Marisa Ramirez Stukey

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The Reading League (TRL), based in Syracuse, has named Marisa Ramirez Stukey, Ph.D., its new chief academic officer. A nationally recognized expert in literacy, professional

Empire Crane Co. offers a look at latest equipment at open house

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

CICERO — Empire Crane Company, a dealer of cranes and heavy equipment, hosted a two-day open house event, called Empire Crane Days, on July 17 and 18 at its headquarters in the town of Cicero. The open house, at 7021 Performance Drive, welcomed crane enthusiasts, operators, industry professionals, and interested community members from across the

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Syracuse municipal, community greenhouse-gas emissions decline since 2010, Walsh says

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — Municipal operations for the City of Syracuse reduced their greenhouse-gas emissions by 67 percent, while the overall Syracuse community posted an emissions reduction of 29 percent, both when compared to emissions back in 2010. Those figures are “exceeding the targets by a wide margin,” the office of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced on

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Those figures are “exceeding the targets by a wide margin,” the office of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced on July 24.

The findings from the 2010 Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory (GHGI) provided information that the city needed to set emission-reduction targets of 40 percent for municipal operations and 7 percent for the community by 2020.

Walsh released the 2024 GHGI, described as “an important step toward the sequential development of a consolidated municipal and community Climate Action Plan.”

These efforts are a part of the city’s recently launched Sustainable Syracuse Initiative and its “commitment to develop a comprehensive and strategic list of actions for city government and the Syracuse community to implement around sustainability.”

“The Syracuse community should be proud of these results and the collective work that went into achieving these unprecedented measures,” Walsh contended in the announcement. “These reductions stem from years of private and public investments in climate resiliency. With this updated GHGI report, we can build on these findings with new and existing partners to make Syracuse a more sustainable and prosperous community for all.”

The 2024 GHGI report was funded in part by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Climate Smart Communities Program and completed by C&S Companies.

Several city departments, National Grid, and both community and government agencies collaborated to help collect the data, Walsh’s office noted.

Reduction factors

Walsh’s office cited the GHGI report as indicating the city’s reduced carbon footprint was the result of “major shifts in operations” coupled with many other “small but significant” actions to reduce energy and fuel consumption. Syracuse’s conversion to LED (light-emitting diode) streetlights and traffic signals. implementation of a refrigerant-management system. procurement of fuel-efficient vehicles. optimization of waste-collection routes. and the expansion of the urban-forestry program all “played a role” in municipal-emission reductions.

The findings also revealed the community-emission reductions can be attributed to National Grid sourcing its electricity from renewable-energy sources, the purchase of more fuel-efficient vehicles, the utilization of micro-mobility opportunities emerging within city-limits, and commercial and household investment in green technologies such as LED lightbulbs, heat pumps, and the installation of solar panels.

In addition to reducing GHG emissions, these efforts all contribute to lowering energy costs, the City of Syracuse said.

Next steps

The City of Syracuse’s next steps toward sustainability progress includes the creation of a data-informed climate-action plan to promote the pursuit of net-zero emissions and climate resiliency within city-limits. Four public meetings will be schedule this fall followed by a public-commenting period.

The City of Syracuse has been tracking greenhouse-gas emissions since 2002 as part of its ongoing efforts to “mitigate and prepare for the impacts of climate change,” per the announcement. The city took a second inventory in 2007 and another in 2010, which resulted in the development of Syracuse’s 2012 Sustainability Plan, an aspect of the Comprehensive Plan 2040.

First class graduates from Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship

Education & Training, Subscriber Only

BRIGHTON — The inaugural class of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship has completed its work and graduated following an Aug. 15 ceremony. The students completed the institute’s professional certificate in business and entrepreneurship — described as an “accelerated, non-traditional” business-education program designed to “equip them with practical business skills and real-world experience.” About

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BRIGHTON — The inaugural class of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship has completed its work and graduated following an Aug. 15 ceremony.

The students completed the institute’s professional certificate in business and entrepreneurship — described as an “accelerated, non-traditional” business-education program designed to “equip them with practical business skills and real-world experience.”

About 250 people, including students, their families, staff, faculty, and business partners attended the ceremony.

The event included reflections from graduating students; remarks from Ian Mortimer, president of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship and its founder Tom Golisano; and a commencement address delivered by Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver.

Students received a certificate as part of a personalized recognition moment on stage, accompanied by a short video profile.

Instead of a traditional cap and gown, each student also received a custom Golisano Institute blazer designed by clothier Adrian Jules, who is based in Rochester. The inside label bears Tom Golisano’s name and motto, “Built not Born,” a nod to his belief in the lasting power of a first impression, the Institute said.

“The transformation we have seen in this first cohort of students over the past two years is remarkable,” Mortimer contended in the announcement. “They have developed not only the skills employers are looking for, but also the confidence and discipline that drive long-term success. Their achievements affirm everything we set out to do—help students bridge the gap between potential and opportunity through a business education built on real expectations and applied learning.”

The program provided students with exposure to the business world through internships with regional businesses and through the Golisano Institute’s weekly “Speaking from Experience” sessions, which allowed them to engage directly with some of today’s leading business and entrepreneurial minds.

The opportunities, and the program itself, are made possible through the generosity of founder Tom Golisano, whose commitment to accessibility keeps tuition at $8,900 per year, the Golisano Institute said.

“I established the Institute to give future entrepreneurs a more affordable and direct path to building meaningful careers, as well as provide regional employers with talented graduates who are ready to contribute from day one,” Golisano said in the announcement. “Seeing these students graduate and take the next step in their journeys reinforces my belief that a practical business education can be life-changing, and it should be within reach. My hope is that what we’ve created here will continue to empower future generations of entrepreneurs, and, in time, benefit even more communities.”

Clarkson researchers develop tool to prevent computer chip overheating

Education & Training, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Manufacturing & Engineering, North Country, Subscriber Only, Technology

POTSDAM — A research team at Clarkson University is developing a new tool to combat the “intense heat” that semiconductor chips generate while operating smartphones, gaming consoles, and artificial intelligence (AI). “When temperatures rise too high, performance suffers, energy is wasted, and hardware can fail,” according to Clarkson’s Aug. 22 announcement. Thermal Analysis of Semiconductor

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“When temperatures rise too high, performance suffers, energy is wasted, and hardware can fail,” according to Clarkson’s Aug. 22 announcement.

Thermal Analysis of Semiconductor Chips, known as TASChips, is an open-source, high-performance simulation tool for thermal analysis of modern microprocessors. The software can quickly pinpoint heat buildup inside a chip, enabling engineers to design systems that “run faster, last longer, and consume less energy,” the school said.

TASChips operates in real time and can simulate even the largest and most complex processors — including those used in data centers and advanced AI systems. The software will be released as open source on GitHub, complete with documentation and case studies for researchers, educators, and students.

Yu Liu, an associate professor, and professor Ming-Cheng Cheng of Clarkson’s department of electrical and computer engineering are leading the project. Their effort is funded by a three-year, $597,316 grant from the National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

The project also includes strong educational and outreach components, including integration with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education programs. The components also include support for undergraduate research and collaborations with experts in AI, real-time scheduling, power systems, and sustainable computing from Syracuse University, Clemson University, University of Minnesota Morris, and CISTER Research Centre, ISEP in Portugal.

These efforts aim to broaden participation in computing and provide a foundation for scalable thermal-management solutions in AI and HPC (high performance computing) environments, Clarkson said.

Syracuse University switches to Coca-Cola from Pepsi

Education & Training, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is now the official non-alcoholic beverage partner of Syracuse University (SU), including at its athletic venues, following an agreement that SU announced on Aug. 11. The pact will span 10 years, running through June 2035. The deal means several Coca-Cola beverages will be available on campus. They include

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Lyndon E. Hall

People on the Move

Lyndon E. Hall has joined Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC as an associate attorney. She joins both the tax and business and transactions practice groups

Finalists in 9th round of Genius NY have more time to prep for pitch night

Manufacturing & Engineering, Small Business, Subscriber Only, Technology

SYRACUSE — The five finalists in this year’s 9th round of the Genius NY business accelerator will have more time to do their work before making a final pitch for funding. Companies from Utica, Syracuse, Ohio, New Jersey, and Sweden will also be the first Genius NY finalists to work on their products and projects

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SYRACUSE — The five finalists in this year’s 9th round of the Genius NY business accelerator will have more time to do their work before making a final pitch for funding.

Companies from Utica, Syracuse, Ohio, New Jersey, and Sweden will also be the first Genius NY finalists to work on their products and projects inside the new INSPYRE Innovation Hub (the former Tech Garden) in downtown Syracuse.

One of the companies entered the market following years of research at universities that included Syracuse University (SU), per its website.

The chosen finalists will work to build relationships in the region, develop their go-to-market plans, and spend time refining their pitches before presenting to a panel of judges at Innovation Night on May 7, 2026. The move of finals night from the fall to next spring will afford the teams “greater opportunity to become a part of the community,” ESD contended.

The finalist teams will compete for a total of $3 million in direct investment, with one grand prize of up to $1 million and four $500,000 awards. The program is the largest business accelerator for the uncrewed systems and robotics industry in the world.

Genius NY stands for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York.

The finalists were chosen from a “highly competitive” application process that received submissions from startups from around the world, including “record interest” from U.S. companies, Empire State Development (ESD) said in an Aug. 11 announcement.

Supported by the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) and administered by CenterState CEO, Genius NY brings companies to Central New York to participate in the yearlong in-residence accelerator where they receive assistance with product development, business development, as well as networking opportunities with investors and business leaders.

Genius NY participants are required to commit to operating their business in Central New York for at least one year.

“This year’s finalists bring the latest in uncrewed aerial and robotics technology right here to Central New York,” Kara Jones, director of Genius NY, said in the ESD announcement. “Our community’s robust UAS ecosystem, resources and expertise make this region the perfect launching pad for these innovative startups. We’re excited that this year’s teams are further along in their businesses, many with proven traction, active pilots or commercial deployments. These companies are building technologies that solve real-world problems across defense, infrastructure, and public safety. We’re eager to introduce these businesses to the Central New York community and begin offering them the top-of-the-line assets and resources that GENIUS NY is known for as they become the first cohort to operate out of the INSPYRE Innovation Hub.”

Since 2017, Genius NY has invested nearly $24 million in 42 businesses from around the world. In addition, Genius NY companies have raised more than $350 million in follow-on funding and have created hundreds of new jobs in New York state, ESD said.

Finalists

The five selected finalists (listed in alphabetical order with firm descriptions) are the following:

• Flox (Stockholm, Sweden): AI (artificial intelligence) that understands and speaks to wild animals — running on Edge pods, drones, and trains — to steer wildlife away from critical areas, per the ESD announcement.

• Lamarr.AI (Syracuse / Atlanta): Uses drones and AI to inspect building exteriors, delivering faster, more affordable, and more accurate data than traditional methods. Its website says the firm “entered the market in 2023 as the product of more than 6 years of [U.S. Department of Energy]-funded research across MIT, Georgia Tech, and Syracuse University [SU].” The company’s website lists Atlanta as the headquarters but CenterState CEO tells CNYBJ that the company’s founders are living in Syracuse and have worked out of SU.

• Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio): Offers low-cost optical solutions to monitor low-altitude airspace for drone threats, bird strikes, and FAA compliance.

• Modovolo (Utica): A drone company building low-cost, modular aircraft with extended flight times, designed for a wide range of commercial and defense uses.

• Skyfire AI (New Jersey): Deploys autonomous drone swarms and AI to improve response times and situational awareness for first responders and defense teams.

East Oneida Lake wastewater- treatment plant project to continue into fall of 2026

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Construction, Design & Real Estate, Manufacturing & Engineering, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

SYLVAN BEACH — The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) expects “substantial” completion of the $51 million construction project to modernize the East Oneida Lake wastewater-treatment plant in the fall of 2026. EFC officials toured the project on June 17, noting at the time that the Village of Sylvan Beach had indicated crews were

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EFC officials toured the project on June 17, noting at the time that the Village of Sylvan Beach had indicated crews were making “significant progress” on the project. Construction started in May 2024.

Those involved in the tour included Maureen Coleman, president and CEO of EFC, per the June 18 announcement.

The project involves comprehensive upgrades to its 1970s-era facilities, “protecting residents and the environment,” EFC said. More than half of the project is funded by grants from EFC to help reduce the financial impact on local ratepayers, with investments also “delivering good-paying jobs” to the region through the construction phase.

“This is a vital investment in clean water and in the affordability of local water infrastructure,” Coleman said in the EFC announcement. “This project symbolizes Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to delivering funding that ensures important projects move forward without placing an unsustainable financial burden on the communities they serve.”

The project involves upgrading an outdated wastewater-treatment system to a more effective process that meets current standards, EFC said. The effort includes building new treatment tanks and equipment; improving how wastewater is handled; and making site-wide repairs and upgrades — like fixing buildings, roads, electrical systems, and backup power — to keep the facility running reliably and efficiently.

The Village of Sylvan Beach is primarily handling work on the project, but its impact spreads far beyond village borders, EFC said. The plant also serves the towns of Sullivan, Lenox, Verona, and Vienna, as well as Verona Beach State Park. Modernizing the plant and its treatment facilities will ensure reliable wastewater services for 8,000 area residents and businesses and improve water quality in Fish Creek and Oneida Lake, per the EFC announcement.

“This project reflects the Village’s deep commitment to protecting our residents, our environment, and our future,” Sylvan Beach Mayor Richard Sullivan said in the EFC announcement. “We set out to build a stronger, modern wastewater system — and thanks to strong partnerships and careful planning, we’re delivering it on time and within budget.”

Timothy H. Doolittle

People on the Move

Timothy H. Doolittle has joined Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC as senior counsel in the property department, focusing on the representation of lenders in commercial

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Finalists

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