New York manufacturing index falls further in October to -9.1

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A leveling off of shipments and future pessimism are among the factors contributing to an 8-point drop in the general business-conditions index of the October Empire State Manufacturing Survey. This came after the index had climbed 30 points to -1.5 in September. The general business-conditions index is the monthly gauge of New York’s manufacturing sector. The […]

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A leveling off of shipments and future pessimism are among the factors contributing to an 8-point drop in the general business-conditions index of the October Empire State Manufacturing Survey.

This came after the index had climbed 30 points to -1.5 in September. The general business-conditions index is the monthly gauge of New York’s manufacturing sector.

The October reading of -9.1 — based on firms responding to the survey — indicates that business activity “declined modestly” in New York, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said in its Oct. 17 report.

A negative index number indicates a decline in the sector, while a positive reading points to expansion or growth in manufacturing activity.

The survey found 23 percent of respondents reported that conditions had improved over the month, while 32 percent indicated that conditions had worsened, the New York Fed said.

October’s results were worse than expected as economists had forecast a reading of -5, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Additional survey details

The new-orders index was unchanged at 3.7, indicating a slight increase in orders, while the shipments index plunged 20 points to -0.3, pointing to a leveling off of shipments after they increased significantly the prior month, the New York Fed said.

The unfilled-orders index came in at -3.7, indicating that unfilled orders were slightly lower. The delivery-times index held near zero for a third straight month, showing that delivery times “held steady.”

The inventories index edged down to 4.6, a sign that inventories increased just slightly.

The index for number of employees was little changed at 7.7, pointing to a “modest increase” in employment levels, and the average-workweek index climbed to 3.3, signaling a slight increase in hours worked.

After falling significantly over the prior three months, the prices-paid index rose 9 points to 48.6. The prices-received index held steady at 22.9.

The index for future business conditions fell 10 points to -1.8, indicating that firms do not expect conditions to improve over the next six months.

The indexes for future new orders and shipments “remained depressed,” though employment is expected to continue to increase, the New York Fed said.

Delivery times are expected to shorten and increases in capital spending are planned for the months ahead.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York 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. On average, about 100 executives return responses.

New renewable natural gas facility launches in Fleming

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FLEMING, N.Y. — It’s an effort that represents the first of four announced projects designed to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in the Finger Lakes region. Cayuga RNG Holdings, LLC on Sept. 30 commissioned its new RNG facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Spruce Haven Farm in the town of Fleming in Cayuga County. It’s

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FLEMING, N.Y. — It’s an effort that represents the first of four announced projects designed to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in the Finger Lakes region.

Cayuga RNG Holdings, LLC on Sept. 30 commissioned its new RNG facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Spruce Haven Farm in the town of Fleming in Cayuga County. It’s referred to as Spruce Haven RNG.

Cayuga RNG is a joint venture of UGI Energy Services, LLC (UGIES), a subsidiary of UGI Corporation (NYSE: UGI), and Global Common Ventures, LLC (GCV). UGI Corp. is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and GCV is based in Garden City in Nassau County on Long Island.

“We are excited to commission our first RNG project in New York,” Robert Beard, executive VP of natural gas at UGI Corp., said. “Renewable natural gas projects, like this one at Spruce Haven Farm, provide an environmentally friendly energy source. In addition, these projects provide an opportunity to work with farmers like Doug Young, whose critical work is helping to feed the region and the country. Spruce Haven RNG is one of several renewable projects within UGI’s portfolio that will advance our long-term sustainable strategy.”

As the joint venture explains it, Spruce Haven incorporates an anaerobic digester that generates biogas. That is then processed through gas-upgrading equipment, generating “pipeline quality” RNG. The Spruce Haven RNG project is anticipated to produce 50 million cubic feet of RNG annually from on-site dairy manure. The RNG supply will be delivered to a local natural-gas utility serving its regional distribution system.

RNG projects increase the use of renewable energy while reducing waste and long-term greenhouse-gas emissions and enhancing water quality, per the Sept. 30 announcement.

GHI Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of UGIES, is the exclusive off-taker and marketer of RNG for Cayuga RNG. GHI intends to use the RNG produced by Spruce Haven RNG to supply its customers that use natural gas in transportation operations and ultimately generate valuable environmental credits. Most of GHI’s customers are located in California.

GCV designs, develops, owns, and operates renewable and fossil-fueled power plants; microgrids; on-site generation projects; and large-scale anaerobic digestion projects that produce RNG and organic-based soil amendments.

Le Moyne opens Keenan Center after construction project

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Following a year-long construction project, Le Moyne College on Oct. 13 formally opened the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity, which is part of the Madden School of Business. The Keenan Center is located in a building on the west side of the Le Moyne campus, which is also home to

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The Keenan Center is located in a building on the west side of the Le Moyne campus, which is also home to the school’s bookstore, Joe Della Posta, spokesman for Le Moyne College, tells CNYBJ in an email.

Le Moyne College oversaw and managed the construction project. Sub-contractors on the effort included the DeWitt office of Chicago, Illinois–based Huen Electric; Century Heating + Cooling of DeWitt; Woodcock & Armani Mechanical Contractors of DeWitt; Flower City Glass of Syracuse; and Oliva Companies of DeWitt, according to Della Posta.

In addition, Holmes King Kallquist & Associates, Architects of Syracuse handled the design work, and IPD Engineering of Syracuse was the mechanical engineer on the project.

About the Keenan Center

The primary goal of the Keenan Center, which is open to Le Moyne students and the community, is to “increase the density of entrepreneurial, innovative and creative talent in Central New York,” Jim Joseph, dean of the Madden School of Business, said in an Oct. 13 release.

“Today, with the official opening of the Keenan Center, we are taking a moment to celebrate what we have accomplished and recommit ourselves to this goal,” Joseph said. “I am so grateful for the generosity of Tim and Kathleen Keenan, ‘81, Pete ‘78 and Tara ‘78 DiLaura and others, along with the expertise and hard work of the incredible team that has made this vision a reality.”

Those involved raised a total of $5.4 million for the Keenan Center, including $2 million from Le Moyne College. The funding also included a combination of alumni philanthropy, public grants, and corporate donations.

In 2019, the New York State Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) awarded Le Moyne a grant of $485,000 for the redevelopment, and earlier this year, the DiLauras made a gift in funds and equipment.

“We attended college in two of the hardest hit areas of the country — Central Ohio and Central New York — and believe that increased entrepreneurial activity will return these regions to economic growth, lifting communities out of poverty,” Tim and Kathleen Keenan said. “We found ourselves in the unique position to reshape how higher education can impact entrepreneurship and innovation. Following two decades of building other successful entrepreneurship programs, we are looked upon as thought leaders and our vision for the future is applied through that filter every day.”

The 2,700-square-foot center has been built to standards established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is “one of the most unique facilities of its kind found on a college campus in the country,” Le Moyne College contends.

The Keenan Center includes the DiLaura Innovation & Design Lab. The lab is funded by Pete DiLaura, chair of the Le Moyne board of trustees, and his wife, Tara, both of whom are founders of CADimensions, Inc. of DeWitt.

“Our vision for this lab is to provide students and all those who use it with tools and technology to inspire them to impact the world,” the DiLauras said.

Up to 20 students a day will use the DiLaura Lab for classes and learning. The facility allows them to build electronic vehicles and spacecrafts and do laser cutting, milling, operate a HAM radio, drone work, and other high-tech designing, building, and making.

The Keenan Center also includes a digital-media studio/recording studio, virtual/augmented reality station, production/communications center, and equipment for woodworking, Le Moyne said.

Earlville Opera House project gets Preservation League grant

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EARLVILLE, N.Y. — The Earlville Opera House says it will use grant funding from the Preservation League of NYS to help pay for an ongoing project. Besides a $10,000 grant from the Preservation League, Earlville Opera House has also been named the 2022 Donald Stephen Gratz Preservation Services Fund grant recipient, receiving an additional $10,000 to

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Hinckley Reservoir boat-launching ramp closes for season

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HINCKLEY, N.Y. — The Hinckley Reservoir boat-launching ramp closed for the season, effective Sunday, Oct. 2, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced. NYPA also removed the directional and warning buoys at the boat launch, and by the power dam spillway and other areas in the vicinity of its Gregory B. Jarvis Power Plant, a

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FTC critical of Upstate Medical’s proposed acquisition of Crouse Health

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The staff of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) believes Upstate Medical University’s proposed acquisition of Crouse Health “would likely lead to higher

Port of Oswego Authority awards contract for $2.1M marina project

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — W.D. Malone Trucking & Excavating Inc. of Oswego is building a new deep-water marina on the site of the former Goble Dry Dock and Shipyard at the Port of Oswego. The Port of Oswego Authority recently awarded the construction contract for the $2.1 million project, which is happening adjacent to the port’s

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — W.D. Malone Trucking & Excavating Inc. of Oswego is building a new deep-water marina on the site of the former Goble Dry Dock and Shipyard at the Port of Oswego.

The Port of Oswego Authority recently awarded the construction contract for the $2.1 million project, which is happening adjacent to the port’s west pier, William Scriber, Port of Oswego Authority executive director and CEO, said.

The port announced the project last November. According to William Scriber, Port executive director and CEO: “We anticipate the second phase of construction to start before winter and be finished by late sprint, 2023.”

“We are extremely happy to have awarded this project to a local contractor,” Frances Enwright, who chairs the Port of Oswego Authority board of directors, said. “It’s exciting to be creating more opportunities for boaters in Oswego and access to facilities on Lake Ontario.”

The new deep-water marina is part of the New York State Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI). The state created the REDI program in 2019 “to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region … in response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River,” per the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“Projects like the marina cement the Port Authority’s mission to not only create industrial and commercial development, but recreational opportunities as well,” Scriber said. “I’m delighted that we are advancing our major position as a multi-faceted Port Authority on the Great Lakes.”

Under the REDI program, the Port of Oswego Authority was awarded $1.8 million to create the new marina. It’s also using an additional $361,284 from the Passenger Freight Rail Assistance Program for the project.

“The 24-slip marina will have modern docks with both power and water available,” Scriber said. “It will also have a pavilion and new bathroom facilities — all within walking distance to downtown Oswego — and will focus on the boating community and allow direct access to the many local businesses downtown.”

The new marina will include a docking area for the H. Lee White Museum’s boat for lighthouse tours, the Port of Oswego said.

“Because this is a deep-water marina, it will accommodate deeper draft recreational boats in a protected area, thus eliminating the need for a breakwater when they are tied up there,” Scriber noted.

The Port of Oswego’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Northeastern North American shipping market, puts them less than 350 miles from 60 million people. It also has 14 companies that call it home for its domestic and international operations.

As one of the most-productive ports in the Great Lakes, the port supports 209 local jobs, $26.7 million in economic activity, and $13.8 million in personal income and local consumption expenditures.

Construction begins on Home Depot project in Schuyler

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SCHUYLER, N.Y. — Crews from C2C Construction Solutions, LLC in Utica recently began site-preparation work in advance of constructing a new 52,500-square-foot, pre-engineered steel Butler building in the Schuyler Business Park. “Site work is under way, and foundations will be completed by the end of the year,” says David Kleps, C2C president. The company is

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“Site work is under way, and foundations will be completed by the end of the year,” says David Kleps, C2C president. The company is building the project for owner/developer Bloom Utica, LLC. Endwell–based Delta Engineers, Architects & Surveyors, which has an office in Vernon, completed the design work on the project.

The building will be home to a Home Depot last-mile distribution center, according to an Aug. 29 news release from the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The IDA estimates the total project cost at $9 million for the building, which includes 15 dock doors, 50 automobile stalls, 34 box-truck stalls, and office space. The structure will be located on 11 acres on Andrew Usyk Sr. Drive in the business park.

Kleps estimates the project will wrap up by mid-October of 2023. Work this year will end when the foundations are complete and resume next March, he says.

While the number of workers varies each day, the project employs about 30 workers and it’s a good way for C2C to end 2022 and kick off 2023. It’s the second building the Utica company has worked on in the park. C2C also completed a 62,000-square-foot expansion for Wilcor International, a camping and outdoor-industry wholesaler.

This latest building will put C2C near the 4-million square-foot mark of Butler buildings it has constructed since it began in 1982, Kleps says, and he hopes it’s the beginning of a good relationship with Bloom Utica.

Schuyler Town Supervisor Anthony Lucenti says the business park has been a great asset for the town, and he’s excited to see another tenant arrive in the park.

“The town has been very good over the past couple of years in fostering a very business friendly environment,” he says. The town highway department has even helped with road projects over the years to keep new business projects on schedule.

“I think it definitely strengthens the economy,” he says of the business park. It builds local assets and provides jobs. Those employed in the park spend money in town for gas, lunch, and more, Lucenti says.

Existing businesses in the park have been great assets to the community, he added, with several sponsoring or participating in town activities.

Along with Wilcor, the 188-acre business park is home to the Lignetics, Inc. wood-pellet facility, The Fountainhead Group, and a PepsiCo distribution center.

The Herkimer County IDA also announced that a processing facility and a convenience store/truck stop will be headed to the park but didn’t release any specifics on those projects. There are only 15 acres of space left in the park, it said.

The IDA is offering certain incentives to Bloom Utica including a real property tax abatement, sales-tax exemption, and mortgage-recording tax exemption.

Home Depot is expected to use the building for a last-mile distribution center, according to the IDA. A last-mile facility handles the final stages of delivery and serves as an important link between the factory or main warehouse and the customer’s door.

Amazon opened a last-mile warehouse in Frankfort this past summer.

C&S taps Wenham to lead national aviation practice

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, People on the Move, Subscriber Only, Technology

SALINA, N.Y. — The C&S Companies announced it has selected Matthew Wenham to lead the firm’s national aviation practice. The aviation team includes 120 people in 15 offices providing full-service aviation consulting including planning, sustainability, design, construction management, and residential sound attenuation. Michael Hotaling, who previously led the C&S national aviation practice, has transitioned into

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Area libraries receive construction grants for improvement projects

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Several libraries around the region will undertake a variety of construction projects funded by library construction grant funds from $34 million in capital funds included in the 2020-2021 state budget, according to state Sen. Joseph Griffo (R–Rome). Dunham Public Library, located at 76 Main St. in Whitesboro, received $323,625 to tackle a number of issues that will make

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Dunham Public Library, located at 76 Main St. in Whitesboro, received $323,625 to tackle a number of issues that will make the facility more modern and accessible, says April Bliss, library director.

With the funding, Dunham Public Library will upgrade and renovate several toilet rooms including making one toilet room on the main floor ADA compliant, she says.

Other work will include installing a fire door, a new secure circulation desk, new carpeting, removing a tree, and adding an LED sign near the road the library can put changing messages on.

“We have one,” Bliss says of the sign, “but the only way you can see the sign is if you turn and look at the building.” The new sign will be visible to passing motorists, helping the library get its message out.

The library will also be changing the layout of its community room and adding a handwashing station at the circulation desk.

Over the past 10 years, Dunham Public Library has received more than $1 million in construction grants, which are vital to keeping the library in good shape and accessible to all its patrons, Bliss contends.

She says the work will be split into several phases, with the first phase kicking off in the spring of 2020 with the circulation desk and toilet rooms. During the summer when the library is especially busy, work will move outside before the project wraps up at the end of next year with work on the community room. Dunham Public Library is preparing to put the project out for bid soon.

Other area libraries receiving construction grants include the following:

• Mid York Library System, at 1600 Lincoln Ave. in Utica, $19,209 to upgrade its security-monitoring system, modify a portion of the building exterior, and install network equipment.

• Utica Public Library, at 303 Genesee St., $13,190 to upgrade the fire detection/alarm system with new smoke detectors, fire alarms, and supporting infrastructure.

• Waterville Public Library, at 206 White St. in Waterville, $24,024 to rehabilitate, seal, and insulate failed windows in the main library room and install touchless automatic doors for the main entrance.

• Lowville Free Library, at 5387 Dayan St. in Lowville, $8,784 for the removal of a damaged boiler and air-conditioning condenser and replacement with high-efficiency models.

“Our public libraries play a critically important role as centers of learning, culture, and civic activity in many communities throughout the region,” Griffo said in a press release. “However, it can be difficult to afford the necessary upgrades and renovations that these buildings may need. This funding will help libraries throughout my district undertake a variety of improvements and projects that will help them to flourish for years to come.”

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