for Surgical Services is named in honor of Charles and Florence Kaplan, whose landmark $5 million gift stands as the largest donation in Rome Health’s history

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