Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
New York farms forecast to have produced nearly 17 million bushels of soybeans this year
New York soybean production is projected to have increased 6.6 percent to 16.96 million bushels in 2021 from 15.91 million bushels last year, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) New York Field Office recently reported. Based on conditions as of Nov. 1, the total yield is forecast to average a record-high 53 bushels per acre this […]
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
New York soybean production is projected to have increased 6.6 percent to 16.96 million bushels in 2021 from 15.91 million bushels last year, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) New York Field Office recently reported.
Based on conditions as of Nov. 1, the total yield is forecast to average a record-high 53 bushels per acre this year, up two bushels from 2020. The estimate was unchanged from the Oct. 1 forecast.
New York farms are projected to harvest 320,000 acres of soybeans in 2021, up from 312,000 acres the preceding year and 225,000 acres in 2019, according to the USDA NASS.
Production forecasts are released monthly and do not reflect final production estimates, the agency said. The USDA will issue the next production forecast on Dec. 9.
Onondaga County hotel occupancy leaps almost 40 percent in October
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Onondaga County hotels generated a big increase in guests in October compared to the same month in 2020 as the lodging industry continued to bounce back from the pandemic, per a recent report. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county jumped 39.5 percent to 58.6
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Onondaga County hotels generated a big increase in guests in October compared to the same month in 2020 as the lodging industry continued to bounce back from the pandemic, per a recent report.
The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county jumped 39.5 percent to 58.6 percent in October from the year-ago month, according to STR, a Tennessee–based hotel market data and analytics company. It was the eighth straight month of substantial gains in occupancy, each greater than 38 percent. These are the first eight months in which the year-over-year comparisons were to a month affected negatively by the COVID crisis. The last year of monthly reports before that showed significant declines in occupancy as the comparisons were to a pre-pandemic month.
Revenue per available room (RevPar), a key industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, more than doubled (up 102.6 percent) to $69.63 in Onondaga County this October from a year earlier.
Average daily rate (or ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, rose 45.2 percent to $118.74 in October compared to October 2020.
Corn production in New York rose over 8 percent this year
New York farms are forecast to have produced 85 million bushels of corn for grain this year, up 8.3 percent from 78.5 million bushels in 2020. That’s according to a recent USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) New York Field Office forecast, based on conditions as of Nov. 1. The estimated corn production was up
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
New York farms are forecast to have produced 85 million bushels of corn for grain this year, up 8.3 percent from 78.5 million bushels in 2020.
That’s according to a recent USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) New York Field Office forecast, based on conditions as of Nov. 1. The estimated corn production was up 2 percent from the Oct. 1 forecast.
The total yield per acre in the Empire State is expected to average a record-high 170 bushels per acre in 2021, up 13 bushels per acre, or 8.3 percent, from 157 bushels last year. The estimate was up 3 bushels, or nearly 2 percent, from the prior month’s forecast.
Area harvested for grain corn is pegged at 500,000 acres this year, unchanged from 2020 as well as the October forecast, the USDA NASS said.
Production forecasts are released monthly and do not reflect final production estimates, the agency said. The next production forecast will be issued on Dec. 9.
TSA wants to hire officers at airports across upstate New York
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has job openings to fill at airports across upstate New York and is seeking applicants to become TSA officers. The airports include Syracuse Hancock International, Ogdensburg International, Ithaca Tompkins International, Greater Binghamton, and Watertown International within the next few months. The TSA is also hiring at the airports serving Albany, Buffalo, and
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has job openings to fill at airports across upstate New York and is seeking applicants to become TSA officers.
The airports include Syracuse Hancock International, Ogdensburg International, Ithaca Tompkins International, Greater Binghamton, and Watertown International within the next few months. The TSA is also hiring at the airports serving Albany, Buffalo, and Plattsburgh.
Some of the airports have one vacancy and others have a “handful of openings,” the agency said.
People who join TSA will receive a $500 hiring bonus and an additional $500 bonus after one year of service with the TSA.
Starting pay “differs slightly” in each area due to locality pay initiatives. TSA offers new employees’ opportunities for pay increases after six months.
TSA benefits for both part- and full-time employees include paid training, annual and sick leave, and “strong” health-care plans.
TSA officers screen thousands of airline travelers daily. The agency expects to screen a greater volume of travelers regularly by next summer and needs additional officers to support its security mission, the agency said.
Based on anticipated seasonal travel trends in the months ahead and the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public, TSA has launched efforts to recruit new employees in support of screening operations in airports across New York in addition to many of the agency’s other airports nationwide.
“Applicants do not need previous experience working in security or law enforcement fields. Our officers will receive extensive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and they are paid while undergoing training,” Bart Johnson, TSA’s federal security director for the airports in upstate New York, said.
Syracuse lays out rules for winter outdoor dining
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse has recently issued some requirements for restaurants and bars to “safely and comfortably” serve customers outdoors during the winter months. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh on Nov. 15 announced the release of an updated winter-dining guide. The city is extending the season for outdoor café seating and allowing the
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse has recently issued some requirements for restaurants and bars to “safely and comfortably” serve customers outdoors during the winter months.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh on Nov. 15 announced the release of an updated winter-dining guide.
The city is extending the season for outdoor café seating and allowing the placement of outdoor vestibules and enclosures through the winter.
“Syracuse has proven we are a city that embraces winter. When business and government work together, we can make it possible for people to enjoy outdoor dining all year long,” Walsh said. “Our updated guidelines allow restaurants and bars citywide to use the public right-of-way creatively to serve more customers.”
Winter outdoor dining became a thing in Syracuse last winter as the city and restaurant owners sought to boost business amid the pandemic.
The city developed the updated winter-dining guidelines and updates handbook in a partnership with city’s central permit office, Department of Public Works (DPW), and Department of Neighborhood and Business Development in consultation with local businesses.
The rules also include Syracuse Fire Department requirements for portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances (patio heaters). All café seating, parklets, or enclosure items require permits and proper documentation on file with DPW and the Central Permit Office, Walsh’s office noted.
About the guidelines
The new rules stipulate that restaurants and bars with approved outdoor sidewalk café permits can continue to offer outdoor café seating on sidewalks and the public right-of-way until further notice.
Businesses are also responsible for clearing all snow from their sidewalks around café seating and ensuring that pedestrians have a minimum six feet path clear of snow and ice “at all times that café-seating materials are set on the sidewalk.”
The guidelines also allow businesses to continue the use of parklets — the outdoor seating areas in parking spaces outside establishments. DPW will request businesses remove and store the parklets for the season prior to the first major snow event.
To enable more outdoor seating, the rules allow the placement of temporary outdoor vestibules — membrane structures (domes or other) — and awnings installed no earlier than Oct. 15 and removed by March 31 the following spring.
Proper sidewalk space is required around the enclosures and snow clearance must be completed at all times. DPW must review all plans and drawings.
Businesses need to obtain proper approvals from the city and must contact the central permit office at (315) 448-8600 to continue the use of café seating and parklets and to add outdoor enclosures in the right-of-way.
Complete guidelines are available online at the City of Syracuse website.
New York home sales slide in October; CNY sales mixed
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York realtors closed on the sale of 13,867 previously-owned homes in October, down an even 10 percent from the 15,401 homes they sold in October 2020. That’s according to the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) October housing-market report issued Nov. 22. It’s the second straight month that closed sales
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York realtors closed on the sale of 13,867 previously-owned homes in October, down an even 10 percent from the 15,401 homes they sold in October 2020.
That’s according to the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) October housing-market report issued Nov. 22.
It’s the second straight month that closed sales have declined after a 13-month streak of sales gains. Pending sales in October also fell — by more than 6 percent — indicating that closed sales may also decline in forthcoming months.
“Closed sales have continued to drop across the Empire State while home prices have risen for 18 consecutive months,” NYSAR said to open its October housing report.
New York sales data
Pending sales totaled 14,108 in October, a decrease of 6.4 percent from 15,069 in the same month in 2020, according to the NYSAR data.
Housing inventory continues to be tight. The number of homes for sale totaled 41,093 in October, a decline of 23.1 percent from 53,468 homes available last October.
The months’ supply of homes for sale at the end of this October stood at 3.1 months, down 34 percent from 4.7 months of supply a year ago, per NYSAR’s report. A 6 month to 6.5 month supply is considered to be a balanced market.
Amid the constrained supply of available homes for sale, housing prices continued to shoot up. The October 2021 statewide median sales price rose 10.1 percent to $370,000 from $336,000 a year earlier.
Central New York data
Realtors in Onondaga County sold 524 previously owned homes in October, down 8.7 percent from the 574 homes sold in the same month in 2020. The median sales price rose 7.6 percent to $185,000 from $172,000 a year ago, according to the NYSAR report.
NYSAR also said that realtors sold 197 homes in Oneida County in October, down 7.5 percent compared to the 213 they sold during October 2020. The median sales price increased 15.6 percent to $185,000 from $160,000 a year before.
Realtors in Broome County sold 185 existing homes in October, down 8 percent from 201 a year ago, according to the NYSAR report. The median sales price rose 8.6 percent to $156,000 from more than $143,600 a year prior.
In Jefferson County, realtors closed on 170 homes in October, up 6.3 percent from 160 a year before, and the median sales price of $185,000 was down 9.1 percent from more than $203,400 a year ago, according to the NYSAR data.
All home-sales data is compiled from multiple-listing services in New York state and it includes townhomes and condominiums in addition to existing single-family homes, according to NYSAR.
KeyCorp boosts dividend to 19.5 cents a share for Q4
KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) — parent of KeyBank, the No. 2 bank ranked by deposit market share in the 16-county Central New York area — has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 19.5 cents per share of its common stock for the fourth quarter. The dividend is payable on Dec. 15, to holders of record as of the
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) — parent of KeyBank, the No. 2 bank ranked by deposit market share in the 16-county Central New York area — has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 19.5 cents per share of its common stock for the fourth quarter.
The dividend is payable on Dec. 15, to holders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 30. At Key’s current stock price, the dividend yields nearly 3.2 percent on an annual basis.
The new dividend is up 5 percent from the 18.5 cents that Key paid last quarter.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial-services companies, with assets of about $187 billion as of Sept. 30. Its roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany. KeyBank has a network of about 1,000 branches and 1,300 ATMs in 15 states.
Those interested in “Syracuse Surge” workforce programs have until Dec. 6 to apply
SYRACUSE — Those interested in getting involved in “Syracuse Surge”-led workforce-training and advancement programs have until Dec. 6 to apply. The programs seek to guide applicants toward in-demand, local careers in high-tech manufacturing. Programs include electrical-mechanical technician and surge-advanced manufacturing, each with opportunities for training, career exploration and networking, as well as connections to employers.
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
SYRACUSE — Those interested in getting involved in “Syracuse Surge”-led workforce-training and advancement programs have until Dec. 6 to apply.
The programs seek to guide applicants toward in-demand, local careers in high-tech manufacturing. Programs include electrical-mechanical technician and surge-advanced manufacturing, each with opportunities for training, career exploration and networking, as well as connections to employers.
Individuals interested in these programs can apply online by Dec. 6. More information is also available on Facebook @syrsurgeworkforce. It is free to apply and participate. Rosters for the training programs will be announced Dec. 20. All applicants must attend an information session and finalists will be selected for interviews.
Successful applicants must reside in Syracuse; be at least 18-years old; be authorized to work in the U.S.; be able to read, write, and speak English; have their general-education diploma or high-school diploma; and be able to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Participants are expected to attend the full training program.
The City of Syracuse, CenterState CEO, Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center, OCM BOCES, and Onondaga Community College are collaborating with local employers on the efforts, CenterState CEO said in a news release.
“The manufacturing industry is becoming more agile because of technology and with programs like these we are investing in a workforce that can do the same,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said. “Syracuse Surge enables us to compete and design a better ecosystem that connects employers to a trainable workforce and in a way that creates opportunity for all.”
About Syracuse Surge
Syracuse Surge includes a series of investments in tech infrastructure that will position Syracuse as “one of America’s ‘smartest’ cities and a global leader in the New Economy,” the city contends.
Surge was initiated by the City of Syracuse, which, in collaboration with Onondaga County and leading local institutions, is working to “ensure inclusive growth in the New Economy” through talent and workforce development, minority, women, veteran and disabled-owned (XBE) business development and community engagement.
These programs are funded by the JP Morgan Chase Foundation and the American Rescue Plan Act, which is administered by the City of Syracuse and “in line” with Walsh’s commitment to invest in jobs and economic recovery.
All participants will receive a stipend while in the program, along with access to a “Surge Career Navigator” to help guide them into their chosen career. This support includes help with résumé writing, interviewing skills and best practices, and how to successfully manage the application process.
About the training programs, career opportunities
The Electrical Mechanical Technician program is a three-week, middle-skilled paid training experience co-led by Onondaga Community College and OCM BOCES.
It includes on-the-job training with area employers including Giovanni Foods and Anheuser-Busch.
The program’s focus is to prepare skilled workers for careers in mechanical or electrical maintenance, general factory maintenance, and servicing large industrial equipment. Candidates should have a pre-assessed knowledge of electrical/mechanical basics.
Entry-level wages for these careers range from about $18-$25 an hour.
The Surge Advanced Manufacturing program is a two-week introductory paid training program at SUNY EOC.
It will prepare people for careers in clean high-tech advanced manufacturing. The program covers blueprint reading, industrial math, technical skills, professional development and networking with employers including NexGen Power Systems, Chimera Integrations, and ICM Controls.
Entry-level wages range from $14-$18 per hour with overtime “frequently available.” These careers “typically have significant opportunities for advancement.”
Baldwinsville native supports Navy task group countering Russian undersea threats
Chief Petty Officer Thomas Werth, a native of Baldwinsville, will support the U.S. Navy’s new Task Group Greyhound while serving aboard USS Thomas Hudner. The task group was established to ensure warships in the Western Atlantic are continuously ready to accomplish a full range of on-demand missions including missions to counter Russian undersea threats to the
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
Chief Petty Officer Thomas Werth, a native of Baldwinsville, will support the U.S. Navy’s new Task Group Greyhound while serving aboard USS Thomas Hudner. The task group was established to ensure warships in the Western Atlantic are continuously ready to accomplish a full range of on-demand missions including missions to counter Russian undersea threats to the homeland.
“It is important to maintain not only our presence with our capabilities, but to also keep our skills sharp in case the need ever arises that we need to utilize them,” said Werth.
Undersea security is a major concern in the Atlantic because adversaries are closing the gap in the undersea domain, according to Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic. He joined Rear Adm. Brian Davies, commander, Submarine Group Two and deputy commander, 2nd Fleet, formally introducing Task Group Greyhound at an event held at Naval Station Mayport (in Jacksonville, Florida) aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner on Sept. 27.
“Task Group Greyhound provides us a way to increase continuity between training and operating against high-end competitors in a dynamic environment,” McLane said. “These destroyers are now designated under Task Group Greyhound in the western Atlantic on watch 24/7 ready to practice, integrate, and operate at a moment’s notice.”
The Task Group is a reference to the World War II destroyers, or “Greyhounds of the Fleet,” that patrolled the seas in the “Battle of the Atlantic.” The modern version is similar to how readiness is maintained aboard Forward Deployed Naval Forces in Spain.
The first two ships participating will be USS Thomas Hudner and USS Donald Cook. Additional ships will be added as the initiative reaches Final Operational Capability in the summer of 2022. Serving in the Navy means Werth is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy provides a world wide presence, maintaining friendly relationships with our allies and partners, all the while keeping our adversaries in check,” said Werth.
For Werth, training and preparing for missions in the U.S. Navy runs in the family. “Serving in the Navy is a family tradition,” he said. “I am proud to carry on my heritage through three generations.”
Chicago firm wins $1M grand prize in Grow-NY competition at the Oncenter
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A company based in Chicago, Illinois is the winner of the $1 million grand prize in the third round of the Grow-NY food innovation and agriculture technology business competition. Every Body Eat makes, markets, and sells food that is free from corn, sugar, and the most common 14 allergens, “so that people
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A company based in Chicago, Illinois is the winner of the $1 million grand prize in the third round of the Grow-NY food innovation and agriculture technology business competition.
Every Body Eat makes, markets, and sells food that is free from corn, sugar, and the most common 14 allergens, “so that people can enjoy it, together, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a Nov. 17 news release announcing the winner.
Every Body Eat was one of eight finalists to take home prize money during the Grow-NY Food and Ag Summit’s awards ceremony held Nov. 16-17 at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Grow-NY is focused on the food, beverage, and agriculture-innovation cluster in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier.
“We are absolutely honored to be selected — from such an incredible pool of food and agriculture startups — as this year’s $1 million top prize winner at Grow-NY,” Nichole Wilson, co-founder and president of Every Body Eat, said in the release. “We look forward to leveraging this award and all of the connections we have made in the region to take our company to the next level, expand our market, and hire more talent.”
The winning teams must commit to operating in the Central New York, Finger Lakes, or Southern Tier regions for at least one year, while providing Grow-NY with a small equity investment stake in each entity. Funding for the competition, which is administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, is provided through the state’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
The competition attracted a group of startups from around the globe to compete in its two-day pitch competition and symposium.
Additional funding winners
In addition to the $1 million top prize, two $500,000 prizes and four $250,000 prizes were also awarded at the finals event.
Ascribe Bioscience from Ithaca secured one of the $500,000 prizes. That firm uses naturally occurring signaling molecules from the soil microbiome to produce a novel class of broad-spectrum, non-toxic biopesticides that prime plants’ immune systems to enhance resistance to pathogens and increase crop yields.
Neupeak Robotics of Surrey in British Columbia, Canada, won the other $500,000 prize.
Companies from Webster in Monroe County; Buffalo; Houston, Texas; and Copenhagen, Denmark won the $250,000 prizes, Hochul’s office said.
“By creating new jobs and sharing new ideas, the winners of the first two rounds of the Grow-NY food and ag competition have made an important difference in our region’s food and ag ecosystem in less than two years,” Jenn Smith, program director of Grow-NY, said. “We’re confident that this year’s winners will continue that growth. The quality of the startups vying for awards this year was incredible — congratulations to all the winners!”
The 20 finalists received dedicated mentorship from hand-selected regional business advisors leading up to the competition.
In all, 330 startups applied from 32 countries including Singapore, Israel, and Switzerland.
In the U.S., 23 states were represented, including 138 entries from New York.
Grow-NY also noted that 44 percent of applicants had a female founder and 51 percent included a founder from an underrepresented minority group, which is a “significant” increase from last year’s applicant pool.
About the summit
For year three of the Grow-NY Food and Ag Summit, more than 1,200 people registered for the event and audiences had the option to attend either in-person at the Oncenter or virtually.
The in-person event featured panel discussions on the biggest issues facing the food and agriculture industry, a summit showcase of vendors and organizations supporting the startup community, and a pitch competition where the top 20 finalists presented their business ideas to a live audience.
A panel of five independent judges — reflecting a depth and breadth of agriculture, food production, and entrepreneurial expertise — listened to each presentation and presented questions before determining the top winners.
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.