Syracuse Stage program gets boost from M&T Bank donation

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Stage plans to use a $20,000 grant from M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) to substantially increase the number of pay-what-you-will performances for each show remaining in its 2022-23 season. The funding will allow the organization to provide more opportunities for Central New Yorkers to see live theatre. Syracuse Stage will also use […]

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The funding will allow the organization to provide more opportunities for Central New Yorkers to see live theatre. Syracuse Stage will also use the funding to bring back the Stage for All program.

The two programs “help ensure all community members have access to high quality live theatre while removing cost as a barrier,” per the Syracuse Stage Nov. 10 announcement.

“There’s nothing like the joy that live entertainment brings. It’s a chance to join with family and friends, to unplug from our screens and to celebrate our vibrant arts community. We are proud to help bring that shared experience to as many members of our community as possible,” Steve Gorczynski, Central New York regional president of M&T Bank, said in the Syracuse Stage announcement.

The M&T Bank pay-what-you-will performance program allows 76 tickets over the course of five days for each production to be available for whatever price patrons wish to pay.

The pay-what-you-will performances are available on the following dates:

• “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” — Nov. 30 through Dec. 4

• “Espejos: Clean” — Feb. 15 through Feb. 19

• “Our Town” — March 29 through April 2

• “Tender Rain” — May 3 through 7

• “Clue” — June 7 through 11

Since the pay-what-you-will program’s inception in the 2017-18 season, patrons have purchased more than 1,100 tickets at a price point that community members are able to pay, Syracuse Stage contended. The grant from M&T Bank subsidizes the gap between the actual ticket price and the amount paid for a pay-what-you-will ticket, which averages between $7 and $8.

“At Syracuse Stage, we believe theatre should be accessible to all,” Bob Hupp, artistic director of Syracuse Stage, said. “Regardless of the barrier to attendance, each of us should be able to enjoy the communal and transformational experience of sharing the intimacy of live theatre. This grant goes a long way in breaking down the barrier of price to our neighbors, and we’re grateful to M&T Bank for its generosity.”

Syracuse Stage cites the organization Americans for the Arts, which says improving access to the arts not only provides benefits to the individual — such as decreased stress levels and social isolation) — but also points to research indicating that the arts have “benefits for communities as a whole.” Americans for the Arts, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing arts and arts education.

Syracuse Stage also cited a five-year study of low-income Chicago neighborhoods by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation that found access to the arts brought 5-10 percent increases in housing, population, and school-test scores, along with decreases in crime.

Syracuse Jazz Fest seeking $650K in funding to stage 2023 event

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Private and public-sector funding totaling $650,000 is what the executive producer of Syracuse Jazz Fest says the organization is currently pursuing for the 2023 event. The music festival returned last June following a five-year hiatus. “The cost of mounting a world class, non-ticketed festival — one that remains free of charge for

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Private and public-sector funding totaling $650,000 is what the executive producer of Syracuse Jazz Fest says the organization is currently pursuing for the 2023 event.

The music festival returned last June following a five-year hiatus.

“The cost of mounting a world class, non-ticketed festival — one that remains free of charge for area residents and visitors — has risen dramatically since large-scale events have returned to the scene in the aftermath of the peak of the pandemic which put a halt to live events nationwide for an extended two-year period,” Frank Malfitano, festival founder and executive producer, said in a release.

Syracuse Jazz Fest returned in June with the help of a combined $400,000 raised from federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that filtered through the City of Syracuse; surplus monies from the Onondaga County room-occupancy tax; and the “game-changing” corporate-sponsorship funding from e-commerce giant Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN). The 2022 event attracted 16,000 attendees.

“In many cases, major artists fees have doubled and even tripled since the pandemic,” Malfitano said. “People are trying to make up for two years’ worth of lost revenue. While we understand that the financial landscape has changed for artists, agents and management, our desire to continue presenting the biggest name entertainers possible to Syracuse audiences remains unchanged.”

Malfitano went on to say, “While we were successful in helping revitalize the region’s cultural and music scene by achieving those goals, we simultaneously fell a little short of securing needed and hoped for multi-year funding commitments for Jazz Fest. But, we’re hoping our success in 2022 will lead to even greater success in 2023.”

He also noted that anyone interested in learning more about 2023 Syracuse Jazz Fest sponsorships can email him at the festival’s headquarters at info@syracusejazzfest.com.

Syracuse Jazz Fest — now in its 37th year — ranks as the nation’s 12th longest running festival and as the world’s 24th longest running jazz festival, per the release.

Funding for NYS foods offers local farmers’ opportunities

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The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets recently announced $25.8 million in funding for the New York Food for New York Families Program. The money, which come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), not only provides a boost to New York’s farmers, but also increases communities’ access to local foods and will

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“It’s created new opportunity for farmers in upstate New York,” says Myron Thurston III, food-supply chain marketing specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. “If a farmer is interested, they can absolutely reach out to their local food bank and see if they need any New York goods.”

Food banks that receive grants through the program must spend 67 percent on New York food products. Grants through that track range between $200,000 and $2 million.

A second grant track provides grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to organizations working within the food system to help producers access new markets, fill gaps in the supply and distribution chain, or increase access to local food in underserved communities.

Applications for both grant tracks are due Jan. 18 and are available online at agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities under the New York Food for New York Families program.

The goal of the new program is to establish and broaden partnerships between New York farmers, the food-distribution community, and local food networks to bring fresh New York foods to rural, remote, and/or underserved areas while supporting local and traditionally disadvantaged farmers and producers. It will expand and create marketing and economic opportunities for those farmers.

Eligible grant applicants include not-for-profit organizations, agricultural cooperatives, tribal organizations, public educational institutions, and local or municipal governments.

The funding comes at a much-needed time when inflation is really taking a toll on people’s wallets at the grocery store, Thurston says. Inflation has that same negative effect on food banks, which are burning through their funding faster than normal due to higher prices and increased need, he adds.

There are approximately 600 farms in Oneida County, according to Thurston. Statewide, there are about 33,000 family farms in the state and nearly 7 million acres of farmland.

New York’s food products include dairy, apples, sweet corn, other fruits and vegetables, and maple syrup.

Other state programs that support New York foods include the state’s Farm-to-School program and the Nourish NY program, which has purchased nearly $100 million worth of food from local farmers and delivered it families in need.

New York home sales dive nearly 23 percent in October

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ALBANY, N.Y. — New York realtors sold 11,105 previously owned homes in October, down 22.8 percent from the 14,379 homes they sold in October 2021. Pending sales in October fell 18 percent, likely foreshadowing further declines in closed home sales in the next couple months. That’s according to the New York State Association of Realtors

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Crockett selected for CNYSME Crystal Ball Award

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Stephanie Crockett, president and COO of Mower, will be the 46th recipient of the Central New York Sales & Marketing Executives (CNYSME) annual Crystal Ball Award. Mower is an advertising, marketing, and public-relations agency headquartered inside the Jefferson Clinton Commons at 211 W. Jefferson St. in Syracuse. The agency has offices across

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Stephanie Crockett, president and COO of Mower, will be the 46th recipient of the Central New York Sales & Marketing Executives (CNYSME) annual Crystal Ball Award.

Mower is an advertising, marketing, and public-relations agency headquartered inside the Jefferson Clinton Commons at 211 W. Jefferson St. in Syracuse. The agency has offices across the nation.

Crockett calls it an “honor” to be selected as the recipient of the next Crystal Ball Award.

“Being in the same company as incredible leaders in our community including Laura Serway, Ray Halbritter and of course my mentor, Eric Mower, is truly humbling. I served on the CNYSME board early in my career and am so happy to see this organization continue to celebrate and promote our exciting industry,” Crockett tells CNYBJ in an email.

CNYSME will present the award during the annual Crystal Ball and Sales & Marketing Excellence Awards presentation and celebration, which is set for May 18, 2023, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.

“If there is a continuing thread over 46 years of CNYSME’s Crystal Ball Awards, it is the recognition of one, exceptional individual each year who strives to make our Central New York Community a far better place to live and to work. Quite appropriately, this year the recognition goes to Stephanie Crockett in light of her notable professional accomplishment and her engaged civic leadership,” Eric Mower, chairman and CEO of Mower, and himself a 1984 Crystal Ball Award recipient, said in a CNYSME release. “Stephanie is inspirational. She aspires to excellence in all she does and, in doing so, she engenders ambition in others. That is evidenced by the tangible, beneficial impact she has every day with her clients and co-workers as well as numerous area organizations including United Way of Central New York, Landmark Theatre and CenterState CEO among others. I salute CNYSME on their well-considered selection and I salute Stephanie Crockett on her well-deserved recognition.”

In her work duties, Crockett is responsible for growth, planning, culture, and leading all external activities of the Mower agency. She also leads the client-leadership team at Mower as well as the agency’s energy & sustainability practice.

Drawing on her 25 years in marketing and communications, Crockett has led complex marketing communications for key clients including National Grid, Turning Stone Resort Casino, Crouse Health, Community Bank, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, FirstEnergy, Exelon, Avangrid, LG, and Bausch & Lomb.

“An enduring symbol of the organization’s mission,” the CNYSME annually awards the Crystal Ball to a local businessperson or group of businesspeople in recognition of their contributions to the sales and marketing profession and for their endeavors in the areas of community development and support.

The criteria for Crystal Ball recognition includes but is not limited to: a person whose visibility impacts the progress and prosperity of Central New York, a leader who demonstrates commitment to superior quality and professionalism, a person who fosters excellence in their industry, local involvement in community and civic organizations, and demonstrates and practices an appreciation of the sales and marketing industry.

Recent past CNYSME Crystal Ball recipients include Ed Riley of Brine Wells Development/Marriott Syracuse Downtown in 2022; Laura Serway, philanthropist and former owner of Laci’s Tapas Bar in 2021; Mark Re of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services in 2019; Howard Dolgon, owner, president, CEO, and team governor of the Syracuse Crunch minor-league hockey team in 2014; and Peter Belyea, president of CXtec and TERACAI in 2013.

Community Bank System to pay Q4 dividend of 44 cents a share in January

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DeWITT, N.Y. — Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) — parent company of Community Bank, N.A. — announced that it has declared a cash dividend of 44 cents per share on its common stock for the fourth quarter. The dividend will be payable on Jan. 10, to shareholders of record as of Dec. 15. The

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Broome County hotel occupancy jumps more than 10 percent in October

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Broome County hotels posted a double-digit percentage increase in guests compared to the year-ago month. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county rose 10.4 percent to 64.8 percent in October, according to STR, a Tennessee–based hotel market data and analytics company. It topped the single-digit

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Cayuga Milk Ingredients plant expansion set for spring of 2023

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AUBURN, N.Y. — Cayuga Milk Ingredients (CMI) is calling it a “new venture,” preparing to expand its Auburn facility for bottling capabilities next spring. Construction on the project has an estimated cost of $145 million, Neil Rejman, CMI board chairman, tells CNYBJ in an email. In all, the plant expansion is expected to create 70

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New York manufacturing index turned positive in November

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Empire State Survey indicates sector expansion The general business-conditions index of the monthly Empire State Manufacturing Survey bounced back into positive territory in November — climbing 14 points to 4.5 — as the industry expanded again. The index had declined 8 points to -9.1 in October as the sector contracted. The general business-conditions

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Empire State Survey indicates sector expansion

The general business-conditions index of the monthly Empire State Manufacturing Survey bounced back into positive territory in November — climbing 14 points to 4.5 — as the industry expanded again.

The index had declined 8 points to -9.1 in October as the sector contracted. The general business-conditions index is the monthly gauge of New York state’s manufacturing activity.

The November index reading — based on firms responding to the survey — indicates business activity “edged slightly higher” in New York, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said in its Nov. 15 survey report. The improvement was much better than expected as economists were expecting the benchmark index to remain in negative territory at about -6, according to a cnbc.com article.

A positive index number indicates expansion or growth in manufacturing activity, while a negative reading shows a decline in activity.

The survey found 33 percent of manufacturing respondents reported that conditions had improved over the month, while 29 percent said that conditions had worsened, the New York Fed said.

Survey details

The Empire State Survey’s new-orders index slipped 7 points to -3.3, pointing to a small decline in orders, while the shipments index rose 8 points to 8.0, indicating that shipments increased, the New York Fed said.

The unfilled-orders index moved down to -6.8, a sign that unfilled orders were slightly lower. The delivery-times index came in at 2.9, indicating delivery times were little changed.

The inventories index jumped 12 points to 16.5, “pointing to rising inventories.”

The index for number of employees climbed 5 points to 12.2, pointing to an increase in employment levels. The average-workweek index edged up to 6.9, signaling a small increase in hours worked.

The prices-paid index was little changed at 50.5, suggesting that input prices increased at about the same pace as the prior month, while the prices-received index rose 4 points to 27.2, pointing to a small pickup in selling-price increases.

The index for future business conditions fell 4 points to -6.1, indicating that on net firms expect conditions to worsen over the next six months. The indexes for future new orders and shipments fell into negative territory, though employment is expected to continue to increase.

Modest increases in capital spending and technology spending are planned for the months ahead.

The New York Fed distributes the Empire State Manufacturing Survey on the first day of each month to the same pool of about 200 manufacturing executives in New York state. On average, about 100 executives return responses.

Seneca Foods’ net sales rise more than 18% in latest quarter

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FAIRPORT, N.Y. — Seneca Foods Corp. (NASDAQ: SENEA, SENEB) recently reported that net sales for the three-month period ending Oct. 1 increased 18.1 percent to nearly $440 million from more than $372 million in the year-prior quarter. The company — a Finger Lakes–based provider of packaged fruits and vegetables, with facilities across the U.S., including

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