ANDRO lands $240,000 Navy contract

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ROME, N.Y. — The U.S. Navy has awarded ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC a phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract valued at $240,000 to develop a new type of autonomous capability for uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) applications. ANDRO’s Marconi-Rosenblatt Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Innovation Lab team in Rome, led by Jithin Jagannath, […]

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ANDRO’s Marconi-Rosenblatt Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Innovation Lab team in Rome, led by Jithin Jagannath, will perform work on the Robust Autonomy for NeGation of Enemy Radar, or RANGER for short.

The team will apply novel AI/ML techniquest for enhancing human-machine teaming based on the manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) model ANDRO first developed for cooperative UAS scenarios to combat next-generation radar systems and adversarial radar networks.

RANGER’s goal is to provide superior battlefield agility in MUM-T scenarios for increased mission efficiency and survivability by adapting negation techniques on the fly in response to enemy actions.

“The RANGER technology sits at the intersection of ANDRO’s Marconi-Rosenblatt Lab expertise in UAS autonomy, machine learning-enabled signal intelligence (SIGINT), and cooperative control and decision-making strategies,” Jagannath said in a press release. “The AI/ML lab team sees RANGER as the next-generation autonomous MUM-T planning and coordination system that will be engineered for operations in dynamic and austere application environments.”

The Phase I work sets the stage for potential second-phase, multi-million-dollar research for additional development, experimentation, and flight testing for future transition to the Navy. The ANDRO lab team includes engineers Sean Furman and Tyler Gwin who will deploy RANGER on UAS hardware as the capability matures.

ANDRO President Andrew Drozd anticipates considerable growth in business from this work to incorporate the solution into advanced UAS platforms during the next phases of research and development.

“RANGER is a next step in a strategic plan to expand ANDRO’s research portfolio and footprint in 2023 and beyond, including the research activities of the Marconi-Rosenblatt AI/ML Innovation Lab,” he said.

Founded in 1994, ANDRO focuses on scientific research, development, and the application of advanced computer software in radio-frequency spectrum exploitation, secure wireless communications, cognitive radios, advanced-radar data fusion, and sensor-resource management.

Jefferson County woman arrested for fake occupation license and lying about past felonies on job application

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Law, Accounting & Taxes, New York News, Regional News, Subscriber Only

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — New York State Police in Watertown on Nov. 30 arrested a Jefferson County woman for using a fake occupation license and for providing false information when applying for a job. Trudy A. Latimer, age 49 of Felts Mills, was charged with 2nd degree possession of a forged instrument and 1st degree offering

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Five Star Bank parent to pay fourth-quarter dividend in early January

Banks & Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services, New York News, Regional News, Subscriber Only

WARSAW, N.Y. — Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISI), parent company of Five Star Bank, recently announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of 29 cents per common share outstanding. The banking company will pay the fourth-quarter dividend on Jan. 3, to shareholders of record on Dec. 16. At the banking

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M&T Bank to pay quarterly dividend of $1.20 a share on Dec. 30

Banks & Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services, New York News, Regional News, Subscriber Only

M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB) recently announced that it has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.20 per share on its common stock. The dividend will be payable on Dec. 30 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Dec. 1. M&T Bank Corp. is a financial-holding company headquartered in Buffalo. Its main banking

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Usherwood calls Vermont acquisition exciting opportunity

Subscriber Only, Technology

SYRACUSE — The president of Usherwood Office Technology calls the company’s purchase of a Vermont firm an “exciting opportunity” to continue its growth in the New England region. The Syracuse–based company on Nov. 28 announced it has acquired Reprographics of New England (Repro), a privately owned, office-technology provider in Winooski, Vermont. Usherwood didn’t disclose the

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SYRACUSE — The president of Usherwood Office Technology calls the company’s purchase of a Vermont firm an “exciting opportunity” to continue its growth in the New England region.

The Syracuse–based company on Nov. 28 announced it has acquired Reprographics of New England (Repro), a privately owned, office-technology provider in Winooski, Vermont.

Usherwood didn’t disclose the acquisition price in its announcement.

“Repro has done a fantastic job caring for clients and people,” Ken Stinson, president of Usherwood Office Technology, said in a release. “Usherwood, as a third-generation family-owned business, appreciates that care as it fits perfectly with our culture. In an industry that is full of multi-billion-dollar manufacturers and venture capital-backed dealerships that are looking to acquire and cash out, Usherwood continues to grow while remaining fiercely independent and client-focused. We are proud to have the opportunity to grow our presence in Vermont and New Hampshire, where they appreciate those traits in a business partner.”

Usherwood Office Technology currently has 144 employees. The firm didn’t disclose the number of employees that would be joining Usherwood from Repro.

“The acquisition of Repro allows Usherwood to augment our client base in northern New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire,” Louis Usherwood, CEO of Usherwood Office Technology, said. “This is our second acquisition in the greater Burlington, Vermont area, and we are very pleased with the talent joining our company. The cultures at Repro and Usherwood are very complementary, and we look forward to providing world-class service to our new clients.”

Both companies are authorized Canon dealers, so clients “can expect a seamless transition” with the benefits of the product and “highly trained” technical-service staff, Usherwood said.

Launched in 1976 and based in Syracuse, Usherwood Office Technology is a family-owned company. It has been a regional provider of IT products and services throughout New York and New England, serving about 8,000 clients in the Northeast.

SBA offers tips, resources as COVID loan repayments begin

Banks & Credit Unions, Insurance & Financial Services, Small Business, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) made more than $390 billion worth of direct working-capital loans to more than 3.9 million small businesses. In the Central New York region alone, 5,638 loans totaling over $580.25 million were approved. Now, these COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are beginning

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Now, these COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are beginning to come due as the 30-month deferment period ends for businesses. The date is based on the date a business took out the EIDL, which means businesses that received loans early in the pandemic are now facing their first payments.

With that in mind, the Syracuse SBA office recently held a webinar to help borrowers get ready for those payments.

“The vast majority of the dollars and numbers of loans went to truly small businesses,” Daniel Rickman, the SBA’s deputy district director for the Syracuse district, says. About 90 percent of businesses that received EIDLs have 10 employees or fewer.

That doesn’t change the fact that it is a loan and must be repaid. “The SBA does not have the authority to forgive COVID economic injury disaster loans,” he says.

The loans are 30-year, simple-interest loans repaid on a monthly basis, Rickman notes, Businesses that opted not to make any payments during the deferment will have a balloon payment at the end of loan.

The SBA does not enforce any penalty for pre-payment. “There’s nothing to prevent you from accelerating your payments,” Rickman says.

And just like any other loan, defaults are reported and can prevent a business from receiving future government assistance.

Borrowers will receive a payment notice in the mail in advance of the first payment due date, Rickman says. Businesses can and should create an account on the SBA’s Capital Access Financial System (CAFS) where they can access loan information and see their payment date. Payments can be made online at pay.gov, and businesses can set up recurring payments, he said.

Businesses that can’t find or access their loan information can request it from the SBA service center in Birmingham, which covers New York state. The service center can also assist borrowers with other issues concerning their loan including address changes, payoff inquiries, lien-subordination requests, and assumption or change of ownership requests.

That last one is a big one, Rickman notes, because the SBA has an interest in the business until the EIDL is paid. That means the SBA has to approve any change of ownership before it happens, he said.

Borrowers can also reach out to the SBA, if they are not financially able to begin their EIDL payments, to request six months of reduced payments. The payments must be at least 10 percent of the monthly payment total, with a $25 minimum, and businesses can enroll online 60 days before the first payment is due. Borrowers with loans totaling more than $200,000 must contact the service center to enroll.

“This is an option for folks who might face hardship in the short term,” Rickman says. The most-recent information, including any hardship programs, is available at sba.gov/eidl.

Ultimately, businesses will need to figure out how to repay the loans, and the SBA can assist through a variety of resources that can help firms manage their cash flow.

Those free resources locally include the Small Business Development Centers located at Onondaga Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College, and Binghamton University; SCORE mentors; the WISE Women’s Business Center in Syracuse; and the Veteran Business Outreach Center in Watervliet.

Leadership Greater Syracuse launches Class of 2023

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Nonprofits, People on the Move, Subscriber Only

DeWITT, N.Y. — Leadership Greater Syracuse (LGS), a nonprofit that offers a yearlong civic-leadership training program, recently announced its 52-person Class of 2023, the 33rd class in the organization’s history. LGS says it saw a more than one-third jump in the number of people interested in becoming part of the new class. “As demonstrated by

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LGS says it saw a more than one-third jump in the number of people interested in becoming part of the new class.

“As demonstrated by the 37 percent increase in applications, there is a rise in corporate social responsibility, desire for individual citizen engagement, and a demand for excellent community leadership,” Pam Brunet, LGS executive director, said in the announcement. “Whether it be serving on a board or in an elected capacity, community leadership matters. Central New Yorkers look to LGS to create a pipeline of committed community leaders who will serve our community admirably.

The 52 participants in the Class of 2023 will be immersed in the issues and achievements of the greater Syracuse community — and through the year-long program, they will be provided the tools and the connections they need to be stronger leaders, LGS contends.

LGS says it teaches participants about community leadership, empowerment, group dynamics, and community opportunities. Participants will become current on trends in government, education, health, economic development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

“LGS has a 32-year track record of inspiring people to make a difference in the community where we live and work,” said Brunet. A recent survey shows that 80 percent of all LGS graduates are still living in Central New York and have held more than 800 volunteer positions.

“The LGS Class of 2023 are diverse in gender, age, race, residence, profession, volunteer interest and employment sector,” she said. “What they have in common, is a belief in our community and willingness to do their part to make it even better.”

Leadership Greater Syracuse was founded in 1991 by CenterState CEO, Onondaga County, the City of Syracuse, and Onondaga Community College. The nonprofit receives financial support from many organizations including United Radio, Community Bank, and VIP Structures.

LGS Class of 2023
• Danielle Altamuro, Baxter International
• Elizabeth Balfour, CNY Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance
• Kristen Barney, Suburban Propane
• Christopher Berry, Marquardt
• Melissa Boughton, Anoplate Corporation
• Monica Browning, Monica Browning Photography
• Marissa Cameron, Hueber Breuer Construction
• Brandon Clifford, Mohawk Global
• Michael Conese, Anchor QEA
• Daniel Cooter, Loretto Management Corporation
• Timothy Crosby, SIDEARM Sports
• Colby Cyrus, Central New York Community Foundation
• Jason Davenport, GHD
• Darcy DiBiase, SUNY Upstate Medical University
• Shauna Diliberto, Commonspace Properties, Inc.
• Nicole Dzuba, C&S Companies
• Tashima Forney, Empower FCU
• Sarah Forth, Turning Stone Resort Casino
• Linzy Frank, Sitka Insurance
• Shynique Gainey, Pathfinder Bank
• Gretchen Gretsky, Brighton Physical Therapy
• Tylor Hubbert, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
• LaToya Jones, Healthcare Education Project
• David Kailer, INFICON
• Sara Kampf, C&D Advertising
• Steven Kelley, Bowers & Company CPAs, PLLC
• Justin Keskin, Wool Skateboards
• William Kirchoff, Distant Lands Coffee
• Gina Lazara, Dairy Farmers of America
• Luana Lovenguth, Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse
• Sydney Maurer, Clear Path for Veterans
• Lara Mosby, Symphoria
• Aurelie Murray, Byrne Dairy
• Kenji Myint, Hematology Oncology Associates of CNY
• Samantha Nedrow, Bristol Myers Squibb
• Daniel Nemeth-Neumann, Onondaga Community College
• Sean Reed, Syracuse Community Connections
• Teresa Renn, Le Moyne College
• Josh RoycE, YMCA of Central New York
• Gwendolyn Sanders, National Grid
• Kathleen Saville, JMA Wireless
• Rock Schneider, United Healthcare
• Emma Spector, CenterState CEO
• Jeffrey Spenard, SWBR Architecs
• Diego Uribe, New York National Guard
• Khrystyna Volytska, Berkshire Bank
• Brian Weston, SRC, Inc.
• Elizabeth Wierbinski, Housing Visions
• Pete Wiezalis, Mower
• Kelly Willcox, City of Syracuse
• Robin Woodson, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
• Maria Zumpano, Bousquet Holstein PLLC

Syracuse Podiatry’s new Rome office is bustling

Health Care, Regional News, Small Business, Subscriber Only

ROME, N.Y. — After almost a decade in business in the Syracuse area, Syracuse Podiatry, PLLC has expanded with a satellite office in Rome in cooperation with Rome Health. “We’ve been very busy, and we get a lot of referrals from the Utica–Rome area,” says practice owner Ryan D’Amico. The lack of surgical podiatry services

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ROME, N.Y. — After almost a decade in business in the Syracuse area, Syracuse Podiatry, PLLC has expanded with a satellite office in Rome in cooperation with Rome Health.

“We’ve been very busy, and we get a lot of referrals from the Utica–Rome area,” says practice owner Ryan D’Amico. The lack of surgical podiatry services in the area already led to his connection with Rome Health, which brought him on staff several years ago.

Things sort of snowballed from there, D’Amico says, and when Rome Health had space available for rent at 107 E. Chestnut Street, it seemed like the right time to take the next step and open an office in Rome.

As part of the deal, Rome Health provides IT, phone, and marketing services, as well as refers surgical podiatric patients to Syracuse Podiatry, he says. In return, his practice is able to provide services for which Rome Health would normally have to refer patients to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.

Syracuse Podiatry specializes in acute limb salvage, D’Amico says. That includes anything from draining and managing infections to amputation when needed.

The new Rome office opened on Sept. 12 and the response has been great so far, he says. The office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for now as the space is shared with other services that operate there on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Dr. Justin Muser is the main doctor on duty in Rome with help from a medical assistant and a receptionist. The practice is accepting new patients.

“We’re growing fast there,” D’Amico says. “I anticipate this becoming a permanent thing where we’re there every day of the week.”

Podiatry, in general, is growing, he says, becoming more than just treating acute emergencies and chronic issues such as diabetes. He’s seeing more referrals across the age spectrum, including from pediatrician offices for issues such as in-toeing, out-toeing, and flat feet.

“These can be lifelong problems if not treated,” D’Amico says.

People are becoming more aware that our feet are the foundation that movement is based on and “when they get a foot problem, it’s debilitating,” he says. “That’s when we need to be available to them on a fairly regular basis.”

Founded in 2012 as Ryan D’Amico, DPM, PLLC, the practice does business as Syracuse Podiatry. Syracuse Podiatry is headquartered at 7075 Manlius Center Road in DeWitt.

Tompkins County wins state funding for 7 electric vehicles

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Nonprofits, Regional News, Subscriber Only, Technology

Tompkins County will use a state grant of more than $52,000 toward seven battery-powered electric vehicles. The funding for Tompkins County is part of more than $567,000 that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) awarded to 10 communities. They’ll use the money to purchase or lease zero-emission light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles

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Tompkins County will use a state grant of more than $52,000 toward seven battery-powered electric vehicles.

The funding for Tompkins County is part of more than $567,000 that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) awarded to 10 communities. They’ll use the money to purchase or lease zero-emission light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles through DEC’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate program.

The vehicles will help New York reach the greenhouse-gas emission reduction directives of the state’s climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), the DEC said in a Dec. 5 news release.

“New York is leading the nation in reducing emissions and aggressively investing in clean transportation vehicles and infrastructure to help reach our climate goals,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “The ZEV Rebate Program is making it more affordable for communities to green their fleets and make the switch to cleaner vehicles, resulting in lower fuel costs for taxpayers. DEC is pleased to support municipalities in their efforts to transition municipal fleets to these clean alternatives.”

The 2022 round of the Municipal ZEV Rebate program made 12 awards to 10 municipalities, supporting 76 fully electric fleet vehicles, including the program’s first award for a medium-duty vehicle, an E-Transit cargo van in Erie County.

Tompkins County is the only municipality in Central New York awarded funding in this disbursement.

The DEC Municipal ZEV Rebate program “continues to support” municipal efforts to mitigate climate change, the department contends. Of the funding awarded, $545,000 went to municipalities that contain “disadvantaged communities,” as identified by the Climate Justice Working Group’s draft criteria.

Since its inception in 2016, the ZEV Rebate Program has awarded a total of more than $1.5 million (including this round) toward the purchase or lease of 114 plug-in hybrid vehicles and 182 all-electric vehicles.

The funding was provided through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

The 2022-23 state budget includes an increase in the EPF from $300 million to $400 million, “the highest-ever level of funding in the program’s history,” per the DEC.

The EPF supports climate-change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers.

State comptroller faults Windsor CSD’s fuel-usage policies

Health Care, Law, Accounting & Taxes, New York News, Regional News, Subscriber Only

WINDSOR, N.Y. — An audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office found the Windsor Central School District (CSD) in Broome County did not have adequate internal controls over fuel credit-card purchases and fuel inventory. This resulted in 18,369 gallons of fuel, costing about $38,300, that are not accounted for, the comptroller said.

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According to the audit, employees used Windsor CSD credit cards to purchase fuel, but the district did not always maintain records to report who used the cards or which district vehicle was fueled. In addition, district officials did not confirm the school district received the fuel it purchased when it was delivered. They also didn’t establish adequate controls to safeguard the diesel fuel stored in a 10,000-gallon storage tank from loss, theft, and leaks.

Windsor CSD has a fleet of 27 buses and other vehicles that use diesel fuel and nine buses and other vehicles that use gasoline, the report stated. The district uses its storage tank as well as fuel credit cards to fill the bus, vehicle, and equipment fuel tanks.

DiNapoli’s report contends the district lacked written policies or procedures to provide reasonable assurance fuel was used for its intended purpose and properly accounted for and recorded. There were inadequate procedures in place to ensure fuel usage, credit-card purchases, and diesel-delivery records were properly maintained, reviewed, and reconciled.

Out of the district’s 26 fuel credit cards with four different vendors, 11 were used during the audit period of July 1, 2020, to April 30, 2022. The cards were not assigned to particular people and often left on an office window or desk at the end of the day. Three cards were canceled and replaced during the audit period because the district could not locate them.

The report showed the fuel dispensed didn’t match fuel used, and more than 2,050 gallons costing about $5,600 were purchased than recorded as used. Another 1,759 gallons costing almost $4,700 were purchased with no way to verify their use. Other issues included fuel credit-card transactions at times or dates that were questionable.

DiNapoli’s report also found issue with the lack of security for the district’s diesel storage tank. While the main switch is turned on in the morning and off at night, the job is not assigned to one specific person and there is no log to record when it’s turned on and off. A mechanic records pump-gauge readings each morning but it was not reconciled to the fuel usage.

During the audit, pump readings indicated 59,158 gallons were pumped, while bus drivers logged 44,598 gallons used. The district could not verify usage for the difference of 14,560 gallons costing about $28,000.

DiNapoli’s office recommended that Windsor CSD develop and adopt policies such as assigning individuals to manage fuel usage and inventories, develop and adopt a fuel credit-card policy, ensure accurate fuel inventory, maintain delivery and usage records, assign the fuel pump shut off and on to a specific person, and adequately secure and protect fuel credit cards from unauthorized use.

In a written response, the Windsor Central School District stated it has implemented policies and procedures to manage fuel usage and inventories, adopted a fuel credit-card policy, adopted policies to better secure the credit cards, implemented a plan to calibrate the diesel tank multiple times throughout the year, installed a key lock for the tank pump, implemented driver logs and log reconciliation, added a camera to monitor the diesel tank, and adopted a policy to take tank readings before and after fuel deliveries.

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