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Bowers CPAs & Advisors relocates its Rochester office
Syracuse–based Bowers CPAs & Advisors says its Rochester office has relocated to a new space at 200 Meridian Centre Blvd. “This transition underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in accounting services,” Michael D’Avirro, co-managing partner at Bowers CPAs & Advisors, said in the firm’s news release. “The relocation to our new, more spacious office […]
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Syracuse–based Bowers CPAs & Advisors says its Rochester office has relocated to a new space at 200 Meridian Centre Blvd.
“This transition underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in accounting services,” Michael D’Avirro, co-managing partner at Bowers CPAs & Advisors, said in the firm’s news release. “The relocation to our new, more spacious office not only reaffirms our dedication to exceptional client service but also sets the stage for countless exciting opportunities on the horizon. The move to a larger space is crucial as it allows us to accommodate our growing team, foster collaboration, and enhance operational efficiency. It positions us to continually serve our clients to the best of our abilities, provides the room we need to innovate and thrive in a dynamic business landscape.”
The move follows the firm’s recent announcement that it acquired Rochester CPA firm Kasperski Dinan & Rink CPAs, a transaction that Bowers believes will help expand its office in that market.
“This move is a testament to our dedication to excellence. The new office not only reflects our commitment to providing exceptional accounting services but also sets the stage for exciting opportunities ahead,” Tracey Rink, Rochester office partner, said in the Bowers news release.
Established in 1977, Bowers CPAs & Advisors says it has a current employee count of 130 between offices in Syracuse, Rochester, and Watertown.
State corrections officer sentenced for forging documentation for sick time
A former state corrections officer who submitted forged medical documentation to improperly obtain sick-leave benefits from the state has been sentenced to five years of felony probation. Stephanie Saber, 29, of Lewis County, was sentenced Feb. 1 in Seneca County Court by Judge Barry Porsch after pleading guilty Nov. 15, 2023, to first degree offering
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A former state corrections officer who submitted forged medical documentation to improperly obtain sick–leave benefits from the state has been sentenced to five years of felony probation.
Stephanie Saber, 29, of Lewis County, was sentenced Feb. 1 in Seneca County Court by Judge Barry Porsch after pleading guilty Nov. 15, 2023, to first degree offering a false instrument for filing, according to a press release from New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang.
The inspector general’s investigation, prompted by a referral from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), revealed that Saber submitted 13 false medical notes to justify absences between December 2021 and July 2022 while employed as a correction officer at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus in Seneca County.
Upon questioning, Saber admitted she had created fake notes appearing to be from legitimate medical practitioners to excuse prior absences from work.
“The conduct of this correction officer abusing sick leave benefits is particularly egregious because she was in a prime position to know the impact that shortages in correctional facility staffing pose to the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals alike,”Lang said in the release. “By forging these notes to justify unwarranted sick days, she betrayed not only her oath to New York state but her colleagues.”
DOCCS terminated Saber during the investigation.
“This sentencing sends a clear message that the department does not tolerate fraudulent misconduct from staff and will refer any case to the Office of the Inspector General that defrauds New Yorkers,” New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Daniel Martuscello said in the release. “As we face critical staffing shortages, this type of behavior further exacerbates the difficulties of this job and does a disservice to the hardworking staff who show up day in and day out to help keep our communities safe.”
Seneca County District Attorney John Nabinger appeared in court at sentencing on behalf of the people. Staff involved from the inspector general’s office include Kerry Buske, investigative counsel; Joel Mercer, investigator; under the supervision of Martin Stanford, chief investigator; and Jeffrey Hagen, deputy inspector general for the western regional offices.
Colgate University outlines plan for new downtown building
HAMILTON, N.Y. — New apartments, a restaurant, and retail and office space are planned for a new four-story, mixed-use building, designed by Maurice Walters, whichwill replace the existing structure at 18-22 Utica St. in the village of Hamilton. The Hamilton Initiative owns the building, and Colgate University will entirely fund the project, according to a
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HAMILTON, N.Y. — New apartments, a restaurant, and retail and office space are planned for a new four-story, mixed-use building, designed by Maurice Walters, whichwill replace the existing structure at 18-22 Utica St. in the village of Hamilton.
The Hamilton Initiative owns the building, and Colgate University will entirely fund the project, according to a press release from Colgate. It’s part of the university’s “Third Century Plan” commitment to increase housing options for faculty, staff, and local residents. Utilizing the existing 128-year-old Parry’s Building wasn’t an option after engineers determined it needed major structural and infrastructure repairs.
“This is another step toward taking care of our local housing shortage,” Joanne Borfitz, Colgate associate VP for community affairs and auxiliary services, said in the releaseregarding the new construction. “This will also add such vitality to the village core.”
Demolition of the existing structure will begin this month, followed by an expected 21-month construction period.
The new building, which will include a brick façade and design elements to match and enhance the village’s downtown character, will include 41 apartments, one restaurant, two retail locations, 3,471 square feet of office space facing Madison Street, the Partnership for Community Development’s co-working space, and the HUB.
The apartments, while not available to students, are designated for Colgate faculty, staff, and people seeking to live full-time in the community, the university’s release stated. Most will have outdoor areas with small balconies or patios. The fourth floor will include a shared amenity room for residents and a rooftop patio. On the Madison Street side, residents will have 37 parking spaces, about half covered from the elements. The Hamilton Initiative will staff the building with a full-time manager.
Syracuse airport says 2023 was its busiest year ever
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Nearly 3 million air travelers passed through Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) in 2023, making it the “busiest year in the airport’s history.” The 2.86 million passenger figure at SYR surpasses 2019 traffic levels, which produced a 30-year record for the airport, by 11 percent. The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) on
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Nearly 3 million air travelers passed through Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) in 2023, making it the “busiest year in the airport’s history.”
The 2.86 million passenger figure at SYR surpasses 2019 traffic levels, which produced a 30-year record for the airport, by 11 percent.
The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) on Friday announced the data in its annual report, which it discussed during its State of the Airport event.
The number of people flying is “surging” at airports across the U.S., but data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) indicates SYR is one of the “fastest growing”airports in the nation, SRAA said.
“Multiple” factors have contributed to this 11 percent growth at SYR, which is more than double the national average for commercial airports. Hub routes previously served by smaller, regional aircraft (50 to 70 seats) are now served by larger, mainline aircraft (about 109 to 240 seats).
Additionally, the airport continues announcing new routes and “increased frequencies”on existing flights. Another significant growth factor is the changing makeup of the airport’s catchment area, which is described as the geographic area from which SYR draws passengers.
Emerging from the pandemic, airlines began to question the economic viability of running smaller, regional aircraft to surrounding, smaller regional airports such as Watertown, Ithaca, Elmira, and Binghamton, the SRAA said. The Syracuse airport’s airline partners are instead choosing to funnel this demand from surrounding communities through SYR by running more frequent, larger mainline aircraft, the authority explained. The reduction in traffic observed at the nearby, smaller regional airports is a “direct correlation” with the “dramatic uptick” in passengers at SYR.
“We are uniquely aware of and sensitive to the changing traffic patterns within our catchment area,” Jason Terreri, SRAA executive director, said in the news release. “Planning for the future is now done through the lens of regional responsibility, ensuring our team and facilities can meet the demand of the entire population residing within the Central New York service area.”
Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton is now part of the Guthrie Clinic
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton is now officially part of the Guthrie Clinic. The Sayre, Pennsylvania–based Guthrie on Thursday, Feb. 1 held an event to formally welcome Guthrie Lourdes Hospital, associated facilities, and affiliated caregivers and offices into the organization. The ceremony “celebrated the beginning of a new era in quality health care
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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton is now officially part of the Guthrie Clinic.
The Sayre, Pennsylvania–based Guthrie on Thursday, Feb. 1 held an event to formally welcome Guthrie Lourdes Hospital, associated facilities, and affiliated caregivers and offices into the organization.
The ceremony “celebrated the beginning of a new era in quality health care in the Binghamton community,” Guthrie contended in a news release.
The Guthrie Clinic in June 2023 entered into an agreement to acquire Lourdes Hospital, its locations, and related physician practices.
“Lourdes has a rich history and an enduring legacy in the Southern Tier. It has been a place of hope, healing, and compassion for nearly a century — and today we remain committed to preserving and continuing this legacy,” Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, president and CEO of the Guthrie Clinic, said in the release. “Like Lourdes, Guthrie has a strong tradition of serving our communities, providing high quality care to patients where they are. By coming together, we enable the continuation of this joint tradition as we remain laser focused on delivering the highest quality care and access in the region.”
With the addition, Guthrie has nearly 1,000 physicians and advanced–practice providers serving 29 communities in Pennsylvania and New York.
The nonprofit Guthrie Clinic is multispecialty health system integrating clinical and hospital care along with research and education. Headquartered in Sayre, Pennsylvania, the Guthrie Clinic describes itself as one of the nation’s longest established group practices, founded in 1910 by Dr. Donald Guthrie.
Breast-care practice moves to Rome Health
ROME, N.Y. — Dr. James Cesare is relocating his breast-care practice to the Rome Health Medical Center on the hospital’s main campus, effective Monday, Feb. 5. He specializes in breast health and breast-cancer management. “We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Cesare and his team to Rome Health as part of our women’s health program,” Ryan Thompson,
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ROME, N.Y. — Dr. James Cesare is relocating his breast-care practice to the Rome Health Medical Center on the hospital’s main campus, effective Monday, Feb. 5. He specializes in breast health and breast-cancer management.
“We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Cesare and his team to Rome Health as part of our women’s health program,” Ryan Thompson, the health system’s chief operating officer, said in a press release announcing the news. “At Rome Health, we are continuously building relationships with physicians with specialized expertise to provide convenient access to care in our region.”
Cesare has practiced in the Mohawk Valley for more than 30 years, helping women and men with the early detection of breast cancer and other breast disorders and navigating them through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
“After looking at several areas where I wanted to continue to serve the people of this region, Rome was the best choice for our breast-care practice,” Cesare said. “We are excited to be joining with Rome Health to bring the best breast care for everyone here.”
Rome Health’s Women’s Imaging Center provides access to an array of breast screening and diagnostic services. Cesare’s practice complements the other specialists that serve women’s health-care needs including obstetrics, gynecology, and urology.
Cesare earned his medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.
His team includes physician assistant Tracy Jayne, who has more than 16 years of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Utica University and a master’s degree from Le Moyne College in physician-assistant studies.
“We’re very excited to be here in Rome,” Jayne said. “Being at Rome Health gives not only the residents of Rome access to breast specialists at the breast-care center, [but also] opens the door for many people in the surrounding areas as well to receive the care they need as well.”
Amelia Loucks and Lisa Bunch round out the team. Their office will be on the upper level of the medical center adjacent to the Women’s Imaging Center, with parking available off Oak Street. Patients should enter through the Bartlett Entrance. Cesare’s office is accepting new patients, including self-referrals.
Rome Health provides care from primary to specialty to long-term care. It is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Health and an affiliated clinical site of New York Medical College.
AmeriCU expands chief leadership team
ROME, N.Y. — AmeriCU Credit Union announced it has expanded its chief leadership team, promoting two internal candidates to new roles and adding a new chief marketing officer. Jason Lewin was promoted to chief information officer, bringing more than 18 years of experience to the role. He joined AmeriCU in 2015 as a systems admin
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ROME, N.Y. — AmeriCU Credit Union announced it has expanded its chief leadership team, promoting two internal candidates to new roles and adding a new chief marketing officer.
Jason Lewin was promoted to chief information officer, bringing more than 18 years of experience to the role. He joined AmeriCU in 2015 as a systems admin II and has also served as manager of member technology, technology infrastructure, AVP of member technology operations and VP of member technology services, according to a news release from the credit union.
In his new role, Lewin will advance the credit union’s technological infrastructure, ensuring security, and driving digital–transformation strategies. He holds an MBA in economic crime and fraud management from Utica University.
Stephanie McGuire was promoted to chief lending officer from her previous role as AmeriCU’s senior VP of lending. She brings 37 years of experience in lending along with 20 years of regional branch administration experience, per the release. McGuire received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nazareth College of Rochester.
As AmeriCU’s new chief marketing officer, Steve Ramirez brings 30 years of experience in the financial industry to the role. He spent 20 years leading teams and delivering results for high-performing organizations with his knowledge and expertise in executive leadership, online marketing, content marketing, website management, member experience, personalization, conversion optimization, and SEO, AmeriCU said. Ramirez received his bachelor’s degree in political science and MBA in marketing and management from University of Texas at San Antonio. He served for eight years in the Texas Army National Guard.
Headquartered in Rome, AmeriCU serves 24 counties across New York with 20 branch locations. The credit union has $2.7 billion in assets and serves more than 160,000 members.
Syracuse airport to add two new eateries later this year
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) and Gideon Toal Management Services (GTMS) on Friday announced plans for two new eateries at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). GTMS is a U.S. Department of Transportation-certified Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) that currently operates the Escape Lounge at SYR. The SRAA and GTMS have
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) and Gideon Toal Management Services (GTMS) on Friday announced plans for two new eateries at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR).
GTMS is a U.S. Department of Transportation–certified Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) that currently operates the Escape Lounge at SYR.
The SRAA and GTMS have finalized an agreement for GTMS to open and operate a Qdoba Mexican Eats and Einstein Bros Bagels at SYR.
Qdoba will operate in the post-security checkpoint hallway leading to concourse A gates, near the Escape Lounge. Additionally, Einstein Bros. Bagels will occupy a newly planned extension at the end of concourse B.
The project was secured through a successful bid last fall, SRAA said. The addition to the airport’s concessions is made possible, in part, by the $20 million grant awarded to SYR in September through the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, it added.
Both restaurants are anticipated to begin operations at different points throughout 2024.
The quick–serve nature of each will help the airport “meet the demand” for more grab-and-go options, especially during peak travel hours, SRAA said.
The Syracuse airport draws most of its traffic in three distinct “banks” — or clusters of outgoing flights — most days from 4-6 a.m.; 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; and 4–6 p.m., per the authority.
Crouse Health opens workforce development and training center
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Crouse Health on Friday announced it has established a workforce development and training center, which is located in 7 West Tower on the Crouse Health campus. The center is designed to provide educational and career-advancement resources and opportunities for Crouse Health’s 3,200 employees, the health system said in a release. In partnership
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Crouse Health on Friday announced it has established a workforce development and training center, which is located in 7 West Tower on the Crouse Health campus.
The center is designed to provide educational and career-advancement resources and opportunities for Crouse Health’s 3,200 employees, the health system said in a release.
In partnership with the 1199SEIU Training and Upgrading Fund (TUF), Crouse Health will staff the center with TUF representatives two days a week. They will provide union members with workshops, tutoring, and resources to help staff in expanding their knowledge base, prepare for classes leading to an advanced degree, or assist in gaining qualifications for job advancement within the organization.
“Our goal is to invest in our current workforce and attract and retain employees who are passionate about the Crouse culture and want to develop or build on the skills and resources needed to advance within our organization,” Dr. Seth Kronenberg, president and CEO of Crouse Health, said in the release.
He added that services provided through the training site will meet the education and staff–development needs of all Crouse employees, both union and non-union.
“We want our employees to stay at Crouse for their entire career. This program will give them the tools and support to do that,” Kronenberg said.
The opening of this training center is a “true testament” to the partnership between Crouse Hospital and 1199SEIU, Kevin Lockhart, CNY area VP of 1199SEIU, said in the Crouse Health release.
“Jointly there has been a commitment to offer educational and career advancement opportunities to Crouse employees, which in turn will have a lasting impact on their everyday lives,” Lockhart contended.
NYCAMH honors former State Sen. Seward for his support of agriculture and safety
COOPERSTOWN — The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) recently honored former State Sen. James Seward for his work advocating for the state’s agriculture industry and the health and safety of those working in the industry. “Agriculture is tremendously important to New York state’s economy, and supporting this segment is critical,” Seward
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COOPERSTOWN — The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) recently honored former State Sen. James Seward for his work advocating for the state’s agriculture industry and the health and safety of those working in the industry.
“Agriculture is tremendously important to New York state’s economy, and supporting this segment is critical,” Seward said in a press release about the honor. “That’s why I have been a big supporter of NYCAMH during my years in the New York State Senate. It has been an honor to work side by side with each of you on behalf of farmers and the agricultural community in New York state. Our joint efforts will continue.”
NYCAMH, a program of Bassett Healthcare Network, works to enhance agricultural and rural health by preventing and treating occupational injury and illness.
The NYCAMH Hero Award recognizes the accomplishments of an individual or community partner whose work has enhanced agricultural safety and health in New York. NYCAMH said it honored Seward for his dedication to the community and support of NYCAMH’s programs and services with contributions including supporting increased availability of health insurance for uninsured farmers.
NYCAMH presented the award during its quarterly advisory board meeting. Lisa Betrus, senior VP, chief administrative and strategy officer for Bassett Healthcare Network, accepted the award on Seward’s behalf.
“NYCAMH is tremendously fortunate to have the longtime support of Senator Jim Seward to advance their work during his time in the New York State Senate and beyond,” Betrus said. “He continues to be a steward of agricultural medicine and health. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
Seward served in the New York State Senate from 1987-2020.
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