Construction begins on $28.5 million expansion project at Syracuse airport

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Construction has started on a $28.5 million project to expand the north concourse at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) to provide additional seating and concession areas while also improving passenger flow. The project will also include the renovation of the terminal building’s second floor,near gate 15, to expand the federal-inspection station facility […]

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Construction has started on a $28.5 million project to

expand the north concourse at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) to provide additional seating and concession areas while also improving passenger flow.

The project will also include the renovation of the terminal building’s second floor,near gate 15, to expand the federal–inspection station facility — ensuring the airport retains its international designation.

The effort is meant to “enhance the passenger experience” and provide Central New York with a “world-class travel hub,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.

The state awarded the project $20 million from the governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. New York Department of Transportation officials announced the funding at a press conference at SYR on Thursday afternoon.

The Syracuse airport was one of nine upstate New York airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of the competition that Hochul announced in 2022.

The awards are intended to “promote, revitalize and accelerate” investments in Upstate commercial–passenger service airports, “helping to create airports for the 21st century,”Hochul’s office said.

Project details

The new improvement project will add about 4,700 square feet to the north concourse, which serves about 40 percent of the passengers traveling through the facility each year.The expansion will provide room for improved passenger flow, additional seating areas,and concession space.

The design supports optimal natural ventilation for improved air quality, promotes energy efficiency through the installation of “dynamic” window panels to increase natural lighting, and new lighting controls and sensors that reduce nonessential lighting during off-times.

High–efficiency building equipment will also “improve the airport’s sustainability,”Hochul’s office noted.

Besides the concourse expansion, the plan also calls for upgrades to the airport’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) federal inspection station (FIS).

That project seeks to ensure the facility meets the latest CBP standards and preserve the airport’s international designation, including its ability to handle both international passengers and cargo operations.

The project will install the latest FIS equipment for international operations that will allow for the processing of 200 passengers per hour, replacement of a jet bridge,installation of a new elevator tower and baggage carousel, and the creation of an additional hold room and boarding space.

The project also includes the installation of a wayfinding lighting–control system and support for hearing-impaired passengers.

Sports retailer with a Midwest origin to open its first New York store at Destiny USA

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Rally House, a sports and merchandise retailer, plans to open its first store in New York at Destiny USA this spring. The retailer will offer sports fans officially licensed team apparel and localized merchandise in a 5,700-square-foot store on level 2 next to Five Below, Destiny USA said in a release. Rally

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Rally House, a sports and merchandise retailer, plans to open its first store in New York at Destiny USA this spring.

The retailer will offer sports fans officially licensed team apparel and localized merchandise in a 5,700–square-foot store on level 2 next to Five Below, Destiny USA said in a release.

Rally House carries authentic pro and college team gear and apparel from top brand names such as Nike, ‘47, Mitchell and Ness, Adidas, and New Era. The store at Destiny USA will also provide customers with an assortment of team gear, collectibles, and gifts.

Rally House hopes to hire various full and part-time positions including a store manager; assistant store manager; assistant manager in training; senior team sales lead;team sales; lead, receiving and inventory specialist; sales associates; and seasonal sales associates.

Those interested can review open positions at Rally House Destiny USA and apply online at www.rallyhouse.com/careers.

Company history

As described on its website, the company’s origin dates back to 1989 when Tim and Mabel “Peg” Liebert “established their vision,” and “many considered Peg’s concept to be nothing more than wishful thinking on behalf of an ambitious woman seeking to compete with major stores in the local area.”

It started as “Mabel’s Kitchen,” catalogue with apparel, gifts, and other merchandise related to all-things Kansas. It was called Kansas Sampler. The catalogue eventually became five stores selling Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals gear. In the late 2000s, the Lieberts appointed their son, Aaron, as company CEO. After the “highs and lows” that Kansas Sampler endured in 2008, the Lieberts decided to expand outside Kansas and the firm evolved into Rally House.

With the Destiny USA store still to come, Rally House is currently operating in 13 states, per its website. They include Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, Iowa, Indiana and Oklahoma, per the website.

Mohawk Valley EDGE announces death of longtime leader DiMeo

Regional News, Subscriber Only

ROME, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steven DiMeo passed away suddenly on Wednesday morning, March 6, the economic-development organization posted on its Facebook page. “Steve was more than just our president; he was the guiding force behind EDGE, the Marcy Nanocenter, Griffiss Business and Technology Park, and the entire region’s economic trajectory for the

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ROME, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steven DiMeo passed away suddenly on Wednesday morning, March 6, the economic-development organization posted on its Facebook page.

“Steve was more than just our president; he was the guiding force behind EDGE, the Marcy Nanocenter, Griffiss Business and Technology Park, and the entire region’s economic trajectory for the past 30 years,” the statement read. “He led with a tenacious commitment to our mission, constantly driving those privileged to work alongside him.”

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., who worked closely with DiMeo over the years, expressed his sorrow for the loss of his friend and colleague on his own Facebook page.

“Steve has been by my side for over 30 years working tirelessly to make Oneida County a better place,” he wrote. “Whether it was fighting BRAC to save Griffiss Air Force Base or leaving no stone unturned to bring a chip fab to the Marcy Nanosite, his brilliance and passion constantly elevated this entire region. I have depended on him in countless matters that have been crucial to the success of Oneida County, and his loss will be impossible to replace. I will miss his wit and humor and our endless conversations analyzing the Yankees.”

Prior to serving as president of EDGE, DiMeo was the commissioner of urban and economic development for Utica from 1984–1993, according to his LinkedIn profile.

“Steve achieved remarkable milestones during his tenure with EDGE, steering the organization through challenges and triumphs with the utmost resilience and eye always set on the endgame,” EDGE added in its Facebook post. “Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve was a family man, a friend, someone who could tell you the batting average of the Yankees’ third baseman from 1967 or a piece of American history trivia. While always unsung, his legacy of kindness, humility, and generosity will continue to guide us as we honor his memory. As we mourn the loss of Steve, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and his profound impact on our organization, the Mohawk Valley, and the countless lives he touched.”

WCNY Entertainment Academy seeks applicants for the spring session

Education & Training

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — WCNY, Central New York’s member-supported public-media organization, announced it is now accepting applications for the spring session of its Entertainment Academy. Classes

Cornell Cooperative Extension to co-host MWBE info session on March 8 in Auburn

Education & Training, Regional News

AUBURN, N.Y. — Women and minority business owners are invited to a free information session on New York State’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)

Old Forge’s Enchanted Forest Water Safari sold to Florida company

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Regional News, Subscriber Only

OLD FORGE, N.Y. — Summertime staple Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge has a new owner. Innovative Attraction Management (IAM), of Windermere, Florida, acquired Water Safari Resort — including Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn — in a transaction that closed on March 1, according to

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OLD FORGE, N.Y. — Summertime staple Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge has a new owner.

Innovative Attraction Management (IAM), of Windermere, Florida, acquired Water Safari Resort — including Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn — in a transaction that closed on March 1, according to a press release from IAM, and previous owners K&K of Old Forge, Inc. and the Noonan family.

“We are thrilled to welcome Water Safari Resort, including Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn to the IAM family,” IAM President Mike Friscia said in the release. “This iconic destination in Central New York holds a special place in the hearts of families and adventure-seekers alike.”

IAM CEO Jams Harhi stated the company is “committed to preserving its great legacy developed” by the Noonan family while also enhancing the experience. The release did not expand on what those plans are, nor provide transaction financial details.

IAM said it will honor all previously purchased tickets along with current hotel and campground reservations.

The Florida company’s portfolio of properties includes Cowabunga Bay Water Parkwith locations in Utah and Nevada; Daytona Lagoon Waterpark in Daytona Beach, Florida; Five Islands Water & Amusement Park in Trinidad & Tobago; Island H2O Waterpark in Kissimmee, Florida, Myrtle Waves Water Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and El Dorado Park: The Water Temple in the Dominican Republic.

“We are thrilled to pass the torch on to IAM for the next chapter in Water Safari Resort’s future,” Katie Wojdyla of the Noonan family and K&K said. “Our family is so grateful to have served family fun to guests for the past 46 years. The great team and amazing guests are the backbone of this business, and we look forward to what the future has in store for this iconic resort.”

For more on this story, see the April 1 issue of The Central New York Business Journal.

Oneida County receives nearly $24M state grant for semiconductor supply-chain campus site prep

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Manufacturing & Engineering, Nonprofits, Regional News, Technology

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County has been awarded $23.6 million in state funding to help develop a 332-acre parcel at Griffiss International Airport in Rome,

State funds help Centro revamp public transit in Rome

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Manufacturing & Engineering, Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Technology

ROME, N.Y. — The City of Rome in Oneida County will have new and improved public-transit services, thanks to $1 million in state funding as

Grow-NY food, beverage, and agribusiness competition seeks applicants for this year’s program

Small Business

ITHACA, N.Y. — Empire State Development (ESD) has announced it is seeking applicants for the sixth year of the Grow-NY food, beverage, and agriculture businesscompetition.

Fayetteville–area realtor wins NYSAR Community Service Award

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

ALBANY — The New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) recently honored Don Radke, of Fayetteville, as one of two recipients of its 2023 Community Service Award. The honor recognized Radke, of FM Realty Group, for his dedication and commitment to various organizations and causes in Central New York. He was presented with the award

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ALBANY — The New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) recently honored Don Radke, of Fayetteville, as one of two recipients of its 2023 Community Service Award.

The honor recognized Radke, of FM Realty Group, for his dedication and commitment to various organizations and causes in Central New York. He was presented with the award during the association’s recent “Opportunity Awaits” Mid-Winter Business Meetings at the Crowne Plaza Albany – Desmond Hotel in Albany, NYSAR said in a recent news release.

A member of the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors, Radke helped save the George and Rebecca Barnes Foundation mansion and secured a $400,000 grant to help renovate the historic building. For this effort, he was selected as nonprofit President of the Year in Syracuse.

Radke’s involvement at Focus Greater Syracuse helped enhance this vital citizen-engagement organization that has made an impact throughout Central New York, NYSAR stated. As a board member and chair of the City of Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board, Radke was responsible for securing the preservation of countless historic structures across the city, including the cleaning and restoration of Onondaga Lake.

“I am humbled but very proud,” Radke said in the release. “If this can be an inspiration to somebody else in our industry, for them to take the next step and volunteer in their community, it’s what it’s all about. I am truly honored to accept this award.”

The NYSAR Community Service Award honors realtors for community involvement supporting initiatives aimed at a community’s youth, improving the quality of education, quality of life for older Americans, homelessness prevention, as well as efforts following natural disasters and other community needs.

Along with an inscribed award, a grant of $1,500 will also be made in Radke’s name to a charity of his choice.

NYSAR is a not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 63,000 of New York state’s real-estate professionals.

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