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S.E.E.D. Planning Group announced that JEFF CHASE, senior VP of financial planning and a senior wealth manager, has joined its leadership team. S.E.E.D.’s leadership team was formed to acknowledge team members who exemplify the company’s values and have personally and professionally dedicated themselves to inspiring, mentoring, and leading others in pursuit of making a difference […]
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S.E.E.D. Planning Group announced that JEFF CHASE, senior VP of financial planning and a senior wealth manager, has joined its leadership team. S.E.E.D.’s leadership team was formed to acknowledge team members who exemplify the company’s values and have personally and professionally dedicated themselves to inspiring, mentoring, and leading others in pursuit of making a difference in everything they do. Each member of the leadership team plays a personalized role in the collective success of S.E.E.D. and either leads or contributes to teams focused on executing the firm’s strategic business plan. Chase currently works from the firm’s office on Elwood Davis Road in the town of Salina and serves as the head of the advanced planning team. All members of the leadership team are shareholders in S.E.E.D.
UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health announced that WAJID CHOUDHRY, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Geneva General Hospital specializing in nephrology. He brings more than 30 years of experience, most recently serving as chief of the Department of Nephrology at Unity Hospital in Rochester. At his new organization, his office is located at Geneva
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UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health announced that WAJID CHOUDHRY, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Geneva General Hospital specializing in nephrology. He brings more than 30 years of experience, most recently serving as chief of the Department of Nephrology at Unity Hospital in Rochester. At his new organization, his office is located at Geneva Primary Care, 200 North St., Suite 102, Geneva. Choudhry is double board-certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and in nephrology by the American Board of Nephrology. He completed his fellowship in nephrology at the University of Rochester and completed his residency in internal medicine at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn. Choudhry earned his medical degree at King Edward Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan.
Bond, Schoeneck & King announced that effective Jan. 1, two attorneys from the firm’s Syracuse office have been elected members (partners) of the firm. TIMOTHY N. MCMAHON represents clients in various litigation matters from declaratory judgment actions and insurance-coverage disputes to products and premises liability, motor-vehicle law, and construction-law matters. He has litigated cases before
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Bond, Schoeneck & King announced that effective Jan. 1, two attorneys from the firm’s Syracuse office have been elected members (partners) of the firm. TIMOTHY N. MCMAHON represents clients in various litigation matters from declaratory judgment actions and insurance-coverage disputes to products and premises liability, motor-vehicle law, and construction-law matters. He has litigated cases before all state and federal courts for motion practice, pretrial, and settlement conferences up to and including trials. Prior to joining Bond, McMahon was principal law clerk to Judge Joseph E. Lamendola, Onondaga County Supreme Court, and to Judge Brian F. DeJoseph, New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, Fourth Department. AMY G. RHINEHARDT
represents buyers and sellers in real-estate purchase and sale transactions for small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits. Rhinehardt also works with landlords and tenants in leasing transactions and conducted detailed and thorough research pertaining to property rights and assists in the representation of municipalities. In addition to her real property experience, Rhinehardt is involved with the environmental practice group and assists with various research and transactional matters having an environmental component.
Barclay Damon recently announced several changes to the law firm’s leadership team. The changes included JOHN KELEPUROVSKI, a partner in Barclay Damon’s Syracuse office, being
Point Place Casino slated for $50 million expansion project
SULLIVAN, N.Y. — The Oneida Indian Nation on Wednesday announced a $50 million, large-scale expansion at its Point Place Casino, located in the Bridgeport area of the town of Sullivan in Madison County. The expansion comes in response to demand from guests for additional amenities as well as economic development occurring across the Central New
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SULLIVAN, N.Y. — The Oneida Indian Nation on Wednesday announced a $50 million, large-scale expansion at its Point Place Casino, located in the Bridgeport area of the town of Sullivan in Madison County.
The expansion comes in response to demand from guests for additional amenities as well as economic development occurring across the Central New York region.
“Listening to our guests is one of the reasons the Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises have been so successful,” Nation representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter said in a news release. “With constant requests for more of everything Point Place Casino offers since its opening, we knew this expansion was more than necessary. As Central New York continues to experience an extremely exciting period of unprecedented growth, we are committed to continuing historic investments like this in our enterprises and the region to sustain this level of economic success for generations to come.”
The expansion, set to happen in the coming months, includes doubling the size of the gaming floor, a new hotel, a new restaurant offering American grill-style food, and reinventing the Fireside Lounge. The new hotel includes 100 rooms, eight suites, an event area for meetings and celebrations, and a satellite location of Perfect Pour Café. The changes at Fireside Lounge include doubling the size, an expanded bar area, and a new 360-degree view of the fireplace with cozy seating.
Since Point Place Casino opened in 2018, visitors have requested lodging options to accommodate weekend trips, additional dining options beyond The Burgers of Madison County, and expanded choices in gaming, the release stated.
“The Oneida Indian Nation has been a dedicated partner to Madison County for many years,” Madison County Board of Supervisors Chair John Pinard said. “We are confident that this latest investment in Point Place Casino will continue to create jobs and spur expanded economic activity that will help make Bridgeport and its surrounding communities even better places to live and work.”
“The expansion of Point Place Casino is welcome news for the town of Sullivan,”Town Supervisor Tom Daviau added. “The Oneida Indian Nation and the casino have been valued partners for our community, and this major expansion will help attract more tourists to Sullivan while generating critical economic investment to support our growth into the future.”
The expansion project will create 250 construction and permanent full-time and part-time jobs.
Last summer, the Oneida Indian Nation announced a two-year, $370-million project at Turning Stone that includes a new conference center and hotel, new dining venues, an outdoor event space, and more.
In 2021, the Nation opened The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, a restaurant and slots venue, followed by The Cove at Sylvan Beach vacation destination in 2021.
Other enterprises of the Oneida Indian Nation include YBR Casino & Sports Book, Maple Leaf Markets, SavOn Convenience stores, Verona Collective, an RV park, two marinas, Wáhta’ Maple Farm, a hunting preserve, and a salmon-fishing destination.
Turning Stone Enterprises is the parent organization for all of the Nation’s business operations and employs more than 4,500 people.
Oneida County appoints new county attorney and commissioner of personnel
UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. has announced the appointment of Amanda Cortese-Kolasz as county attorney and Chuck Klein as commissioner of personnel. Both began in their new roles on Jan. 17. Cortese-Kolasz joined the county in 2011, serving as deputy county attorney-administration, assistant county attorney, and most recently as commissioner
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UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. has announced the appointment of Amanda Cortese-Kolasz as county attorney and Chuck Klein as commissioner of personnel.
Both began in their new roles on Jan. 17.
Cortese-Kolasz joined the county in 2011, serving as deputy county attorney-administration, assistant county attorney, and most recently as commissioner of personnel since September 2021, the county said in a news release. She has served as lead counsel for labor and employment issues for the county and Mohawk Valley Community College, as counsel for Griffiss International Airport, handled administrative and contractual matters for all departments of county government, and litigated several civil and family-law matters.
Before joining the Oneida County Law Department, she was in private practice, concentrating primarily in matrimonial and family law. Cortese-Kolasz began her career at the Hiscock Legal Aid society.
In her new role as Oneida County attorney, Cortese-Kolasz replaces Peter Rayhill, who served nine years as county attorney before being elected to state Supreme Court this past November.
Klein joined Oneida County as manager of network services in 2018, was promoted to deputy director in 2019, and became director of information technology.
During his tenure in IT, Klein modernized infrastructure by upgrading and replacing obsolete hardware and software, streamlined the helpdesk operation, and created departmental service levels to enhance customer service. He also expanded shared-services initiatives by providing IT services to the city of Sherrill, towns of Verona and Marshall, and village of Verona.
Before joining Oneida County, Klein spent 24 years in the student-loan industry for Xerox, holding various leadership roles including director of information technology for education services. He holds an associate degree in computer information systems from Mohawk Valley Community College.
Oneida County Purchasing Director Alfred Barbato will oversee the IT department until the county finds a permanent replacement for Klein.
“Amanda Cortese-Kolasz and Chuck Klein have served integral roles in Oneida County government for years and have been essential to its successful operation,” Picente said in the release. “Amanda’s legal expertise, management, and negotiating skills have helped guide us through challenging times, and Chuck has been indispensable in increasing the efficiency of our workflow, improving our customer service, and securing our processes. I am certain they will excel in their new positions and continue to take this government to new heights.”
Le Moyne, Meier’s Creek Brewing introduce Le Moyne-themed craft beer for fundraiser
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Le Moyne College and Meier’s Creek Brewing Company (MCBC) on Tuesday announced Dolphy Day IPA, a Le Moyne-themed craft beer that will be onthe market by the beginning of March. The brew will be available at Meier’s Creek locations in Cazenovia and the Syracuse Inner Harbor and at retail stores throughout the
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Le Moyne College and Meier’s Creek Brewing Company (MCBC) on Tuesday announced Dolphy Day IPA, a Le Moyne-themed craft beer that will be onthe market by the beginning of March.
The brew will be available at Meier’s Creek locations in Cazenovia and the Syracuse Inner Harbor and at retail stores throughout the region, according to the announcement.
Under the agreement with MCBC, Le Moyne will receive 20 percent of all sales, and the proceeds will benefit the Le Moyne College Fund and “specifically target” the college’s wellness initiatives and student scholarship to help offset the cost of attendance.
Those of legal drinking age can place pre-orders for the craft beer on the Meier’s Creek website starting Feb. 19, with pre-reservations open until Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.
The name Dolphy Day IPA is a “nod to one of Le Moyne’s most revered traditions,”the college said in its announcement. Dolphy Day is a Le Moyne tradition dating back to 1971 where students spend the first warm day of spring outside enjoying the weather, hanging out, and blowing off some steam before final exams start.
The announcement of the new craft beer is the culmination of a months-long process between MCBC and Le Moyne, the college said. Le Moyne’s student marketing firm Heights Global Marketing (HGM) “took the lead in several areas” related to developing the Le Moyne-themed beer.
Its efforts included conducting market research, creating and executing a survey sent to Le Moyne alumni, and leading focus groups.
HGM sought to gather data from alumni about the preferred type and name of the beer.Once those were selected, HGM students worked on the design of the label, the school said. Those involved have also designed a number of swag items to help with the promotion of the beer, Le Moyne noted.
The development of Dolphy Day IPA is in line with a recent trend of universities launching themed beer. Some examples include Indiana University’s Hoosier Gameday Lager, East Carolina University’s Pirates Brew, Florida State University’s Legacy Lager,and Marquette University’s ‘77 Golden Ale.
People news: Bousquet Holstein names new chief of operations
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bousquet Holstein PLLC has appointed Alicia Madden as its new chief of operations, the Syracuse–based law firm announced recently. Madden, on Jan. 22, assumed administrative leadership of the 52-attorney firm and will oversee all operating departments. She succeeds John Walsh, who retired this year after serving as Bousquet Holstein’s business manager since
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bousquet Holstein PLLC has appointed Alicia Madden as its new chief of operations, the Syracuse–based law firm announced recently.
Madden, on Jan. 22, assumed administrative leadership of the 52-attorney firm and will oversee all operating departments. She succeeds John Walsh, who retired this year after serving as Bousquet Holstein’s business manager since 2012.
Madden will work closely with the firm’s board of managers on strategic and tactical planning and implementation, driving continued growth across its two offices. Her expertise lies in financial and capital planning, data analytics, and strategic planning, as well as project and operations management.
She brings more than a decade of financial and budgetary experience in both the public and private sectors. Madden has held executive positions in higher education and government, most recently streamlining financial processes and managing strategic initiatives at Syracuse University. Before that, she was director of financial operations for the City of Syracuse, where she played an instrumental role managing the city’s budget and spending during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Madden holds a master’s in public administration (MPA) from Syracuse University and earned a bachelor’s degree from Marist College. Madden currently serves on the board of directors of the Greater Strathmore Neighborhood Association.
Bousquet Holstein is a full-service law firm with offices in Syracuse and Ithaca. Its team provides representation in more than 40 practice areas.
Greater Binghamton Chamber gives Building BC Awards and economic outlook at annual event
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce held its annual economic forecast and Building BC Awards event on Tuesday morning, Feb. 13 at the Holiday Inn Binghamton. Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance, revealed the results of a December 2023 survey of local business leaders. According to the survey, the top five
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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce held its annual economic forecast and Building BC Awards event on Tuesday morning, Feb. 13 at the Holiday Inn Binghamton.
Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance, revealed the results of a December 2023 survey of local business leaders.
According to the survey, the top five state and local business challenges are state business taxes, state business regulations, attracting/retaining employees, the regional economic climate, and unemployment insurance.
National factors influencing business leaders’ outlook include inflation/deflation, interest rates, health-care costs, federal regulations, and energy policy.
Regarding the 2024 economy, 73 percent of respondents expect the economy to expand, while 27 percent expect it to remain unchanged. About 32 percent feel more optimistic about this year compared to last year, while 36 percent feel less optimistic.
Almost 80 percent of businesses expect their revenue to increase this year, and nearly 60 percent anticipate adding to their workforce.
The chamber event also celebrated this year’s winners of the Building BC Awards.
Paulus Development won the Building BC Restorative Award, which recognizes a project that brings new life into an aging building. The Syracuse–based company was honored for its project transforming the former Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory into a mixed-use commercial building with 156 luxury market-rate apartments and 7,500 square feet of commercial space. Company President Matthew Paulus accepted the award.
The Building BC Transformative Award went to UHS with President/CEO John Carrigg accepting. The award recognizes a project that impacts an entire community and fosters growth. Scheduled for spring 2024 completion, the UHS Wilson project not only transforms Wilson Hospital but also Main Street in Johnson City with a $300 million, six-story clinical tower on the hospital campus. The tower includes 120 new private patient rooms, a new trauma center and emergency room, an MRI suite, a post-anesthesia care unit, surgical support area, and a rooftop helipad.
Three companies were honored with the Building BC Legacy Recognition, which honors businesses founded in the Greater Binghamton area that have continued to make significant contributions to the county’s business and economic climate.
Universal Instruments, founded in 1919 as a tool and die manufacturer, expanded to the electronics assembly and surface-mount assembly sectors. Today, the company designs and manufactures precision automation solutions for the semiconductor and electronics-manufacturing industry.
Gagne, Inc., founded in the 1950s by Tony Gagne, has its origins in engineered-product manufacturing, creating products including light boxes and light tables. Jim Cady was the second owner of the company until 1989 when Thom Holland and Jeff Sampson bought the business. In its third generation as a small, family-owned business, Gagne’s primary products are covers (or bellows) used in a wide variety of industries including medical, military, and OEM machinery. The company’s Porta-Trace light boxes continue to be a staple for artists, engineers, and photographers.
Maurice Sall and Albert Stearns opened their Sall-Stearns menswear and tailoring services store in 1929 on Washington Street. The store moved to 41 Court St. in 1958 and 52 Court St. in 1996, where it continues to operate today under the ownership of Nate Sall and his son, Ron, who purchased the store in 1973.
Onondaga County to use nearly $4M federal grant for project targeting youth mental health
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Onondaga County will use a federal grant of nearly $4 million over five years to address youth mental health in the county. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded the $3.7 million grant, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced Monday. SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Onondaga County will use a federal grant of nearly $4 million over five years to address youth mental health in the county.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded the $3.7 million grant, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced Monday.
SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public–health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation, per the SAMHSA website.
The mental-health division of the county’s Department of Children and FamilyServices will use the funding to support the health-transitions project.
The project focuses on transition–age youth (those aged 16 to 25) who are identified ashaving — or being at risk for — serious emotional distress or mental illness. The goal of the health-transitions project is to support young people who are at risk of developing mental–health challenges as they enter adulthood.
The project focuses on four main components: 1) increasing the use of peers, crediblemessengers, and natural supports to engage the youth in behavioral health and other community-based services; 2) expanding direct–case management services to all youth with any systems involvement to “ensure successful transition” to adulthood; 3) enhancing best practices to meet young people’s needs; and 4) developing infrastructure within outpatient behavioral–health provider networks to support youth moving from the children’s system to the adult system.
Onondaga County would like to serve 300 transition–age youth over the course of the grant, per the announcement.
“Investing in the mental health and wellbeing of our young people has been a top priority of my administration. We have made significant investments in our schools, butwe know that the approach must be more holistic. Our team works daily with experts and community partners and this grant will provide significant support in that effort,” McMahon said in the release. “The demographic supported by the Health Transitions Project is often overlooked and underserved, but thanks to this grant Onondaga County will continue its efforts to reach this population and help them during this important time in their life.”
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