Onondaga County hotels post nearly 23% occupancy rise so far in 2022

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Onondaga County hotels hosted substantially more guests in the first seven months of 2022 as the hospitality and travel and leisure industries fully rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent report. The county’s hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) jumped 22.7 percent to 56.5 percent year […]

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New York oat production is forecast to jump more than 36 percent this year

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

New York farms are expected to produce 2.69 million bushels of oats this year, up 36.5 percent from 1.97 million bushels in 2021, according to an Aug. 1 forecast from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Yield per acre for oats in New York state is forecast to rise 1.5 percent to 69 bushels

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Improvements made to public-safety broadband service in Oneida County

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First responders across Oneida County are benefiting from an expansion of the FirstNet AT&T network that provides dedicated mobile broadband for public-safety agencies and organizations. As part of the expansion project, AT&T installed new purpose-built cell sites in Rome and near Hinckley Reservoir on the Herkimer County border. The new sites provide always-on priority and

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First responders across Oneida County are benefiting from an expansion of the FirstNet AT&T network that provides dedicated mobile broadband for public-safety agencies and organizations.

As part of the expansion project, AT&T installed new purpose-built cell sites in Rome and near Hinckley Reservoir on the Herkimer County border. The new sites provide always-on priority and preemption across voice and data for public safety.

AT&T also added a number of new cell sites across Oneida County to enhance mobile broadband coverage to give both residents and first responders faster, more reliable wireless service. The new sites serve Griffiss Business & Technology Park and Griffiss International Airport, Utica University, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Utica Business Park, Notre Dame Junior and Senior High School, the Oneida County office building, downtown Utica, East Utica, and North Utica.

“The FirstNet network has made Oneida County a safer place,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said in a statement. “Our partnership with AT&T has provided our first responders with fast and reliable communication that makes all the difference in serving the public and saving lives. We are also thankful for the immense investment they have made to improve the county’s mobile coverage and to bridge the digital divide for our residents.”

The City of Rome, along with the Rome police, fire, and public works departments, have all adopted FirstNet for all communications.

Rome Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo noted the service has greatly enhanced public-safety operations in the city. “With always-on priority, preemption, and dedicated coverage, our first responders have access to a better, faster communications network that is essential in a time of crisis,” she said. “AT&T’s push-to-talk service has become a vital part of our operations, especially when our first responders may be outside of traditional cell coverage areas or public safety radio tower signals have a difficult time transmitting a signal.” This is especially important in areas where concrete block buildings may block signal transmissions, she added.

FirstNet uses Band 14 spectrum which is set aside by the federal government for FirstNet use. The First Responder Network Authority, an independent agency within the federal government, formed following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Radios used by police, fire, and other first responders did not easily operate across different agencies, according to FirstNet Authority, and both land and mobile phone lines were overwhelmed by the high volume of calls. The Band 14 spectrum that FirstNet uses can be locked out in emergencies, meaning only public safety organizations can access it. Launched in 2018, FirstNet is built through a private-public partnership between FirstNet and AT&T.

“FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety,” FirstNet Authority Acting CEO Lisa Casias said. “We worked hand-in-hand with public safety throughout New York to understand their needs for the network. This new infrastructure is a prime example of how that input and feedback are becoming a reality. We look forward to continue supporting Rome and Oneida County first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect our communities.”

The always-on and preemption services protect first responders from network congestion by giving them a dedicated network. The service also provides public-safety-centric applications, additional network assets deployable during remote situations, planned events, or urgent crises as well as access to public safety health and wellness tools and resources.

Since 2020, AT&T has built and launched more than 15 new cell sites in Oneida County, and more than five of those are purpose-built sites. These infrastructure improvements boost overall coverage for AT&T customers in the area, not just those on FirstNet.

Cayuga Physical Therapy operating in new location in downtown Cortland

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Health Care, Regional News, Subscriber Only

CORTLAND, N.Y. — A new Cayuga Physical Therapy (PT) facility has started operations at 2 North Main St. in downtown Cortland. Cayuga Health on Aug. 24 formally opened the new, 2,000-square-foot office that replaces its previous PT facility that was located on Commons Avenue. Officials from the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cortland

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CORTLAND, N.Y. — A new Cayuga Physical Therapy (PT) facility has started operations at 2 North Main St. in downtown Cortland.

Cayuga Health on Aug. 24 formally opened the new, 2,000-square-foot office that replaces its previous PT facility that was located on Commons Avenue.

Officials from the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cortland County Legislature joined Cayuga Health for the ribbon-cutting event. Cayuga Health is headquartered in Ithaca.

“Our physical therapists provide convenient appointments each weekday and our new space adds a calming natural light, a comfortable waiting room and a relaxing environment,” Brian Lee, director of Cayuga Physical Therapy, said in a release. “Our program offers patients seamless rehabilitation and physical therapy following their care from Cayuga Medical Associates’ orthopedics, sports medicine, and primary care providers.”

Patients seeking to improve their fitness after physical therapy can also be referred to Vine Health and Fitness in the adjacent suite on Main Street, Cayuga Health noted.

“Investing in our community continues to be a primary focus for Cayuga Health and the opening of a larger physical therapy facility, in the heart of Cortland’s downtown, supports our dedication and commitment to Cortland County,” Dr. Martin Stallone, president & CEO of Cayuga Health, said. “Our sports medicine physicians and trainers have already been providing clinical care for athletic teams at Cortland public schools and SUNY Cortland.”

With the addition of the Cayuga Physical Therapy program on Main Street, Cayuga Health now has eight total locations for primary and specialized care in Cortland and Homer, Cayuga Health said.

“Our residents now have dozens of advanced health-care choices delivered in Cortland County,” Bob Haight, president and CEO of the Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce, said. “I want to thank Cayuga Health, and our other healthcare partners in the community, for investing in community healthcare in Cortland. We are beyond grateful for today’s announcement and future expansions planned in Cortland County by Cayuga Health.”

About Cayuga Health

Headquartered in Ithaca, Cayuga Health has two hospitals — Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca and Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls. It also has a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates, and a network of more than 400 providers with Cayuga Health Partners.

Combined employment, including affiliated organizations, is over 2,500 employees serving multiple counties throughout Central New York and the Finger Lakes Region, Cayuga Health said.

New York state home sales slide 14 percent in July

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

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York realtors sold 12,291 previously owned homes in July, down 14.1 percent from the 14,302 homes sold in July 2021 as the housing market continued to cool off. Pending sales fell more than 9 percent in the month, possibly foreshadowing further declines in closed sales in the next couple months. The

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Central New York regions post job gains in the past year

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Central New York’s regions generated job growth ranging between 1.2 percent and 3.3 percent in the last year, according to the monthly employment report for July that the New York State Department of Labor issued on Aug. 18. The Syracuse area gained 9,400 jobs between July 2021 and July 2022, an increase of 3.1 percent.

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Flood-resiliency project work begins in Jefferson County

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Manufacturing & Engineering, New York News, Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Construction has started on four flood-resiliency projects in the town of Alexandria and village of Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County. Construction has also begun on a series of flood-resiliency projects in the village of Clayton in Jefferson County. Alexandria Bay area The Alexandria Bay–area projects were awarded more than $3.8 million in grant funding through

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Construction has started on four flood-resiliency projects in the town of Alexandria and village of Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County.

Construction has also begun on a series of flood-resiliency projects in the village of Clayton in Jefferson County.

Alexandria Bay area

The Alexandria Bay–area projects were awarded more than $3.8 million in grant funding through the state’s Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI), the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Aug. 18.

The village of Alexandria Bay and town of Alexandria dealt with “devastating” flooding in 2019 when the waters of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River rose to “historic levels.” The extensive flooding resulted in significant damage to the public infrastructure in both the town and village. The damage impacted docks, boat launches, wharfs, and water-treatment facilities.

Dock closures are difficult on a community that thrives on a tourism-based economy and relies on recreational boaters and anglers visiting the region.

The state’s REDI commission awarded the Village of Alexandria Bay a total of $3.36 million for three projects.

The announcement for the village includes $2 million for work on the upper and lower James Street docks, $1.1 million for work at the Scenic View Park Pier, and $260,000 for flood-mitigation measures at the village water-treatment plant.

The commission also awarded the Town of Alexandria $455,000 to complete its REDI project, Hochul’s office said.

Clayton projects

The four Clayton projects were awarded nearly $6.3 million in grant funding through REDI, the governor’s office announced July 28.

Once complete, these REDI-funded projects will help mitigate the impact of future high-water events and improve resiliency of the shoreline, the state says.

“Today’s investments in these transformative projects along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are critical in helping ensure the welfare of our shoreline communities,” Hochul said. “Through the REDI Program, we are working closely with local governments to address the threat of future flooding and mitigate the effects of climate change. Once complete, these improvements will stimulate economic development, promote tourism, and keep this popular destination safe and accessible during high water — ensuring that the Village of Clayton remains a thriving community for residents and visitors alike.”

The REDI commission awarded the village more than $8.6 million for a total of five projects. The fifth awarded resiliency project — the Village of Clayton Wastewater Collection and Treatment Plant improvements — began construction in 2021 and work is progressing.

The announcement also includes $2.5 million for work at the Riverwalk, nearly $2.5 million for the Crib Dock at Mary Street boat launch, $975,000 for the Village Docks by Veterans Memorial Monument, and $250,000 for work at the Frink Park regional dock.

The St. Lawrence River in 2019 had record-high water levels that resulted in devastating floods throughout communities along the river’s shoreline, the state says. The flood waters resulted in degradation of public infrastructure. They also restricted public use of popular tourist destinations like the Riverwalk, negatively impacting public safety and local economies.

About REDI

New York officials created REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. It was done in response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

The state established five REDI regional planning committees to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. The committees are comprised of representatives from eight counties: Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence.

Through REDI, the state has committed up to $300 million to benefit communities and improve resiliency in flood prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Since the creation of the state’s REDI program in spring 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway or completed, including 56 projects in the design phase, 37 projects in the construction phase, and 41 projects completed.

Marcy solar-energy project granted USDA loan

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Regional News, Subscriber Only

Green Street Power Partners, LLC (GSPP) will use more than $6 million in loan funding to provide permanent debt financing for a 6.751-megawatt, ground-mounted, solar project in Marcy, near Utica. It’s among nine projects seeking to combat climate change across rural parts of New York to which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding

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VIEWPOINT: A New World of Investing: Combating Inflation through Innovative Strategies

Business Mentors, Insurance & Financial Services, Subscriber Only

When it comes to investing, there have been a set of standard practices that have benefited long-term investors. That being said, in our current economic climate, where inflation rates are at an all-time high and the average American holds more than $90,000 in debt, investors have had to turn to new, modern ways to invest

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Outside of a traditional investment portfolio, there are numerous ways to secure a strong financial future and help offset the rising cost environment.

I-Bonds

These are savings bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury with an adjustable interest rate based on the consumer price index (CPI) to keep pace with inflation. Today, the interest rate on new Series I savings bond is 9.62 percent. You can purchase up to $10,000 (per Social Security number) in each calendar year by opening an account on treasurydirect.gov. If you happen to cash the I-bond before five years, you only lose the prior three months of interest.

Corporate Bonds

As interest rates jumped considerably from the lows of the pandemic, income-producing debt on high quality corporate bonds are becoming more attractive. Corporate bonds are debt issued by businesses to fund growth in areas such as capital expenditures and acquisitions. As an example, the ICE BofA AAA US Corporate index, a broad measure of highly rated US corporate debt, has an attractive effective yield of about 3.6 percent. While bonds are subject to price fluctuation, coupon payments provide a steady stream of income for bond holders.

Real assets

Income-generating investments in real estate can provide a buffer in a rising-rate environment. For example, real estate in areas such as apartment buildings have generally offered attractive levels of income. Rent prices in the U.S. are averaging a 14 percent year-over-year increase allowing investors the opportunity to experience higher income. Publicly traded real-estate investment trusts (REITs) allow the average investor opportunities for investment in such markets.

High-Yield Savings Account

These are the best places to maintain an emergency fund, or somewhere to easily access money while it also grows and generates a small return. However, before utilizing one of these accounts, make sure the host institution is FDIC insured.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

These are considered short-term to medium-term investments as they are harder to get into than a high-yield savings account and capture more growth. These are issued by an FDIC bank at a higher fixed interest rate than the average savings account; however the funds cannot be accessed ahead of the maturity date without penalty.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETFs continue to grow in popularity and can be accessed through a brokerage account. They allow the investor to access a basket of individual investments. They invest in areas such as indexes, sectors, and commodities to name a few. Index ETFs track various indices such as the S&P 500, [Russell 2000, and NASDAQ 100] and offer diversification as well as low fees. Sector specific funds allow for the opportunity to invest in parts of the market experiencing pricing power such as energy companies.

Dividend Stocks

These are distributions, typically paid quarterly, to an investor that owns a shares in a company. Often times, investors take their dividends and reinvest the proceeds in their portfolio. Look for healthy dividend-paying businesses, invest in companies generating ample amounts of internally generated cash flow, and avoid businesses issuing shares and debt in order to fund dividend payments.

Working with a qualified financial advisor can help take the guesswork out of major financial decisions. Whether you chose to invest through traditional strategies or want to incorporate some of the options above, it’s important to understand your investment time horizon and risk tolerance.

Tamer Elshourbagy is a VP and senior portfolio manager at Tompkins Financial Advisors, Central New York.

Jefferson County hotel- occupancy rate rises more than 6 percent in July

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

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Jefferson County hotels registered another increase in overnight guests in July compared to the same month a year ago. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county rose 6.2 percent to 73.1 percent in the seventh month of the year, according to STR, a Tennessee–based hotel

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