Mohawk Valley EDGE announces death of longtime leader DiMeo

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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 […]

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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.

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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,

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

Small Business

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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.

St. Elizabeth College of Nursing plans March 29 open house

Education & Training, Subscriber Only

UTICA — The St. Elizabeth College of Nursing (SECON) will hold an open house for prospective students on March 29 from 3-5 p.m. at the college, located at 2215 Genesee St. in Utica. The event will include tours along with question-and-answer sessions. SECON offers a nursing-education loan program that provides students with the opportunity to

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MACNY names manager of workforce operations and advancement

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

DeWITT — MACNY, The Manufacturers Association of Central New York, says it has promoted Amanda Rice to manager of workforce operations and advancement. She first joined MACNY in February 2022 as the association’s finance and contract administration specialist. In this role, Rice has managed MACNY’s state and federal grants in addition to sourcing and administering

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DeWITT — MACNY, The Manufacturers Association of Central New York, says it has promoted Amanda Rice to manager of workforce operations and advancement.

She first joined MACNY in February 2022 as the association’s finance and contract administration specialist. In this role, Rice has managed MACNY’s state and federal grants in addition to sourcing and administering various funding opportunities. She has been an “integral part of developing and implementing new processes that impact multiple departments as well as internal and external reporting activities,” MACNY said in a recent release.

In her new role, Rice will use her skills in managing essential elements of MACNY’s workforce-development initiatives to lead efforts to research, develop, and apply for new grant-funding opportunities, while also collaborating closely with the organization’s finance team to optimize how grant money is allocated and used. She will also oversee key initiatives including the development and maintenance of both data and time- tracking systems and other relevant technologies.

“Amanda has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication to optimizing processes with a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in managing our workforce development portfolio. We are confident Amanda will continue to excel in her new role and significantly contribute to the success of our programs and the broader mission to serve the manufacturing community and the MACNY membership,” Mike Frame, MACNY executive VP, said in the release.

Prior to joining MACNY, Rice worked as an economic-development specialist at the Fulton Community Development Agency (FCDA), and also previously interned with NYSERDA’s market characterization & evaluation team. Rice holds an MPA degree, with a dual concentration in public economics & finance and environmental politics & policy from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at SUNY Albany. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from SUNY Geneseo.

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