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Syracuse Mets announce three-year extension of broadcast contract with Cumulus Media
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Mets baseball games will remain on Cumulus Media’s The Score 1260 for the next three years. The minor-league baseball club announced the extension of the broadcast contract on Thursday. Radio and internet listeners will again hear the voices of Michael Tricarico and Evan Stockton, who will team up for the third […]
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Mets baseball games will remain on Cumulus Media’s The Score 1260 for the next three years.
The minor-league baseball club announced the extension of the broadcast contract on Thursday.
Radio and internet listeners will again hear the voices of Michael Tricarico and Evan Stockton, who will team up for the third straight season as the Syracuse Mets play-by-play announcers in 2024.
Fans will hear the duo on The Score 1260 (WSKO 1260 AM), TheScore1260.com, and on the TuneIn app for all 150 Syracuse Mets games, including 75 home games that will also be broadcast on MiLB.tv, the team said.
“Cumulus has been a great partner for us since we got back on the radio for the 2014 season,” Jason Smorol, general manager of the Syracuse Mets, said in the team’s news release. “Our fans want us on the radio, and working with Cumulus here locally has been a great benefit for our team. In addition to having our games broadcast, our partnership extends to marketing and events that also help our club through the great value we get from Cumulus.”
The Syracuse Mets open the 2024 baseball season on March 29 at NBT Bank Stadium against the Rochester Red Wings. First pitch is at 2:05 p.m., and radio coverage begins with the Syracuse Mets pregame show at 1:50 p.m., the team said.
Tricarico returns for his sixth full season in the Syracuse broadcast booth and his fifth season as the lead play-by-play voice of the Syracuse Mets, not including the 2020 minor-league season that was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He is a North Syracuse native who graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 2013 and from Syracuse University (SU) in 2017. As an SU student, he called Orange sporting events for WAER 88.3 FM and WJPZ 89.1 FM.
Stockton enters his third season in the Syracuse Mets broadcast booth. The 28-year-old is also quite familiar with Central New York, having graduated from SU in the spring of 2018.
Stockton has broadcast nearly every level of baseball, starting his professional broadcasting career when he was just a sophomore in college. He has now spent the past four seasons working at the Triple-A level, serving as the voice of the Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) during the 2021 season.

Second phase of construction starts on main terminal at Ogdensburg airport
OSWEGATCHIE, N.Y. — The second phase of construction on a $22 million project at the Ogdensburg International Airport is getting underway, the office of Gov.

The Agency to receive $11.2 million to prep former BAE site for future development
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Agency announced it will receive $11.2 million in funding from the state’s Focused Attraction of Strategic Tracts, or FAST NY, program

New OCC agreement targets students performing gap-year community service in Buffalo, NYC
ONONDAGA, N.Y. — Under a new agreement, students who complete a gap year of community service in either Buffalo or New York City can have

Construction begins on $28.5 million expansion project at Syracuse airport
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.