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Raymond Corp. seeks to fill open second-shift slots at job fair
GREENE, N.Y. — The Raymond Corporation is hosting a job fair Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to fill positions for its expanding second

State awards first construction contract for I-81 viaduct-replacement project
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Even though a court battle has the project currently on hold, New York State has awarded the first construction contract for the

Gear Motions acquires Auto Gear Inc., combining two long-time Syracuse gear manufacturers
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Gear Motions announced it has acquired Auto Gear Inc. in a deal that combines two long-time Syracuse gear manufacturers. The Nixon Gear

MVCC receives $2 million to open semiconductor and advanced-manufacturing training center
UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) has received $2 million in federal funding to create a new semiconductor and advanced-manufacturing training center. MVCC

Rome Lab, Griffiss Institute receive federal funding for tech projects
ROME, N.Y. — The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Griffiss Institute in Rome have both received millions in federal funding for high-tech projects,

CICERO, N.Y. — SRC, Inc. announced it has hired Gwendolyn Sykes as executive VP, finance, and CFO. Sykes is succeeding Phil Fazio, who is retiring

Oneida County unveils redesigned website
UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County recently launched a newly redesigned website that it says is easier to use and has several new features. The new site, which users can visit at www.ocgov.net, features a mobile-first design compatible with modern devices and browsers, a new user experience and interface design, and navigation that allows quick access
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UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County recently launched a newly redesigned website that it says is easier to use and has several new features.
The new site, which users can visit at www.ocgov.net, features a mobile-first design compatible with modern devices and browsers, a new user experience and interface design, and navigation that allows quick access to pertinent information on the user end.
The site also uses current industry standards and best practices in design and technology, a state-of-the-art and robust content-management system for intuitive and easy client-side management, and the latest analytics platform that will help the county measure the website’s performance. New Hartford–based TRAINOR, which describes itself as a digitally driven brand management collaborative, designed the new site.
“We recognized there was a need to refresh our county website in order to provide the optimal user experience for residents, visitors, and those interested in relocating to the area,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said in a release. “The redesign was an enormous undertaking that involved all of our county departments working collaboratively with TRAINOR to help create a website that is user-friendly and efficient.”
Looking to the future, the website allows for scalability as the county grows including showcasing future projects and developments; highlighting new department information, services, and offerings; and sharing new attractions, dining, and recreation opportunities.
“The Oneida County website is often the first resource for residents and visitors who are looking for information about our county and its services,” Picente said. “As we grow and continue to flourish, we are excited to offer a website that will help residents, businesses, and those looking to move to or do business here easily find all the information they need.”

AFP announces new chapter administrator
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Central New York (AFP CNY) recently named Babette Puzey as its new chapter administrator. Puzey has been the special-events coordinator for Arc of Onondaga since May 2019 and says she enjoys working for a local nonprofit. She also sits on the board of directors for Music
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Central New York (AFP CNY) recently named Babette Puzey as its new chapter administrator.
Puzey has been the special-events coordinator for Arc of Onondaga since May 2019 and says she enjoys working for a local nonprofit. She also sits on the board of directors for Music for the Mission and the Syracuse Area Music Awards, according to an AFP CNY news release.
Puzey served as vendor director for the New York State Blues Festival from November 2011 through July 2022 and was the festival’s board secretary from 2017-2022. She assisted with marketing for the Blues Festival and its other related events.
Puzey is passionate about helping others in the CNY community and frequently volunteers for organizations such as McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.
“Fundraisers and events have become my wheelhouse and I’m happy to donate my time and efforts whenever and wherever I can,” she said in the release.
In her spare time, Puzey is an amateur photographer and outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, and spending time in the Adirondacks, as well as other beautiful places throughout New York state and the Northeast. Puzey also performs as a vocalist in an acoustic duo with her partner, Todd Brown.
Puzey is looking forward to working with AFP CNY and networking with others in the world of fundraising.
“We all have a common goal to make a difference in our own little corner of the world and make positive changes. I’m glad I can make small contributions to helping others in our community; it makes my heart happy,” Puzey said.
AFP CNY says it is a professional association for individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit, charitable organizations across Central New York.

Lifecare Medical Associates adds adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — Lifecare Medical Associates, a unit of Geneva–based Finger Lakes Health, announced it has hired Shannon Picchi as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. Lifecare Medical Associates is located at 1991 Balsley Road in Seneca Falls. Its providers see patients of all ages from newborns to geriatrics. Picchi brings more than 20
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SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — Lifecare Medical Associates, a unit of Geneva–based Finger Lakes Health, announced it has hired Shannon Picchi as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.
Lifecare Medical Associates is located at 1991 Balsley Road in Seneca Falls. Its providers see patients of all ages from newborns to geriatrics.
Picchi brings more than 20 years of health-care experience, most recently serving as a registered nurse and case manager at Rochester Regional Health Homecare and Hospice in Newark in Wayne County.
Picchi completed her master’s degree in nursing from Keuka College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College and her associate in nursing from Finger Lakes Community College. Picchi began her career in health care at Wayne County BOCES in Newark, where she completed her training as a certified nursing assistant, or CNA.

Bassett Healthcare plans to expand K-9 security unit
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Bassett Healthcare Network is expanding its K-9 security team and will add another K-9 unit this winter. “Over the past few years,
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.