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FustCharles, a certified public accounting (CPA) firm in Syracuse, has promoted Cameron Folejewski to senior audit associate. He joined FustCharles in 2023. Folejewski received his

FustCharles, a certified public accounting (CPA) firm in Syracuse, has promoted Jackie Paine, CPA, to audit manager. She joined the firm in 2019. Paine received

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University’s BioInspired Institute will use a $3 million federal grant to create a training program for doctoral students in emergent intelligence.

Second phase of Adirondack Rail Trail opens for use
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. — The second phase of the Adirondack Rail Trail from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road is complete and open ahead of schedule,

SUNY extends campaign encouraging its students to pursue financial aid
ALBANY, N.Y. — SUNY says it’s extending its campaign to encourage its students to apply for financial aid. The effort will continue through the end

KeyBank has promoted El Hadji Fall to VP, commercial payments advisor. In this role, he builds and maintains collaborative relationships with KeyBank’s relationship managers to

ORION, an Internet of Things technology accelerator, formally launches in Rome
ROME, N.Y. — A Friday ceremony in Rome formally launched ORION, a technology accelerator and innovation ecosystem aimed at augmenting the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) ability to develop, secure, deploy, and utilize IoT technology. ORION is short for Open-Architecture Resilient IoT for Operational Networks and is described as the region’s first cross-organizational tech partnership
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ROME, N.Y. — A Friday ceremony in Rome formally launched ORION, a technology accelerator and innovation ecosystem aimed at augmenting the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) ability to develop, secure, deploy, and utilize IoT technology.
ORION is short for Open-Architecture Resilient IoT for Operational Networks and is described as the region’s first cross-organizational tech partnership focused on the Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT connects everyday devices and objects to the internet, allowing them to communicate with each other. This technology “enhances our lives by making everyday tasks more convenient and efficient, such as controlling home devices remotely or tracking health metrics,” per the Griffiss Institute announcement.
ORION is a congressionally funded initiative between the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL); Assured Information Security (AIS); Quanterion Solutions, Inc.; the Griffiss Institute; and the New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC).
Friday’s ceremony was held at ORION’s NTROPEE facility located at 99 Langley Road in Rome.
“Leading ORION has been a rewarding experience, as it has allowed us to demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can transform the IoT landscape. The ORION lab within the Innovare Advancement Center, alongside the NTROPEE facility, plays a crucial role in this mission, offering our ecosystem partners the tools and environment to create cutting-edge solutions,” Anthony Macera, senior computer engineer/senior program manager at AFRL Information Directorate, said in the Griffiss Institute announcement. “Additionally, these facilities provide valuable opportunities to educate and inspire guests visiting Griffiss Institute for tours, showcasing the groundbreaking work happening right here. We’re ensuring seamless integration and making a meaningful impact on our national security.”
The NTROPEE facility is described as “more than just a 20,000-square-foot hangar; it’s a hub where large-scale IoT systems — from unmanned aircraft to industrial controls —find a home for development and testing,” per the website orionassured.com.
Those involved say ORION is set to “transform the local tech landscape and extend its influence statewide and nationally” by addressing key challenges in the IoT industry. Friday’s event highlighted ORION’s role in boosting economic growth, creating job opportunities, and attracting investment, “thus enhancing the region’s tech reputation.”

Loretto, union recognize latest class of LPN apprenticeship graduates
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Loretto and leaders of the 1199SEIU union on Friday recognized the most recent graduates of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) apprenticeship program,

Nonprofit conference planned in Canton in mid-September
CANTON, N.Y. — A pair of North Country organizations are hosting the “2024 Non-Profit Conference – Renew, Retain Engage” on Sept. 11 from 8:30 a.m.

Wolfspeed plans to move device production to Marcy location, closing plant on Durham campus
MARCY, N.Y. — Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), which operates a silicon carbide device-manufacturing facility in Marcy, plans to shift its device fabrication to its 200mm Mohawk Valley Fab and close its device fab in Durham, North Carolina where the firm is headquartered. Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed, made the announcement as the company released its
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MARCY, N.Y. — Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), which operates a silicon carbide device-manufacturing facility in Marcy, plans to shift its device fabrication to its 200mm Mohawk Valley Fab and close its device fab in Durham, North Carolina where the firm is headquartered.
Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed, made the announcement as the company released its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and the full 2024 fiscal year.
“We have two priorities we are focused on: optimizing our capital structure for both the near term and long term and driving performance in our state-of-the-art, 200-millimeter fab, and this quarter was a step forward on both of these priorities,” Lowe said in the announcement. “We achieved 20% utilization at Mohawk Valley in June and continued to see strong revenue growth from that fab. Our 200mm device fab is currently producing solid results, which are at significantly lower costs than our Durham 150mm fab. This improved profitability gives us the confidence to accelerate the shift of our device fabrication to Mohawk Valley, while we assess the timing of the closure of our 150mm device fab in Durham.”
Wolfspeed will remain based in Durham and maintain a “substantial” employee count at that location, the website of WRAL-TV reported.
Marc Barraco, VP of economic development at Mohawk Valley EDGE issued a statement about Wolfspeed’s plans, saying the Wolfspeed $1.2 billion public-private partnership has generated a “great deal of momentum,” noting the semiconductor corridor across the I-90 corridor from Buffalo to Albany.
“Companies like Semikron-Danfoss, Indium Corp., and Wolfspeed all provide ample opportunities for partnerships. In addition, the Marcy Nanocenter is located adjacent to the SUNY Polytechnic Institute, showcasing the best opportunities for students seeking good high paying jobs. Wolfspeed has been a solid partner throughout this effort, frequently engaging with EDGE to ensure their operations are moving steadily. Reaching 20% utilization rate at the Mohawk Valley Fab earlier this year, Wolfspeed has stated they are well positioned to continue delivering on their 200mm vertical integration strategy, making the prior investment in our region a positive step towards future growth at the Marcy Nanocenter.”
Barraco went on to say, “Mohawk Valley EDGE and the leadership of the Mohawk Valley Region is proud to partner with Wolfspeed and look forward to continuing our progress on this 434-acre greenfield space. We look forward to continuing our discussions in making the Marcy Nanocenter fully utilized to support economic growth here in our region.”
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.