Oswego County Manufacturing Summit is set for Oct. 15

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — It’s an event designed to strengthen and elevate Oswego County’s manufacturing ecosystem by connecting business leaders with resources, innovative programs, and collaborative opportunities that will “drive growth and sustainability for years to come.” That’s according to Operation Oswego County in an announcement about the upcoming event called The Summit: Oswego County Manufacturing […]

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That’s according to Operation Oswego County in an announcement about the upcoming event called The Summit: Oswego County Manufacturing 2025.

It’s scheduled for Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in the event center at the Fulton campus of Cayuga Community College.

Individuals, employers, and companies interested in participating can register online at https://bit.ly/2025TheSummit. Or they can contact Alexandra Fitzpatrick, marketing & communications manager, at the OOC.

The Summit is designed to boost the county’s manufacturing environment by linking business leaders with resources, programs, and the chance to network/collaborate. With a targeted audience of manufacturing business owners and operations leaders, the event is expected to draw more than 75 participants from across the region.

“There are many new and expanding programs at the local, state and federal levels to support the growth and retention of manufacturing businesses,” Austin Wheelock, executive director of Operation Oswego County, said in the announcement. “We want to make sure our manufacturers, large and small, are aware of all the resources that exist and have the technical support to seek these opportunities, which was the catalyst for creating The Summit.”

The 2025 program will include educational sessions and panel discussions covering a range of issues central to manufacturing success. Topics will include financial benefits and incentives available to manufacturers; workforce support and training opportunities; employee-benefit solutions; and tariff and export logistics.

Joe Nehme, senior manager of external affairs at Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) will deliver the keynote address. Nehme will discuss the opportunities for manufacturers in relation to Micron’s investment in Central New York and what the development means for the broader regional supply chain.

His insights are expected to provide valuable context on how local manufacturers can position themselves to benefit from “one of the most significant technology investments in U.S. history,” Operation Oswego County said.

New York home sales slide in August as inventory levels rise

Construction, Design & Real Estate, New York News, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

ALBANY, N.Y. — Realtors in New York state sold 10,517 previously owned homes in August, down 4.7 percent from the 11,036 homes sold in August 2024. But pending sales edged up in the month, which could portend a rise in closed home sales in the next couple of months. That’s according to the New York

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ALBANY, N.Y. — Realtors in New York state sold 10,517 previously owned homes in August, down 4.7 percent from the 11,036 homes sold in August 2024.

But pending sales edged up in the month, which could portend a rise in closed home sales in the next couple of months. That’s according to the New York State Association of Realtors’ (NYSAR) August housing report issued on Sept. 25.

“Housing inventory in New York continued its upward climb in August as mortgage rates showed signs of easing,” NYSAR said to open the announcement about the housing report.

Mortgage rates dipping “provided some relief” for buyers. NYSAR cited Freddie Mac as indicating the average 30-year fixed rate for mortgage loans fell to 6.59 percent in August, from 6.72 percent in the prior month. Freddie Mac is the more common way of referring to the Virginia–based Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

New York sales data

Statewide housing inventory reached 30,684 units August, up 5.5 percent from August 2024’s total of 29,090 available homes. This marks six straight months of increasing inventory statewide, after a long period of tight housing supply, NYSAR noted.

New listings of existing homes for sale in the Empire State totaled 12,856 in August 2025, up 1.4 percent from 12,682 in the same month last year.

The months’ supply of homes for sale at the end of August stood at 3.5 months, up 6 percent from 3.3 months at the end of August 2024, per NYSAR’s report. A 6 month to 6.5-month supply is considered a balanced market, the association says.

Pending sales in New York totaled 10,173 this August, an increase of 1.5 percent compared to the 10,023 pending sales in August 2024, according to the NYSAR data.

Housing prices across the state continue to climb. Median home-sales prices were $460,000 in August 2025, up 5.7 percent from $435,000 a year earlier.

All home-sales data is compiled from multiple-listing services in New York, and it includes townhomes and condominiums in addition to existing single-family homes, according to NYSAR.

Pathfinder Bancorp to pay Q3 dividend of 10 cents in early November

Banks & Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services

OSWEGO, N.Y. — Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBHC), the bank holding company of Pathfinder Bank, has declared a cash dividend of 10 cents per share

Booz Allen Hamilton wins $23 million Air Force tech contract

Small Business, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Manufacturing & Engineering, Mohawk Valley, Technology

ROME, N.Y — Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. was recently awarded a $23.4 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for an ORACL software/hardware prototype, reports,

New York cheese production rises in July compared to prior month

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Subscriber Only

New York plants produced just under 74 million pounds of cheese (excluding cottage cheese) in July of this year, up 2.2 percent from 72.4 million pounds in June, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently reported. However, New York cheese production was down 4.4 percent from nearly 77.4 million pounds in July 2024. U.S.

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Prevention Network has a new main office and a new logo

Health Care, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Prevention Network has implemented some recent key changes, including a move to a new headquarters in Syracuse and a new logo as well. Prevention Network describes itself as “one of Central New York’s most trusted voices in substance misuse prevention, a steadfast advocate for wellness, and a vital resource for community

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Upstate Medical University partners with SUNY Canton on 4+3 DPT degree

Health Care, Education & Training, New York News, Nonprofits, North Country, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University in Syracuse has a new affiliation agreement with SUNY Canton in St. Lawrence County for students who want to earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. The new 4+3 DPT early-assurance program allows qualified high-school seniors the chance to complete their undergraduate education at SUNY Canton and guarantees

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The new 4+3 DPT early-assurance program allows qualified high-school seniors the chance to complete their undergraduate education at SUNY Canton and guarantees placement in Upstate’s curriculum, per the Upstate announcement.

“The agreement strengthens our commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in healthcare fields,” Michele Snyder, dean of science, health and criminal justice at SUNY Canton, said in the Upstate announcement. “It builds on the established advantages of our career-focused programs while offering students a defined trajectory to earn their advanced degree.”

Under the pact, students accepted into the program will first earn an associate in applied science in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program, followed by the bachelor of technology in health and fitness promotion program at SUNY Canton. Qualified students will then continue with their graduate studies at Upstate, culminating in earning their DPT degree.

Representatives from both campuses indicated that “high-paying, in-demand” careers await graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists median pay for physical therapists at $101,020 per year, and the job outlook is “growing at a much faster-than-average pace,” the universities said.

To secure an interview for admission into the selective program, students should have a high-school GPA of 90 percent or higher (recommended), four years of science and math, and eight hours of observational experience with a physical therapist.

To join the program, high-school seniors must simultaneously apply to both SUNY Canton and Upstate. Upstate’s enrollment for the new the 4+3 DPT early-assurance program will run from Sept. 1, 2025 to Feb. 1, 2026.

To apply, visit the university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy – 4+3 Early Assurance Program website. SUNY Canton’s admission process uses the SUNY application, Upstate said.

Cooley Group, which operates Syracuse and Utica offices, has a new owner

Small Business, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Its name will remain the same, but a Pittsford–based provider of customized promotional, print, and fulfillment services that has Syracuse and Utica offices is now under new ownership. Grossman Marketing Group of Woburn, Massachusetts, says it has acquired Cooley Group, per a late July company announcement. It didn’t include any financial terms

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Grossman Marketing Group of Woburn, Massachusetts, says it has acquired Cooley Group, per a late July company announcement. It didn’t include any financial terms of the acquisition deal.

Founded in 1910 by Maxwell B. Grossman, Grossman Marketing Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned company specializing in branded merchandise, print, and marketing solutions. Founded in 1945, Cooley Group is provider of promotional products, print and fulfillment dating back more than 75 years, per the Grossman announcement.

Cooley Group will continue to operate under its name as a division of Grossman Marketing Group, with offices in Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, and the Hudson Valley, and its full team staying in place.

Together, Cooley and Grossman “strengthen their position as a local, service-oriented company with the capabilities and reach to deliver branded solutions for clients across the country and around the world,” per the announcement.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cooley Group to the Grossman family,” David Grossman, co-president of Grossman Marketing Group, said. “Both companies share the belief that the greatest asset we have is the people who walk through our doors every day. This shared commitment to our teams, our clients, our communities, and sustainability is exactly why this partnership makes sense.”

Grossman went on to say that clients of Cooley Group will benefit from an expanded range of creative services, branded merchandise, warehousing, fulfillment, and technology products. They include SwagCycle, Grossman Marketing Group’s program for “responsibly managing the lifecycle” of branded merchandise.

To date, SwagCycle has facilitated more than $11 million in charitable donations and kept millions of products out of landfills by giving branded items a “second life through reuse, recycling, or donation.”

Grossman Marketing Group’s clients include the Boston Bruins, Athenahealth, and Cognizant, according to its website.

“For 80 years, Cooley Group has helped clients showcase their brands while staying true to our local roots,” Phil Yawman, president of Cooley Group, said in the announcement. “To keep growing amid changing client needs, we knew we needed access to more resources like Grossman’s award-winning technology, robust e-commerce capabilities, global logistics infrastructure, and proven sustainability leadership. Joining forces with Grossman ensures our people, culture, and clients remain at the center of everything we do.”

Wolfspeed reduces debt, emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Manufacturing & Engineering, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Subscriber Only, Technology

Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), a company specializing in silicon-carbide technologies, has completed its financial-restructuring process, and on Sept. 29 announced its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Wolfspeed operates a plant in Marcy, in Oneida County. Through the restructuring process, the chipmaker has reduced its total debt by about 70

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Based in Durham, North Carolina, Wolfspeed operates a plant in Marcy, in Oneida County.

Through the restructuring process, the chipmaker has reduced its total debt by about 70 percent, with maturities extended to 2030, and lowered its annual cash-interest expense by about 60 percent, per Wolfspeed’s announcement. In addition, the company believes that it “maintains ample liquidity” to continue supplying customers with leading silicon-carbide products.

With a self-funded business plan supported by free cash-flow generation, Wolfspeed says it is “well positioned to leverage its vertically-integrated 200mm manufacturing footprint — underpinned by a secure and scalable U.S.-based supply chain — to drive sustainable growth.”

“Wolfspeed has emerged from its expedited restructuring process, marking the beginning of a new era, which we are entering with new energy and a renewed commitment to the growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit that have powered Wolfspeed since its inception,” Robert Feurle, CEO of Wolfspeed, said in the company’s announcement. “As we enter this new era, we do so with much improved financial stability, a scaled, greenfield and vertically integrated 200mm facility footprint, and our large capital deployment behind us.”

In the process of emerging from bankruptcy, Wolfspeed said it canceled and retired its old common stock (totaling about 156.5 million shares), and issued more than 25.8 million shares of new common stock. The company also converted from a North Carolina corporation to a Delaware corporation and adopted new bylaws, according to its Sept. 30 Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.

Mohawk Valley EDGE reaction

In a separate statement, Mohawk Valley EDGE said that Wolfspeed had informed the Rome–based economic-development organization back on June 22 that it intended to enter into a restructuring-support agreement with key lenders. The agreement helped the company reduce its debt load.

Mohawk Valley EDGE went on to say that throughout this process, Wolfspeed has “remained fully committed” to its local obligations and partnerships, including those with the Oneida County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) and Mohawk Valley EDGE.

“The Mohawk Valley has faced its share of challenges over the years — from economic shifts to global disruptions — but our community has always responded with resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to progress,” Shawna Papale, president of Mohawk Valley EDGE, said in its statement. “Wolfspeed’s emergence from bankruptcy is a testament to that same spirit of perseverance and partnership.”

New state law requires quick reporting of cybersecurity, ransomware incidents

Law, Accounting & Taxes, New York News, Small Business, Subscriber Only, Technology

ALBANY, N.Y. — A new state law is now effect that requires all municipal corporations and public authorities to report cybersecurity incidents within 72 hours and ransomware payments within 24 hours to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). Within 30 days of making a ransomware payment, the victim organization

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Within 30 days of making a ransomware payment, the victim organization must provide the payment amount, a justification for why it was necessary, and an explanation of the diligence performed to ensure the payment was lawful. The information will improve the state’s ability to address cybersecurity threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and “tackle the scourge of ransomware,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

Hochul first announced the proposed legislation during her 2025 State of the State address.

The governor signed the bill into law on June 27 after virtually convening local-government officials to discuss ongoing security efforts. The legislation also mandates annual cybersecurity-awareness training for government employees across New York state and sets data-protection standards for state-maintained information systems. On July 28, Hochul announced the law was in effect.

“This legislation strengthens our response and provides our state’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services the necessary information to handle reports of attacks and keep New Yorkers safe,” the governor said in the announcement.

Municipal corporations and public authorities may report cybersecurity incidents, notice of ransomware payments, and justification for ransomware payments to DHSES through a web portal available at: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/.

Local governments, non-executive agencies, and state authorities should still call the DHSES Cyber Incident Response Team hotline at 1-844-OCT-CIRT (1-844-628-2478) if they need immediate cyber-incident response support.

“New York State is leading the way in cybersecurity threat and ransomware reporting,” Jackie Bray, commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, said. “Now that the system is operational, our teams will be better armed to protect important infrastructure and address ransomware attacks.”

“With the operationalization of this landmark legislation, New York is making a clear statement that we are stronger together, enabling coordinated response and information sharing, and serving as a blueprint for the nation,” Colin Ahern, chief cyber officer of New York State, said.

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