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Strengthen Every Layer of Your IT Security with Usherwood’s Expanded Managed IT Services
Usherwood has announced an expanded portfolio of IT services, including Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), Cybersecurity, and Co-Managed IT. These new offerings are designed to

Colgate says students with family income up to $175K can attend tuition free
HAMILTON, N.Y. — Colgate University says students with a total family income up to $175,000 can now attend the school tuition-free. In addition, those students

Utica University president Pfannestiel to step down at year’s end; successor named
UTICA, N.Y. — Utica University President Todd Pfannestiel has submitted his resignation and will step down at the end of the year. At the same

Rochester company acquires Utica engineering firm
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Joseph C. Lu Engineering, PC, a Rochester–based engineering firm with offices in the Syracuse area and Binghamton, has acquired Eisenbach & Ruhnke Engineering, P.C., an engineering firm based in Utica. With Lu Engineers expanding its presence to Utica, the firm will “gain stronger access to local and municipal markets and increase capacity
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Joseph C. Lu Engineering, PC, a Rochester–based engineering firm with offices in the Syracuse area and Binghamton, has acquired Eisenbach & Ruhnke Engineering, P.C., an engineering firm based in Utica.
With Lu Engineers expanding its presence to Utica, the firm will “gain stronger access to local and municipal markets and increase capacity to support projects throughout the Utica region,” per the Lu Engineers announcement.
The acquisition closed on Oct. 19, Lu Engineers tells CNYBJ in an email. The firm didn’t disclose any financial terms of the purchase.
Prior to the deal, Lu Engineers had 102 employees and is adding eight staff members from Eisenbach & Ruhnke Engineering.
Eisenbach & Ruhnke brings a team of engineers, scientists, specialists, energy managers and auditors who provide advanced energy and environmental engineering solutions in areas that complement Lu Engineers’ established strength in civil/site, transportation engineering and environmental consulting. The acquisition enables Lu Engineers to pursue “larger and more complex” projects throughout New York state and to diversify projects to include mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering services.
“We’re a small firm but a mighty firm that keeps growing every day. The acquisition is a strategic opportunity for us and impactful to our growth,” Cletus Ezenwa, president and CEO of Lu Engineers, contended in the announcement. “Lu Engineers has a great reputation for transportation and environmental projects, and expanding our capabilities to support mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services will enable us to serve on a broader scale and deliver even greater value to our clients.”
Lu Engineers is a veteran-owned, New York State-certified Disadvantaged and Minority-owned Business Enterprise. For more than 45 years, Lu has provided engineering, technical, and operational services to federal, state, and local governments, as well as private industries and developers.
“We are excited to become part of Lu Engineers; a firm committed to quality and serving its clients,” Jack Eisenbach, former CEO of Eisenbach & Ruhnke Engineering, P.C., said in the announcement. “Eisenbach & Ruhnke Engineering has been in existence for almost 40 years, and we have worked with many engineering firms. Our staff is committed to maintaining the quality of service for the clients of the combined firm.”
Eisenbach also tells CNYBJ that the transaction represents a succession plan after 39 years of owning the business, but he plans to continue working for two years part time as a senior associate.
Besides Rochester, DeWitt, and Utica, Lu Engineers also has offices in Buffalo and New York City.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, Cornell University, and Clarkson University are among 35 private colleges and universities awarded state funding for projects.

Syracuse police warn city businesses about fake invoice scam
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Police Department is warning Syracuse businesses about a scam involving fake zoning invoices. The fake bills have been sent to

ShoppingTown Mall property to soon have a new developer, McMahon says
DeWITT, N.Y. — The proposed project to redevelop the former ShoppingTown Mall property in DeWitt into District East will have a new developer once the

MVHS imaging department moves to downtown Utica
UTICA, N.Y. — The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) imaging department is opening a new MVHS Imaging Center at the Medical Office Building located at

Former Avis employee at Syracuse airport accused of stealing 47 cars
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A Syracuse man who used to work at the Avis Budget Car Rental location at Syracuse Hancock International Airport is accused by

Upstate Medical University Arena revamp includes new seating, sound system
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial had some changes following a $4 million renovation project that concluded at the end of the 2025-26 Syracuse Crunch ice-hockey season. Onondaga County on Oct. 16 said the improvements include brand new lower-bowl seating; improved accessibility; expanded event spaces; a state-of-the-art sound system;
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial had some changes following a $4 million renovation project that concluded at the end of the 2025-26 Syracuse Crunch ice-hockey season.
Onondaga County on Oct. 16 said the improvements include brand new lower-bowl seating; improved accessibility; expanded event spaces; a state-of-the-art sound system; renovated VIP lounge; and a new grab-and-go area, “further elevating the experience for fans, guests, and event organizers alike,” per the announcement.
“From seats and sound to the brand-new Legacy Lounge, these new upgrades at the War Memorial are some of the best yet. Not only will they enhance the visitor experience but also help market the facility to lure new concerts, comedy shows and conventions,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said in the announcement. “Onondaga County runs largely on sales tax dollars so anything we can do to bring in visitors and capture their spending helps us lower property taxes for folks right here at home. I encourage everyone to come check out a show or Crunch game and experience all these great upgrades.”
The $4 million renovation project started back in June with an overhaul to the lower-bowl seating, which now offers American-made, permanent seats, produced and installed by Irwin Seating Company, described as “one of the world’s leading manufacturers of audience seating.”
The project also expanded wheelchair-accessible seating for hockey games, and lower-bowl seating in front of the stage was removed, opening up space for a brand new, flexible event area. Additionally, crews installed new retractable seating on the stage, allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate any group using this space during Syracuse Crunch games.
Besides seating, the arena also underwent a major audio upgrade with the installation of a new sound system, featuring Powersoft amplifiers and more than 130 Fulcrum and JBL speakers, designed to “deliver clear, even sound” throughout the venue, Onondaga County contended.
The renovation effort also included the new Legacy Lounge, a space paying homage to the legacy of talent that has played in the arena over the last seven decades with new graphics, flooring, furniture, and gaming. The lounge, which will offer improved food and beverage options, is open to the public during Syracuse Crunch games and will be available as a premium upgrade for non-Crunch events.
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