Four new tenants to move into former Price Chopper location on Route 31 in Clay

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CLAY, N.Y. — Four new retail tenants are set to move into the space that was previously occupied by a Price Chopper store along Route

ANDRO wins Army contract to develop AI capabilities for advanced electronic warfare and signals intelligence

Law, Accounting & Taxes, Manufacturing & Engineering, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Subscriber Only, Technology

ROME, N.Y. — ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC recently announced it has been awarded a multimillion-dollar U.S. Army contract to advance artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) readiness through the generation of high-fidelity synthetic radio frequency (RF-Gen) datasets to enhance operational capabilities in electronic warfare (EW) and signal intelligence (SIGINT) domains. RF-Gen leverages state-of-the-art generative AI

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RF-Gen leverages state-of-the-art generative AI models to produce high-quality synthetic RF datasets that replicate realistic radio-frequency environments, including complex interference and contested spectrum conditions, Rome–based ANDRO said. The datasets are vital for training and evaluating AI/ML models designed for modern EW and SIGINT systems. By creating data-rich, controlled, and secure simulation environments, RF-Gen ensures that mission-critical algorithms can be trained and tested without depending on expensive real-world RF data-collection systems that may be limited or restricted in the manner or type of data acquired.

The project, called, “RF-Gen: AI/ML-Ready Synthetic RF Data,” is being led by ANDRO’s Marconi-Rosenblatt AI Innovation Lab under the direction of co-principal investigators Jithin Jagannath, chief scientist – chief technology officer, and Anu Jagannath, chief scientist – chief research officer, according to the ANDRO announcement. The work directly supports the Army’s Project Linchpin initiative that is focused on delivering AI/ML capabilities enabling rapid development, integration, and deployment of advanced analytics to the Army’s Integrated EW and sensor-modernization efforts.

According to ANDRO President Andrew Drozd, the RF-Gen project spotlights his company’s Marconi-Rosenblatt Lab strengths and expertise in AI/ML-driven RF systems, paving the way for emergent RF Machine Learning operational (RFMLOps) solutions for the military. The project team also includes Deepwave Digital — a Philadelphia–based commercial software-defined radio (SDR) hardware supplier.

Built upon an advanced AI/ML hybrid framework, RF-Gen ensures adaptability across diverse operational and commercial contexts — from tactical defense applications to next-generation telecommunications. Its architecture allows integration with a broad range of AI frameworks, supporting both defense and commercial partners seeking to enhance system resilience and situational awareness.

ANDRO Computational Solutions is a privately-owned company, established in 1994, that is dedicated to research, development, and the application of advanced computer software for a variety of applications. Located in the Griffiss Business & Technology Park in Rome, ANDRO provides research, engineering, and technical services to defense and commercial industries.

Community Wellness Partners awarded $2.6 million grant to launch PACE program

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Featured, Health Care, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Nonprofits

CLINTON, N.Y. — Community Wellness Partners of Clinton says it will use a state grant of $2.6 million to establish a Program of All-Inclusive Care

2025 Family Business Awards Event Gallery

Event Gallery

Photos from the 2025 Family Business Awards, held on December 3, 2025 at SKY Armory. Photos courtesy of Ali Abdur-Rahman.

Upstate Medical startup wins $10K Rothschild Award in pitch contest

Health Care, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — BiRed Imaging Inc. is an Upstate Medical University startup developing an AI (artificial intelligence)-powered contactless breast-cancer screening technology. The company was selected as the winner of the $10,000 Alan W. Rothschild Innovation Award at the Nov. 12 Biotech Innovation Pitch. A panel of six judges selected BiRed Imaging after listening to brief pitches

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SYRACUSE — BiRed Imaging Inc. is an Upstate Medical University startup developing an AI (artificial intelligence)-powered contactless breast-cancer screening technology.

The company was selected as the winner of the $10,000 Alan W. Rothschild Innovation Award at the Nov. 12 Biotech Innovation Pitch.

A panel of six judges selected BiRed Imaging after listening to brief pitches from the seven competitors at the pitch competition held at the CNY Biotech Accelerator, which is located at 831 E. Fayette St. in Syracuse.

One $5,000 runner-up prize went to sxRNA Technologies, which is developing an RNA “nanoswitch” that activates treatments only in targeted cells — offering new hope for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. Another $5,000 runner-up prize was awarded to Ergami Endoscopy, which is creating a low-cost robotic colonoscope insertion system designed to improve procedural efficiency, reduce patient pain and the need for sedation, and minimize endoscopy-related injuries among clinicians.

The finalists are all clients of the CNY Biotech Accelerator.

The Alan W. Rothschild Innovation Award at the Upstate Foundation honors Rothschild’s life, “which was one of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit and provides support to individuals and startups who demonstrate excellence in innovation,” Upstate Medical said. Its purpose is to “further the development and advancement of emerging science and new technologies.”

The Rothschild Award is the most recent success for BiRed Imaging. Earlier this year, it was awarded a $305,000 phase 1 grant from the National Science Foundation, Upstate Medical said.

Judges for the event included longtime Upstate Foundation donors Ann and David Rothschild, sponsors of Alan W. Rothschild Innovation Award; Vicki Quigley; Eileen Pezzi, Upstate VP for development and executive director of the Upstate Foundation; Audrey Bernstein, a member of the Upstate faculty and founder and chief scientific officer of DUB Therapeutics, winner of last year’s Alan W. Rothschild Innovation Award; and Travis Millman, CEO of Valley of Death Partners, a life sciences and deep-tech startup consultancy.

About BiRed’s system

BiRed’s system uses AI and thermal imaging to detect tumors without breast compression or radiation.

The BiRed imaging system detects the altered temperatures on the surface of a breast due to the increased metabolic activity of a cancerous tumor. It uses multispectral imaging that does not employ harmful radiation and is independent of breast density, which is a major concern in mammography.

It uses well-established inverse heat-transfer analysis to detect the tumor and predict its size and location within the breast. In preliminary clinical studies, this approach was used to study 24 biopsy-proven cancer patients with accurate predictions of tumor size and location.

Next Corning Community College leader starts in early January

Education & Training, Subscriber Only

CORNING — The eighth president of Corning Community College will begin his new duties on Jan. 2, 2026. The SUNY board of trustees voted Nov. 14 to name Terence Finley as the school’s next leader. Finley — who is a graduate of SUNY Brockport — currently serves as VP and COO at Harris-Stowe State University

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CORNING — The eighth president of Corning Community College will begin his new duties on Jan. 2, 2026.

The SUNY board of trustees voted Nov. 14 to name Terence Finley as the school’s next leader.

Finley — who is a graduate of SUNY Brockport — currently serves as VP and COO at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, Missouri. His appointment in Corning will take effect on Jan. 2, 2026.

Corning Community College has been led by Administrator in Charge Kim Frock since June 2, 2025, following former president William Mullaney’s appointment as the new president of Rockland Community College.

“I am confident that Dr. Finley’s dedication to student success, retention, and completion, demonstrated through his work at Harris-Stowe State University, will further catapult Corning Community College forward as a regional and statewide leader,” SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr. said in an announcement. “I want to thank Administrator in Charge Kim L. Frock for her service leading Corning Community College during this leadership transition and for her dedication to the local community served by this essential institution of higher learning.”

Finley earned his Ph.D. in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education from Prairie View A&M University, which is located near Houston; an MBA degree in marketing and logistics from Penn State University; and a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in marketing and economics from SUNY Brockport.

“I have dedicated the last 15 years to higher education, championing the principles of access, adequacy, and equity for underserved, underrepresented, under-resourced, and in some cases underprepared student populations,” Finley said in the SUNY announcement. “My deep commitment to educational excellence is underscored by my unwavering belief in the transformative power of education to drive societal change, elevate communities, and create long-term impact through student success. I want to thank the SUNY Board of Trustees, Chancellor King, and the SUNY Corning Regional Board of Trustees for this opportunity.”

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Terence Finley back home to upstate New York, as the 8th President of SUNY Corning Community College,” Michael Wayne, chairman of the Corning Community College regional board of trustees, said. “His experience as a SUNY (Brockport) graduate and a native of upstate makes him uniquely qualified to manage the opportunities and challenges of our college. His focus on student success and advocacy of non-traditional students will surely enhance the successes we’ve experienced, at Corning, through the SUNY Reconnect program. We are thankful to our dedicated Presidential search committee for their comprehensive work to bring us to this successful appointment!”

Public phase of Landmark Theatre’s $8.7M Centennial Campaign is underway

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Theatre marquee dedicated to Magnarelli family SYRACUSE — The public phase of the Landmark Theatre’s $8.7 million Centennial Campaign is now open. The campaign seeks to raise the final

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Theatre marquee dedicated to Magnarelli family

SYRACUSE — The public phase of the Landmark Theatre’s $8.7 million Centennial Campaign is now open.

The campaign seeks to raise the final $1.8 million of its $8.7 million goal, following a successful silent phase that brought in the majority of funds through the support of lead donors, foundations, and public partners.

Community members are now invited to join this effort to ensure the Landmark’s next century “shines as brightly as its first,” the Landmark Theatre said.

Stephanie Crockett, CEO of Syracuse–based advertising and marketing firm Mower, and Andy Breuer, president of Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., Inc., are serving as the campaign co-chairs.

Funds raised through the Centennial Campaign will support a range of improvements to the theatre’s facilities, including completion of the auditorium restoration; air-conditioning system upgrades; exterior door rehabilitation; and carpet replacement.

Supporters can learn more and contribute to the campaign at www.landmark100.org. Those interested can pledge donations over a period of three to five years, the organization noted.

In his remarks at a Nov. 14 event to launch the public phase of the Landmark’s Centennial Campaign, Mike Intaglietta, executive director of the Landmark Theatre, recognized local lawmakers, members of the organization’s board of trustees, both past and present, the Landmark Theatre’s Centennial committee, and the theatre’s staff.

“The dedication and talent of our team do not get called out nearly enough, from production to ticketing to operations, concessions, security and our volunteer ushers, some of whom have helped us here today, and especially our leadership team,” Intaglietta said. “They work long and exceptionally odd hours, and I regularly see them go above and beyond to make sure our guests at the theatre have an unparalleled experience”

Intaglietta spoke to a gathering that was seated on the stage looking out at the theatre’s lower and upper seating areas.

The event, attended by nearly 200 community members and supporters, also featured the dedication of the Magnarelli Marquee, honoring the Magnarelli family’s enduring commitment to the theatre and to Syracuse’s cultural life.

“It’s a great honor to have our family recognized in this way,” New York State Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D–Syracuse) said. “The Landmark has been part of my family’s life and that of our community’s for decades. Starting with Armond Magnarelli, I am proud to have played a role in helping preserve it. I encourage everyone to join this campaign to keep the Landmark shining into its next century.”

The late Armond Magnarelli was instrumental in forming the Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre and was one of the signers for the original charter. Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, Armond’s cousin, has secured millions of dollars in New York State capital grants to support the theatre’s improvements and restoration efforts.

Carrie Lazarus, with WSYR-TV NewsChannel 9, emceed the event, which included remarks from Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor-elect Sharon Owens, each voicing their support for the campaign and the Landmark’s continued importance to Central New York.

Opened in 1928 as the Loew’s State Theatre, the grand movie palace quickly became a “treasured” gathering place for Central New Yorkers. When it fell into disrepair in the 1970s, a dedicated group of citizens formed a nonprofit organization to save what was renamed the Landmark Theatre and make it one of the region’s “most vital cultural institutions.” Today, the Landmark hosts world-class touring concerts, Broadway shows, comedians, and community events, contributing more than $9.6 million annually to the local economy.

Grant funding awarded to five woman-owned businesses in Oneida, Herkimer counties

Mohawk Valley, Nonprofits, Small Business, Subscriber Only

ROME — Five woman-owned businesses in Herkimer and Oneida counties are now using $5,000 grant awards to support their growth and development. The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is behind the grant initiative with support from Baird Private Wealth Management and the Griffiss Institute of Rome, which hosted the award ceremony, per the

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ROME — Five woman-owned businesses in Herkimer and Oneida counties are now using $5,000 grant awards to support their growth and development.

The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is behind the grant initiative with support from Baird Private Wealth Management and the Griffiss Institute of Rome, which hosted the award ceremony, per the Nov. 13 announcement.

The grant recipients include Barrio Builders of Utica; Bloom Nutrition Solutions of Utica; Can Chasers Company LLC; D. Furniture Upholstery; and Legacy Fiberoptics of Utica.

The grant applicants had to be 51 percent women-owned, located in Herkimer or Oneida Counties, and in business for a minimum of one year.

“Our financial support of women entrepreneurs in our area began in 2022,” Ellen Rainey, VP of The Women’s Fund and chairperson of the Women Investing in Women committee of the board, said in the announcement. “Our initiative has been embraced by the business community; we had 38 women business owners apply representing Oneida and Herkimer Counties. The diversity of the applications was impressive making the judging process both exciting and challenging.”

The Griffiss Institute says it has supported the Women Investing In Women initiative since The Women’s Fund grant program began in 2022.

“Innovation thrives when community members support each other to be successful,” Heather Hage, president and CEO of the Griffiss Institute, said. “These businesses are doing good deeds in our Mohawk Valley communities by creating meaningful careers and delivering products and services that improve our quality of life. We are proud to stand with The Women’s Fund and Baird to empower the business leaders who make our communities stronger.”

The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties describes itself as a grassroots, volunteer-driven nonprofit which is funded by donor contributions. The Women’s Fund has donated nearly $1 million to individuals and organizations in their 28 years of service to Herkimer and Oneida counties.

Grant recipients

Ingrid Quiceno-Vela is the owner of Barrio Builders, a Latina-owned construction and housing rehabilitation firm based in Utica. It specializes in lead-safe renovations that protect families and revitalize underserved neighborhoods. The grant will help pay for a construction trailer.

Alex Nicolette is a registered dietitian and the founder of Bloom Nutrition Solutions. In her grant application, Nicolette said, “The Utica area has limited access to nutrition-related care, while many individuals struggle with chronic illnesses requiring specialized dietary therapies. Additionally, a growing population of women diagnosed with eating disorders requires the expertise of a registered dietitian experienced in meal planning and nutrition counseling tailored to this condition.” Nicolette will use the grant for marketing efforts to expand the group practice and increase client numbers.

The grant recipients also included Brenda Carney, of Can Chasers, which offers equine therapy to individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. Its work aligns with Herkimer County Mental Health Services’ goals to expand respite services by providing horse-centered and art-therapeutic activities. Carney will use the funding to purchase arena rails to expand the Can Chasers outdoor horse arena.

Ana Felicia Brito, of D. Furniture Upholstery, is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, and her business “bucks the trend of ‘disposable’ furniture,” per the Griffiss Institute announcement. Brito will use her $5,000 grant to purchase industrial machines, allowing her to work faster and with heavier fabrics.

Gabriella Marchesani is the owner of Legacy Fiberoptics of Utica, which provides repair and calibration services for fiber-optic test equipment for its customers around the globe. Marchesani will use the grant to purchase nine new electrostatic discharge benches for the company’s new facility to accommodate its increased workload and new customers.

Allegiant Air to expand direct flights from Syracuse to Fort Lauderdale

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — Allegiant Air plans to expand its nonstop flights from Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in the early part of next year. Beginning Feb. 11, 2026, Allegiant Air will operate four flights weekly directly to the South Florida destination, doubling its average current frequency of two flights weekly,

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Winter Fair 2026 set for late January with rides, reindeer, reminders of summer

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

GEDDES — The food, rides, music, and entertainment that people enjoy throughout the summer are again returning to the New York State Fairgrounds in late January 2026. The event will also have a Healthcare Village, free parking, evening fireworks, and reindeer from Hanggi Farms in Ontario County. The 2026 Winter Fair is set for the

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GEDDES — The food, rides, music, and entertainment that people enjoy throughout the summer are again returning to the New York State Fairgrounds in late January 2026.

The event will also have a Healthcare Village, free parking, evening fireworks, and reindeer from Hanggi Farms in Ontario County.

The 2026 Winter Fair is set for the end of January in and around the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in the town of Geddes. The 7th edition of Winter Fair is promoted as bringing “More Summer Fun into Winter.”

It is scheduled for Friday, Jan 30 from 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb.1 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Premier Promotions, which promotes the Winter Fair event, announced the details at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown on Nov. 20.

“We want to give people a chance to have more summer fun in the middle of winter. It’s great to have an event for all ages, where you can bring your friends and family to enjoy themselves. Plus at Syracuse Winter Fair 2026 the theme will also be ‘Look to the Children!,’ where the daytime entertainment will feature students from elementary school to college,” Steve Becker, owner of Premier Promotions, said in the announcement. “The New York State Fairgrounds have great year-round events and Syracuse Winter Fair has become an annual tradition in Making Memories. Also for Syracuse Winter Fair 2026, we are dedicating this community event to the Honorable Van B. Robinson. He was very instrumental in helping us to bring this idea to fruition!”

The event’s attractions include the Market 32/Price Chopper Syracuse Winter Fair Hoops where attendees shoot baskets and win prizes for donations to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse. Various Syracuse University and LeMoyne College student-athletes will meet and greet attendees in the Syracuse Winter Fair Hoops area.

More than $15,000 has been raised for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse in the previous six Winter Fairs.

In addition, the Healthcare Village will include organizations that will share information on staying well.

“Lead poisoning knows no city limits, it can impact any family, anywhere. At LeadSafe CNY Coalition, we’re proud to partner with Steve Becker and the New York State Winter Fair to bring this message to the heart of our community,” said LaToya Jones, director of the LeadSafe CNY Coalition, which is sponsoring the Healthcare Village. “Together, we’re raising awareness, promoting prevention, and reminding families that when we all come together, we can protect our children and build a healthier, lead-free future for Central New York.”

Attendees will also have a chance to take their picture with the reindeer from Hanggi Farms outside in front of the walkway to the Expo Center on Jan. 31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Purchasing tickets

Online tickets are available now at www.nyswinterfair.com.

Online tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for teens/pre-teens and seniors plus a small fee. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. At the door, admission is $8 for adults and $6 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children ages 10 and under will be admitted free of charge.

In addition, Market 32/Price Chopper will be selling tickets at 130 stores in six states — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. These tickets will cost $4.50 for adults and $2 for seniors and teens. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge.

AAA of Central and Western New York will also be offering discount tickets to its members.

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