CenterState CEO acquires building, appoints CEO for ON-RAMP program

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SYRACUSE — CenterState CEO in recent weeks has announced a few developments for its involvement in the state’s ON-RAMP program, which is short for One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects. In June CenterState CEO said it officially acquired the former Sears building at 1300 S. Salina St. in Syracuse as the site for New […]

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In June CenterState CEO said it officially acquired the former Sears building at 1300 S. Salina St. in Syracuse as the site for New York’s first ON-RAMP workforce-innovation hub.

The acquisition came a few months after Gov. Kathy Hochul had first announced the structure as the first facility that would become an ON-RAMP hub.

A few weeks after acquiring the former Sears building, CenterState CEO on July 10 announced the appointment of Carlene Lacey as the inaugural CEO of workforce program ON-RAMP Syracuse.

Lacey brings extensive expertise in leadership, workforce development, grant writing, and community engagement, “all critical to advancing ON-RAMP Syracuse’s mission,” CenterState CEO said.

Lacey started her new role on July 8, and her appointment followed a national search. She most recently served as director of strategic workforce development, partnership and government for National Grid.

A series of community outreach and engagement events are being planned so the community can learn more about ON-RAMP Syracuse and her vision for this program, CenterState CEO said.

ON-RAMP Syracuse is a newly established workforce-innovation hub focused on addressing workforce skill gaps in the advanced manufacturing and construction industries in Central New York. Its mission is to create a skilled, talent pipeline for local employers while “ensuring equitable access to training and employment for historically underserved communities,” CenterState CEO said.

As CEO, Lacey will focus on building a workforce development hub that ensures local residents — especially those from underserved communities — can access the job opportunities coming to Central New York. She will oversee day-to-day operations, lead fundraising efforts, and collaborate with staff, volunteers and industry partners to advance ON-RAMP’s mission and impact.

In her role, Lacey will establish a team to lead the nonprofit, create innovative collaborative programming, engage employers, and drive growth to create a “more inclusive, skilled workforce.”

“Dr. Lacey emerged as the top candidate from a highly competitive national search,” Ben Sio, interim president and CEO of CenterState CEO, said in the announcement. “As a Central New York native with deep roots in the community, she represents the tremendous talent already present in our region. In hiring her we were reminded what we already know — that we have plenty of the best and brightest leaders in the country right here in Central New York. Finding such incredible local talent is a metaphor for what ON-RAMP’s all about. Ensuring that people from this community have access to new jobs and opportunity is critically important to our collective success.”

Lacey holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from SUNY Empire State College, an MBA in human resource management, and a Doctor of Management degree from the University of Phoenix.

“Dr. Lacey embodies the intersection of professional excellence and personal commitment to social impact that CNY ON-RAMP requires,” Tim Penix, VP at SUNY Educational Opportunity Center, said in the CenterState CEO announcement. “Her quarter-century of leadership across multiple sectors including community, corporate, health, and energy development, coupled with her authentic dedication to serving underserved populations, ensures that our organization will remain true to its mission while achieving the scale and sustainability needed to transform lives and strengthen our regional economy.”

CenterState CEO partnered with New York City–based McCormack+Kristel on the nationwide search for a CEO to launch ON-RAMP. The new workforce-training nonprofit will coordinate, support, and supplement adult-workforce development programs serving Syracuse and Onondaga County.

N.Y. manufacturers report rise in new orders, shipments, inventories

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

Benchmark index turns psitive New York manufacturers say they’re seeing increases in new orders and shipments and growth in inventories. Those business improvements helped propel the general-business conditions index of the Empire State Manufacturing Survey back into positive territory for

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Benchmark index turns psitive

New York manufacturers say they’re seeing increases in new orders and shipments and growth in inventories.

Those business improvements helped propel the general-business conditions index of the Empire State Manufacturing Survey back into positive territory for the first time since February, rising 22 points in July to 5.5.

Based on firms responding to the survey, the July reading indicates business activity “picked up slightly” in New York state, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said in its July 15 report.

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

The July survey found new orders edged higher and shipments increased. In addition, inventories “grew significantly,” and employment expanded for a second consecutive month. Capital-spending plans grew, and firms remained “fairly optimistic” about the outlook, the New York Fed said.

Survey details

The new orders index rose 16 points to 2.0, suggesting that orders edged up, and the shipments index climbed 19 points to 11.5, its highest reading in several months.

Unfilled orders declined. The inventories index rose 15 points to 15.6, a sign that business inventories grew. Delivery times were somewhat longer, and the supply-availability index remained below zero at -11.0, suggesting that supply availability “continued to worsen,” the New York Fed said.

The index for number of employees rose 5 points to 9.2, and the average-workweek index increased to 4.2. It marks the first time that both indexes have been positive since 2022, suggesting that both employment and hours worked increased.

The prices-paid index rose 9 points to 56.0, pointing to a pickup in input price increases, while the prices received index held steady at 25.7, suggesting that selling-price increases remained moderate.

The index for future general business conditions edged up to 24.1, suggesting that, on the whole, businesses expect activity to increase in the months ahead, the New York Fed said.

New orders and shipments are expected to increase, and supply availability is expected to be little changed. Capital-spending plans picked up.

The New York Fed 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.

Cayuga Community College, HWNY awarded Health Foundation grants

Education & Training, Health Care, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

BUFFALO — The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York has awarded a total of $500,000 in grant funding to recipients that include Cayuga Community College and Health WorkForce New York (HWNY). The funding awards were part of an annual initiative made possible by a 2022 donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the Health Foundation

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The funding awards were part of an annual initiative made possible by a 2022 donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the Health Foundation said in its announcement.

The grants include support for nonprofit organizations working to address workforce shortages in the health-care industry across Central and Western New York.

Some recipients will use other funds to address the “impact of recent federal policy decisions” on the region’s nonprofit sector, per the announcement.

Since receiving the Scott donation, the Health Foundation has chosen to use a portion of the funds each year for special initiatives outside of the organization’s typical strategies.

The focus for 2025 is on helping solve the health-care workforce shortages, which have short- and long-term consequences for both urban and rural communities.

Besides the CNY grant recipients, the Health Foundation also awarded funding to organizations in Western New York.

The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York has offices in both Buffalo and in Syracuse at 431 E. Fayette St. in the Central New York Philanthropy Center.

CNY grant recipients

Cayuga Community College was awarded $50,000 to support the ongoing development of a practical nursing certificate, which will provide a pathway for students to earn a licensed practical nurse certificate while working toward their registered nurse credential.

The Auburn–based Cayuga Community College is working in conjunction with community partners in Oswego County to co-design the program.

Health WorkForce New York (HWNY) will use its $100,000 grant to support its initiative called the Institute of Career Advancement in Medicine (ICAM). HWNY is based in Canton in St. Lawrence County.

ICAM uses a community-driven model that combines digital infrastructure, targeted outreach, and hands-on support to create a “sustainable pipeline” for health-care training, employment, and advancement.

The Health Foundation also awarded an additional $100,000 for multi-funder initiatives to address the “negative impact of recent federal policy” on the nonprofit sector, as well as nonprofit convenings to address those issues.

Recruitment underway for Leadership Cayuga Class of 2026

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AUBURN — Cayuga County residents interested in participating in Leadership Cayuga can sign up now. Leadership Cayuga is a civic-leadership program of the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Cayuga is a community program designed to give participants the tools and contacts needed to be an effective leader in Cayuga County. Its graduates are “prepared

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NSTC in Albany focuses on future of chipmaking

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only, Technology

ALBANY — It’s said to have the “most advanced” chip-making machinery that will bring together the nation’s top industry leaders, universities, innovators, and entrepreneurs under one roof. The country’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) is now open at Albany NanoTech in the Capital Region. The NSTC’s overall mission is to “ensure the future of

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ALBANY — It’s said to have the “most advanced” chip-making machinery that will bring together the nation’s top industry leaders, universities, innovators, and entrepreneurs under one roof.

The country’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) is now open at Albany NanoTech in the Capital Region.

The NSTC’s overall mission is to “ensure the future of innovation in chipmaking happens here” in the U.S., the office of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) contended in its announcement. Schumer was in Albany for the July 14 formal-opening ceremony.

The center “firmly establishes Upstate NY as the heart for America’s semiconductor research and manufacturing,” the lawmaker boasted. The 2022 CHIPS & Science Act, which Schumer helped spearhead through Congress as then-U.S. Senate Majority Leader, created the center, his office noted.

The NSTC EUV (extreme ultraviolet) Accelerator at Albany NanoTech is a place for leaders in the semiconductor industry to conduct research and collaborate. That includes bringing industry leaders like Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU), which is coming to the town of Clay; IBM, which is headquartered in Westchester County; GlobalFoundries in Malta in the Capital Region; ASML of Wilton, Connecticut; Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT); Tokyo Electron Ltd., and more to the table to partner on next-generation research and development.

Schumer’s office said EUV technology is essential to the semiconductor industry and is some of the most advanced machinery in the world, in which light is used to print patterns and make chips on wafers. EUV lithography is what has allowed the breakthroughs to make this technology nanoscopic and allows for the chips that power everything from smartphones, computers, and vehicles to artificial intelligence.

The NSTC EUV Accelerator at Albany NanoTech is one of three major NSTC facilities. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that California’s Silicon Valley will host NSTC’s Administrative and Design Facility and Phoenix, Arizona will host the Prototyping and Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility.

In his announcement, Schumer proclaimed the country’s first-ever National Semiconductor Technology Center is “open for business!”

“Today, the eyes of the world turn to Albany and Upstate NY as the next frontier where the scientific and engineering breakthroughs in chipmaking that we cannot even fathom today will happen. The ribbon cutting for this facility will be heard like a sonic boom and make it clear that America will lead the future of semiconductor technology,” the senator said.

New chief legal officer settles into new role at Broadview FCU

Banks & Credit Unions, Subscriber Only

ALBANY — Broadview Federal Credit Union (Broadview FCU) announced that Lisa Harris is now serving as its new chief legal officer. She takes over a position previously held by Kendra Rubin, who was recently promoted to chief of staff at Broadview. Harris joins the credit union’s executive-leadership team as Broadview’s primary legal advisor, overseeing all

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ALBANY — Broadview Federal Credit Union (Broadview FCU) announced that Lisa Harris is now serving as its new chief legal officer.

She takes over a position previously held by Kendra Rubin, who was recently promoted to chief of staff at Broadview.

Harris joins the credit union’s executive-leadership team as Broadview’s primary legal advisor, overseeing all legal, corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.

Broadview FCU resulted from the 2022 merger involving SEFCU and CAP COM.

A native of upstate New York, Harris brings to the role experience in legal strategy, regulatory compliance, and public service, Broadview said in its May 27 announcement.

Most recently, Harris served as chief compliance officer at Vivint and previously held senior-leadership positions at Meta, where she was director of economic development and director of business strategy and risk within Meta’s law-enforcement organization. Her background also includes service to the New York State government. She served in executive roles for four governors, was deputy counsel to the Senate Majority Republican Conference, and worked as floor counsel, ethics counsel, and counsel to the secretary of the Senate, handling all Senate litigation matters.

“We are pleased to welcome Lisa to Broadview’s executive leadership team. Throughout her career in both the public and private sectors, Lisa has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to integrity, service, and legal innovation,” Michael Castellana, CEO of Broadview FCU, said in the announcement. “Her leadership in navigating complex legal and regulatory environments makes her an ideal fit to lead our legal function during a period of growth and transformation. I am confident she will make a tremendous impact on Broadview and the members we serve.”

As chief legal officer, Harris is responsible for guiding Broadview’s legal strategy in alignment with its business goals. She will also provide counsel to Broadview’s executive and senior leaders and its board of directors on legal topics that include corporate governance, contracts, litigation, and regulatory compliance.

Harris will oversee the legal, compliance, and contract departments, “promoting a culture of ethics, accountability, and operational excellence across the organization,” the credit union said.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this organization, and its growth and success serving our members and the community,” Harris said in the Broadview FCU announcement.

Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Fredonia and earned her law degree from Ohio Northern University. She has worked as an adjunct professor at Albany Law School and previously served on the board of CanCode Communities, Broadview noted.

About Broadview FCU

Broadview says it’s among the largest credit unions in New York state with about $9 billion in assets, more than 500,000 members, and over 60 branches in the Capital Region, Binghamton, Syracuse, and Buffalo.

Outlook for CNY business banking clients remains strong, expert says

Banks & Credit Unions, Subscriber Only

Inflation, interest rates, tariffs. These economic and business topics make for splashy headlines in the national news, but they aren’t making the same waves across Central New York’s business community according to a local banking expert. “Central New York is always a little more moderate,” when it comes to the effect of such economic changes,

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“Central New York is always a little more moderate,” when it comes to the effect of such economic changes, says Lindsay Weichert, regional president at Community Bank, N.A., a unit of DeWitt–based Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU), which has more than
$16 billion in total assets and is one of the 100 biggest banks in the U.S.

Inflation, while higher than some may like, has leveled out, she says. That allows businesses to factor those price changes in when planning. And at 2.7 percent in June, inflation is vastly improved from a high of 9 percent in 2022, she adds.

Stock markets are trading near all-time highs and unemployment rates remain historically low. All that paints a fairly strong economic picture, which we are also seeing in Central New York, Weichert contends.

Across Community Bank’s business portfolio, “sales are still holding really strong,” she says. Many of the bank’s business customers are posting solid earnings results.

“Businesses … are really resilient right now despite all the stuff you see in the headlines,” Weichert contends.

Looking at other signs of economic health, she says Community Bank is seeing consistent and solid capital expenditures and credit-line utilization rates by business clients. There aren’t any concerning upticks in credit use that could signal economic distress.

“We’re seeing really strong credit metrics,” Weichert says. The bank isn’t seeing an increase in charge-offs or delinquencies with its business customers either.

Interest rates have also remained relatively stable — the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury Note has spent much of the last five months in a range between 4.2 percent and 4.6 percent. This allows businesses, such as those planning capital projects, to have increased visibility and factor those rates into their costs. Current interest rates are nowhere near historic highs. However, coming on the heels of some historically low interest rates, particularly during the pandemic, makes the rates now seem much higher.

The rates could impact some businesses when it comes to projects, particularly because a lender will want to see a significant capital investment from the company to offset borrowing. Businesses that don’t have the capital to invest may need to delay projects for the time being, but Weichert isn’t seeing a lot of that happening.

The overall trend for the region is moderate expansion, she says. That is bolstered by several factors including projects like Micron.

The nature of the Central New York business community also contributes to that sense of stability.

“All the stakeholders in the community work very well together,” Weichert explains. On top of that, businesses and lenders in the region are disciplined. Businesses tend not to expand at outrageous rates, while lenders follow good lending practices, she explains.

Community Bank is feeling the positivity with its own corporate expansion plans.

“We decided we wanted to put up more branches,” Weichert says. Community Financial System is also investing $42 million in its Syracuse–area headquarters and will invest a total of $110 million in new branches and new regional headquarters in areas such as Rochester.

“We think it’s a strong [regional] economy, and we think it’s going to be profitable for the bank,” she says.

Berkshire Bank Foundation details $400K in Q2 grants to local nonprofits

Banks & Credit Unions, Mohawk Valley, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

The Rome Art and Community Center was among the more than 100 recipients of nearly $400,000 in total grants and other giving from the Berkshire Bank Foundation to local nonprofits during the second quarter of 2025. Several Central New York organizations were among the nonprofit organizations in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont

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Visions CEO Muse awarded honorary doctorate degree from Binghamton University

Banks & Credit Unions, Education & Training, Southern Tier, Subscriber Only

VESTAL — Binghamton University has awarded Tyrone Muse, president and CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union (FCU), an honorary doctorate degree. Muse was honored as Doctor of Humane Letters (LHD) during the university’s School of Management commencement ceremony on May 16 in Vestal, the credit union said in a June 18 announcement. During the university’s

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VESTAL — Binghamton University has awarded Tyrone Muse, president and CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union (FCU), an honorary doctorate degree.

Muse was honored as Doctor of Humane Letters (LHD) during the university’s School of Management commencement ceremony on May 16 in Vestal, the credit union said in a June 18 announcement.

During the university’s annual commencement week, the school recognizes recipients with a SUNY honorary degree: Doctor of Fine Arts, Doctor of Humane Letters, Doctor of Laws, or Doctor of Science.

Muse addressed the graduating Class of 2025 during the commencement ceremony, saying, “Think of yourself as a company and build your personal brand. Think of that one word you hope others use to define you. Live that word. Be that word. For me, that word is ‘Care.’”

In awarding honorary degrees, Binghamton University celebrates the recipients’ achievements and acknowledges their “unique relationship” with the university, Visions said.

“Binghamton is proud to present Tyrone Muse an honorary degree, an award that signifies his many professional achievements and deep and longstanding connection to the university,” Harvey Stenger, president of Binghamton University, said in the Visions announcement. “Mr. Muse has been a supporter of several important initiatives at the university, including the Institute for Child Development, the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development, and athletics capital projects. His leadership efforts on behalf of so many different civic organizations in the greater Binghamton community speak to his generous spirit and his commitment to improving the lives of others.”

Since becoming president and CEO of Visions in 2013, Muse has helped foster the credit union’s relationship with Binghamton University, Visions said. Serving as the official financial partner of Binghamton University since 2018, Visions supports the banking needs of students and faculty both on and off campus.

“Above and beyond that relationship,” Visions and Muse “continually support” the school community, and Muse has served as a volunteer on several boards and advisory committees for Binghamton University throughout the years.

The Summit FCU posted its highest asset growth last year

Banks & Credit Unions, Subscriber Only

ROCHESTER — The chair of the board of directors for the Summit Federal Credit Union (FCU) says the organization’s 2024 asset growth was its highest since 2020, with an increase of $91 million, or 7 percent. It was part of board chair Chris Modesti’s message to a hybrid audience of board members, employees, and members

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It was part of board chair Chris Modesti’s message to a hybrid audience of board members, employees, and members during the credit union’s annual meeting held May 14. The event was held both virtually and in person, per the Summit FCU’s May 15 summary of the meeting.

In his message, Modesti told the gathering that financially, the Summit had a “remarkable year.”

“This is why we are able to continuously offer our members competitive interest rates on loans, and often higher-than-market rates on savings products,” he added. The credit union’s fiscal year ended on Dec. 31.

Besides Modesti, the Summit FCU president and CEO Laurie Baker discussed the credit union’s community engagement initiatives for 2024.

“In 2024, our initiatives reached the highest levels of impact in our history,” Baker said, per the summary. “We supported 189 organizations with our time and talent as well as our monetary donations, reflecting over 1,100 hours spent in our communities — in classrooms, at festivals and events, and employment fairs. Each of these interactions and partnerships directly related to the overarching credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’”

Besides the remarks from Modesti and Baker, the Summit also presented college scholarships to five graduating seniors who are pursuing higher education. The recipients of this year’s scholarships included Hannah Bouwens, of Homer High School, in Homer, in Cortland County.

In addition, three of the Summit’s volunteers were recognized for their years of service to the credit union.

Founded in 1941, the Summit Federal Credit Union is a nonprofit, member-owned, financial cooperative. With more than $1.4 billion in assets, the Summit has over 250 employees and provides financial products and services for more than 95,000 members in Central New York, the Finger Lakes Region, and Western New York.

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