State Route 34B bridge in Tompkins County receives national award

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LANSING — The State Route 34B bridge over Salmon Creek in Lansing in Tompkins County was nationally recognized with the American Institute of Steel Construction and the National Steel Bridge Alliance’s 2024 Prize Bridge Merit Award, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Feb. 7. The awards program, held every two years, honors significant and innovative steel […]

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New York soybean production jumped almost 19 percent

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Farms in New York state produced more than 17.3 million bushels of soybeans in 2023, up 18.6 percent from just over 14.6 million bushels the previous year. That’s according to a USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop-production summary issued on Jan. 12. The total soybean yield per acre in New York state averaged 51

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Lockheed Martin Owego wins more than $150M Navy contract modification

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only, Technology

OWEGO — Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) in Owego recently won an up to $150.56 million modification to an order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement from the U.S. Navy. This contract modification adds scope to provide non-recurring engineering and add/eliminate efforts in support of bringing six MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from a standard foreign

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Memory special-care unit now open at Loretto’s The Commons on St. Anthony

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

AUBURN — The Commons on St. Anthony in Auburn, which is part of the Loretto system, now offers a memory special-care unit (MSCU). Loretto’s fourth MSCU is the “first facility of its kind dedicated to dementia care in Auburn,” and seeks to “to help meet significant, continuously growing demand for memory-care services in Cayuga County,”

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AUBURN — The Commons on St. Anthony in Auburn, which is part of the Loretto system, now offers a memory special-care unit (MSCU).

Loretto’s fourth MSCU is the “first facility of its kind dedicated to dementia care in Auburn,” and seeks to “to help meet significant, continuously growing demand for memory-care services in Cayuga County,” Loretto said in its Feb. 7 news release.

This newly designed memory-care floor features imagery and technology that “soothes and supports” those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This redesigned unit provides a new home for 40 long-term, memory-care residents.

The unit offers the Montessori method because, as Loretto put it, “today’s dementia patients have new and evolving needs.” The Montessori method is described as an “innovative” approach to activities programming that combines rehabilitation principles and educational techniques to “improve the lives” of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The development of this new MSCU took six months of planning and three months of construction to complete.

Loretto used a $200,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to pay for the floor redesign of The Commons MSCU, Kathleen White, manager of marketing and public relations at Loretto, tells The Central New York Business Journal in an email. The agency also used $18,500 in funding from the United Way of Cayuga County to fund renovations to a classroom at The Commons, which is used to teach the Montessori method, White added.

“Today is a significant step for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, in Cayuga County,” Kim Townsend, president and CEO of Loretto, said in the release. “As the region’s leader in memory care, Loretto continues to provide residents with a high quality of life, improving their well-being through empowerment.”

Loretto has been providing memory-care services for those in need for more than 30 years, the agency noted. It cites the New York State Department of Health (DOH) as indicating more than 410,000 people in New York State are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to 460,000 by next year.

DOH’s data also indicates 22 percent of that population (around 90,200 people) live in Onondaga and Cayuga counties where Loretto provides services.

Loretto describes itself as the fourth-largest health-care provider and the sixth-largest employer in Central New York. The agency has about 2,500 employees at its 19 locations, delivering care to close to 10,000 people of all ages, income levels, and care needs in Onondaga and Cayuga counties annually.

State awards NY Forward, DRI funding to CNY communities

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Millions coming to localities in Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, and Madison counties Municipalities in Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, and Madison counties will use state funding for future community-improvement projects. New York State has selected Brewerton/Hastings and Canastota as this year’s Central New York region NY Forward winners,

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Millions coming to localities in Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, and Madison counties

Municipalities in Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, and Madison counties will use state funding for future community-improvement projects.

New York State has selected Brewerton/Hastings and Canastota as this year’s Central New York region NY Forward winners, each receiving $4.5 million for community-improvement projects.

At the same time, the Cayuga County communities of Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs will jointly receive $10 million in funding as the Central New York winner of the seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced both the NY Forward and DRI grant awardees during her Feb. 5 visit to PPC Broadband, Inc. in DeWitt.

NY Forward funding awards

Kathy Hochul NY Forward Brewerton check — New York State has selected Brewerton/Hastings as one of two Central New York winners in the NY Forward initiative. The funding will help pay for community improvement projects. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the funding awards during a Feb. 5 visit to PPC Broadband, Inc. in DeWitt.
PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE GROLL VIA HOCHUL FLICKR

Hochul’s office says the Brewerton area encompasses the downtown waterfronts of the towns of Hastings in Oswego County and Cicero in Onondaga County, and straddles both sides of the Oneida River. The two towns collaborated on a joint, mutually supported application, after each had submitted separate applications last year.

The Village of Canastota in Madison County has also “demonstrated that it is ready for transformative growth” through the NY Forward award, per Hochul’s office. The village has recreational opportunities, including a trail system, and is also located close to several colleges, a Thruway exit, and the Syracuse and Utica metro areas.

Canastota and Brewerton/Hastings will now begin the process of jointly developing a strategic-investment plan to revitalize their downtown areas. A local planning committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private-sector experts and state planners.

DRI funding award

Kathy Hochul NY Forward Canastota check — The Village of Canastota has also won a NY Forward state grant of
$4.5 million for improvement projects.
PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE GROLL VIA HOCHUL FLICKR

Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs combined their nearby downtown areas along Cayuga Lake into one “comprehensive and mutually supporting” DRI application entitled, “Cayuga County’s Quaint Lakeside Village Corridor.” Each had applied individually for NY Forward last year.

The combined applications, and the projects identified, will create an “inter-connected tourism corridor” along the northeast side of Cayuga Lake, the state says.

Projects identified, with assistance from the Cayuga County Planning Department and “significant” public input, will boost tourism and business goals through better lake access, walkable neighborhoods, diverse retail and job creation, cultural and recreational opportunities, lodging, and housing.

Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs will jointly begin the process of developing their plan with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. As with the NY Forward initiative, a local planning committee will lead the effort.

People news: IAED hires Holland-Bavis as workforce-program manager

News, Subscriber Only

ITHACA, N.Y. — Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) announced it has hired Mary Holland-Bavis as workforce-program manager. In this role, she will implement workforce-development programming that addresses the needs of local employers by aligning community partners and resource providers, IAED said in a news release. Specifically, Holland-Bavis will provide “tactical leadership” for IAED’s ongoing “Direct

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Florida company acquires Hofmann Sausage Company

Manufacturing & Engineering, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Hofmann Sausage Company of Syracuse is now operating under new ownership. The Miami Beef Company, Inc. of Miami, Florida announced the acquisition in a Tuesday Business Wire news release. The firm didn’t disclose any financial details of its purchase agreement. Founded in 1879 in Syracuse, Hofmann is described in the announcement

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Hofmann Sausage Company of Syracuse is now operating under new ownership.

The Miami Beef Company, Inc. of Miami, Florida announced the acquisition in a Tuesday Business Wire news release. The firm didn’t disclose any financial details of its purchase agreement.

Founded in 1879 in Syracuse, Hofmann is described in the announcement as “the leading sausage and hot dog brand” in the Central New York area. Hofmann’s product portfolio includes beef and pork franks, smoked sausage, bratwursts, beef jerky, and condiments. Hofmann is joining Miami Beef’s growing family of brands, the Florida firm said.

Hofmann Sausage Company announced the acquisition in a post on its Facebook page.

“Miami Beef is a family owned and operated company that has been around since 1972. It aligns well with Hofmann’s core values and produces high quality products like we have been doing for well over a century. Hofmann will continue to call Syracuse home, producing our famous, classic franks and sausage recipes while also creating new, tasty products for you to enjoy. Miami Beef is investing in the Syracuse market by keeping our operations ‘business as usual,’” Hofmann Sausage Company said in the post.

Frank W. Hofmann came to New York in 1861, bringing his popular German recipes with him and starting a meat market. His family settled in Syracuse and incorporated Hofmann in 1879, per the Hofmann website.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hofmann Sausage to the Miami Beef family,” Robert Young, CEO of Miami Beef, said in the news release. “Hofmann has a meaningful heritage and deep connection to its loyal customers, employees, and community, which we plan to continue serving through investment in its facilities in Syracuse. We are excited to add hot dogs and sausages to our high-quality hamburger offerings to give our customers the full grilling experience. Our plan is to turbo-charge the growth of Hofmann’s footprint throughout the country and continue to look for complementary brands to acquire.”

Since 1972, Miami Beef has been providing fresh and frozen meat products to retail and foodservice customers nationwide.

Miami Beef brands — including Miami Beef, Free Graze, Florida Raised, Sizzle King, Young Ridge, Brooklyn Burger, Devault Foods, and Hofmann Sausage — are produced out of its South Florida and Central New York–based facilities, per the announcement.

Selkirk Shores State Park in Pulaski to undergo $9 million renovation project

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

PULASKI, N.Y. — The campgrounds and facilities at Selkirk Shores State Park in Oswego County will undergo a $9 million improvement beginning in September. The project is part of an ongoing reinvestment in New York’s State Park system as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday. The park is

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PULASKI, N.Y. — The campgrounds and facilities at Selkirk Shores State Park in Oswego County will undergo a $9 million improvement beginning in September.

The project is part of an ongoing reinvestment in New York’s State Park system as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.

The park is located at 7101 State Route 3 in Pulaski.

“To carry out these improvements efficiently without compromising the patron experience,” the campgrounds and cabins at Selkirk Shores will close after Labor Day and remain closed for the 2025 camping season.

During the campground closure, the state says campers can vacation at nearby state parks such as Southwick Beach, Fair Haven Beach, Westcott Beach, Whetstone Golf, Burnham Point, and Cedar Point State Park.

Selkirk Shores will remain open for day use throughout the project, Hochul’s office noted in a news release.

Planned improvements

Project plans include the replacement of the park office, and the entrance and exit pattern redesigned for “improved traffic flow and easier check-in and check-out,” per Hochul’s office.

Crews will also replace the two existing camping restrooms with larger, more accessible facilities “located more centrally on the loops.” The new facilities will include accessible showers, baby changing stations, and dishwashing stations.

The new buildings will be more energy efficient than those they are replacing, which is “in keeping with State Parks’ mission to reduce the environmental impact of its operations,” the governor’s office noted.

Enhancements to the campground at Selkirk Shores will be central to the project. They include the installation of crushed stone or pavement at each of the 130 campsites,improving storm–water drainage, adding more water hydrants to the campground loops,and installing new security features.

Crews will also work on accessibility upgrades on the park’s 24 cabins, along with improvements to their electrical wiring, masonry, and roofs.

Other improvements will include replacing the park sign and constructing a new playground. Structures built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps will be repaired and preserved, Hochul’s office noted.

“I am thrilled to see the commitment from the state to upgrade Selkirk Shores State Park,” New York State Assemblyman Will Barclay said in the news release. “This investment will secure the park’s future as an outdoor recreation destination for generations of New Yorkers. This project illustrates the dedication to enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for everyone seeking to enjoy some of the best parts of Oswego County. I look forward to the completion of these additions and sharing in the experience of the long-lasting positive impact this will have on our local community.”

Strategic Financial launches client-engagement platform

Insurance & Financial Services, Subscriber Only

UTICA — After two years of development and testing, Strategic Financial Services Inc. launched its own client-engagement platform, designed in-house, which allows clients to monitor, manage, and act on their financial plan. The company underwent a significant change in the technology it used around 2017, which spurred the desire for a client-engagement platform, Strategic Financial’s

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The company underwent a significant change in the technology it used around 2017, which spurred the desire for a client-engagement platform, Strategic Financial’s COO Kasey Williams tells The Central New York Business Journal in an interview.

“There’s a lot of good tech in the ‘fin tech’ space, but there’s not one tool that gives us everything we want,” he says. Ideally, Williams notes, Strategic Financial wanted one platform that worked well with open-source products the company uses in the course of conducting business, especially Salesforce.com.

Strategic Financial began looking for a platform it could add, but all options fell short of what the firm was seeking, Williams says. Some were investment focused, while others were financial-planning driven, he says. None of them did everything Strategic wanted, including talking to the technology the company already uses.

By 2020, the company decided the best option was to just build its own. “2021 is when we really dove into it,” Williams adds.

“Luckily, we have an individual in house who is very skilled and has a technology background,” Williams says of the design process. Designing in-house not only saved the money and additional time it would have taken if Strategic Financial outsourced the project, but it also means the company can be responsive and make changes to the platform on the fly when needed.

The result is StrategicOne, which the company began to roll out in January. The platform, accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, includes easy access and management of a living financial plan, including easy-to-view dashboards in a secure portal; streamlined communication through a client-advisor communication hub; automated alerts for important tasks; simplified task management that organizes completed, pending, and upcoming tasks; a comprehensive financial overview with financial accounts all in one place for a clear view of net worth, investment portfolios, and more; secure document storage allowing customers to upload important documents; and all of the security standards and regulations of Salesforce.com.

“We want our clients to know what’s going on, where they stand, and how they’re doing,” Williams says of the breadth of information available on the platform.

Along with helping clients access their information, the new platform should also make things easier for their advisors, he adds.

Now, after meetings with clients, advisors can set tasks on the platforms to let clients know what actions they need to take and even remind them if tasks aren’t completed.

Strategic Financial has been slowly rolling the platform out to its clients after working with a beta group of client testers over the past year. With lots of positive feedback from early users, Williams says the firm will likely accelerate the rollout to the rest of its more than 1,100 clients.

Founded in 1979, Strategic Financial has a team of more than 35 professionals and manages $1.8 billion in assets. It focuses on investment management, financial planning, institutional services, and corporate retirement plans. The company, headquartered in Utica, has satellite offices in Little Falls, Rochester, Rome, Syracuse, and outside of the state in West Palm Beach, Florida.

OPINION: Imposing Electric School-Bus Mandate Will Hurt School Districts

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There are 731 school districts across New York state. Within these school districts are 2.3 million students that require 45,000 school buses to transport them to and from home safely every day. Taking these numbers into account, if the electric school-bus mandate were to be fully implemented by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democrat majority [in the legislature], this drastic switch to all-electric buses statewide would devastate our school districts, especially those in more rural areas.

This mandate, along with the governor’s proposal to revoke the “hold harmless” provision from Foundation Aid for our schools, presents a serious financial challenge with little consideration of rural equity.

A survey conducted by NYSERDA in December 2022 found that a new electric school bus costs anywhere from $325,000 to $410,000 for a traditional Type C school bus, which is about two to three times the cost of a diesel-powered school bus. Apart from upgrading to all-electric buses, there is also the additional cost of installing charging stations for the electric buses within the school districts. The cost of these stations can range anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 per charger, with varying levels and lengths of charge.

While there is an alternative option to convert current diesel-powered buses to electric rather than purchasing new all-electric buses, there are still financial and logistical issues with this move. Buses that undergo this conversion are known as “repowered” buses and have purchase prices of about $50,000 to $100,000, similar to traditional diesel-powered school buses. Given that there are so few repowered buses actually in service at this time, however, this is an unrealistic option for most school districts to pursue.

While the cost of complying with this electric school-bus mandate will vary by district, we know it will create a significant imposition on state and local property taxpayers. In November 2022, the Empire Center concluded that the full transition for all school-bus fleets to all-electric statewide will cost between $8 billion and $15 billion more than the cost of replacing retiring school buses with new diesel-powered buses. Meanwhile, less than $800 million is projected to be available in state and federal financial incentives (outside of traditional state school transportation aid) to help offset the incremental costs of these electric school buses. Beyond subsidizing part of the upfront cost for electric school buses and related charging infrastructure, these incentives do nothing to help school districts with other serious challenges posed by electric buses including unproven battery reliability and future training costs for bus mechanics and technicians.

These supposed “incentives” are simply not enough to offset the monumental costs that the electric school-bus mandate will impose on our school districts statewide if it is fully implemented. The fact that Gov. Hochul is now using her proposal to revoke the hold-harmless provision from foundation aid as an additional bargaining chip during budget discussions is taking things too far — these mandates from the governor and the Democrat majority being imposed on our vulnerable school districts need to end.

I sincerely hope the governor will hear the concerns of state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as well as concerned teachers and frustrated parents. Full implementation of the electric school-bus mandate will leave financial devastation in its wake and severely strain school-district budgets that are already challenged by inflation and the impending expiration of extraordinary federal funding. It is critical we consider the cost versus the benefit of these buses, and it is important we are transparent with taxpayers. Before it is too late, we need to reconsider this decision. Otherwise, schools should just say no to the electric school-bus mandate.

Assemblyman Robert Smullen, 55, a Republican, represents the 118th New York Assembly District, which includes Hamilton County and parts of Montgomery, Fulton, Herkimer, and Oneida counties.

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Millions coming to localities in Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, and Madison counties

NY Forward funding awards

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