CNYBJ CALENDAR:
December 22 Special Report: Nonprofit Directory
December 29 Special Report: Healthcare Quarterly/Excellence in Healthcare Spotlights NEW!
January 12 Special Report: Health Care Quarterly
January 12 List: Skilled-Nursing Facilities
January 19 Special Report: Employee Benefits/HR/Insurance
January 19 List: Employee-Benefits Consultants/Property & Casualty Insurers
January 26 Special Report: Manufacturing/High-Tech/Incubators
January 26 List: Manufacturing
February 2 Special Report: Banking & Credit Union Report
February 2 List: Colleges & Universities
February 9 Special Report: Energy/ Environment/Sustainability
February 9 List: Addiction Treatment Programs
February 16 Special Report: Law/ Accounting/Taxes
February 16 List: Casinos/Estate Planners
New York milk production increases 4 percent in October
Dairy farms in New York state produced nearly 1.4 billion pounds of milk this October, up 4 percent from more than 1.34 billion pounds of milk in the year-ago month, according to the latest monthly milk-production report that the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) issued on Nov. 21.
Milk production per cow in the state averaged 2,155 pounds in the 10th month of 2025, up 1.2 percent from 2,130 pounds in October 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the Empire State totaled 648,000 head in October 2025, up almost 2.9 percent from 630,000 in the year-prior month, NASS reported.
Milk production in the nation’s 24 major dairy producing states totaled just under 18.73 billion pounds in October of this year, up 3.9 percent from almost 18.03 billion pounds in October 2024, according to the USDA.
WRITERS/EDITORS:
CNYBJ BRIEFS
KeyCorp pays 4th quarter 2025 dividend in mid-December
KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) — parent company of KeyBank, the No. 3 bank ranked by deposit market share in the 16-county Central New York region — has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 20.5 cents per share of its common stock for the fourth quarter of this year. The dividend is payable on Dec. 15, to holders of record as of the close of business on Dec. 2. At Key’s current stock price, the dividend yields about 4.25 percent on an annual basis.
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial-services companies, with assets of about $187 billion as of the end of the third quarter of 2025. Its roots trace back 200 years to Albany. KeyBank has a network of about 1,000 branches and about 1,200 ATMs in 15 states — stretching from Maine to Alaska.
Adirondack Bank moves Little Falls branch to new location
LITTLE FALLS — Adirondack Bank on Dec. 8 formally opened the doors to its new Little Falls branch at 699 E. Main St., located at the corner across from Eastern Park and the Little Falls Public Library.
It replaces the bank’s previous Little Falls branch, located about one-third of a mile down the road at 500 E. Main St. Adirondack Bank closed that office at the end of the day on Dec. 5.
The bank says the new space offers the same service with enhanced features de -
signed with customers’ banking needs in mind, according to an announcement on the Adirondack Bank website.
Founded in 1898, Adirondack Bank is a privately owned community bank with about $1 billion in assets that is headquartered in Utica. The bank operates 17 full-ser vice and two limited-service branch locations in the counties of Oneida, Herkimer, Clinton, Essex, and Franklin, as well as a loan-production office in Syracuse.
New York soybean production plummets nearly 38 percent in 2025
Farms in New York state are estimated to have produced nearly 11.6 million bushels of soybeans this year, down 37.7 percent from just over 18.6 million bushels of soybeans in 2024.
Adam Rombel Editor-in-Chief arombel@cnybj.com 315.579.3902
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315.579.3915
That’s according to a USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop-production forecast as of Nov. 1.
The decline in production is a sharp reversal from the more than 7 percent increase in soybean production in the Empire State in 2024, compared to the 2023 production total, the NASS data shows.
The total soybean yield per acre in New York state is pegged at 38 bushels per acre in 2025, down more than 25 percent from 51 bushels per acre
the previous year, the USDA NASS said. Area harvested for soybeans was estimated at 305,000 acres this year, down more than 16 percent from 365,000 acres in 2024.
Total U.S. soybean production is also projected to have declined in 2025, but by a smaller amount than in New York. The USDA says national soybean production is estimated at about 4.25 billion bushels this year, down nearly 2.8 percent from about 4.37 billion bushels in 2024. Accounting for less than 0.3 percent of expected total national production, New York is a relatively minor producer of soybeans compared to other states, especially the large producers in the Midwest such as Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota.
OSWEGO — The leader of an area SUNY school is now serving on the board of directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
SUNY Oswego President Peter Nwosu was one of five educational leaders elected to the AASCU board on Nov. 17 during the organization’s annual conference for presidents and chancellors in Nashville, Tennessee.
AASCU is a Washington, D.C.–based higher-education association representing more than 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems.
Nwosu’s appointment to the AASCU board “places him among a select group of national leaders who guide the association’s strategic direction and advance its mission,” SUNY Oswego said in its announcement.
The board provides oversight to ensure AASCU continues to promote access, student success, and inclusive excellence across regional public institutions. In this role, Nwosu will help develop policies and initiatives that strengthen the impact of state colleges and universities nationwide.
Besides serving on the board of directors, Nwosu also is chair of AASCU’s committee on student success, a position he has held since December 2024.
“I am deeply honored to serve on the AASCU Board of Directors and to help advance our shared commitment to expanding access and elevating student success,” Nwosu said in the school’s announcement. “This opportunity highlights SUNY Oswego’s role in shaping the future of public higher education and strengthens our efforts to ensure that every student — from their first days on campus to graduation and beyond — has the support and pathways necessary to thrive.”
Nwosu became the 11th president of SUNY Oswego in August 2023, according to his bio on the school’s website. He joined SUNY Oswego from the City University of New York (CUNY) Herbert H. Lehman College in the Bronx, where he was provost and senior VP for academic affairs and student success.
New York corn production projected to have declined 20 percent this year
New York farms are estimated to have produced just over 74.9 million bushels of corn for grain in 2025, down 20 percent from nearly 93.8 million bushels last year. That is according to a USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop-production forecast made on Nov. 1.
The total yield per acre in the Empire State is estimated to have averaged 135 bushels this year, down 34 bushels per acre, or 20 percent, from 169 bushels in 2024, the USDA NASS said. Area harvested for grain corn was pegged
at 555,000 acres in 2025, unchanged from a year earlier. New York’s expected decline in corn production is going against the national trend as the USDA is estimating an abundant, record corn harvest this year. U.S. corn production for grain is projected to have jumped 12.5 percent to 16.75 billion bushels in 2025 from 14.89 billion bushels in 2024, the USDA reported.
The Empire State is not a major producer of corn for grain compared to other states like those in the Midwest. New York’s projected production equates to just 0.5 percent of national corn production.
KeyBank’s branch office at 3550 Brewerton Road in the town of Salina.
The Adirondack Bank branch office in Little Falls
PHOTO CREDIT: ADIRONDACK BANK WEBSITE
SUNY Oswego President Peter Nwosu PHOTO CREDIT: SUNY OSWEGO
Community centers across NYS awarded state-grant funding for projects
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
The Towns of Granby, Volney, and Herkimer; Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc.; Catholic Charities of Onondaga County; and the YMCA of Broome County are among the organizations recently awarded state grants for various projects.
Thirty awards totaling $100 million are from the Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS) capital grant program, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Dec. 5. The funding is part of the current New York State budget.
Awards range from $260,000 to $15 million and will support design, construction, renovation, and land acquisition for community centers. The state selected projects based on demonstrated need, community impact, and viability, with priority given to underserved communities and facilities offering affordable services like childcare, eldercare, and mental-health counseling.
The NY BRICKS grants will pay for projects in 22 counties across New York,
“reflecting the statewide reach and geographic diversity of the program,” Hochul’s office said.
“Today, we’re delivering on our commitment to build stronger, healthier communities in every corner of New York State,” Hochul contended. “NY BRICKS grants will create affordable and accessible spaces where kids can play, families can connect, and seniors can stay active and engaged. I’m proud to see this funding reach 30 communities, and I look forward to seeing these centers come to life.”
Regional grant recipients
Central New York
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County will use $1.35 million to support renovations at the community center located at 500 Seymour St. in Syracuse.
The Town of Granby was awarded $1 million to support renovations at the community center located at 812 County Route 8 in Fulton.
The Town of Volney will use a $4.67 million award to support construction of a new community center located at 1445 County Route 6 in Fulton.
Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton nonprofits to use state funds for homeless housing
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
ALBANY — Three regional organizations are among those awarded state funding for homeless housing across New York. They include the Rescue Mission in Syracuse, People First in Utica, and Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc.
A total of 13 projects will use more than $125 million to create 645 units and nearly 1,000 beds of permanent supportive, transitional, and emergency housing, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Nov. 25.
The Rescue Mission in Syracuse will use $15 million to build a new, 80-unit emergency shelter in Auburn, with an additional eight units of permanent supportive housing for those who have dealt with homelessness. The new shelter will replace and expand an existing shelter.
The project is called the Auburn Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter and Permanent Supportive Apartments. It includes the new construction of a three-story, all-electric building with separate
Mohawk Valley
The Town of Herkimer will use a grant of $3.61 million to support construction of a new community center located at 160 Pine Grove Road in Herkimer.
The Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Council of Hamilton, Fulton & Montgomery Counties was awarded $1.52 million to support construction of a new community center located at 303-305 East Main St. in Amsterdam.
Southern Tier
Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. was awarded $1.32 million to support construction of a new community center
located at 402 W. Court St. in Ithaca. YMCA of Broome County will use a $1.41 million grant to support renovations at the community center located at 740 Main St. in Johnson City.
Economic Opportunity Program Inc. of Chemung County was awarded a $7.51 million grant to support addition and renovation work at the community center located at 350 E. Fifth St. in Elmira.
North Country United Helpers Care, Inc. will use a nearly $10 million award to support construction of a new community center located at 8101 State Highway 68 in Ogdensburg. n
entrances and spaces for the permanent and emergency tenants, support services space, laundry, and common room.
“We are grateful to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for this transformative $15 million investment to address the growing need for emergency housing in Cayuga County,” Dan Sieburg, CEO of the Rescue Mission, said in the state’s announcement. “The Rescue Mission is committed to putting love into action by providing shelter, stability, and support to those experiencing homelessness. This new 80bed emergency shelter and eight permanent supportive housing units in Auburn, developed in partnership with Housing Visions Unlimited, will expand our capacity to serve individuals in crisis and help them build pathways toward lasting independence.”
In addition, People First in Utica will use $5.1 million to develop 19 units of permanent supportive housing for people over age 55 and young adults, as part of a larger project that includes an additional 83 affordable units.
THRIVE Cornhill will include the con-
struction of two new, four-story, woodframe, all-electric buildings. Building one will include 57 one-bedroom and 21 two-bedroom units and amenities, including a community room, computer lab, laundry room, and fitness center. Building two will contain commercial space on the ground floor and 24 apartments with 6,500 square feet of common space on the upper floors.
Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc. in Binghamton will use
$8.3 million for the substantial rehabilitation and new construction of two residential buildings in Binghamton. The facilities will preserve 14 existing units and provide seven new units of permanent supportive housing and a total of 69 beds across the two three-story buildings.
Griswold Street Apartments will transition from natural gas to fully electric building systems that will provide heat and central air conditioning. n
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dec. 5 visited New York City to announce statewide recipients of NY BRICKS grants. The grant program NY BRICKS is short for Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors.
PHOTO CREDIT: HOCHUL FLICKR
The Rescue Mission at 155 Gifford St. in Syracuse is among the organizations awarded state funding to create additional homeless housing.
ERIC REINHARDT / CNYBJ FILE PHOTO
Snowmaking project gets underway at Utica’s Val Bialas Ski Center
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
UTICA — A $2 million renovation project has started at the Val Bialas Ski Center in Utica.
New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–Marcy), Utica Mayor Michael Galime (R), and the Amodio family were among those participating in the Nov. 24 event.
“Today, I am excited to attend the groundbreaking on the renovations that are being completed before our recreational winter season,” Buttenschon said in the announcement. “I want to thank the mayor, city administration, Utica DPW for their preparation and hard work to make the Val Bialas Ski Center operational for the Mohawk Valley residents. I would also
like to thank Joe and Josh Amodio of New Age Hotrods, who generously donated their time and expertise to the city in repairing and restoring the facility’s chair lifts, ensuring Val Bialas’s operations.”
Val Bialas will use the state funding to establish a snowmaking system at the ski center, enabling consistent snow production. It will be part of ongoing renovations at the ski center, which include the restoration of the ski-lift system.
The City of Utica also plans to transform Val Bialas into a “year-round destination,” using the new upgrades to attract hikers, bikers, and snowshoers, Buttenschon’s office said.
“Watching the progress being made at the Val Bialas Center is truly exciting. I skied here, I taught my children to ski here, and I look forward to returning
SUNY Canton hosts 2nd North Country Launch Day for student entrepreneurs
BY JOURNAL STAFF news@cnybj.com
CANTON — Enterprising students from area North Country colleges and universities got together at the second North Country Launch Day at SUNY Canton in early November.
Launch Day is a collaborative, daylong event, designed to spark entrepreneurial thinking and hands-on learning. Organized by SUNY Canton and Clarkson University’s Shipley Center for Innovation, this challenge on Nov. 7 brought together diverse teams from Jefferson Community College, St. Lawrence University, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Potsdam, and the two host institutions.
Open to students from all majors, the event reflects a shared effort to strengthen the region’s innovation culture, deepen cross-campus collaboration, and build practical problem-solving skills that benefit North Country communities, according to a SUNY Canton announcement.
This year’s theme focused on environmental issues affecting the St. Lawrence River and local freshwater ecosystems —
an area central to the region’s quality of life, economy, and long-term sustainability.
Opening remarks at North Country Launch Day were given by James Merrill, a St. Lawrence University graduate and Forbes Entrepreneur of Impact nominee.
Interdisciplinary teams practiced using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help them refine ideas faster, test assumptions, design early prototypes, and strengthen their problem-solving skills — giving them hands-on experience with technologies shaping modern entrepreneurship and helping the region build a more future-ready workforce.
The North Country Launch Day teams included students from a mix of the participating colleges and universities, allowing them to share varied perspectives and skill sets as they worked together to develop their business pitches.
to watch the community enjoy this wonderful location within the City of Utica,” Buttenschon noted.
Her office says Buttenschon secured the funding for the project during a 2023 tour of the district with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D–Bronx). He had travelled
to the district for a news conference with Buttenschon, overseeing the distribution of $1 million she secured for local first-responder recruitment and retention efforts. The assemblywoman used the opportunity to advocate for funding for the municipal-owned ski center, per her office. n
that matter. These experiences prepare our students for real-world innovation,” Lenore VanderZee, SUNY Canton VP for strategic relations and communications, said in the announcement..
SeaComm Federal Credit Union sponsored North Country Launch Day, as well as Empire State Development through its Innovation Hot Spot Program.
SUNY Canton leadership praised the collaborative spirit and hands-on learning that the event fosters.
“Launch Day is higher education at its best — students working across disciplines, across institutions and on problems
Matthew Gattus, a cybersecurity major from SUNY Canton, said his team was in the process of writing their pitch for the final presentation about microplastics in the St. Lawrence River. “We’re focusing on repurposing microplastics taken out of wastewater,” he said in the announcement. “Our business model involves collecting microplastic waste, repurposing it, and then selling the materials to produce items such as filament for 3D printers, nanotubes for chips, and components for batteries.”
Clarkson University’s Shipley Center for Innovation echoed the significance of the day.
“The North Country is becoming a hub for sustainability-focused innovation, and Launch Day gives students a platform to build skills, confidence, and solutions for the future,” said Shipley Center Director Jamey Hoose.
Students are encouraged to continue developing their ideas — or any other entrepreneurial idea they wish to pursue — with support from the Shipley Center for Innovation and the North Country Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SUNY Canton.
Next March, interested students can pitch in the first round of the New York State Business Plan Competition (NYSBPC), hosted by Clarkson University, which serves as the next major opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to present their work. Winners from the March competition will go on to compete in the statewide NYSBPC, taking place in April, where up to $50,000 in prizes will be awarded.
More information on North Country Launch Day and future events is available at: nocolaunchday.com. n
Officials on Nov. 24 broke ground on a renovation project at Utica’s Val Bialas Ski Center.
PHOTO CREDIT: OFFICE OF ASSEMBLYWOMAN MARIANNE BUTTENSCHON
SUNY Canton student Owen Brace works with his team on a Launch Day project. Each team was comprised of students from multiple colleges and universities to encourage networking.
PHOTO CREDIT: SUNY CANTON WEBSITE
How CH took a promise and turned it into a 25 Year Legacy and Beyond
Twenty-five years ago, CH Insurance opened its doors with a simple but powerful belief: insurance isn’t about policies — it’s about people. What began as a small, service-driven agency in the heart of Syracuse has grown into one of Upstate New York’s most known, liked, and trusted partners in commercial and personal insurance, group benefits, and risk management. Today, as CH celebrates its 25th anniversary, the mission remains as clear as ever: Be in your corner. Every time. All the time. Without exception.
From day one, the Convertino family built CH Insurance on cornerstone values that never go out of style — conversation, collaboration, change, and the relentless commitment to the communities we live in and serve. But what has carried CH forward for a quarter-century is not tradition alone. It’s the willingness to evolve, innovate, and anticipate what clients need long before they ask for it.
“When we started CH, we wanted to create an agency where people felt truly taken care of,” reflects CEO Joe Convertino, Sr. “In Your Corner was never a slogan to us. It was — and is — a promise. Our team lives that promise every single day.”
Over the last 25 years, CH has grown into a fivestar, full-service agency known for its forward-thinking approach to risk, benefits strategy, and client experi-
ence. From the rise of cyber liability to redefining group benefits in a post-pandemic workforce with BOOST (Benefits Optimization for Small Business Teams), CH has consistently helped companies stay ahead of the curve. The secret? A team that blends deep expertise with people-centered care — and a culture that puts relationships at the center of every decision.
President Joe Convertino, Jr. says it best: “It’s easy to talk about service. It’s harder to build a team that delivers unforgettable experiences every day. Our people are the reason we’re still here 25 years later — and they’re the reason the next 25 will be even better.”
As CH steps into its next chapter, the vision is bold: elevate innovation, expand capabilities, and continue raising the standard of service across Upstate New York and beyond. With new investments in technology, benefits consulting, client education, and risk-management tools, CH is doubling down on its commitment to stay ahead of an ever-changing world. Senior Vice President of Sales, John Sereno affirms “the more AI is leveraged in any industry including insurance, the more we believe clients want to balance that with person-to-person connection and conversation.”
As CH grows, its heart remains exactly where it began — with people, community, and doing business the right way. The agency’s community partnerships, charitable
involvement, and unwavering support of local businesses reflect a belief the Convertinos have championed from the start: success is better when shared.
The next 25 years will bring new challenges, new risks, and new opportunities. But one thing will never change. CH Insurance will always be exactly where it’s been since 1999 — in your corner.
Here’s to 25 years of trust, teamwork, and taking care of people — and to the next 25 years of serving with heart, excellence, and innovation. Happy Holidays from all of us on the CH Insurance team!
CONSTRUCTION/ DESIGN/REAL ESTATE
Point Place Casino in Bridgeport formally adds new hotel, restaurant, event space
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
SULLIVAN — Point Place Casino has officially added a 99-room hotel, a farm-to-fork restaurant The Forest Grill, Birch Trading Co., and a group event space to the property in the Bridgeport area of the town of Sullivan in Madison County.
The Point Place Casino Hotel, which is part of the $50 million investment, is “designed to be a gathering place for the Bridgeport community and to support regional tourism,” the Oneida Indian Nation said in its announcement. The Nation formally opened the expansion during an event on Nov. 17.
New offerings from the expansion include a double-insize casino floor with more than 900 slot machines; a reimagined Fireside Lounge; an updated Perfect Pour Café; The Evergreen, which is described as a 1,500-square-foot event space; and expanded parking capacity.
The formal-opening event brought together Oneida Indian Nation leadership, elected officials, labor partners, business leaders, and community representatives to commemorate the opening. The gathering included the unveiling of an updated Point Place Casino Hotel logo
over the original log used for a ceremonial log cutting to mark the property’s grand opening in 2018.
“This expansion is the largest reinvestment we have made in Point Place, adding new experiences and amenities to the property, while keeping in place everything that has made it
so beloved by our guests and the community,” Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises, said. “We are incredibly proud of our team and the support this Point Place Casino Hotel has received from the community — it is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together and invest in our future.”
“This hotel is not just stone, glass and timber,” Jim Cunningham, chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, said in the announcement. “It is a vision made real, ready to lift this region into a new era of growth and opportunity. Jobs created here are not merely positions to be filled; they are lifelines for families.”
Hayner Hoyt Corporation of Syracuse completed the original Point Place Casino construction nearly eight years ago, and says it has returned five times to expand it, including the latest expansion.
“This property has not stopped growing since it opened in 2018… and it’s been remarkable to see how much excitement this facility has brought to the area,” Hayner Hoyt President Jeremy Thurston said in the announcement. “The Oneida Indian Nation has been so important to the prosperity of our region, and we are just one of the many businesses that have been impacted and fortunate enough to benefit from that partnership.” n
Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises, on Nov. 17 spoke to the gathering at Point Place Casino in the Bridgeport area of the Madison County town of Sullivan.
PHOTO CREDIT: POINT PLACE CASINO
The exterior of the Point Place Casino Hotel, which was part of a $50 million investment in the casino property in the Bridgeport area of the town of Sullivan in Madison County.
PHOTO CREDIT: POINT PLACE CASINO
New Watertown International Airport terminal opens
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
HOUNSFIELD — Construction crews have completed their work on the new terminal at the Watertown International Airport.
The 25,000-square-foot terminal was built as part of an ongoing redevelopment of the airport. It includes a lobby, upgraded ticketing and baggage-claim areas, a new passenger jet bridge, and other amenities, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in its Nov. 14 announcement.
The project is viewed as one that will “boost tourism, foster increased economic activity and create a seamless travel experience for residents and visitors,” the governor’s office said. The airport redevelopment was supported by a $28 million award from the governor’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition.
The airport serves as a gateway for destinations that include the Thousand Islands and Fort Drum.
Watertown International Airport was one of nine Upstate airports award-
ed a total of $230 million in the latest round of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition funding that Hochul announced in the fall of 2022. The awards are intended to “promote, revitalize, and accelerate” investments in Upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century.
“By investing in airports, we are putting Upstate communities on the runway toward economic prosperity and better quality of life,” the governor contended. “This new terminal at the Watertown International Airport gives the North Country the first-class travel hub it deserves and will create a welcoming environment for passengers traveling through its spacious confines, including the many soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Drum who frequently use this airport.”
The new terminal was constructed next to the airport’s obsolete original terminal, which was built in 1947 and lacked proper amenities, including a passenger jet bridge and adequate waiting areas. Passengers had to board and deplane directly on the tarmac, often braving snow and freezing
temperatures, per Hochul’s office.
New features include a lobby, modern ticketing and baggage claim areas, expanded passenger waiting areas, a dedicated car rental counter, and — for the first time — a passenger jet bridge connecting directly to aircraft.
Starting this winter, crews will begin the work to reimagine the original terminal to include a new restaurant, offices, and classroom/event spaces, with a connector joining the two buildings. The
revitalization project is expected to cost approximately $33 million and be completed by spring 2026.
Established in 1928, and located in the town of Hounsfield, Watertown International Airport is owned by Jefferson County and handles more than 23,000 enplanements per year. The governor’s office cited a recent report that indicates the airport helps generate more than $29.4 million in annual economic activity. n
LeChase adds senior project manager in Binghamton
BY JOURNAL STAFF news@cnybj.com
BINGHAMTON — LeChase Construction Services, LLC recently hired Sam Pomerantz as a senior project manager, based in Binghamton.
In this role, Pomerantz will manage, develop, maintain, and oversee all functions of assigned projects at the
preconstruction, construction, and post-construction phases, the firm said in a Nov. 5 announcement. That includes safety, construction planning, and cost-control procedures.
Pomerantz has more than 10 years of experience in construction and project management, working with a variety of other firms prior to joining LeChase. In those roles, he delivered numerous
commercial, institutional, and residential projects for high-profile clients.
Pomerantz earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic media from George Washington University and a LEED Green Associate certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, LeChase said. He has also completed the OSHA 10-hour training course and is actively involved in many industry associations.
Founded in 1944, LeChase is a full-service construction management and general construction firm, headquartered in the Rochester area. It has additional offices across New York state, as well as locations in New Jersey, Maryland, and North Carolina. The firm’s Binghamton office is located in the Kilmer Building at 31 Lewis St. n Pomerantz
The new 25,000-square-foot terminal at Watertown International Airport is now open. PHOTO CREDIT: NEW YORK STATE
BelGioioso Cheese to expand operations near Elmira, Capital Region
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
CAMPBELL — A Green Bay, Wisconsin–based cheesemaker plans to spend more than $23 million at its facilities in Campbell in Steuben County and in Glenville in Schenectady County.
BelGioioso Cheese, Inc. will upgrade and expand operations, committing to creating at least 30 new jobs between the two sites, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Nov. 20.
In addition to the direct job-creation goals, the expansion will use an additional 100 million pounds of milk from New York State’s dairy farmers. Empire State Development has agreed to support the project with up to $1.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs program tax credits, Hochul’s office said.
In 2021, BelGioioso Cheese purchased the Polly-O brand and its plant in Campbell, northwest of Elmira. The Campbell facility was constructed in 1938 and as part of this project is undergoing upgrades to its existing infrastructure, including the addition of product lines to allow
continued growth.
The Steuben County Industrial Development Agency is also providing assistance for the project. Now underway, the upgrades at both facilities are expected to be completed by late 2027.
“The Polly-O brand has a long and meaningful history in New York, and the Auricchio family has been dedicated to traditional cheesemaking for generations. The quality of milk produced in New York and the strong support from State and local partners make it possible for us to continue growing our operations here,” Timothy Cronin, general manager of Polly-O, said in the state’s announcement. “We look forward to expanding our facilities, adding jobs, and strengthening our long-standing relationships with New York dairy farmers so we can honor both the BelGioioso and Polly-O cheesemaking traditions for generations to come.”
Founded in 1979, BelGioioso Cheese operates 11 plants that make more than 30 varieties of Italian cheeses.
BelGioioso brands took home seven medals at the dairy competition held at the 2025 State Fair, Hochul’s office noted. They included three first place gold medals for
Work starts on redevelopment of former school in Eastwood
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
SYRACUSE — Crews have begun work on the redevelopment of the former William Howard Taft School, located in the Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse.
Skinner Properties, located at 2649 James St. in Syracuse, is handling the effort. The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) on Nov. 12 announced a $4.5 million construction loan for Skinner Properties as it pursues the project.
When completed, the more-than-century old, three-story building will become a 28-unit multifamily rental property offering a mix of six one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom apartments.
Built in 1907 and closed in 1964, the Taft School has been an Eastwood fixture for generations, CPC said. In 2023, Skinner Properties purchased the building from American Legion Post 1276, which had occupied the property since the 1970s.
“We’re proud to support the transformation of the former William Howard Taft School into quality housing
for the Eastwood community,” Jaime Tuozzolo, SVP and regional director of the CPC, said in the announcement. “This project is a great example of how thoughtful development projects can breathe new life into historic buildings while addressing the need to grow our housing stock and revitalize our community. We thank Skinner Properties, the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, and all of our partners for their collaboration and commitment to this important work.”
CPC will also provide a commitment for permanent financing in addition to its construction loan. The project also received a $140,000 grant from the Onondaga County Housing Initiative Program (O-CHIP). O-CHIP was created to incentivize private-sector investment in housing development across Onondaga County to help close funding gaps and stimulate new construction of market-rate, senior, affordable, and mixed-income housing.
“This building has been part of the Eastwood neighborhood for over a century, and we’re excited to give it a new purpose that meets the needs of today’s residents,” Stephen Skinner, owner of Skinner Properties, said. “We’re grateful for CPC’s support and for the County’s
investment through O-CHIP, which helps make this redevelopment possible.”
Craig Polhamus, of Fayetteville, is serving as the project architect. GMB Consulting Engineer, PC, of Camillus, is the project engineer.
Based in New York City, CPC is a nonprofit, multifamily finance company that was founded in 1974 to provide financial and technical resources to stabilize and revitalize communities. CPC has a Central New York office at 315 N. Clinton St. in Syracuse. n
Syracuse mayor names infrastructure public information officer
BY JOURNAL STAFF
news@cnybj.com
SYRACUSE — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh on Dec. 2 announced the appointment of Adavia Fudge as infrastructure public information officer.
As part of the City Communications Office, Fudge will be responsible for public information and communication activities supporting the city’s Departments of Public Works, Engineering, Water, and Cityline.
In this position, Fudge will develop, produce, and distribute public-information communications and content for web, print, and social media related to activities, public projects, and infrastructure initiatives. That includes roads, sewers, pedestrian traffic, and public spaces. She will produce content to proactively educate and engage constituents, media, and stakeholders in ongoing and
upcoming infrastructure projects including road reconstruction, sidewalk repair, snow removal, and Interstate 81 construction.
Fudge most recently worked as a processing technician for Acreage Holdings, assisting with quality control, production, supply tracking, and compliance. She also served as the company’s liaison to organized labor. Fudge also has experience as a leasing and marketing manager at Theory Syracuse and University Village Apartments. In both roles, Fudge provided marketing, communications, and social-media strategy in addition to property management.
Fudge received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Medaille College, is a graduate of the Syracuse Surge Advanced Manufacturing certificate program, and holds an additional certificate from SUNY ATTAIN’s Career Skills program.
Polly-O low moisture whole milk string cheese; Polly-O New York style impastata; and Cappiello natural hickory smoked fresh mozzarella. n
An aerial photo of the Glenville (Schenectady County) plant of Green Bay, Wisconsin–based BelGioioso Cheese. The company has plans to expand both its Schenectady County and Steuben County plants.
PHOTO CREDIT: BELGIOIOSO CHEESE VIA NYS WEBSITE
The former William Howard Taft School is located in the Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse.
Adavia Fudge
PHOTO CREDIT: SYRACUSE MAYOR’S OFFICE
East Adams Neighborhood Transformation Plan work proceeds
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
SYRACUSE — East Adams
Phase I is a $102 million affordable and mixed-income housing development that will create 132 modern, energy-efficient homes in the city of Syracuse.
It’s the start of the East Adams Neighborhood Transformation Plan, representing the first step in a comprehensive reinvestment strategy led by the Syracuse Housing Authority, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Dec. 3. Officials broke ground on the project that same day.
East Adams Phase I replaces the “outdated” McKinney Manor public-housing complex and “represents a major step toward reconnecting the neighborhood as the State advances the plan to remove the city’s elevated
Interstate 81 [I-81],” the governor’s office contended.
Crews will build the development on the former McKinney Manor site, an aging public-housing complex with more than $17 million in deferred maintenance.
Following demolition, the complex will be rebuilt with six new residential buildings, including two mid-rise apartment buildings and four townhome buildings.
“We are proud to deliver on the promise made to East Adams families — high-quality, affordable housing supported by stronger infrastructure and the modern amenities this community deserves,” Allyson Carpenter, VP of developer McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS), said. “At MBS, we know real transformation only happens through deep partnership. Phase 1 is proof of what’s possible when residents,
public and private partners move forward with a shared vision. Our collective commitment has made this milestone real and laid the groundwork for the neighborhood’s next chapter.”
The completed project will include 117 apartments affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income. It will also include 63 units supported by Section 8 project-based vouchers administered by the Syracuse Housing Authority.
All residents who temporarily relocate during construction will have a guaranteed right to return in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Uniform Relocation Act.
State financing for East Adams phase I includes state and federal low-income housing tax credits that will generate $42 million in equity and $45 million in subsidies from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Empire State Development is providing an $8 million subsidy loan. The Syracuse Housing Authority and City of Syracuse are allocating $2.1 million of their HUD CNI grant award to phase 1, along with an additional $500,000 in city bond funds. Onondaga County provided $400,000 in predevelopment funds for the design of the public infrastructure.
“As someone who grew up in public housing, I know what a stable and affordable home
Work continues on Dana Lyon Apartments project in Bath
BY JOURNAL STAFF news@cnybj.com
BATH — Pike Construction Services says its crews are making major headway in renovating and transforming the former Dana Lyon Elementary School building in the village of Bath (Steuben County) into the Dana Lyon Apartments.
It’s a nearly 50-unit, mixed-use development that will include affordable and supportive housing.
In a Dec. 3 Facebook post, titled “Exciting progress at the Dana Lyon Apartments,” the Rochester–based construction company said, “This former school is well on its way to becoming beautiful new homes. Sidewalks and binder are in place for winter, most windows are installed, and exterior masonry restoration is nearly done. Playground features and permanent fencing are also wrapping up before the cold hits.”
Project background
Pike continued, “Inside, finishes are moving fast — first apartments are almost ready for final walkthroughs! Still on track for a Summer 2026 opening.”
In November 2024, the office of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced it had awarded Providence Housing Development Corporation $1.9 million to develop eight units of permanent supportive housing in Bath for individuals with serious mental illness or substance-use disorder who have experienced homelessness.
Part of a larger project, the Dana Lyon Apartments involves the preservation and adaptive reuse of the elementary school building. It will offer on-site laundry facilities, service office space, a management office, exercise room, community room, playground and outdoor greenspace, per the announcement. The completed project will also feature commercial space that will be leased for the operation of a community arts center. Support services will be provided by Catholic Charities Steuben/ Livingston on site and through other community organizations via linkage agree-
can mean for a family,” William Simmons, executive director of the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA), said in the state’s announcement. “For more than a decade, SHA has worked alongside our residents to make sure this project moved forward, but their patience and commitment are what truly made it possible. The belief they have shown in the future of this neighborhood is the reason we are standing here today. Phase 1 is more than new construction. It reflects our promise that the families who built this community will be the ones who benefit from its growth. Bringing more affordable housing to Syracuse is essential for the city’s future, and I am proud that we are taking this step together.”
The East Adams Neighborhood Transformation Plan is an 11-phase project spanning 118 acres across 27 blocks and will ultimately build or preserve about 1,500 high-quality
homes at multiple SHA properties.
It stands as one of the “most significant redevelopment projects in Syracuse history,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in the state’s announcement.
“We are excited to stand alongside our partners to celebrate the financial closing and start of vertical construction for Phase I, a first of many,” Walsh said. “In keeping with the community-driven goals for the project, this phase will honor the historical significance of the 15th Ward, increase housing affordability and density in the city, enhance neighborhood connectivity, and reimagine economic opportunity for the new East Adams neighborhood.”
The redevelopment aligns with the state’s effort to remove the I-81 viaduct and replace it with a surface boulevard, “reconnecting the East Adams neighborhood to downtown Syracuse for the first time in decades,” Hochul’s office noted. n
ments, the governor’s office said. Pike Construction Services offers pre-construction, construction, design-build, self-perform, development, and
A rendering of the first phase of the East Adams Neighborhood Transformation Plan in Syracuse.
PHOTO CREDIT: NYS HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL X PAGE
With shovels in hand, state and local officials on Wednesday, Dec. 3 tossed the dirt in a groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the East Adams Neighborhood Transformation Plan. PHOTO CREDIT: NYS HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL X PAGE
facility services, according to its website. The firm has additional offices in Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Buffalo, as well as Orlando, Florida, according to its website.
The former Dana Lyon Elementary School building in Bath (Steuben County) is being transformed into the Dana Lyon Apartments.
PHOTO CREDIT: PIKE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FACEBOOK PAGE
Pyramid Management Group secures loans for Albany properties
BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com
SYRACUSE — The owner and operator of Destiny USA in Syracuse says it has secured a new five-year, $193 million CMBS (commercial mortgage-backed security) loan package for Crossgates Mall near Albany.
In addition, Pyramid Management Group of Syracuse recently closed on a $13.8 million CMBS loan for its adjacent property, Crossgates Commons, which is home to the largest Walmart Supercenter in the U.S., Home Depot, Michael’s, Urban Air, TJ Maxx, Planet Fitness, and Panera Bread.
Pyramid describes itself as one of the largest, privately held shopping-center developers in the Northeast.
The new Crossgates Mall loan will allow Pyramid to continue to reinvest
in the property and “ensure its vitality, vibrancy, and sustained success” in New York’s Capital Region, per its announcement.
“Crossgates Mall continues to demonstrate exceptional strength and resilience, maintaining 90% occupancy and generating $636 in sales per square foot.” Stephen Congel, CEO of Pyramid Management Group, said in the announcement. “Our continued focus on strategic innovation and enhancing the overall guest experience has enabled us to successfully secure new, long-term financing for this property. We are committed to building on this momentum in the years to come and remain focused on sustaining the vitality, competitiveness, and market leadership of Crossgates Mall. In the months ahead, we anticipate announcing additional retail, dining, and entertainment offerings that will further strengthen the property’s po-
COR secures four new tenants for former Price Chopper site in Clay
BY ERIC REINHARDT
ereinhardt@cnybj.com
CLAY — COR Development expects it will be the fall of 2026 when four new retail tenants will move into the space that was previously occupied by a Price Chopper store along Route 31 in the town of Clay.
The project will turn the former Price Chopper building into a multi-tenant re-
Syracuse
BY JOURNAL STAFF news@cnybj.com
tail operation that will include four “wellknown” and new-to-market national retailers, COR Development said in its Wednesday, Dec. 3 announcement.
Ross Dress for Less will occupy nearly 26,000 square feet, while Sierra Trading will operate in a space spanning 18,410 square feet. At the same time, Boot Barn will occupy a nearly 12,500-square-foot space, and Five Below will do business in a space covering 10,349 square feet.
sition in the region.”
Pyramid describes Crossgates Mall and Crossgates Commons as “significant em-
ployment drivers” in the Capital Region, with nearly 3,000 people employed by Pyramid and its tenants. n
The new tenants are moving into COR Center, which is located along Route 31, just west of the Route 481 interchange in Clay.
The redevelopment plan includes new façades, upgraded site improvements, and improved walkability throughout the property. Construction is currently underway, COR Development said.
The company says it will share updates and announcements on the COR
Development website and social-media channels in the months leading up to the grand openings.
COR Center spans more than 515,000 square feet of retail, services, and dining space across a 100-acre site with 1,000 linear feet of road frontage, COR said. It is home to other major national tenants including Target, The Home Depot, Kohl’s, T.J. Maxx, Old Navy, Ulta, and PetSmart. n
apartment rent prices for one-bedroom units jump in November
SYRACUSE — The median rental price for most apartments in the Syracuse metro area jumped nearly 12 percent in November from a year ago and rose 6 percent from the prior month.
That’s according to the latest Zumper National Rent Report, which was issued on Nov. 24.
The median rental price of one-bedroom apartments in the Syracuse region was $1,420 in November, up 6
percent from $1,340 in October, and 11.8 percent higher than the $1,270 median rent seen in November 2024, according to Zumper, an apartment rental-listings website.
The Syracuse rental market posted the second-highest year-over-year increase in median one-bedroom rent among the 100 largest markets in the U.S. Only San Francisco, California experienced a bigger rise in rent in the same period.
The median rental rate for two-bedroom units in the Syracuse area was $1,600 this November, up 6 percent from $1,510 in both October and the year-earlier month.
Syracuse now ranks as tied for the 39th most expensive rental market among the top 100 metro areas by population, according to the Zumper report.
Zumper’s National Rent Index showed
the fifth straight month of flat or declining rental rates across the board: one-bedroom median rent decreased 0.7 percent in November to $1,501, while two-bedroom rents fell 0.4 percent to $1,880. On an annual basis, one and two-bedroom prices are down 2.2 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively.
The Zumper National Rent Report analyzes rental data from more than 1 million active listings across the U.S. The company aggregates the data monthly to calculate median asking rents for the 100 largest regions. n
An aerial photo of Crossgates Mall near Albany. PHOTO CREDIT: PYRAMID MANAGEMENT GROUP
A rendering of the former Price Chopper location along Route 31 in Clay, which COR Development says will have four new tenants in the fall of 2026.
RENDERING CREDIT: COR DEVELOPMENT
COR Development says four tenants will take over the now former Price Chopper location along Route 31 in Clay. PHOTO CREDIT: ZOEYADVERTISING.COM
1.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Ranked by No. of Licensed Landscape Architects (LAs) in CNY
Appel Osborne Landscape Architecture
102 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 476-1022/appelosborne.com
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120 E. Washington St. Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 422-4822/fisherassoc.com
EDR 217 Montgomery St., Suite 1100 Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 471-0688/edrdpc.com
4. Keplinger Freeman Associates
6230 Fly Road, Suite 109 East Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 445-7980/keplingerfreeman.com
5. Barton & Loguidice
443 Electronics Parkway Liverpool, NY 13088 (315) 457-5200/bartonandloguidice.com
6. Beardsley Architects + Engineers
64 South St. Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 253-7301/beardsley.com
. A. J. Miller Landscape Architecture, PLLC 1833 James St. Syracuse, NY 13206 (315) 432-4626/ajmillerla.com
. QPK Design Architecture, Engineering, Site + Planning 450 South Salina Street, Suite 500 Syracuse, NY 13201 (315) 472-7806/qpkdesign.com
9. Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt 5710 Commons Park Drive East Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 446-9201/khhpc.com
. Terry Horst Landscape Architecture, PC 306 Hawley Ave. Syracuse, NY 13203 (315) 472-2461/ thorstlandscapearch.com
. Delta Engineers, Architects, Land Surveyors, & Landscape Architects, DPC 860 Hooper Road Endwell, NY 13760 (607) 231-6663/delta-eas.com
12 7 22 graphic production, site-selection services, master planning, environmental and agency compliance, LEED accreditation, outdoor athletic-complex design, site engineering, construction documents, construction administration
8 11 29 landscape-architecture concepts and design; comprehensive municipal, parks, and campus master planning; wayfinding signage and design guidelines; local waterfront revitalization & brownfield-redevelopment planning; trail and greenway design
8 3 96 site analysis & design, historic landscape assessment, recreational trails, waterfront planning & design, site grading & engineering, stormwater management, water supply & sewer systems, vehicular & pedestrian systems, green infrastructure, sustainable landscapes
5 4 9 comprehensive site planning and design solutions for a wide range of projects, including higher education institutions, public schools, hospitality venues, campuses, senior housing, luxury and affordable apartments, mixed-use developments, municipal enhancements, healthcare and professional buildings, as well as recreational and park facilities
3 0 235 recreational trail design, active transportation studies, streetscape improvements, urban design and revitalization, athletic facilities, community planning, recreational parks & open space, complete streets design, stormwater management and green infrastructure design, waterfront improvements & revitalization, outdoor learning and play environments, public outreach and engagement
2 1 60 landscape-site design, permitting, stormwater management, SWPPP inspections, accessibility upgrades, sustainable-site design, and LEED compliance
2 0 2 exclusive landscape-design services for high-end residential projects, bespoke commercial projects; therapeutic-healing gardens for healthcare profession, memorial gardens, parks, and bespoke playgrounds
2 1 60 master planning & land-use controls, urban planning, campus planning, sustainable design, site programming, site selection, inventory & analysis, site design, landscape design, green storm-water infrastructure design, 3D modeling
1 2 12 site planning, property analysis for site selection, site-plan reviews, planting design, retaining-wall design, hydrology studies, loading-dock repairs/modifications, erosion and sediment-control plans, surface parking lot repairs/improvements, construction-sequencing plans, accessible building-entrance design, code-compliance reviews, civilengineering services
1 1 1 site-design development: construction documents and observation; athletic-field design; concept-site plan studies; playgrounds, parks, parking lots, walking paths
1 1 94 site planning, greenway & transportation systems, streetscapes, community planning & design, urban design, stormwater management, erosion & sediment control plans, green infrastructure & green roofs, planting design, therapeutic gardens & health-care facilities, campus design, park master planning, environmental assessments, construction support
THE LIST
Research by Vance Marriner vmarriner@cnybj.com (315) 579-3911 Twitter: @cnybjresearch
Vincent P. Pietrzak, Partner Timothy D. Bonaparte, Partner Cory Jenner, Partner
1984
Jo Anne Gagliano, President Thomas Dussing, VP, Director of Engineering Michael Tamblin, Principal 1979
Edward Keplinger, Partner Scott Freeman, Partner 1994
UPCOMING LISTS:
January 12 Skilled-Nursing Facilities
John F. Brusa, Jr., President & CEO1961
Joseph S. Kime, President1898
Anthony James Miller, Principal Mariane Louise Wheatley-Miller, Senior Designer & Project Manager 2002
Vincent Nicotra, Partner
Michael P. O'Shea, Partner Matthew P. Klucznik, Partner Erin M. Primerano, Partner Andrew M. Wright, Partner Jacob M. Levine, Partner Joseph M. Cavender, Partner 1958
James A. D'Aloisio, President, Managing Partner
James A. Palumbo, VP, Treasurer 1950
Terry D. Horst, Principal 1960
Gabe R. Osterhout, President & CEO
James R. McDuffee, Senior VP & COO
Richard R. Sanguinito, VP/Director of Facilities Services
Anthony R. Paniccia, President & CEO 1976
January 19
Employee-Benefits Consultants/Property & Casualty Insurers
ABOUT THE LIST
Information was provided by representatives of listed organizations and their websites. Other groups may have been eligible but did not respond to our requests for information. Organizations had to complete the survey by the deadline to be included on the list. While The Business Journal strives to print accurate information, it is not possible to independently verify all data submitted. We reserve the right to edit entries or delete categories for space considerations.
Central New York consists of Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties.
WANT TO BE ON THE
LIST?
If your company would like to be considered for next year’s list, or another list, please email: vmarriner@cnybj.com
Roseann Schmid, CEO
The Central New York BUSINESS JOURNAL
Digital I Print I Events I Data
DECEMBER 15, 2025
VOL. XXXVIII, NO. 44
NEWS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Adam Rombel arombel@cnybj.com
STAFF WRITER
Eric Reinhardt ereinhardt@cnybj.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Erin Zehr ewebb@cnybj.com
RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Vance Marriner vmarriner@cnybj.com
COLUMNISTS
Will Barclay
Russell Gloor
Lee Hamilton
Kelly Bailey kbailey@cnybj.com
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Raviv Nesher (315) 579-3927
circulation@cnybj.com
ADMINISTRATIVE
PUBLISHER
Marny Nesher mnesher@cnybj.com
OFFICE MANAGER
Patty Martino officemanager@cnybj.com
Any Plans to Raise New York’s Taxes Must Be Wholly Rejected
New York State’s economic climate is toxic, and any talk about exacerbating our existing tax burden must be met with fervent skepticism. Since New York City elected socialist Zohran Mamdani to be mayor, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s tone on taxes has become suspiciously ambiguous. Despite making claims to the contrary, it is clear the door is open for a tax hike.
The progressive wing of the state’s Democratic Party is quick to point out their tax plans are aimed at wealthy New Yorkers, and the dialogue around any potential tax hike appears to be limited to corporations. Don’t be fooled, though. It’s already a massive uphill battle attracting and retaining job-creating businesses here, and as outmigration continues to plague our tax base, revenue-hungry progressives will turn to everyday New Yorkers to make up the difference while businesses inevitably flee. The number of residents moving out of New York state exceeded the number of those moving in by about 900,000 from 2021 to 2024, which
included net losses of close to 300,000 each in 2021 and 2022.
It is beyond brazen for the liberal Democrat camp to even insinuate a tax hike, considering New York’s cartoonishly broken tax system. According to the Tax Foundation, the Empire State ranks dead last in overall tax competitiveness. This is likely due to the fact that New York suffers the worst individual income-tax rates, 47th worst property-tax rates and 42nd worst sales-tax rates. How could you even begin to consider compounding this crisis with additional tax hikes? It is ridiculous to even entertain the notion.
“To us, affordability is more than a buzzword. The governor is quick to toss that word around, but her actions do little to back up her words.”
catered food, and food sold at food courts from state sales tax. Under my bill, localities would also be permitted to follow suit. Additionally, Assemblyman Ra, our conference’s ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee, sponsors bill A.8752, which would exempt the first $50,000 of income for businesses that employ fewer than 20 employees from being taxed.
The Central New York Business Journal (ISSN #1050-3005) is published every week by CNY Business Review, Inc. All contents copyrighted 2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Cover Price $3.00 Subscription Rate $95 per year Call (315) 579-3927
The Assembly Minority Conference wholly rejects Albany’s tax-and-spend mentality. That’s why I introduced bill A.7417, which eliminates the state’s portion of sales tax on motor fuel and diesel fuel, exempts household products from state sales tax, exempts personal-care products from state sales tax and exempts ready-to-eat foods sold at grocery stores, restaurants, diners, taverns, food trucks,
Our system of checks and balances needs attention
Checks and balances are essential to our representative democracy. Under our system of government, the legislative, executive, and judicial branches provide balance and prevent each other from growing too powerful.
The American people have supported this arrangement.
My concern is that the checks and balances have eroded. The system is under strain, and this feature of our government requires more attention than it gets.
The battle is not lost; we still have three branches of government. Congress and the courts sometimes rise to the occasion and limit what the executive branch can do. But the growing power of the presidency has become a real problem. It’s time to raise an alarm flag about the direction in which our nation is going.
America’s founders were learned men who thought seriously about the purpose and structure of government. Drawing on the work of French political theorist Montesquieu and others, they crafted a constitution that assigns the powers of government to distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
But separation of powers wasn’t enough to ensure liberty, James Madison wrote in one of his influential essays known as the Federalist Papers, and each branch of
government needed to check the others. “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition,” he wrote, recognizing that presidents, legislators, and judges would try to expand their power.
Under the Constitution, the president can check the legislative branch by vetoing legislation. Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote. Courts can declare legislation and executive action unconstitutional. The president appoints judges, and the Senate confirms them. Congress can approve or reject spending.
Congress also has an important role in overseeing the executive branch. As I explained in a recent commentary, congressional oversight can inform the American people about the workings of government, establish guardrails against presidential overreach, and expose misconduct. Unfortunately, that kind of oversight has too often become an afterthought.
The system of checks and balances has served us well, but it has always been a source of tension. New presidents take office with big ideas. They want to get things done, and they don’t want Congress and the courts to put up roadblocks. The growing importance of foreign affairs and other factors has increased presidential power, a trend the historian Arthur Schlesinger wrote about 50 years ago in his book “The Imperial Presidency.”
It’s true that, in today’s world, events sometimes call for a quick response, and the executive branch is best suited for that. But we shouldn’t forget that the Constitution
To us, affordability is more than a buzzword. The governor is quick to toss that word around, but her actions do little to back up her words. New York, by most every measure, is not affordable. If we are going to restore our state to the financial capital of the world, we should start by making it desirable for residents, visitors, investors, and businesses, alike. Right now, it is far from it, and the governor is doing little to change that unfortunate reality. n
William (Will) A. Barclay, 56, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.
gives the legislative branch an important role in foreign affairs. Congress enacts laws and provides funding for military action and diplomacy. The Senate must ratify treaties. Importantly, only Congress can declare war. The founders put Congress first in the Constitution because it would be the branch that would be closest to the people.
President Donald Trump has challenged our system of checks and balances. He shows little appreciation for Congress and the courts and seems to expect them to defer to him. He governs by executive order, uses government to punish his adversaries, and acts audaciously without consulting Congress.
With Trump’s fellow Republicans in the majority, the legislative branch often puts up little resistance. The Supreme Court has also been deferential, often using its so-called shadow docket to greenlight the president’s actions. Fortunately, we’re starting to see signs that Congress has its limits and will push back. Hopefully, it will see the current situation not just as a challenge but as an opportunity to assert itself. Madison wrote that concentrating power in a few hands is “the very definition of tyranny.” It’s up to Congress to check the power of the executive branch, and it’s up to the American people to ensure Congress does its job. n
Lee Hamilton, 94, is a senior advisor for the Indiana University (IU) Center on Representative Government, distinguished scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, and professor of practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Hamilton, a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years (1965-1999), representing a district in south-central Indiana.
DECEMBER 22
n Project Homecoming Job & Career Fair 2025 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Oakdale Commons (Dave & Buster’s area), 601-635 Harry L Drive, Johnson City. Employers get face-to-face contact with hundreds of job seekers in one large, centrally located venue with dedicated space for employers and potential employees. No registration required for job seekers. For more information, visit: https://business.greaterbinghamtonchamber.com/ events/details/project-homecoming-job-career-fair2025-10892?calendarMonth=2025-12-01
JANUARY 7
n Dannible & McKee, LLP Annual Nonprofit Conference 2026 held virtually from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This virtual conference is designed to deliver
practical knowledge and skills to better manage your organization or serve more effectively on a board. CPE credits are available for attendees. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and make a greater impact. More information is available at: https://www.cnybj.com/event/annual-nonprofitconference-2026/. The event website is at: www.dmcpas. com/events.
JANUARY 22
n 2026 CenterState CEO Economic Forecast Breakfast from 8-9 a.m. at the Oncenter Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, 800 South State St., Syracuse. Join CenterState CEO members, business leaders, and executives for the forecast presentation. Registration & networking is at 7:30 a.m., with program & breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. Cost is $109 for members; $139 for non-members. For more information, including a registration link, visit: https://
FEBRUARY
18
n 2026 Greater Binghamton Chamber Annual Economic Forecast & Building BC Awards event from 7:30-10 a.m. at Holiday Inn Binghamton, 2-8 Hawley St., Binghamton. Registration & breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and program from 8-10 a.m. Attendees will hear from Luke Tilley, chief economist and head of economics, asset allocation and quantitative services for Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors, Inc. (WTIA), the investment advisory arm of Wilmington Trust and M&T Bank. Attendees will also hear a local housing and market update from the Greater Binghamton Association of Realtors. The morning will conclude with the Greater Binghamton Chamber’s annual Building BC Awards, celebrating innovation and growth across the region through four distinct categories. For more information and to register, visit: https://business. greaterbinghamtonchamber.com/events/details/2026-
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE NEWS
SPONSORED CONTENT
Editor’s note: Submit your People on the Move news at https://www.cnybj.com/submit/people/
CREDIT UNIONS
Geddes Federal Savings and Loan Association announced it has appointed TYLER BLANCHARD as branch manager of its Manlius location. Blanchard brings more than seven
years of banking and management experience to Geddes Federal, having previously served in a leadership role at a federal credit union. “I am excited to join the Manlius community and look forward to continuing the tradition of excellent service our customers have come to expect from
Geddes,” said Blanchard. The Manlius branch is located at 240 West Seneca St. in the Limestone Commons Plaza. Founded in 1949, Geddes Federal Savings and Loan Association has served Central New York for more than 75 years. It has branches in Geddes and Manlius. n
Ask Rusty: Is Social Security really a “good deal”?
DEAR RUSTY: You have said in the past that most people recoup their Social Security (SS) contributions within five years of starting benefits, thus Social Security “is an exceptionally good deal.” Your calculation is correct but misleading; if it were not, SS would have been insolvent long ago. I will, in fact, get “my” contributions back in about five years, but my employer’s contributions will take another five years, and that is money that my employer could have been paying me, so they are really “my” contributions. But even that ignores the time value of money. I did a calculation as if my contributions, along with those of my employer, were invested in an account earning 5 percent per year. That would provide me the equivalent of SS income for 24 years, approximately what my life expectancy was when I retired. So, it’s not a bad deal, but it is hardly exceptional. It is roughly the equivalent of me investing that money throughout my career and using the total to buy an annuity. Of course, Social Security does have the advantage of certainty, at least until it goes broke. My portfolio would not earn a steady 5 percent every year, though that is at the low end of what financial managers would expect over a long period. And it does force people to save, many of whom would otherwise make no provision for retirement.
Signed:RealisticSenior
Dear Realistic Senior: Thank you very much for your feedback on my previous article. I think it’s important to draw a distinction for SS contributions made by an employer, because that is not money the individual personally pays, but rather an obligation for employers to help fund the Social Security program. Without that federal obligation, it is doubtful that employers would, instead, provide employees with equivalent additional compensation, so the thought that these are really your contributions is not a fair assessment. Indeed, they are contributions which happen to be tied to your earnings level (to a cap), for which employers receive relief on their corporate income tax, and likely would not make if not required by law.
As you have noted, Social Security has the advantage of certainty, something which is lacking when it comes to investing the equivalent amounts in the financial markets. And, as you have hinted, there exists a substantial failure by future American retirees to save adequately for their retirement, a problem well known in most financial circles. Thus, the certainty of Social Security makes it a crucial part of everyone’s retirement planning —and it will be there! Despite all the angst attributed to the current financial issues facing the program, there is little doubt that Social Security is here to stay. The question is: what reform is needed to make the program fully solvent for generations of future Americans? The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) has developed a
proposal to sensibly reform Social Security and avoid the currently projected 2033 date that the SS Trust Funds are expected to be depleted (which will necessitate an acrossthe-board cut for everyone). We have little doubt that the reform needed will happen (it would be political suicide for Congress if it did not), and hopefully soon. You can read about AMAC’s proposed solution at this link: www.amac.us/social-security-guarantee.
Again, thank you for your feedback and commentary. Please know that we very much appreciate your thoughts and are always willing to discuss these issues.
Russell Gloor is a national Social Security advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). The 2.4-million-member AMAC says it is a senior advocacy organization. Send your questions to: ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
Author’s note: This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained, and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). The NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any other governmental entity.
Blanchard
RUSSELL GLOOR Social Security Matters