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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,
Broome County hotel occupancy unchanged in November, other key indicators rise 8 percent
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Broome County hotels had a mixed month in November. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county was unchanged at 56.4 percent compared to a year earlier. That was the worst monthly performance in this measure in 2022 as occupancy had increased every month before that,
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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Broome County hotels had a mixed month in November.
The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county was unchanged at 56.4 percent compared to a year earlier. That was the worst monthly performance in this measure in 2022 as occupancy had increased every month before that, ranging from a nearly 4 percent rise to a more than 45 percent gain. Year to date through November, occupancy was up 15.7 percent to 61.7 percent.
Two other important indicators of business performance for Broome County hotels posted healthy gains in November.
Revenue per available room (RevPar), an industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, increased 8.1 percent to $57.99 in the 11th month of 2022 compared to the same month the year prior. Through the first 11 months of 2022, RevPar had climbed 34.9 percent to $66.74.
Average daily rate (ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, also rose 8.1 percent to $102.74 in the county in November, compared to November 2021. For the full 11-month period, ADR was up 16.6 percent to $108.20.

Upstate Medical, Syracuse Crunch partner on opioid- abuse prevention campaign
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University and the Syracuse Crunch are partnering on a public-education campaign to fight opioid use and overdose. Assemblymember Pamela Hunter (D–Syracuse) secured a grant to help fund the program, Upstate Medical said in a release. Crouse Health is also participating in the campaign. Howard Dolgon, who owns the Syracuse Crunch,
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University and the Syracuse Crunch are partnering on a public-education campaign to fight opioid use and overdose.
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter (D–Syracuse) secured a grant to help fund the program, Upstate Medical said in a release. Crouse Health is also participating in the campaign.
Howard Dolgon, who owns the Syracuse Crunch, said the team will develop an initiative to use its platform and players to bring messages to general audiences. The Crunch will also connect with athletic trainers and student-athletes on issues related to opioid use.
Dr. Robert Corona, CEO of Upstate University Hospital, applauded the participation of the Crunch in this initiative.
“Athletes are heroes to a lot of kids,” Corona said. “A lot of the kids that end up taking pain medications are athletes. So, their heroes are people like the Crunch athletes, so they’ll listen to them.”
Opioid abuse may result from the misuse of prescribed drugs, Upstate Medical said. Prescription opioids are often prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain following surgery or injury, the health system noted.
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