Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse tech hub going after phase-2 funding

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The tech hub involving the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region is now pursuing phase-two implementation funding that could total as much as $54 million. The tech hub is officially known as the NY SMART I-Corridor, which is short for New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor Consortium. The NY SMART I-Corridor Consortium tech hub spans across […]

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The tech hub involving the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region is now pursuing phase-two implementation funding that could total as much as $54 million.

The tech hub is officially known as the NY SMART I-Corridor, which is short for New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor Consortium.

The NY SMART I-Corridor Consortium tech hub spans across the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse regions, and involves more than 100 institutions, including assembling commitments from industry, academia, labor, nonprofit, government, and other private-sector members.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) — who secured the tech-hub designation for the three Upstate metro areas — announced the application submission. The senator said he is now launching an “all-out push” to make the project one of the program’s first implementation award winners to build a “globally leading” semiconductor cluster in the upstate New York region.

Schumer has written a letter of support to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

“The Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse SMART I-Corridor region has a generational opportunity to build a globally leading semiconductor cluster as one in four American-made chips will be produced within 350 miles of the I-Corridor by 2033,” Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, said in Schumer’s announcement. “No other area will account for a greater share of domestic production, which represents a critical capacity building opportunity for the region. To meet this moment, leading civic institutions across our region have partnered to co-design solutions that will catalyze efforts through five component projects. This proposal when executed will transform our economic competitiveness for generations while also impacting more immediate national security challenges. This corridor is poised and ready to lead and we thank Senator Schumer for sharing our vision and providing unwavering support for this application.”

Funding use

Implementation funding that the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub is applying for would target specific component projects that seek to solve the “growth challenges” the region would otherwise face over the coming decade, Schumer’s office said.

Specifically, the component project efforts will be led by Syracuse University (SU), the University at Buffalo (UB), Monroe Community College, and Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR).

SU will work at creating a “collaborative ecosystem” for semiconductor research and development efforts for product commercialization, Monroe Community College will lead workforce-training initiatives, UB will work at strengthening the supply chain by making it easier for local firms to gain access to growth opportunities in the semiconductor industry, and NYSTAR will focus on investment in tech startups and entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth in the region.

The implementation phase of the program will allow the region to expand the semiconductor ecosystem already in existence to “develop and make the future of semiconductor technology” in the Upstate region, per Schumer’s office.

Schumer said the NY SMART I-Corridor project builds on the investments announced for the region in semiconductor manufacturing and research and development resulting from his CHIPS & Science Law. It’s expected that one in four American-made chips will be produced within 350 miles of the NY Smart I-Corridor by 2033.

CNY Community Foundation launches nonprofit bridge-loan program

Banks & Credit Unions, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — The Central New York Community Foundation recently introduced a new nonprofit bridge-loan program that it says will help not-for-profits continue essential community services while waiting to receive approved grant funding. The foundation’s local impact investing program closed on a $500,000 deposit to Cooperative Federal (Coop Fed) to launch the bridge-loan program. Coop Fed

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The foundation’s local impact investing program closed on a $500,000 deposit to Cooperative Federal (Coop Fed) to launch the bridge-loan program. Coop Fed is a community development financial institution, or CDFI, and federally chartered credit union. Its members are historically underbanked and live and work in disinvested communities.

The CNY Community Foundation explained in a February news release that it “is common for government agencies and other funders to require awardees to draw down funds on a reimbursement basis, often taking several months to process reimbursements.” The foundation’s survey of more than 50 local nonprofit organizations found that 58 percent have experienced funding delays from New York State grant contracts.

“Cooperative Federal is focused on expanding access to capital in ways that benefit diverse people and communities,” Chrisina Sauve, CEO of Cooperative Federal, said in the foundation release. “Bridge loans have the double impact of supporting and sustaining local nonprofits, while also making it possible for those nonprofits to bring outside dollars into our region.”

Loans will be fully secured by Community Foundation funds on deposit at Coop Fed. Nonprofit organizations and unincorporated organizations working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are eligible to borrow an amount equal to their first anticipated disbursement under a fully executed funding agreement, ranging from $25,000 to $150,000. The Community Foundation said it will be responsible for intake, loan-application packaging and preliminary due-diligence review. Applications that meet the Community Foundation’s internal standards will be recommended to Coop Fed.

“It is not uncommon for Central New York nonprofits to wait several months to receive grant payments, forcing them to alter services or find other stop-gap measures,” Frank Ridzi, VP of community investment at the Community Foundation, said. “The vital work of local community organizations is our top priority, so by providing flexible support through this loan fund, we hope to help ensure their services continue.”

This investment marks a total of more than $3.6 million now advancing housing, business development, and lending through the Community Foundation’s impact investing program. Impact investing allows the organization to use its financial resources to make investments that generate both financial returns and positive social outcomes, it noted. In 2023, the foundation’s board of directors approved a policy that allows the use of up to 5 percent of its main investment pool for the purpose of impact investment. So far, 41 new homes have been built and
$56.2 million has been leveraged for home, personal, and business loans.

The CNY Community Foundation’s local impact investing program is designed to tackle a wide range of community needs with an emphasis on helping Central New York residents build wealth, equipping residents with the opportunity to contribute to the economic performance of the region, and providing under-resourced communities and nonprofit organizations access to capital.

2024 CNY Construction Projects

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

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VIP Structures honored for work on J.W. Didado Electric building

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — Design-build firm VIP Structures received the 2023 Varco Pruden Hall of Fame award for its role as both architect and builder of the J.W. Didado Electric New York operations headquarters in Clay. The award recognizes the firm’s innovative approach in the September 2023 completion of the 24,000-square-foot, pre-engineered metal building, VIP announced in

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The award recognizes the firm’s innovative approach in the September 2023 completion of the 24,000-square-foot, pre-engineered metal building, VIP announced in a recent news release.

“Being recognized to Varco Pruden’s Hall of Fame is a testament to our team’s hard work, creativity, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with a pre-engineered metal building,” VIP Structures CEO Meg Tidd contended. “This project not only showcases our expertise but also our commitment to providing our client value while enhancing their operational capabilities.”

The building — made possible through a collaboration with VIP, Briarwood Construction, and J.W. Didado Electric — is located on a 12-acre site and serves as the central hub for J.W. Didado Electric’s New York operations, as well as the base for the company’s storm-response team. The structure includes a 14,000-square-foot truck-maintenance area with eight truck bays and an expandable end wall to accommodate future expansion. The building also houses a two-story, 10,000-square-foot office space that includes six private offices, a conference room, break room, copy room, and training room.

“Partnering with VIP Structures and our owner’s representative, Briarwood Construction, was key in turning our vision for a New York operations headquarters into reality,” J.W. Didado Electric President Dan Sublett said. “The expertise, professionalism, and dedication that both organizations brought exceeded our expectations and were instrumental in building a facility that embodies innovation and functionality. We congratulate VIP on their well-deserved recognition in the Varco Pruden Hall of Fame, and we’re excited about the growth this facility will spur for us in New York.”

Varco Pruden Buildings, a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc., awards the distinction annually. The Hall of Fame awards spotlight independent Varco Pruden builders whose projects demonstrate innovation and excellence through the integration of Varco Pruden building systems and architectural design. VIP’s honor recognizes the company’s ability to excel in versatile and challenging projects, per the release.

Headquartered in Syracuse and founded in 1975, VIP says it offers integrated design-build services with architecture, engineering, construction, and development under one roof.

J.W. Didado, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is a full-service electrical contractor, providing services to residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and large utility customers in 23 states.

Liberty Resources to develop supportive housing in Onondaga, Cortland counties

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

DeWITT — Liberty Resources will use $1.2 million in state-grant funding for the development of housing programs in Onondaga and Cortland counties. The organization calls the grant funding a “major stride towards addressing housing challenges for vulnerable communities,” according to its Feb. 29 announcement. Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) awarded the money. Liberty Resources

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Multi-family housing developer Conifer Realty appoints CFO

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Regional News, Subscriber Only

ROCHESTER — Conifer Realty, LLC, a developer of affordable multi-family housing, recently announced the appointment of Robert (Rob) Corredine as its new chief financial officer (CFO). In this expanded role, he will oversee finance, accounting, asset management, portfolio management and capital markets for the Rochester–based company that constructs, owns, and manages multifamily apartment communities across

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ROCHESTER — Conifer Realty, LLC, a developer of affordable multi-family housing, recently announced the appointment of Robert (Rob) Corredine as its new chief financial officer (CFO).

In this expanded role, he will oversee finance, accounting, asset management, portfolio management and capital markets for the Rochester–based company that constructs, owns, and manages multifamily apartment communities across New York state, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

Corredine brings more than a decade of financial-leadership experience to his new role, having worked at Conifer since 2013 in various capacities within the finance and accounting department, according to a Feb. 26 company news release. In his most recent role as executive VP of finance and accounting, he was active in leading the continued development of the company’s accounting function, which has strengthened Conifer’s financial performance.

“We are thrilled to announce Rob’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer,” Sam Leone, president of Conifer Realty, said in the release. “His extensive background in finance and accounting, coupled with his deep understanding of our company’s operations, positions him as the ideal candidate for this role. Rob’s journey from within our organization exemplifies his dedication and expertise, making him uniquely suited to lead our finance and accounting functions. I have every confidence that Rob will continue to be an invaluable leader, playing a pivotal role in guiding our financial success as we move forward.”

Prior to joining Conifer Realty, Corredine worked at Centerline Capital Group in New York City, as assistant VP in the firm’s Fund Accounting Group. There, he was responsible for the financial reporting of the company’s portfolio of affordable-housing investments throughout the U.S., as well as for the financial consolidation of more than $2.7 billion in investment funds. At that time, Centerline had the nation’s largest portfolio of affordable units.

As a certified public accountant (CPA), Corredine began his career as an auditor at Davie Kaplan, CPA, P.C. in Rochester. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Nazareth College.

Conifer Realty says it is a full-service real-estate company specializing in the development, construction, management, and ownership of high-quality, affordable housing communities. The company has developed more than 21,000 affordable-housing apartments across more than 300 residential communities. That includes Conifer properties in the greater Syracuse, Watertown, Ithaca, and Binghamton areas.

Tioga County Land Bank announces election of 2024 officers

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

OWEGO — The Tioga County Property Development Corporation (TCPDC) recently announced that at its January 2024 annual meeting, its board of directors made the following appointments to its executive committee: • Ralph Kelsey — Chair. He is a board member for Tioga State Bank. Kelsey also currently serves on the following boards: Tioga County Senior Citizens

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VIEWPOINT: 5 Ways a Community Bank Can Lend a Hand to a Small Business

Business Mentors, Banks & Credit Unions, Small Business, Subscriber Only

As one of the largest investments people can make in their financial lifetime, operating a small business can be equal parts exhilarating and daunting. Fortunately, there are resources available to help small-business owners navigate the process of securing financial support. In fact, once you start looking for these resources, you’ll find that they are almost

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In fact, once you start looking for these resources, you’ll find that they are almost everywhere — offered by banks large and small, and financial firms far and wide. Choosing the right resources for your situation can make your loan experience smoother, though there are some inherent benefits to working with a community bank, particularly for small-business owners.

Here are five ways that community banks are well-equipped to help small businesses:

1. A holistic view. Most community banks can take an expanded look at a business owner’s qualifications beyond traditional credit history. Because community banks provide a more personal approach, they can take the time to learn the whole story and be a partner to you and your small business. Their loan officers are usually locals who live and work in the same community you do.

2. Personalized assistance. While most community banks use technology to their advantage — such as online application portals for the tech-savvy business owner who wants independence — smaller institutions can also walk a first-time small business owner through the process with more direct contact and an individualized approach. The best banks use a combination of technology and face-to-face contact — meaning you can expect more personal communication with your bank and hopefully less frustration.

3. Long-term relationships. There is a unique opportunity to build a lasting relationship when banking professionals live, work, and play in the same community as their customers. Community banks see the business-loan process as just one step in a series of financial milestones a small business might encounter in its operations. Most community banking professionals want to be a resource to lean on for years to come and view lending not just as a transaction, but also as a chance to develop a long-term partnership, with someone in their own community

4. Educational opportunities. Part of being well-prepared as a small-business owner is being well-informed. Community banks offer workshops and educational newsletters to educate the public on available programs and services. Information sessions provide business owners with invaluable tools and information for navigating economic changes and risks, such as fraud. Most seminars also allow for question-and-answer sessions and allow business owners to meet the professionals they’ll be working with — so, there’s a relationship from the start.

5. Specialized programs. Community banks become your partner as you build your business, and they understand that sometimes time is of the essence in reacting to an opportunity, or quickly moving forward with a time-sensitive plan. Community banks can offer a streamlined online application to help business owners secure funding and make decisions quickly. Community bankers make it a priority to understand your individual business, allowing them to provide fast, local decision-making to fund business costs when opportunities arise.

Owning a business is more than just a financial venture — it’s also an investment in a community, which makes community banks exceptionally well-suited to guide business owners on their journeys and ensure the process is accessible, secure, and achievable for all.

Heather Mullhall is AVP and business-development officer at Tompkins Community Bank.

VIEWPOINT: New CDC COVID Guidance Impact on New York State Paid Leave

Business Mentors, Subscriber Only

On March 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance related to COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Prior to [that date], the CDC recommended that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for a minimum of five days following a positive test and also follow a period of post-isolation precautions.

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The CDC’s new respiratory virus guidance

The CDC’s new respiratory virus guidance includes several changes to its prior COVID-19-specific guidance. Initially, the new guidance applies to individuals who contract respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, flu and RSV, and no longer focuses on COVID-19 alone. The guidance explains that this change was made to address the most common respiratory viruses that cause significant amounts of disease, especially in the fall and winter seasons.

Next, the new guidance eliminates the five-day isolation requirement, and instead recommends that individuals with these respiratory illnesses stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall and they have not had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication. According to FAQs provided by the CDC, “improving symptoms” means that a person is starting to feel better, and the body is returning to normal after an infection. The guidance also encourages added precautions over the next five days after time at home is over.

Finally, the guidance states that it is intended to apply in general community settings but not in health-care settings. The CDC offers separate and specific guidance for COVID-19 in health-care settings, which can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html. The CDC also states that it has been working with education partners to develop infection prevention and control guidance for schools, and that this guidance should be released prior to the 2024-2025 school year.

NYS COVID-19 Leave Statute

Employers across New York state are likely wondering what impact, if any, the change in CDC guidance has on New York’s COVID-19 paid leave statute.

By way of review, New York’s COVID-19 paid leave law states that employers are required to provide employees paid leave if they are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of isolation or quarantine issued by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) (or any governmental entity similarly authorized). The length of leave depends on the employer’s size and income.

As reported on our blog (https://www.bsk.com/new-york-labor-and-employment-law-report/new-york-state-adopts-the-cdc-rsquo-s-covid-19-quarantine-and-isolation-guidance), as of Sept. 14, 2022, the NYSDOH issued updated COVID-19 quarantine and isolation guidance stating that it would follow the CDC guidelines on quarantine and isolation. On the issue of obtaining an order of isolation or quarantine, NYSDOH guidance currently states, “The New York State Department of Health is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19 guidance, which provides information to those who tested positive. Currently, only orders of isolation are required.”

Effect on Employers’ Obligation to Provide NYS COVID-19 Leave

With the CDC’s elimination of the five- day isolation requirement, New York employers are faced with the question of whether they must continue offering COVID-19 paid leave. Arguably, without a specific CDC isolation requirement, COVID-19 paid leave will no longer be required. However, the new CDC guidance still recommends that individuals who have respiratory illness, including COVID-19, stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall and they have not had a fever. It is not clear if New York State will continue to interpret this as an isolation requirement that would entitle employees to COVID-19 paid leave. As such, whether New York employers must continue to provide COVID-19 paid leave is unclear.

It is also worth noting that Gov. Hochul’s 2025 executive budget proposal includes proposed legislation that would end the state’s COVID-19 paid sick leave law as of July 31, 2024.

Adam R. Mastroleo is a member (partner) at Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC in Syracuse. Contact him at amastroleo@bsk.com. This article is drawn and edited from a March 6 posting on the law firm’s website.

OPINION: New York Must Pass “Laken’s Law” & Restore Public Safety

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Laken Riley was a bright and promising 22-year-old nursing student at the University of Georgia before she was brutally murdered while out for a jog in broad daylight. The man charged with her killing is an illegal immigrant who crossed the southern border in 2022, made his way to New York, was arrested in New York City in 2023, but was released with no information provided to federal immigration officials. This horrific incident could and should have been prevented by New York State actively managing its migrant crisis and growing problem with crime.

America’s migrant crisis has been an unmitigated disaster for three years, and its impacts are felt nearly everywhere. The tragedy of Laken Riley is a painful reminder that innocent lives are at stake and our communities face increasing chaos and danger. She would still be alive today had border security and immigration enforcement been a true priority. Gov. Hochul and New York Democrats have failed Laken Riley and her family. How many more heinous crimes must occur before they take action?

It was just [a few] weeks ago [, Feb. 12], that the Assembly and Senate minority conferences proposed a bill (S.8533 Lanza/A.9167 Gandolfo) to restore cooperation between New York courts and law-enforcement agencies with federal immigration authorities in cases involving the arrest or conviction of illegal migrants. [On Feb. 28], the sponsors of the legislation have renamed it “Laken’s Law” in honor of the young woman from Georgia. It is critical to reinstate protocols like these, which have been in place to prioritize the safety of our citizens first.

Back in 2017, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order 170, designating New York as a sanctuary state and setting the stage for a public-safety disaster. Part of a larger soft-on-crime narrative from New York Democrats, this order effectively ranked the protection of migrants over the safety of our own citizens and prevented law enforcement from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Rescinding this order should be the first step in addressing crimes associated with the migrant crisis. Sadly, individuals like Laken Riley and many others pay the price for these violent crimes, while state leadership remains silent. Simply put, Gov. Hochul’s failure to enact changes based on this legislation continues to endanger more lives throughout the state.

With nearly 200,000 illegal migrants coming to New York, this continuing crisis poses a threat to our communities, and the lack of action will only lead to further destruction. We cannot wait for someone else to lose their life before acting. New York has failed Laken Riley, and Joe Biden’s broken border policies have failed U.S. citizens. The time to act is now.

William (Will) A. Barclay, 55, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.

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