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Oswego Hospital’s renovations get boost from a grant
OSWEGO — Oswego Health is renovating the third and fourth floors of Oswego Hospital and is getting some help to pay for the work. The organization will use a $25,000 grant from Stewart’s Shops and the Dake family to help pay for the project. Oswego Health describes itself as the largest nonprofit health-care system in […]
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OSWEGO — Oswego Health is renovating the third and fourth floors of Oswego Hospital and is getting some help to pay for the work.
The organization will use a $25,000 grant from Stewart’s Shops and the Dake family to help pay for the project.
Oswego Health describes itself as the largest nonprofit health-care system in Oswego County. Based in Saratoga Springs, Stewart’s Shops operates convenience stores throughout upstate New York.
Construction work on the third and fourth floors of Oswego Hospital is set to finish in January, Oswego Health said. Once complete, the nurse’s station on both floors will be relocated, allowing for more immediate access to the care staff.
“Most importantly,” many of the patient rooms will be private, “which will solve what patients and their physicians fear most during a hospital stay: infection, exhaustion, and noise,” Oswego Health said.
“Stewart’s is committed to giving back to all our shops’ communities,” Susan Dake, president of the Stewart’s Foundation, said. “Helping to ensure peoples’ health with a donation to the Oswego Health Foundation for the hospital renovation is an important part of that commitment.”
The Campaign for Oswego Health is “focused on a future with best-in-class care” for Oswego County’s residents. To date, community members, foundations, and corporations have contributed nearly $3 million toward the overall $3.5 million goal.

Tops, Price Chopper/Market 32 have a new parent company
SCHENECTADY — Tops Markets has merged its operations with Price Chopper / Market 32 and both upstate New York–based grocery store chains have a new parent company, Northeast Grocery, Inc. The completed deal, announced Nov. 8, also resulted in the sale of 12 Tops stores. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved the deal, and the
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SCHENECTADY — Tops Markets has merged its operations with Price Chopper / Market 32 and both upstate New York–based grocery store chains have a new parent company, Northeast Grocery, Inc.
The completed deal, announced Nov. 8, also resulted in the sale of 12 Tops stores.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved the deal, and the regulatory-review process is now complete, per a joint news release.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The companies first announced the merger agreement Feb. 8, and it took nearly nine months to complete the deal. Both chains operate stores in Syracuse and Central New York.
Under the terms of the agreement, their respective leaders will manage the two companies, and the grocery stores will continue operations under their established brand identities. However, Northeast Grocery, the new parent company, will own and oversee the stores.
As previously announced, Scott Grimmett, the current president and CEO of Price Chopper/Market 32, will lead the new parent company. He will also serve on its board of directors as will Frank Curci, former chairman and CEO of Tops Markets.
The agreement between the two independent grocery chains “virtually doubles their collective footprint” in the Northeast. “With increased scale across their now-combined footprint of nearly 300 stores, the merged companies are better positioned to leverage increased value for customers; advance shared opportunities for innovation; and fortify the depth of their expanded workforce, community, and trade partnerships, thereby becoming stronger and more competitive,” per the release.

“We’re appreciative of the FTC’s diligence in reviewing this merger and grateful to have received all of the necessary approvals,” Grimmett said. “Now, we can dedicate ourselves to bringing these two storied grocery chains together, leveraging best practices, developing new opportunities, and finding efficiencies that will help us continue to deliver distinctive shopping experiences.”
Blaine Bringhurst will serve as president of the Price Chopper/Market 32 business, and John Persons will be president of the Tops Markets business. Dave Langless, the CFO of Tops, will serve as the parent company’s CFO, according to the release.
Northeast Grocery, Inc. is headquartered in Schenectady, along with Price Chopper/Market 32. Tops Markets will retain its main office in Williamsville, a Buffalo suburb.
Founded by the Golub family in 1932, Price Chopper/Market 32 operates 130 Price Chopper and Market 32 grocery stores and one Market Bistro, employing 18,000 people in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Tops Markets currently operates 162 grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including five that are run by franchisees. The company describes itself as the largest private, for-profit employer in Western New York, with more than 14,000 workers, the release stated.
Tops Markets stores sold
The FTC’s regulatory-review process mandates the divestiture of 12 of the combined companies’ stores. Keene, New Hampshire–based C&S Wholesale Grocers (C&S) has been approved to acquire all 12 stores.
GU Markets LLC, an affiliate of C&S Wholesale Grocers, will operate these stores. C&S will continue to recognize the union workforce at these locations.
“We believe that this merger will be a positive for our membership, preserving union jobs and strengthening the company’s prospects into the foreseeable future,” said Frank DeRiso, president of the UFCW Local One. “We are pleased that we have an agreement with the new owner and they are committed to retaining all of the existing union jobs and contracts… This merger will benefit both consumers and union members.”
The 12 Tops stores to be divested and purchased by C&S Wholesale Grocers are in the following locations:
Cooperstown — 5 Commons Dr.
Cortland — 3932 State Route 281
Norwich — 54 E Main St.
Owego — 1145 NY-17C
Rome — 217 Erie Blvd. W.
Saranac Lake — 156 Church St.
Sherrill — 87 E State St.
South Watertown — 1330 Washington St.
Watertown — 22050 Seaway Shopping Ctr.
Rutland (Jefferson County) — 14 N. Main St.
Peru (Clinton County) — 50 S. Main St.
Warrensburg (Warren County) — 3836 Main St.

CNY businesses recognized as Economic Champions
SYRACUSE — CenterState CEO used a Nov. 4 virtual event to recognize more than 375 companies as 2021 Economic Champions for their hiring, expansions, and capital-investment activity. Specifically, the economic-development organization and chamber of commerce honored 376 firms for their collective hiring of nearly 3,500 employees, more than 4.6 million square-feet of expansions, and over
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SYRACUSE — CenterState CEO used a Nov. 4 virtual event to recognize more than 375 companies as 2021 Economic Champions for their hiring, expansions, and capital-investment activity.
Specifically, the economic-development organization and chamber of commerce honored 376 firms for their collective hiring of nearly 3,500 employees, more than 4.6 million square-feet of expansions, and over $767 million in capital investments.
CenterState CEO also presented its Community Visionary Award to JMA Wireless for “embodying a vision of economic opportunity, and for its work to create a significant positive impact on community prosperity.”
Economic Champions
Companies were nominated as Economic Champions for their accomplishments throughout the year by CenterState CEO, the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, as well as peers, employees, and staff.
The companies recognized included 120 businesses for opening new storefronts, offices and facilities; 40 were highlighted for celebrating a milestone anniversary; and 98 were recognized for receiving significant awards and achievements.
“This year, our business development team has been actively tracking more than $89 billion in proposed projects that are interested in expanding and locating in Central New York; an unprecedented level of economic development opportunity that we’ve never seen before,” Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, said. “In addition to those opportunities, we are excited to celebrate a record number of Economic Champions this year. Their micro decisions and big, bold actions are making a positive impact on the recovery of our regional economy. We are proud to recognize each of this year’s Economic Champions and are grateful for the progress they are helping drive in our region.”
Community Visionary Award
JMA Wireless, located at 7645 Henry Clay Boulevard in Clay, has committed to move the manufacturing of 5G equipment from Texas to the Coyne building, south of downtown Syracuse. The firm will also create about 100 jobs, per an Oct. 9, 2019, news release from the New York governor’s office.
JMA, which focuses on 4G and 5G software-based technology, is spending $25 million to create a 5G high-tech manufacturing center in downtown Syracuse.
“JMA is honored to receive this year’s Community Visionary Award,” John Mezzalingua, CEO of JMA, said. “The 5G Syracuse campus is the culmination of a bold vision that will not only put Syracuse at the cutting edge of developing this technology to compete in the 21st century economy but will contribute to this community’s growth and prosperity. We are excited to be part of Syracuse’s continued renaissance and are grateful for this recognition.”
Event speaker
The event also featured remarks from guest speaker Eddie Brennan, president and co-owner of Beak & Skiff Apple Farms Inc., who shared his company’s story of growth and innovation.
Celebrating its 110th anniversary this year and five generations of family ownership, Beak & Skiff has “evolved, diversified its business, and broadened operations into an award-winning destination, while remaining true to its roots,” CenterState CEO said.
OPINION: Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan Will Combat Ongoing Price Increases
One need only to take a trip to your local grocery store or gas station to see the impact rampant inflation is having on struggling New Yorkers. Gas prices have surged more than 42 percent and hit a seven-year high, while energy prices, food, clothing, paper products, and housekeeping supplies have all seen notable jumps
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One need only to take a trip to your local grocery store or gas station to see the impact rampant inflation is having on struggling New Yorkers. Gas prices have surged more than 42 percent and hit a seven-year high, while energy prices, food, clothing, paper products, and housekeeping supplies have all seen notable jumps in price. These rising expenses are unsustainable, and each week they go unaddressed is a week too long.
These increasing costs are taking their toll on households across the state as family incomes have been largely unable to keep up with surging inflation. For this reason, I, along with my colleagues in the Assembly minority conference, recently introduced the “Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan” to help alleviate some of the financial pressure facing New York residents.
The plan calls for the immediate suspension of state sales-tax charges on items like gasoline, personal-care products, housekeeping supplies, and food for two years. These everyday items are necessary purchases for all New Yorkers, and under current economic conditions are quickly becoming unaffordable. There is simply no reason families should have to choose which of these necessities to leave on the shelves as they do their weekly grocery shopping. It is unfair and economically cruel to leave this problem unchecked.
Fortunately, New York’s finances are in a position where we can provide a tax cut and critical financial relief for everyone. Even Gov. Kathy Hochul recently admitted the state’s economic revenues are exceeding expectations and pointed out New York is expecting $4 billion more than anticipated in previous projections. What better way to help New Yorkers deal with these massive cost increases than giving back some of their hard-earned money?
One of the biggest problems New Yorkers face is the state’s incredibly oppressive cost of living. Even prior to the inflation crisis we’re experiencing today, New York has historically been one of the most-expensive states in which to live or do business. Our sales taxes, income taxes, and property taxes cut into household budgets. With prices rising sharply in every sector, supporting a family and making ends meet becomes a more difficult challenge.
We have a chance to do something to help New Yorkers combat this cost-of-living crisis, and the Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan would be a great step in that direction. As prices continue to rise, we will fight for measures like this to give New Yorkers the break they so desperately need. Anything less would be irresponsible.
William (Will) A. Barclay, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses most of Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton, as well as the town of Lysander in Onondaga County and town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County. Contact Barclay at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us.
OPINION: Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate is unconstitutional
OSHA lacks authority to issue its rule This Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule [imposing the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on U.S. businesses employing more than 100 workers] far exceeds the boundaries of executive authority. President Biden has made the decision to render our constitutional guardrails completely irrelevant. It is truly the point of
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OSHA lacks authority to issue its rule
This Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule [imposing the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on U.S. businesses employing more than 100 workers] far exceeds the boundaries of executive authority. President Biden has made the decision to render our constitutional guardrails completely irrelevant. It is truly the point of no return for this administration, and the rule will further exacerbate an already disastrous labor crisis.
I introduced the Health Freedom for All Act in Congress to stop this mandate and I will not stop fighting until this unconstitutional move is fully reversed.
Congressman Jim Banks (R–IN) and I introduced the Health Freedom for All Act in September to prevent the Biden Administration from enacting this mandate. The bill clarifies that under current law, OSHA lacks authority to issue any rule that would require Americans to undergo COVID-19 vaccinations or testing.
I also introduced the Employment Freedom for All Act which would annul non-compete agreements between workers who are fired for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and their employers.
Rep. Claudia Tenney (R–New Hartford), 60, represents the 22nd Congressional District of New York in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district encompasses all of Oneida, Madison, Chenango, and Cortland counties, most of Broome County, and portions of Herkimer, Oswego, and Tioga counties. This article is drawn and edited from a statement that Tenney issued on Nov. 4.

MOLLY MULVIHILL was recently promoted to senior VP and senior relationship manager in global commercial banking at Bank of America. Formerly the market executive for the Central New York market, Mulvihill now provides financial services to companies with annual revenue of between $50 million and $2 billion, in her new role. She began her career
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MOLLY MULVIHILL was recently promoted to senior VP and senior relationship manager in global commercial banking at Bank of America. Formerly the market executive for the Central New York market, Mulvihill now provides financial services to companies with annual revenue of between $50 million and $2 billion, in her new role. She began her career at Bank of America in 2006 and has served in various positions, such as a Merrill Lynch wealth-management financial advisor, wealth-management banker, and business-banking relationship manager.
ELIZABETH POLE has been named the VP, Central New York market executive at Bank of America. She is responsible for connecting the bank’s investment resources to families and individuals within the market. Pole is also responsible for helping to lead the bank’s efforts to address social concerns, improve economic opportunity, and build strong communities. Pole joined Bank of America in 2008 as a contact center customer-service agent. Since then, she has held roles in digital services, personal financial management, teller operations, contact-center team management, performance and proficiency management, and most recently, as the bank’s segment academy manager.
RYAN FARRELL has been promoted to VP, treasury sales officer for Bank of America’s global transactions services business. In his role, Farrell is responsible for providing guidance to commercial companies with revenue of $50 million to $2 billion on integrated working capital and digital cash-management solutions, including liquidity management, payments and receipts, commercial-card services, and more. Before this promotion, Farrell had been an assistant VP, treasury sales analyst since 2016.

VICTORIA FURLONG has recently been named SUNY Oswego’s VP for administration and finance. She began her career at SUNY Oswego over 25 years ago and has had progressive leadership experiences on campus. Initially hired as an accounts payable clerk, Furlong advanced to principal account clerk, director of accounting, campus budget director, assistant VP for finance
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VICTORIA FURLONG has recently been named SUNY Oswego’s VP for administration and finance. She began her career at SUNY Oswego over 25 years ago and has had progressive leadership experiences on campus. Initially hired as an accounts payable clerk, Furlong advanced to principal account clerk, director of accounting, campus budget director, assistant VP for finance and budget, and most recently as associate VP for finance and budget. In that role, Furlong oversaw financial operations, budget, student accounts, and purchasing. In addition, she has served the campus as interim director of admissions and is currently the co-officer in charge of enrollment management. As SUNY Oswego’s chief financial officer, Furlong serves as a member of the President’s Council and oversees Facility Services, Human Resources, University Police, and the Finance and Budget Office. Furlong also serves as an officer on the Oswego College Foundation board of directors, as an officer on the Oswego Health board of directors and as a member of the SUNY Business Officers group. She earned her MBA and bachelor’s degree in business administration from SUNY Oswego.

HSIN KWUNG LI, MD, has recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Cancer Center in Utica as a radiation oncologist, where he provides and directs radiation-therapy treatments for cancer patients. Dr. Li has more than five years of experience in medicine, including the last four years in radiation oncology. He specializes in X-ray guided
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HSIN KWUNG LI, MD, has recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Cancer Center in Utica as a radiation oncologist, where he provides and directs radiation-therapy treatments for cancer patients. Dr. Li has more than five years of experience in medicine, including the last four years in radiation oncology. He specializes in X-ray guided radiation treatment of tumors in the body. Li earned his medical degree and performed his residency in radiation oncology at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He previously earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York
GERRI L. COREY has been promoted to VP, financial operations at Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. Corey began her career with Security Mutual Life in 2012, joining the financial operations department as manager, financial reporting. She was subsequently promoted to several increasingly responsible positions within the financial operations department and had been
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GERRI L. COREY has been promoted to VP, financial operations at Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. Corey began her career with Security Mutual Life in 2012, joining the financial operations department as manager, financial reporting. She was subsequently promoted to several increasingly responsible positions within the financial operations department and had been serving as second VP, financial reporting, since 2018. Corey is responsible for the preparation and reporting of financial analyses for Security Mutual and its wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as for managing the company’s financial operations and agents accounts departments.
JASON R. HELBRAUN has been elected second VP, modeling actuary at Security Mutual Life Insurance. Helbraun joined Security Mutual in July 2021 and is responsible for model governance, in-force modeling, experience studies, and the improvement of processes supporting actuarial models. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the actuarial profession, and prior to joining Security Mutual had been serving as second VP and actuary at Nassau Financial Group.

EMILY LANGAN recently joined MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, as a workforce-development specialist. In her role, she represents MACNY and Partners for Education and Business, Inc. (PEB) programs to employers and educators, as well as heightens awareness within the region about both organizations. She will play an integral role in maintaining relationships with new and existing
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EMILY LANGAN recently joined MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, as a workforce-development specialist. In her role, she represents MACNY and Partners for Education and Business, Inc. (PEB) programs to employers and educators, as well as heightens awareness within the region about both organizations. She will play an integral role in maintaining relationships with new and existing companies participating in CNY STEM, P-TECH, and career-readiness activities, while also supporting MACNY’s apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Langan most recently served as a community engagement coordinator at Syracuse University. Prior to that, she worked for the United Way of Central New York. Langan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Nazareth College and a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School.
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.