CEO FOCUS: GOFCC Partnership Drives Impact in Oswego County

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The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GOFCC) on Feb. 16] hosted its 2022 annual meeting. The event marks five years since the GOFCC became a fully integrated partner of CenterState CEO. We established this partnership because we believed we could do more together. As we celebrate this milestone, there is much to be excited about in […]

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The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GOFCC) on Feb. 16] hosted its 2022 annual meeting. The event marks five years since the GOFCC became a fully integrated partner of CenterState CEO.

We established this partnership because we believed we could do more together. As we celebrate this milestone, there is much to be excited about in Oswego County and we can see the impact of this partnership. Oswego County is a central part of our region’s Build Back Better Regional Competition (BBBRC) application. There are new investments, driven in part by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, resulting in new businesses and cultural amenities opening.

I’m grateful to the business community for their leadership and engagement, and I’m proud of the work that we have done to bring new ideas and energy to supporting our members. Our GOFCC colleagues — Katie Toomey, Sara Broadwell, and Brenna Sherman — are critical to these efforts and the best champions of this work.

In her remarks during the event, [Toomey] highlighted some of the people and projects that are changing the dynamics of the region. She talked about how this year’s theme “Let’s GO” embodies the idea that we must commit to action, and when we do, we can exceed even our own expectations.

The event also celebrated some of the community’s partners committed to driving progress in Oswego County and beyond. The GOFCC’s Small Business Award was presented to Will & Laurie O’Brien, owners of Port City Café & Bakery and The Sun Fire Roasting Co. The Impact Award [went] to Dr. Paul Stewart, executive director, Oswego Renaissance Association. The Community Investor Award was presented to Constellation. The Nancy L. Premo Woman of Distinction Award was [won by] Amy Stone Lear, owner of Man in the Moon Candies.

I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion with local leaders Kathryn Watson, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Oswego; Mark Southwick, plant manager at Huhtamaki; and Joe Murabito, owner of Elemental Management Group. They shared how they’re innovating to keep moving forward and emphasized why it’s important for businesses to be engaged in broader community initiatives.

As we look to the year ahead, the opportunities on the horizon will require our continued collaboration, innovation, and drive, so Let’s Go. To learn more about the work of the GOFCC and how you can be involved, contact Katie Toomey at ktoomey@oswegofultonchamber.com.

Robert M. Simpson is president and CEO of CenterState CEO, the primary economic-development organization for Central New York. This article is drawn and edited from the “CEO Focus” email newsletter that the organization sent to members on Feb. 17.

Guthrie Clinic expands presence in Ithaca with City Harbor location

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ITHACA, N.Y. — The Guthrie Clinic has recently expanded its footprint in Ithaca with its City Harbor facility, a 60,000-square-foot, three-story medical office building. The Guthrie facility at 720 Willow Avenue began offering services to patients Feb. 7. Guthrie Ithaca on Hanshaw Road will remain open, providing primary care and specialty services, the organization noted.

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New York manufacturing index turns slightly positive again in February

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The Empire State Manufacturing Survey general business-conditions index moved back into positive territory in February to 3.1. The index — the monthly gauge on New York’s manufacturing sector — had plummeted in January to -0.7, ending 18 months of positive readings including the 31.9 index number in December. The February reading — based on firms

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The Empire State Manufacturing Survey general business-conditions index moved back into positive territory in February to 3.1.

The index — the monthly gauge on New York’s manufacturing sector — had plummeted in January to -0.7, ending 18 months of positive readings including the 31.9 index number in December.

The February reading — based on firms responding to the survey — indicates business activity “was little changed” in New York,” the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said in its Feb. 15 survey report.

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

The Empire State Survey found 34 percent of respondents reported that conditions had improved over the month, while 30 percent said that conditions had worsened, the New York Fed said.

Economists were expecting a stronger business bounce back to a reading of 10 for the general business-conditions index, according to a survey by The Wall Street Journal.

Survey details

The new-orders index came in at 1.4, and the shipments-index reading was 2.9, signaling little change in orders and shipments over the month, the New York Fed said.

The unfilled-orders index came in at 14.4. The delivery-times index was unchanged at 21.6, suggesting that delivery times “continued to lengthen significantly,” and inventories increased modestly.

The index for number of employees climbed 7 points to 23.1, indicating “solid gains” in employment levels, and the average-workweek index held steady at 10.9.

The prices-paid index was little changed at 76.6, while the prices-received index rose a steep 17 points to a record high of 54.1, signaling “ongoing substantial increases” in both input prices and selling prices, per the New York Fed.

Firms were generally optimistic about the six-month outlook, but optimism waned.

The index for future business conditions fell 7 points to 28.2, its lowest level since the early stages of the pandemic. Longer delivery times, higher prices, and increases in employment are all expected in the months ahead, the New York Fed said.

The capital-expenditures index remained near a multi-year high, suggesting that firms plan “significant increases” in capital spending.

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.

Universal Bookkeeper plans move to new office

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UTICA, N.Y. — What started out as a hobby in 2015 for Justin Miller has since grown into a full-fledged business with a staff of five and a new location coming later this year. Miller was working as the CFO of Hospice & Palliative Care in New Hartford at the time but started providing accounting

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UTICA, N.Y. — What started out as a hobby in 2015 for Justin Miller has since grown into a full-fledged business with a staff of five and a new location coming later this year.

Miller was working as the CFO of Hospice & Palliative Care in New Hartford at the time but started providing accounting services on the side to one business. Then he added a few more businesses, working on their accounting needs during nights and weekends. Before he knew it, he and his wife Beth, who previously worked as an accountant at Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Rome, were working every night on this “hobby” and knew they had a decision to make.

The pair decided to turn the hobby into a business and opened Universal Bookkeeper, Inc. first office in Mohawk Valley Community College’s thINCubator shared workspace in Utica. The space was ideal for Universal, which offers all its services remotely as well as in-person. Those services include accounting and bookkeeping, outsourced CFO services, consulting, tax preparation, and do-it-yourself payroll with Gusto Payroll software for small businesses.

Working in that space proved to be immensely helpful for a business just starting out, Beth Miller, Universal Bookkeeper’s COO, says. “The [incubator] helped us transfer our hobby into a finalized business plan,” she notes.

The Millers were the sole employees of the business for the first six months, before hiring their first employee at the beginning of 2018.

“Obviously, we were growing and ready to look for a bigger space,” Beth Miller says. Universal Bookkeeper spent about a year in the thINCubator before moving to 421 Broad St. in Utica.

By 2019, Universal Bookkeeper added two more employees and continued growing its roster of clients. The business currently operates from 2,800 square feet of leased space that includes a reception area, three offices, and a large conference room.

Since the company already primarily functioned remotely, the COVID-19 pandemic did not derail its growth. In fact, Universal Bookkeeper was able to offer even more robust services to clients by researching all the assistance out there such as paycheck-protection loans and other small-business benefits.

“We tried to step up to help our small-business owners,” Beth Miller says. “We did the research and helped them apply for these things,” referring to various government-assistance packages that were made available to small businesses.

With plans to continue growing at a “good click,” as the pandemic eases, it made sense to look for a space that will accommodate future growth, CEO Justin Miller says.

That led to the purchase of the 14 Genesee St. property in New Hartford at the end of 2021. The Millers worked with Bradley & Bradley Real Estate in Barneveld, and it took about six months to find the perfect site. Oneida County property records show Universal Bookkeeper purchased the building for $250,000 from the trust of John and Arlene Capraro. The building previously housed a hairdresser and a screen-printing business but was empty at the time of sale.

“We are basically gutting it down to the studs,” Justin Miller says. Their vision is an extremely modern office space with an open concept and lots of glass. “A space employees want to be at,” Beth Miller adds.

The Millers expect Universal Bookkeeping will move to the new space sometime this summer. The lease on their existing space ends in August. While the new space is smaller at 2,000 square feet, it’s being designed to suit the Millers’ needs. “It’s our right size,” Justin Miller notes. They are working with roi Office Interiors of Rome to design and furnish the space. The Millers declined to disclose renovation costs.

The space still allows the company room to grow, Justin Miller says, and they are hoping to attract new “top talent” employees to the firm where everyone is a certified pro advisor for QuickBooks. He estimates the space can accommodate up to eight employees, giving the business space to add three more people. The building also has eight parking spots in a lot in the rear and ample street parking for clients that prefer to meet face-to-face.

While the business’s downtown Utica location has been great, Justin Miller is excited about new prospects at the new site in New Hartford. “It’s an opportunity for us to attract and market to a different clientele,” he says.

Universal Bookkeeper (www.universalbookkeeper.com) currently works with 55 monthly recurring clients, about 400 business and personal tax clients, and provides outsourced CFO services to four hospice organizations around the state.

The Millers expect that client growth will come organically as current client businesses grow along with the addition of new clients. Current Universal Bookkeeper clients include The Balanced Chef, Center for Leadership Excellence, Nail Creek Pub & Brewery, Mohawk Valley Wellness, McGrogan Design, and Passalacqua & Associates law firm.

Bonadio Group rebrands advisory practice as Bonadio Advisory

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Bonadio Group says it has rebranded its consulting and advisory practices as Bonadio Advisory to better help clients with improving operational performance, mitigating risk, and “achieving their business goals.” Bonadio Advisory provides consulting services to public and private businesses, nonprofit agencies, health-care organizations, and government entities nationwide. “With businesses and organizations

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Bonadio Advisory provides consulting services to public and private businesses, nonprofit agencies, health-care organizations, and government entities nationwide.

“With businesses and organizations facing increasingly complex demands in all facets of their operations, our purpose is to provide actionable insights and tailored strategies that help clients achieve their business objectives,” Michael Parrinello, partner and practice leader of Bonadio Advisory, said in a release. “We are continuing to invest in services and talent to provide our clients with access to top-tier consulting across numerous industries in New York State and beyond.”

Bonadio Strategic Advisory (BSA) — the strategy-consulting group within Bonadio Advisory — previously launched in 2020. This group includes experts who provide C-level executives with “focused insights” using advanced data analytics, operational assessments, and collaborative consulting with management and boards of governance. BSA’s tools and processes “drive profitability, increase efficiencies, mitigate risk and improve operational performance,” Bonadio contends.

BSA experts specialize in working toward both short and long-term business goals “through the design and deployment” of their management-consulting services.

“Organizations of all types strive to optimize their operations but don’t always know what steps to take to get there,” said Timothy Ball, executive VP and team leader of BSA. “Through our operational assessments and data analysis tools, we are able to project clients on a growth trajectory by driving growth, improving profitability, increasing efficiencies and mitigating risks, all critical elements in improving profitability.”

Gerald Archibald, who co-founded the Bonadio Group’s healthcare/tax-exempt practice, joined the BSA division. He brings more than 40 years of category experience to BSA’s health-care and tax-exempt clients, the firm said.

Bonadio Advisory also has additional consulting practices that include investment banking/transaction advisory, which provides expertise and services related to executing middle-market merger and acquisition transactions.

The practices also include business valuation and succession planning for individuals, estates and businesses; along with fraud and forensics, which helps clients discover, investigate, and prevent fraud.

They also include FoxPointe Solutions, which provides full-service cyber-risk management services; Compliance Solutions, which assesses compliance programs from HIPAA to corporate compliance; and Transportation Advisory Services, which has served more than 550 school-district clients in 22 states.

Founded in 1978, the Bonadio Group offers accounting, tax, and consulting services. Describing itself as the largest independent provider of accounting, tax, and consulting services in upstate New York, the Rochester–based firm has offices in Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Batavia, Buffalo, East Aurora, and New York City. The Bonadio Group also has offices in Rutland, Vermont, and in Dallas, Texas.

Sullivan joins Kelberman Center as CFO

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UTICA, N.Y. — The Kelberman Center recently hired Wendy Sullivan as its new chief financial officer. Sullivan will facilitate and manage the implementation of the finance team for the Kelberman Center, directing financial activities, preparing reports, and developing policies and procedures related to the finance department. Sullivan has 27 years of experience in the accounting

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Green National settles code violations at Syracuse properties

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Greenland Property Services, LLC, and its related entities (Green National), has agreed to address all its housing-code violations at its New York properties within 60 days. Under the agreement, Green National will pay a $300,000 penalty, of which all but $50,000 will be suspended if all terms of the agreement are fulfilled

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Greenland Property Services, LLC, and its related entities (Green National), has agreed to address all its housing-code violations at its New York properties within 60 days.

Under the agreement, Green National will pay a $300,000 penalty, of which all but $50,000 will be suspended if all terms of the agreement are fulfilled within 60 days, the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a Feb. 22 news release. The other $50,000 will be paid, effective immediately, to the state, James’ office added.

Green National is a Skaneateles–based real-estate management company with several affordable-housing properties in Syracuse. Tim Green — attorney, former NFL player, standout football player at Syracuse University, and author — is partner in the company and his son, Troy Green, is the company’s CEO, per its website.

An investigation by James’ office confirmed evidence of unsanitary conditions, criminal activity, and repeated code violations at Green National’s Syracuse–area properties. Its properties include the Skyline Apartments, James Apartments, and Vincent Apartments.

James on Feb. 22 announced the agreement during a visit to her office at One Park Place at 300 South State St. in Syracuse. Several officials joined James for the announcement, including Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.

“Thousands of tenants have endured years of dirty and dangerous conditions and they’ve lived without hope. And that ends today,” James said to open her remarks. “I’m here to announce to thousands of tenants of Green National … that your nightmare is coming to an end.”

CNYBJ requested a comment or statement from Green National in response to the announced agreement, but as of press time, the firm hadn’t responded.

Under scrutiny

Green National has owned and managed more than 1,000 apartments in buildings throughout the Syracuse area.

The tenants in these buildings are mostly people who earn modest or fixed incomes, people with health challenges, people receiving aid from government programs, and the elderly, James’ office said.

The attorney general’s office started its investigation into Green National in March 2021 in response to reports of rampant crime, unsafe conditions, and unabated code violations at some of its Syracuse–area properties, “including but not limited to” the Skyline Apartments, the Vincent Apartments, and the James Apartments, per the attorney general’s office.

“We have used every tool in our tool kit to hold Green National accountable,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in his remarks. “We’ve cited them through codes. We’ve sent the police there. We’ve sent the fire department there. We’ve sued them.”

Walsh went on to say that the City of Syracuse earlier that day declared the Skyline Apartments unfit for human occupation.

Katrina Weston, president of the Skyline Tenants Association, said she’s doesn’t know if the agreement will work but she’s “hopeful.”

“I do try to communicate. I do try to talk. You get more bees with honey. I do try to be nice and have this conversation and make them aware [because] they always say that we didn’t know. We’re not aware. Yeah, you do. You know,” Weston said in her remarks. “You don’t want to talk. You call people morons. You treat the tenants like crap.”

Agreement terms

Under the terms of the attorney general’s agreement, Green National must correct all the outstanding code violations within 60 days.

Under the pact, Green National said it “will address all of the outstanding violations and that any new violations … they will immediately correct,” James said. “They also understand that security is a major issue and so they will have security guards.”

At the Skyline Apartments, Green National must continue to abide by the terms of the City’s abatement order and maintain “no loitering” signs in conspicuous locations outside the building, proactively monitor all activity on the premises through full-time roving security patrols, secure all the residential doors, and employ a full-time, around-the-clock security employee at the front desk by the main entrance.

Green National must respond to all tenants’ requests for repairs and keep a written record.

Additionally, prior to the sale of any of its New York properties, Green National must either correct all open code violations or include in any contract of sale a provision that requires the new owners to fix outstanding code violations. Within 14 days of selling any of its properties, the company must notify the attorney general’s office of the sale. Additionally, if Green National purchases any additional property in New York within the next five years it must notify the attorney general’s office.

Bond, Schoeneck & King names Donohue COO

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC recently appointed Bryan J. Donohue as its chief operating officer (COO), assuming administrative leadership of the 250-attorney law firm. Donohue comes to the Bond law firm from the Buffalo–based accounting firm of Freed Maxick, where he served as COO. In his new role at Bond, Schoeneck &

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC recently appointed Bryan J. Donohue as its chief operating officer (COO), assuming administrative leadership of the 250-attorney law firm.

Donohue comes to the Bond law firm from the Buffalo–based accounting firm of Freed Maxick, where he served as COO. In his new role at Bond, Schoeneck & King, he will work alongside firm management on strategic initiatives to continue the Syracuse–based law firm’s growth across its platform of offices and among its 35 practice areas and industry groups. Donohue will work from Bond’s Buffalo office.

“Bryan comes to us with proven leadership in professional services operations, with an emphasis on financial oversight. I look forward to him learning about Bond and helping us bolster our regional and national presence in numerous practice areas and support the recent expansion in our downstate offices of New York City and Westchester,” Kevin M. Bernstein, chair of Bond’s management committee, said in a release. “In addition to his financial background, his experience in IT, marketing, facilities and firm management will be integral to our continued growth.”

Prior to Freed Maxick, Donohue was senior VP and COO for the Buffalo News, working with its management team on long-term and strategic operating goals. Donohue received his bachelor’s degree in marketing and MBA in professional accounting from Canisius College. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Canisius College Council on Accountancy.

“I was first introduced to Bond 15 years ago when I was at the Buffalo News. Working with Bond’s attorneys as a client was a pleasure,” Donohue said in the release. “They took the time to learn about the business and provided strong legal and business advice and counsel. I am excited to be joining Bond to help in accomplishing the firm’s goals, and strategic initiatives.”

Bond, Schoeneck & King has nine offices across New York state, as well as locations in Naples, Florida, and Red Bank, New Jersey, plus the Boston and Kansas City areas.

MCV Law elects Nicoletti, Stringham as firm partners

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Stringham has been an attorney with MCV Law since 2010, per the firm’s website blog. A graduate of Western New England College School of Law, he manages the workers’-compensation practice at MCV Law. Stringham also serves as secretary of the Injured Workers Bar Association of New York and is a member of the Syracuse Occupational

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Barclay Damon names Burch Syracuse office managing director

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Barclay Damon LLP has elected David Burch to the law firm’s management committee as managing director of its Syracuse office, effective Jan. 1. He took over the role from Gabe Nugent. Burch formerly served as Barclay Damon’s hiring partner. The law firm said it has now divided the hiring-partner role into two

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Burch formerly served as Barclay Damon’s hiring partner. The law firm said it has now divided the hiring-partner role into two new roles: hiring partner — laterals and co-summer associate partners.

Burch is an experienced litigator who routinely handles complex disputes, especially in commercial litigation, internal investigations, and white-collar defense, according to his profile on the Barclay Damon website. He has served as lead counsel in situations ranging from governmental investigations to multi-action matters with industry-wide import.

As an advocate for clients before regulators, in the courtroom, and those facing criminal accusations, Burch litigates in state, federal, and administrative courts and has handled many administrative tax hearings and appeals and Article 78 proceedings, as well as state and federal civil and criminal cases and private arbitrations. Burch has represented clients challenging decisions made by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the New York Attorney General, the New York State Public Service Commission, the NYS Department of Taxation & Finance, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Department of Economic Development, as well as additional federal and state agencies.

Burch has experience representing businesses in energy-industry disputes and also handles criminal matters involving health-care fraud, federal and state tax issues, securities laws, environmental crimes, the federal False Claims Act and state analogues, and mail and wire fraud. He additionally conducts internal investigations and counsels companies on implementing and improving compliance plans.

Syracuse–based Barclay Damon also has offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, New York City, Toronto, as well as two locations in New England and one in Washington, D.C. The law firm has almost 300 attorneys.

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