Oneida County breaks ground on expansion project for Cornell Cooperative Extension

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ORISKANY, N.Y. — Oneida County on Wednesday, Aug. 13 broke ground on a $7.2 million expansion project that will add 16,000 square feet of office,

Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn names new executive director

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AUBURN, N.Y. — Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn has named Catherine Underhill its new executive director, effective Aug. 25. Underhill, a Syracuse native, most recently served as executive director of View Art Center in Old Forge. “I’ve spent my entire career in the arts,” Underhill said in the announcement. “No matter what discipline — visual

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AUBURN, N.Y. — Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn has named Catherine Underhill its new executive director, effective Aug. 25.

Underhill, a Syracuse native, most recently served as executive director of View Art Center in Old Forge.

“I’ve spent my entire career in the arts,” Underhill said in the announcement. “No matter what discipline — visual art, dance, music, theatre — the arts provide an important opportunity to inspire and engage community members of all ages. A core component of our work is to provide the tools to help people intersect with the art, because it’s here to inspire, to provoke thought, and to engage people.”

She has held leadership positions in arts organizations in several locations. The positions included Atlanta, Georgia and both Denver and Boulder in Colorado before returning to Central New York in 2013 to serve as managing director for Symphoria, which is now the Syracuse Orchestra.

She later served as director of development at Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, before taking over at View Art Center.

Early inspiration for Underhill’s career in the arts came from a year spent as a high-school exchange student in Peru, the Schweinfurth Art Center said.

“The food, the architecture, the clothing, the music, all of the cultural indicators were so important in beginning to understand the people and the place and the history — especially early on when I didn’t speak Spanish,” she said. “So I think that’s where I got interested in art history.”

Underhill is planning to take the same approach with the Schweinfurth, the center noted. She plans to “immerse herself” in learning about the organization, its programs, audiences, and the communities it serves, and then work to expand its reach and standing.

“[Retiring Executive Director] Donna Lamb’s leadership over the last 25 years has been extraordinary, and the team now at Schweinfurth is very strong,” Underhill said. ”I’m fortunate that both provide a platform for further growth. I’d like to explore strategies to build on this legacy and see what we can do to continue to expand and engage more people locally, regionally, and potentially nationally.

Underhill has a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of New Hampshire, a master’s degree in art history from the University of Colorado, and a master’s of public administration from Harvard University.

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to add third daily Washington, D.C. flight in October

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LANSING, N.Y. — Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) plans to add a third daily flight to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) this October. The third

Revitalizing a historic brand in New York State- JRECK Subs

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Founded in Carthage, New York, in 1967, by 5 schoolteachers who started selling subs out of a converted school bus! JRECK Subs has built its

Onondaga County wants upcoming Inner Harbor aquarium to be a film-location site

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Any kind of film work that is conducted at the upcoming Inner Harbor aquarium will qualify for the Onondaga County local PRIMED

More than 16,500 have applied for the state’s free community college program

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NEW YORK CITY — More than 16,500 New Yorkers statewide have applied for the state’s free community college program for adults in high-demand fields through

Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties switches to outsourced chief investment officer model

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UTICA, N.Y. — The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has adopted a new investment-management model, naming longtime consultant Crewcial Partners as its outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO). Based in New York City, Crewcial has worked with the Community Foundation for several decades, per the Monday announcement. The expanded partnership marks a new phase

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Based in New York City, Crewcial has worked with the Community Foundation for several decades, per the Monday announcement. The expanded partnership marks a new phase in managing and growing the Community Foundation’s charitable assets, the Utica organization said.

This strategic move reflects the foundation’s “ongoing commitment” to long-term sustainability and sound financial stewardship of its more than $220 million investment portfolio.

For 30 years, Crewcial has worked with the Community Foundation and its investment advisory group (IAG), providing strategic investment guidance and oversight. Under the previous structure, investment decisions required approval from the Community Foundation’s board of trustees. Now, as the designated OCIO, Crewcial will take on full discretionary authority over key investment decisions — including ownership of investment manager selection, replacement, and portfolio management.

“We’re honored to continue our decades-long partnership with the Community Foundation in our new capacity as OCIO,” Mike Miller, chief investment officer of Crewcial Partners, said in the Community Foundation announcement. “Our deep familiarity with their mission, values, and long-term goals allows us to act with both speed and conviction in navigating today’s ever-evolving investment landscape to help ensure they can sustain their impact, grow with intention, and operate effectively for generations to come.”

The transition to an OCIO model will allow Community Foundation staff and the IAG to “concentrate more fully” on strategic priorities, core operations, and philanthropic growth.

However, the advantages of this partnership extend beyond just internal capacity, the Community Foundation notes.

The Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Agency Funds provide local charitable organizations with investment and gift-administration services. Through this new OCIO partnership, organizations that establish an Agency Fund will also benefit from the same investment expertise and oversight.

“It is our responsibility to steward our community’s assets both now and for years to come,” Erika Eastman, chief financial officer of the Community Foundation, said. “This new model supports our mission and future, and we feel confident that with Crewcial’s deep knowledge of our organization and proven expertise that we are set up for great success.”

Syracuse University inks pouring-rights agreement with Coca-Cola, switching from PepsiCo

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University has signed an agreement with the Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), making it the official non-alcoholic beverage partner of the university