Syracuse Jazz Fest sets fundraising goal of $650K for 2023 event

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

Rome small businesses celebrate grand openings in arts district

Construction, Design & Real Estate, New York News, Regional News, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism

The Balanced Chef, which first opened its restaurant to customers on March 3, 2021, at 242 W. Dominick St., recently received a transformation as part

California company selects Wolfspeed component for energy management product

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Manufacturing & Engineering, New York News, Regional News, Subscriber Only, Technology

Battery-management and charging-technology company AMP recently announced the integration of Wolfspeed’s E-series silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) into AMP’s e-mobility energy management unit. Wolfspeed’s technology allows AMP to optimize battery performance, charging, and costs. Wolfspeed, based in Durham, North Carolina, employs more than 300 people at its Mohawk Valley Fab facility that opened this

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Town of Union announces $1.5M in grant programs for businesses and commercial-property owners

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UNION, N.Y. — A new slate of federally funded grant programs will award $1.5 million in the town of Union to help businesses and commercial-property owners improve and grow. “We’re excited to offer $1.5 million in grant funding to town of Union businesses,” Joseph Moody, Town of Union economic development director, said in a news

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UNION, N.Y. — A new slate of federally funded grant programs will award $1.5 million in the town of Union to help businesses and commercial-property owners improve and grow.

“We’re excited to offer $1.5 million in grant funding to town of Union businesses,” Joseph Moody, Town of Union economic development director, said in a news release. “I look forward to meeting with all eligible applicants to help them best address and match their needs with one of the five grant programs.”

The Town of Union Local Development Corporation’s 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Grant Program includes the villages of Endicott and Johnson City and the hamlets of Endwell, Choconut Center, Union Center, West Corners, Westover, and West Endicott.

Startups, established businesses, and commercial-property owners can apply for one of five types of grants: the kick-start entrepreneurial, small business sustainability, project-specific infrastructure improvement, “Reimagine Union” demolition and site prep, and 50/50 commercial façade.

The kick-start grants of up to $10,000 are open to startups and cannot exceed 75 percent of eligible projects. Funds can be used for furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory, supplies, and working capital.

The small business sustainability funding is open to existing businesses with less than 100 employees. Grants of up to $25,000 cannot exceed 90 percent of eligible projects. Applicants must have been in business on or before March 1, 2020, have remained open, and show a demonstrated need. Funds may be used for COVID-19 recovery efforts and other uses the town’s Local Development Corporation deems acceptable.

Project-specific infrastructure grants of up to $100,000 cannot exceed 40 percent of eligible projects. Entities in COVID-19 state and federal declared-disaster areas are eligible for the funding, which can be used for building acquisition or improvements, acquisition of machinery, equipment, furniture, and fixtures to promote employee health and safety or address manmade or natural disasters.

Reimagine Union demolition grants are open to businesses in the disaster area for projects including demolition and site preparation to remove slums and blighted areas. Grants, up to a maximum of $200,000, cannot exceed 75 percent of project costs.

Grants of up to $50,000 under the 50/50 façade program are available to commercial-property owners within the disaster area to make exterior renovations. The grants will cover 50 percent of the cost of renovations.

Businesses must meet with the town’s economic-development director, Moody, before applying. He can be reached at (607) 786-2945 or jmoody@townofunion.com.

More detailed information about the grants is available online at www.townofunion.com/departments/economic-development.html.

Lockheed Martin wins more than $10M Navy contract modification

Manufacturing & Engineering, New York News, Subscriber Only, Technology

SALINA, N.Y. — Lockheed Martin Corp.’s (NYSE: LMT) plant in the town of Salina has won a more than $10.2 million modification to a previously awarded contract from the U.S. Navy. The cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded delivery order under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is for the design, prototyping, and qualification testing of submarine electronic-warfare

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Syracuse University board of trustees elects first person of color as chairman

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SYRACUSE — A man who Syracuse University described as a “highly engaged trustee” is the first person of color serve as chairman of the university’s board of trustees. The board members unanimously elected Jeffrey Scruggs, Syracuse said in a Nov. 4 announcement. He succeeds current board chair Kathleen Walters, whose term concludes in May 2023.

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SYRACUSE — A man who Syracuse University described as a “highly engaged trustee” is the first person of color serve as chairman of the university’s board of trustees.

The board members unanimously elected Jeffrey Scruggs, Syracuse said in a Nov. 4 announcement. He succeeds current board chair Kathleen Walters, whose term concludes in May 2023.

Scruggs earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard College and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. But, as Syracuse noted, he has a “deeply personal connection” to Syracuse University.

His father, Otey Scruggs, was an award-winning professor of history in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs from 1969 until his retirement in 1995 and “was considered a pioneer in the field of African American history,” the school said

Otey Scruggs died in 2014. In 2018, his son Jeffrey was appointed to the Syracuse board of trustees and “quickly became a leading voice” on issues related to finance and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.”

“Jeff’s financial acumen is unmatched,” Walters said. “But it is his generosity of spirit that has made him an outstanding trustee. He is committed to creating an extraordinary experience for each and every one of our students that honors the diversity of thoughts, perspectives and culture that each one brings to our community.”

In April 2021, Scruggs was named to co-lead the board’s advisory committee on University Climate, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility after serving as co-lead on the board’s special committee on University Climate, Diversity and Inclusion that was constituted in December 2019.

Recommendations from the special committee included investing $50 million to identifying, hiring and retaining a more diverse full-time faculty; enriching and modernizing the curriculum; enhancing the residential student experience; strengthening and prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility across all training, programming and facilities planning; and reimagining the role of the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety.

In his work on the board’s advisory committee, Scruggs was charged with providing oversight of the university’s efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive culture and a welcoming and equitable campus environment and promised to support the long-term work that will bring lasting and meaningful change to our community.

“Jeff is the kind of trustee most valued by leadership,” Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud said. “He brings a wealth of professional leadership experience and business expertise, and is committed to doing the hard work. He is passionate about equity and opportunity in higher education. And, he believes deeply in accountability and delivering on the promises we make to our students, our faculty and our entire campus community.”

Scruggs and his wife, Robbin Mitchell, funded a lecture series in the department of history to honor his father. They also created the Otey and Barbara Scruggs Maxwell School Scholarship with a long-term gift commitment to provide merit scholarships to undergraduate students enrolled across the Maxwell School disciplines.

The scholarship is designed to help the Maxwell School and Syracuse University retain undergraduates who have already begun to prove their capabilities and potential, and to help support racial, cultural and gender diversity within the student body.

Scruggs joined Goldman Sachs in 2008 as a managing director after more than 20 years in the financial sector, almost all as an investment banker with PaineWebber Incorporated and UBS Securities. He left UBS Securities after serving as managing director and director of the Public Finance Investment Banking Group.

For the past 12 years, Scruggs has been the head or co-head of the public sector and infrastructure group within the investment-banking division at Goldman Sachs, Syracuse said.

Developer chosen for City Hall Commons

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SYRACUSE — It’s expected that the Syracuse Common Council will vote on the formal sale of City Hall Commons early in 2023, now that city officials have chosen a developer for the property. That’s according to the office of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, which on Nov 2 announced Hanover Real Estate Development as the developer

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SYRACUSE — It’s expected that the Syracuse Common Council will vote on the formal sale of City Hall Commons early in 2023, now that city officials have chosen a developer for the property.

That’s according to the office of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, which on Nov 2 announced Hanover Real Estate Development as the developer to purchase and redevelop City Hall Commons at 201 E. Washington St.

The city made the selection following a request for proposals that was issued in late 2021 to find a developer to purchase and rehabilitate the flatiron-style building.

The proposal from Hanover Real Estate Development will lead to a mixed-use property with plans to convert the upper floors into affordable and market-rate apartments. Crews will convert the ground level into commercial space for possible retail and restaurant use.

The purchase price of the property is $850,000 and development is projected to cost about $13.2 million, Walsh’s office said. The sale “better serves constituents and enhances downtown resources,” by putting the Commons back on the tax roll and “achieving a higher and better use for the surrounding neighborhood,” according to the mayor.

The development team will now begin working on construction drawings and development plans on the City Hall Commons site.

Hanover Real Estate Development includes co-founders Adam Fumarola and Luke Esposito. It rehabilitates vacant and underused properties throughout the city, Walsh’s office said. The company has a particular focus on Hanover Square with several projects already underway along Water Street.

“The team at Hanover Real Estate Development has a clear commitment to Syracuse and enhancing our city, focused on ensuring that all residents are included in the revitalization of downtown both in housing options and business opportunities,” Walsh said. “I look forward to working with their team, our colleagues at the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development and Common Council to develop the formal plans for this project in the coming weeks and months.”

“Hanover Real Estate Development really formed out of a vision for Syracuse and its residents; a city which is welcoming to all those who wish to call it home. Real estate development is a large part of that, and we believe it is critical that all its forms are focused on leaving a positive impact on the community at large,” Fumarola said. “As part of helping Syracuse to achieve its full potential, we wanted to play a role in preserving the historical nature of City Hall Commons and really make it a place Syracuse residents and visitors alike are able to live, play, work and visit to experience a space designed with everyone in mind.”

The project also means some City of Syracuse offices will move from City Hall Commons to the One Park Place office building in 2023. They include Neighborhood and Business Development, Code Enforcement, the Central Permit Office, Fire Prevention, and the Syracuse Police Office of Professional Standards, per Walsh’s office.

The move saves taxpayer dollars and “creates better access for constituents with better parking and a convenient location” between the Public Safety Building, Onondaga County offices and Syracuse City Hall, Walsh’s office contends.

SBA approved more than $200M in traditional loans for upstate small businesses in FY22

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The upstate New York district of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Nov. 2 announced it approved more than $200 million in 524 traditional loans for small businesses in 34 counties across upstate New York during federal fiscal year 2022 (FY22). The figures represent a year-over-year increase of 52 traditional loans from FY2021. The

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The figures represent a year-over-year increase of 52 traditional loans from FY2021. The federal fiscal year extends from Oct. 1 of a given year to Sept. 30 of the following year.

Approved SBA 7(a) loans in the upstate New York district declined in total amount and average loan size but increased by 29 loans from FY21 to FY22. That is “consistent with an agency-wide priority to approve smaller dollar loans for more small businesses,” the SBA said.

“Reaching more entrepreneurs with smaller loans helps create more jobs, foster new ideas and keep money in our local economy,” Bernard J. Paprocki, director of the SBA upstate New York district, said. “SBA loans are invaluable resources for viable small businesses that need support to get started or growing businesses that need working capital, equipment or real estate to meet demand.”

In its announcement, the SBA provided figures through its 7(a) and 504 lender report.

The SBA 7(a) loan approvals include 23 for NBT Bank, totaling $12.2 million with an average loan size of more than $531,000; 59 for KeyBank, totaling more than $11.7 million with an average loan size of more than $199,000; 10 for the New York Business Development Corporation, totaling more than $8.9 million with an average loan size of more than $898,000; 82 for M&T Bank, totaling more than $8.5 million with an average loan size of more than $104,000; and one loan for AmeriCU Credit Union, totaling $3.6 million.

The SBA 504 program loan approvals include 61 for Empire State Certified Development Corporation, totaling more than $60 million with an average loan size of more than $992,000; 8 for the Greater Syracuse Business Development Corporation, totaling more than $2.1 million with an average loan size of more than $269,000; and one loan for the Business Initiative Corporation of New York, totaling more than $1.7 million.

SBA’s 7(a) loan, 504 loan, and microloan programs are federally guaranteed loans available through SBA lending partners with special requirements. These loan programs are intended to help small businesses access funding at competitive rates they would not be able to otherwise, “growing the local economy and helping more entrepreneurs achieve the American Dream.”

The traditional loan totals are in addition to the federal money the SBA approved under pandemic-relief programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program or COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

In line with SBA’s priority to get smaller-dollar amount loans out to as many entrepreneurs as possible without extra cost, loans of $500,000 or less will have zero SBA fees in FY2023 (Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023).

To apply for an SBA loan, a small business would apply with a financial institution that is an approved SBA lender. Typically, the small business is required to submit a business plan with financial projections and other key information to demonstrate the viability of the business.

For assistance in finding SBA lenders, creating business plans, and more, entrepreneurs in upstate New York can get free business counseling from SBA resource partners, including Small Business Development Centers, SCORE Mentors, WISE Women’s Business Center, and the Veteran Business Outreach Center.

AAA expects uptick in U.S. Thanksgiving travel this year

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More than 54 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, up 1.5 percent from 2021 travel levels. The figure also represents 98 percent of pre-pandemic volumes. That’s according to the AAA’s Thanksgiving travel forecast, which also notes that this year is projected to be the

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More than 54 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, up 1.5 percent from 2021 travel levels.

The figure also represents 98 percent of pre-pandemic volumes. That’s according to the AAA’s Thanksgiving travel forecast, which also notes that this year is projected to be the third busiest for Thanksgiving travel since AAA stated tracking the data in 2000.

In that time period, the organization notes that 2005 and 2019, respectively, were the busiest years for Thanksgiving travel.

For purposes of this forecast, AAA says the Thanksgiving holiday-travel period is defined as the five-day period from Nov. 23 to Nov. 27. The Wednesday-to-Sunday period is “consistent with previous years.”

Much like a year ago, most travelers will drive to their destinations. It’s expected that nearly 49 million people will travel by car. Thanksgiving road trips have risen slightly — up 0.4 percent from 2021 — but car travel remains 2.5 percent below 2019 levels.

“Families and friends are eager to spend time together this Thanksgiving, one of the busiest for travel in the past two decades,” Paula Twidale, AAA’s senior VP of travel, said. “Plan ahead and pack your patience, whether you’re driving or flying.”

Air travel is up nearly 8 percent over 2021, with 4.5 million Americans flying to their Thanksgiving destinations this year. That’s an increase of more than 330,000 travelers and nearly 99 percent of the 2019 volume.

“Airport parking spaces fill up fast, so reserve a spot ahead of time and arrive early,” Twidale suggests. “Anticipate long TSA lines. If possible, avoid checking a bag to allow for more flexibility if flights are delayed or you need to reschedule.”

Americans are also using other modes of transportation for traveling.

More than 1.4 million people are going out of town for Thanksgiving by bus, train, or cruise ship, up 23 percent from 2021 and comprising 96 percent of the 2019 volume.

“With travel restrictions lifted and more people comfortable taking public transportation again, it’s no surprise buses, trains, and cruises are coming back in a big way,” Twidale adds. “Regardless of the mode of transportation you have chosen, expect crowds during your trip and at your destination. If your schedule is flexible, consider off-peak travel times during the holiday rush.”

Methodology

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence developed a “unique” methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes, per a AAA news release.

The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from S&P Global Market Intelligence’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment; output; household net worth; asset prices, including stock indices; interest rates; housing-market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays.

AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence have quantified holiday-travel volumes going back to 2000.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation.

The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of Oct. 10.

2023 Winter Fair set for Expo Center in early February

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The cold temperatures had arrived, and the snowflakes started flying providing the backdrop for the Nov. 16 announcement of the upcoming 2023 Winter Fair. The event is scheduled the weekend of Feb. 3-5, 2023, at the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes. The Winter Fair is described as “All the Fun of

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The cold temperatures had arrived, and the snowflakes started flying providing the backdrop for the Nov. 16 announcement of the upcoming 2023 Winter Fair.

The event is scheduled the weekend of Feb. 3-5, 2023, at the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes.

The Winter Fair is described as “All the Fun of the [State] Fair” inside the Expo Center. It’ll be the 4th edition of Winter Fair, including the food, rides, music, and entertainment that people enjoy in the summer.

Organizers believe Winter Fair 2023 can attract more than 20,000 people.

“We are excited to continue the tradition. Everyone loves the New York State Fair!” Steve Becker of Premier Promotions, the promoter of Winter Fair 2023, said in a release. “We want to give families a chance to experience elements of the Fair during the winter. It’s great to have an event to bring your friends and family to. The New York State Fairgrounds have great [year-round] events and Winter Fair is an annual tradition in ‘Making Memories.’”

The Winter Fair is a community event for Central New York and is also an “economic boost” bringing in people from across New York State, other states, and even Canada.

“With great food, live entertainment, a midway of rides, and a variety of carnival games, Winter Fair will once again bring together people from throughout the region to enjoy a fun-filled February weekend,” Danny Liedka, president & CEO of Visit Syracuse, said. “We look forward to working with the team at Winter Fair to promote this celebrated family-friendly event.”

Advanced-sale tickets are available now at www.nyswinterfair.com. Advanced tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge.

At the door, admission is $7 for adults and $5 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. Parking is free for all advanced ticket holders. If attendees come after 7 p.m., admission to Winter Fair inside the Expo Center will be free and parking will be $10.

The e-commerce giant Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is the new sponsor for Winter Fair 2023. Amazon operates a fulfillment center at 7211 Morgan Rd. in the town of Clay. The center hosted the Nov. 16 press event announcing the 2023 event, which will include The Amazon Winter Fair Stage.

“At Amazon, we are all about delivering smiles and we know Winter Fair brings a lot of smiles to the Central New York community,” Irfaan Hafeez, Amazon’s general manager of the Clay fulfillment center, said. “We are proud to sponsor this event and celebrate all of the great things the region has to offer — including the exciting music acts that will be performing on the Amazon Winter Fair Stage.”

In addition, both Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse will be exhibiting at the Winter Fair with different departments for outreach with the attendees.

Entertainment, attractions

The Amazon Winter Fair Stage will have “wall to wall” musical entertainment. On Feb. 3, the lineup includes Paul Davie with a Beatles tribute; Letiza; and the blues/rock group The Ripcords;

On Feb. 4, performers include Austin Jimmy Murphy; the duo of Colin Aberdeen and Joe Altier; classic rock with the Barndogs; and the funk, pop and R&B band Brass Inc. On that Sunday, Feb. 5, musical acts will include 5 to Life, a 90-minute Gospel Sunday program under the direction of Dr. Joan Hillsman. Gospel Sunday is presented by the NAACP. The R&B/funk/soul group, the Brownskin, will be the final act of Winter Fair 2023.

Besides the musical entertainment, Winter Fair 2023 will include the Six Nations Native American dancers; martial-arts demonstrations with Karate John’s; Irish dancers from St. Francis Academy; a fashion show with LS Jones; Latino dancing with La Familia; and other multi-cultural entertainment.

A complete schedule of entertainment and special features with times will be available in January at the Winter Fair website.

The ice sculptures will also be lining the walkway to the Expo Center.

Winter Fair 2023 will include chances to help give back to the Central New York community, organizers said. The NAACP will be managing the coat check and will receive a portion of the proceeds. The Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Fund will be exhibiting in the event. The Price Chopper/Market 32 Winter Fair Hoops will be back with attendees shooting baskets and winning prizes for donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse through the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation.

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