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April CNY unemployment rates much lower than a year ago
Unemployment rates in the Syracuse, Utica–Rome, Watertown–Fort Drum, Binghamton, Ithaca, and Elmira regions remained in single-digit figures in April and were much lower compared to a year ago when the COVID-19 pandemic first exploded. The figures are part of the latest New York State Department of Labor data released May 25. In addition, the Syracuse, Utica–Rome, and […]
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Unemployment rates in the Syracuse, Utica–Rome, Watertown–Fort Drum, Binghamton, Ithaca, and Elmira regions remained in single-digit figures in April and were much lower compared to a year ago when the COVID-19 pandemic first exploded.
The figures are part of the latest New York State Department of Labor data released May 25.
In addition, the Syracuse, Utica–Rome, and Binghamton regions gained jobs in five-digit figures in April from April 2020, when the pandemic hit the economy hard, resulting in thousands of job losses. Meanwhile, the Watertown–Fort Drum, Ithaca, and Elmira regions gained jobs in four-digit figures in the last year. That’s according to the latest monthly employment report that the New York State Department of Labor issued May 20.
Regional unemployment rates
The jobless rate in the Syracuse area was 5.7 percent in April, down sharply from 17.3 percent in April 2020.
The Utica–Rome region’s rate dipped to 6 percent from 16.3 percent; the Watertown–Fort Drum area’s number fell to 5.8 percent from 18.2 percent; the Binghamton region posted 5.7 percent, down from 17.1 percent; the Ithaca area’s jobless rate declined to 4.2 percent from 11 percent; and the unemployment rate in the Elmira region was 6 percent in April, down from 17.8 percent in the same month a year ago.
The local-unemployment data isn’t seasonally adjusted, meaning the figures don’t reflect seasonal influences such as holiday hires. The unemployment rates are calculated following procedures prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state Labor Department said.
State unemployment rate
New York state’s unemployment rate was 8.2 percent in April, down from 8.4 percent in March and well below the 16.2 percent level hit in April 2020, according to the Department of Labor.
The state’s 8.2 percent unemployment rate was higher than the U.S. rate of 6.1 percent in April.
The federal government calculates New York’s unemployment rate partly based upon the results of a monthly telephone survey of 3,100 state households that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts.
April jobs data
The Syracuse region gained nearly 32,000 jobs in the past year, an increase of 12 percent.
The Utica–Rome metro area gained nearly 13,000 jobs, up 12 percent; the Watertown–Fort Drum region added 5,300 jobs, a 16 percent rise; the Binghamton region picked up more than 10,000 positions, a 12 percent pop; the Ithaca area gained 3,600 jobs, an increase of about 6 percent; and the Elmira region added more than 3,000 jobs in the past year, a jump of about 10 percent.
New York state as a whole gained more than 1 million jobs, an increase of 13 percent, in the past year. The state economy also gained more than 29,000 jobs, a 0.3 percent increase, between March and April of this year, the labor department said.
Shineman Foundation awards first round of grants for 2021
Provides $335,000 total to six area nonprofits OSWEGO — Six not-for-profit organizations were awarded grants totaling $335,000 from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation in the first of three 2021 grant rounds at its April board meeting. The projects reach a wide range of people and organizations that focus on health and human services, education, community
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Provides $335,000 total to six area nonprofits
OSWEGO — Six not-for-profit organizations were awarded grants totaling $335,000 from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation in the first of three 2021 grant rounds at its April board meeting.
The projects reach a wide range of people and organizations that focus on health and human services, education, community revitalization, and arts and culture, the foundation said in a news release.
Farnham Family Services was awarded $130,000, enabling the organization to take over the Harbor Lights facility in northern Oswego County, so that it can sustain and expand substance-use-disorder treatment services to the most rural and underserved parts of the county.
The Shineman Foundation issued another health and human-services grant to the Salvation Army of Oswego County, for bridge funding to keep its “award-winning” Pathway of Hope program going until its New York State regional economic funding is received.
In education, the Shineman Foundation awarded a grant to the Fulton Family YMCA in support of the opening on May 1 of its new childcare program for children ages 6 months to 5 years.
Community revitalization grants were given to the Fulton Wrestling Club for its brand-new facility being built in Fulton, and the Kingsford Park Home and School Association for completion of its planned new playground.
The Shineman Foundation also awarded a grant to Symphoria, to fund its return to Oswego in July to present a free outdoor community concert on the historic grounds of Fort Ontario.
The Richard S. Shineman Foundation says its mission is to be a catalyst for change and to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County. The foundation says it engages in charitable activities to stimulate economic vitality, encourage strong social bonds that strengthen the community, and to build the capacity of its not-for-profit partners.
Off Broadway Dance Center’s New Normal
GRANBY — For Ellen Marshall, owner and artistic director of Off Broadway Dance Center near Fulton, just about everything changed in her studio when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After being closed from March until October of last year, Marshall made changes in her business to keep everyone safe, but still allow students to dance. Founded
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GRANBY — For Ellen Marshall, owner and artistic director of Off Broadway Dance Center near Fulton, just about everything changed in her studio when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
After being closed from March until October of last year, Marshall made changes in her business to keep everyone safe, but still allow students to dance.
Founded in 1997, Off Broadway Dance Center is located in a nearly 4,000-square-foot building at 420 County Route 3 in Granby. The dance center has more than 275 students and offers classes in ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop, jazz, and more.
Even after reopening, Off Broadway Dance Center adapted with a mix of in-person and virtual classes to adhere to public guidelines on COVID exposures and quarantining.
“We did offer the ability to switch from one [format] to another if a child or family member was ill, quarantined, or if they had traveled,” Marshall says.
As a result, the dance center has integrated technology into all classes. A Google Meet is set up during all classes, which gives parents and guardians the ability to watch their children in class live from a phone or a computer. These videos are uploaded onto a class Google page so the students can practice at home.
“We’ve relied on Facebook to communicate with parents as our waiting room has been closed to visitors,” Marshall adds. “It’s a great way to quickly get announcements out to a large group and to see who’s read them.”
The five instructors at the studio all teach in person. Off Broadway Dance Center has the same number of employees as it did before the pandemic began, according to Marshall. She declines to disclose revenue details but says revenue did decrease because of the studio closure and reduced class sizes following reopening.
Marshall says she is thankful for the support she received from Dr. Sarah Finocchiaro, a pediatrician at River View Pediatrics in Fulton and a dance mom with a daughter who participates at Off Broadway Dance Center. Dr. Finocchiaro always answered Marshall’s questions and offered support and guidance during a stressful time, navigating the pandemic.
“Many of our dancers’ parents did not feel ready to send them to school during the pandemic and decided to only do virtual schooling — but trusted that Off Broadway Dance Center would follow the protocols to keep them safe during dance classes,” Marshall says.
Off Broadway Dance Center is preparing for an in-person show in June. The Fulton War Memorial, at 609 W. Broadway, will be used and eight smaller shows will be presented to allow for a socially distant audience. After the show is filmed and compiled, Marshall is hoping to have it screened at the Midway Drive-In Theatre in Minetto sometime this year.
The studio’s competition team is also wrapping up its season, and according to Marshall, the team has doubled in size since last year.
Regarding the future, Marshall says she would like to expand her studio.
“We’d love to add an additional building to expand our popular Acro (acrobatics) program,” she says. “That would allow us to utilize our existing Acro Room for an extra dance studio space.”
Off Broadway Dance Center is located in a former church building that Marshall bought in 2016 for $80,000, according to Oswego County property records. The prior owner is listed as Granby Center United Methodist. The nearly four-acre property is tentatively assessed at $100,000 for 2021. It’s located in the Hannibal school district.
DEC to launch sea-lamprey treatment on Seneca Lake tributaries
Treatments seek to enhance lake trout and salmon population and size The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that beginning in June, it will treat portions of Seneca Lake to eliminate sea lamprey, a parasitic fish that preys and feeds on other fish species. Seneca Lake tributaries in Chemung, Schuyler, and Yates counties will
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Treatments seek to enhance lake trout and salmon population and size
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that beginning in June, it will treat portions of Seneca Lake to eliminate sea lamprey, a parasitic fish that preys and feeds on other fish species.
Seneca Lake tributaries in Chemung, Schuyler, and Yates counties will be treated in early June. The action will help prevent sea lampreys from invading New York waters and protect the fish they target, including lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon, per the DEC.
“Eliminating this parasite will help ensure healthier fish species in Seneca Lake and its tributaries and continue to provide anglers with good fishing opportunities,” the department said in a release.
Typically, immature sea lamprey live in streams for three to four years before they become parasitic and enter lakes to prey on other fish. As part of DEC’s sea-lamprey control program, fisheries employees apply a lampricide called TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol) to streams continuously for approximately 12 hours, killing the young sea lamprey in their larval form.
“TFM is a pesticide that has been used in Seneca Lake tributaries for decades, and while lethal to sea lampreys, it is harmless to other fish and has no significant impact to the environment,” the agency noted. “In addition, the stream treatments pose no significant hazard to human health.”
The New York State Department of Health “out of an abundance of caution,” advises against stream-water consumption, fishing, swimming, livestock watering, or irrigation during the treatment period.
DEC said it will post signage advising of the treatment along the treated streams.
Treatments are weather dependent. Lampricide applications are scheduled to start June 8 in Catharine Creek in Chemung and Schuyler counties. On June 10, the Keuka Outlet in Yates County will be treated.
Mirabito stores to offer EV charging stations
ONEONTA — New York State on May 18 announced the first of five planned high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs at Mirabito convenience store/gas stations across the region. The project is made possible by an agreement between Mirabito and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the office of Gov Andrew Cuomo announced May 18. The
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ONEONTA — New York State on May 18 announced the first of five planned high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs at Mirabito convenience store/gas stations across the region.
The project is made possible by an agreement between Mirabito and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the office of Gov Andrew Cuomo announced May 18.
The southside Oneonta location is the first site hosted by Mirabito convenience stores, a family-owned and operated energy retailer based in Binghamton.
The other Mirabito sites include two in Syracuse, along with stores in Castle Creek and Binghamton in Broome County. Construction will begin in June, Cuomo’s office said.
NYPA will construct, own, and operate the EVolve NY charging network in coordination with Mirabito site hosts.
The new EVolve NY charging hubs will offer a total of 19 chargers at the five Mirabito sites. The Oneonta location will represent the seventh installation in NYPA’s EVolve NY statewide charging infrastructure network.
The five hubs, operational by this fall, will offer emission-free electric charging to New Yorkers.
The new chargers are part of NYPA’s EVolve NY charging-infrastructure network. NYPA is installing the chargers along key travel corridors and in urban areas to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, Cuomo’s office said.
EVolve NY will install up to 150 chargers across New York state by the end of 2021, which will give New York the third- largest open-access (available to all EVs), more than 150 kilowatt, fast-charging network in the U.S.
After this EVolve NY buildout phase is complete, New Yorkers will be able to drive any electric vehicle from, for example, Binghamton to Buffalo, or from Albany to Montreal with chargers capable of recharging their vehicles in 15-30 minutes located every 50 miles or less, per Cuomo’s office.
EVolve NY sites opened since last fall include LaGrangeville, Watertown, Malone, Schroon Lake, Fairport, and the largest public charging hub in the Northeast at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens.
“NYPA is pleased that this partnership with Mirabito, our first venture with a multi-site host, will help us significantly expand our reach and make fast charging easily accessible to more communities,” Gil Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO, said. “By working together to deploy high-speed chargers at prime locations throughout the state, we are making it easier for more drivers to opt for zero-emission vehicles, knowing they can travel long distances without having to worry about their next charge.”
State plans solar-energy project at site of former St. Lawrence County iron-ore mine
CLIFTON — New York State plans to repurpose formerly mined land in St. Lawrence County into one of the “largest solar projects” in the Adirondack Park. The project will create about 100 construction jobs in support of New York’s green economy. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) executed the land-lease agreement
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CLIFTON — New York State plans to repurpose formerly mined land in St. Lawrence County into one of the “largest solar projects” in the Adirondack Park.
The project will create about 100 construction jobs in support of New York’s green economy.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) executed the land-lease agreement with Benson Mines, Inc., with support from the Town of Clifton, the Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corporation, St. Lawrence County, and the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Located on the northwest edge of the Adirondack Park, the 20-megawatt Build-Ready (BR) Benson Mines Solar project will be built on the remnants of Benson’s former iron-ore mining operation spanning about 130 acres. Once completed, the project will provide enough renewable energy to power more than 4,500 homes.
NYSERDA tells CNYBJ that it is not yet able to provide a definitive timeline, but a BR project from site identification to operation is typically two to four years. A May 25 public meeting in the town of Clifton was one of the first steps in the process, NYSERDA added.
The authority also noted that the project costs will be determined when the developer is selected through the auction process.
“The repurposing of this former mine in the Adirondack Park represents the innovative thinking that we need to put into action in order to compete in a green energy economy,” Cuomo contended in a release. “As we rebuild and reimagine our economy, projects like this will go a long way in helping us reach our renewable energy goals while creating opportunities for economic growth and fostering cleaner, healthier communities across New York.”
Beginning in the 1800s, the discovery of iron ore and its subsequent mining at Benson Mines has played a “foundational role” in the history of the towns of Clifton and Fine, and at its peak, the mine was considered the largest open-pit iron-ore mine in the world, Cuomo’s office said. It closed in the mid-1970s and is now an aggregates and timber company serving the North Country.
NYSERDA said it will work with community leaders, business partners, and regional partner agencies to explore different community-benefit options, such as payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements, customized host community agreements, opportunities for workforce development and job-training programs, and offer free technical assistance along the way.
The authority adds that it will work with the town to ensure the project “complements the community’s character” and long-term planning — including development considerations for the neighboring J&L Steel site — to help create new local revenue and attract additional economic-development opportunities for the area.
NYPA’s NY Energy Zone visitor center opens in Utica
UTICA, N.Y. — The New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) newly constructed NY Energy Zone visitor center in Utica has opened its doors. It’s an admission-free facility that provides an “immersive, interactive, state-of-the-art museum experience” focused on the past, present, and future of energy in New York state, NYPA contends in a release. The facility on
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UTICA, N.Y. — The New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) newly constructed NY Energy Zone visitor center in Utica has opened its doors.
It’s an admission-free facility that provides an “immersive, interactive, state-of-the-art museum experience” focused on the past, present, and future of energy in New York state, NYPA contends in a release.
The facility on May 10 opened for small-guided tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, following New York State indoor family-entertainment center guidelines for COVID.
The 15,000-square-foot facility includes exhibits that simulate flying a drone to check power transmission lines, controlling electricity on a model energy grid, operating a simulated power plant, and building a table-top micro power grid, along with other activities designed to teach visitors about energy and electricity in New York.
Visitors can also see “Imagination!” — the first movie of its kind utilizing 3-D MAGI film generation by famed cinematographer and director Douglas Trumbull. He is known for his visual-effects photography in the films “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) and “Blade Runner” (1982). The 3-D movie seeks to inform viewers about Nikola Tesla and his “lasting contributions” to the electricity system of today.
NYPA has added a reservation system that allows for scheduling limited, 60-minute guided tours. To reserve a tour, you can also call (315) 792-8720 or email EnergyZone@nypa.gov.
The visitor center, which is affiliated with the Power Authority’s Frederick R. Clark Energy Center — the hub of its statewide power transmission control center located in Marcy — was dedicated to former NYPA Chairman John Dyson at a naming ceremony held April 23.
“Utica is a natural location for this museum of energy because it complements the work of our Frederick R. Clark Energy Center, NYPA’s system-wide energy transmission complex in Marcy,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr., a NYPA trustee, said. “I am grateful to my colleagues at the Power Authority for their vision in conceiving and developing this magnificent facility in Oneida County that will inspire our next generation of energy leaders and benefit all New Yorkers for decades to come.”
NYSERDA offers $15M in 3rd Commercial & Industrial Carbon Challenge
ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on May 18 launched the third round of the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge. NYSERDA made $15 million available as part of the 11th round of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative that was announced May 11. The C&I
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ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on May 18 launched the third round of the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Carbon Challenge.
NYSERDA made $15 million available as part of the 11th round of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative that was announced May 11.
The C&I Carbon Challenge seeks to reduce carbon emissions at commercial and industrial businesses and institutions, combat climate change, and drive economic growth across the state, NYSERDA contends.
The announcement supports Cuomo’s goal to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.
The C&I Carbon Challenge is a competitive program that provides funding to large commercial and industrial energy users to implement various cost-effective clean-energy projects that reduce carbon emissions. The third round of funding is being made available to eligible businesses and institutions including, but not limited to, manufacturers, colleges, universities, health-care facilities, and office- building owners in New York state.
Project proposals may employ a combination of energy or manufacturing-process-efficiency strategies, carbon-capture technology, renewable generation, or energy storage.
Funding is available through the state’s 10-year, $5.3 billion clean-energy fund.
The challenge will provide awards ranging from $500,000 to $5 million to partially offset clean-energy project costs for the very largest commercial and industrial energy users in the state, with an aggregate 12-month average demand of 3-megawatts or greater. The deadline to apply for the third round through the state’s consolidated funding application is July 30 at 4 p.m.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us in many ways. New York is ready to help companies continue to get back on track with certain programs like the Carbon Challenge,” Randy Wolken, president & CEO of MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, said in the release. “NYSERDA’s Carbon Challenge is designed to support large energy consumers by providing them with the flexibility for strategic decarbonization projects that could help lower energy costs and create green energy jobs.”
How it works
The state is providing funding in two categories. Category A offers $10 million for proposals that incorporate solutions of interest, including beneficial electrification and reducing emissions related to manufacturing processes, to lower the applicant’s carbon footprint. Category B offers $5 million for proposals that involve energy efficiency; on-site clean-energy generation; or any other greenhouse-gas reducing solution not identified in Category A.
NYSERDA will select competition winners based on their plans for project implementation, institutional commitment to sustainability, overall level of greenhouse-gas emissions reduced, and their potential to beneficially impact disadvantaged communities.
The challenge is expected to reduce statewide carbon emissions by about 650,000 metric tons, or the equivalent of removing 140,000 cars from the road. NYSERDA expects to announce the third-round awards in early 2022.
Past Carbon Challenge awardees, including second-round winners, have featured colleges and universities, office buildings, and businesses in manufacturing sectors. Collectively, they committed to reducing over 1.5 million metric tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent of taking 325,000 cars off the road, NYSERDA said.
Program purpose
Commercial and industrial buildings account for 33 percent of the energy-related greenhouse-gas emissions in New York state. NYSERDA contends its initiatives and programs can benefit most businesses and organizations across the state, but large energy consumers have unique needs and solutions when it comes to increasing efficiency and lowering emissions.
The C&I Carbon Challenge gives large energy consumers the flexibility to tap into their in-house expertise to reduce their carbon footprint and control their energy costs, per NYSERDA.
In addition, the program aligns with the recommendations produced by the Energy Intensive and Trade Exposed Industries (EITE) advisory panel and recently submitted to New York’s Climate Action Council, the authority added.
National Grid uses electric-powered backhoe in field work
CICERO — National Grid (NYSE: NGG) says it is one of the first utilities to incorporate a fully electric-powered backhoe into its fleet. The company is working with John Deere to test a fully electric backhoe that it contends performs “equivalently” to other diesel-powered equipment. National Grid on May 18 offered a demonstration at its
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CICERO — National Grid (NYSE: NGG) says it is one of the first utilities to incorporate a fully electric-powered backhoe into its fleet.
The company is working with John Deere to test a fully electric backhoe that it contends performs “equivalently” to other diesel-powered equipment.
National Grid on May 18 offered a demonstration at its Beacon North Service Center at 7496 Round Pond Road in Cicero.
The utility says construction sites are “noisy places” with heavy, diesel-fueled equipment digging, moving and lifting materials, and the use of an electric backhoe can make them quieter, greener worksites.
“The battery-powered backhoe is performing similarly to its diesel-fueled counterpart that we use in the field,” Holly Oyer, National Grid director of gas field operations for Central New York, said. “There are many advantages of using this equipment, chief among them is the noise reduction on the work site, allowing for better communication between supervisors and crew members while a job is in progress.”
Using battery-operated equipment will help National Grid reach its companywide emissions target of net zero by 2050 and supports the company’s initiatives to increase the number of electric vehicles across its service area, the utility said.
“National Grid is leading the way on incorporating battery-powered construction equipment into our business, and this new backhoe loader directly supports our efforts to reach the goal of zero-emissions by 2050,” Rudy Wynter, National Grid’s New York president, said. “We are taking this step in committing to sustainability in all matters of our business, from reducing waste, to fleet management and community improvement, to help achieve this target.”
The backhoe is equipped with the John Deere-developed E-Power battery, electric-vehicle design.
“This project is another stepping-stone in our backhoe innovation journey, and we’re excited about what we can learn from this phase for subsequent electrification testing and design refinement,” Brian Hennings, product manager of backhoes at John Deere, said.
National Grid is an electricity, natural gas, and clean-energy delivery company serving more than 20 million customers through its networks in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
30th annual Project Bloom underway in Oswego and Fulton
OSWEGO — Project Bloom, a communitywide beautification program, began May 24 and will run throughout the summer season in the cities of Oswego and Fulton. The program offers businesses in Fulton the opportunity to purchase baskets to decorate their entryways or sponsor welcome signs. In Oswego, businesses may purchase banners that are placed along downtown
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OSWEGO — Project Bloom, a communitywide beautification program, began May 24 and will run throughout the summer season in the cities of Oswego and Fulton.
The program offers businesses in Fulton the opportunity to purchase baskets to decorate their entryways or sponsor welcome signs. In Oswego, businesses may purchase banners that are placed along downtown streets or sponsor a city park. Both communities seek professionals to prepare flower beds, plant, and deliver baskets.
Project Bloom is managed each spring by the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GOFCC) and supported by “numerous sponsors” including Exelon Generation, which was named this year’s presenting sponsor. The GOFCC is a fully integrated affiliate of CenterState CEO.
As the presenting sponsor, Exelon Generation says it will “rally employee volunteers to clean, prep and plant flowers on designated days.”
“Exelon Generation is proud to be a part of Project Bloom,” Pete Orphanos, site VP at Nine Mile Point at Exelon, said in a release. “We chose to support this program because when people work together to beautify public spaces, it creates pride in our community and strengthens our bond as neighbors. It is especially meaningful to us to sponsor Veterans Park as a sign of our appreciation and gratitude for all those who have served.”
Fulton mayor Deana Michaels said of the program, “Fulton has supported Project Bloom for many years. The chamber does a wonderful job of supporting citywide and small business beautification through the program. We look forward to seeing the City brightened up with flowers around town.”
More information about Project Bloom can be found by visiting the GOFCC website at oswegofultonchamber.com or by emailing sbroadwell@oswegofultonchamber.com.
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