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G.A. BRAUN OF CICERO IS NOW OPERATING UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

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Citizens survey finds AI investment accelerating as companies capture greater efficiency gains

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: Small Business/Buy Local February 9 List: Advertising, Marketing, PR Firms/Economic Development Agencies

New York egg production rises nearly 1% in November 2025 Farms in New York state produced 146.5 million eggs in November, up 0.9 percent from 145.2 million eggs in November 2024, according to a Dec. 19 report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The total number of layers in the state averaged almost 5.97 million in the 11th month of 2025, up 1.9 percent from nearly 5.86 million layers in November 2024. Egg production per 100 layers dipped about 1 percent to 2,455 eggs this past November from 2,479 eggs in the year-earlier month. U.S. egg production declined 2.7 percent to 8.69 billion eggs in November 2025 from more than 8.93 billion eggs in the same month in 2024.

The Lyons National Bank (LNB) branch office at 2433 State Route 414 in the town of Seneca Falls in Seneca County. PHOTO CREDIT: LNB WEBSITE

Lyons Bancorp declares dividends, share buyback plan LYONS — Lyons Bancorp, Inc. (ticker: LYBC), the financial holding company of the Lyons National Bank (LNB), recently announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 43 cents per share on its common stock for the fourth quarter. The Lyons–based banking company will pay the dividend on Jan. 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Dec. 31, 2025. In addition to this fourth-quarter dividend, the Lyons Bancorp board declared “a special one-time dividend” of 10 cents a share, which it paid on Dec. 17, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 3. The banking company’s board has also approved an internal share buyback plan authorizing the repurchase of up to $5 million of Lyons Bancorp’s common stock through Dec. 31, 2026. Any repurchases will be funded through internally generated capital and align with the company’s ongoing capital planning strategy, it said.

“This decision reflects our strong financial performance and solid capital base, along with our confidence in our long-term financial outlook,” Lyons Bancorp President and CEO Thomas Kime said in the announcement. “We remain committed to maintaining a quality balance sheet, strong reserves, as well as real value to our shareholders in a responsible manner.” For the first nine months of 2025, Lyons Bancorp earned $14.4 million, or $4.09 per share, up nearly 30 percent from the $11.2 million, or $3.15 per share, it earned in the first three quarters of 2024. The banking company had total assets of nearly $2.1 billion, as of Sept. 30, 2025. The Lyons National Bank is a community bank with offices in Lyons, Clyde, Macedon, Newark, Ontario, and Wolcott in Wayne County; Penn Yan in Yates County; Jordan in Onondaga County; Geneva, Canandaigua, and Farmington in Ontario County; Seneca Falls in Seneca County; Perinton Park in Monroe County; and Auburn in Cayuga County.

The momentum behind AI adoption and investment continues to grow, according to Citizens Financial Group’s third annual AI Trends in Financial Management Survey. It found that 82 percent of middle-market companies say they plan to boost AI spending over the next five years — up from 58 percent in 2023 and 69 percent in 2024. The growing enthusiasm is supported by tangible efficiency gains and measurable returns. The survey found 61 percent of middle market CFOs reporting that AI has made financial processes easier, an increase from prior years. On average, businesses are seeing a 35 percent return on investment, closing in on the 41 percent threshold that CFOs say would define success. Investing in AI capabilities also makes strategic sense for companies considering a future sale. The survey found that private-equity firms are increasingly prioritizing AI when evaluating portfolio companies. Ninety-seven percent say a successful AI strategy is an attractive trait in potential acquisitions. “Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a transformative technology that is delivering measurable results and shaping valuations,” Mark Lehmann, vice chair of Citizens Commercial Bank, said in the survey report. “Private equity firms are actively seeking companies with strong AI strategies. Businesses must carefully consider how to navigate this transition so they can maximize their value and attract the right partners.” The Citizens survey of 134 CFOs at middle-market businesses (those generating $50 million to $1 billion in annual revenue) and 153 financial leaders at PE firms (fund size less than $1.5 billion) was conducted in October 2025 and focused on how companies and private-equity firms are thinking about AI processes and utilizing the technology to increase efficiencies within their organizations. More survey results are available at: https://www.citizensbank.com/corporate-fiSEE SURVEY, PAGE 15 4

CNY HOTEL STATS

Broome County hotel Jefferson County occupancy rate falls hotel occupancy dips slightly in November in November

Oneida County hotel business indicators rise in November

Onondaga County hotels see a down month of business in November

BINGHAMTON — Broome County hotels welcomed significantly fewer overnight guests in November, as two other key business indicators were mixed. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county declined 8.9 percent to 55.4 percent in the 11th month of 2025, compared to November 2024, according to a report from STR, a Tennessee–based hotel market data and analytics company. Year to date through November, occupancy was down 1.2 percent to 60.9 percent. Revenue per available room (RevPar), an industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, fell 6.6 percent to $62.62 in November versus the year-prior month. In the first 11 months of 2025, RevPar was higher by 3.9 percent to $76.88. The average daily rate (ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, edged up 2.6 percent in Broome County to $112.98 in November, compared to the same month in 2024. Through Nov. 30, ADR was up 5.1 percent to $126.27.

UTICA — Oneida County hotels saw improvement in three key benchmarks of business performance in November. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) rose 5 percent to 59.1 percent in the 11th month of 2025 compared to the year-prior month, according to a report from STR, a Tennessee–based hotel-market data and analytics company. Year to date through November, occupancy in the county was up 4.3 percent to 64.5 percent. Revenue per available room (RevPar), an important industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, jumped 8.1 percent to $81.76 in November in the Mohawk Valley’s largest county versus November 2024. In the first 11 months of this year, RevPar gained 4.3 percent to $92.11. Average daily rate (ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, went up 2.9 percent to $138.32 in Oneida County in November 2025, compared to the same month a year earlier. Through Nov. 30, 2025, ADR was flat at $142.79.

SYRACUSE — Onondaga County hotels welcomed fewer guests in November, as two other key indicators of business performance also declined during the month. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in Central New York’s largest county fell 5.8 percent to 54.7 percent in the 11th month of 2025, compared to November 2024, according to STR, a Tennessee–based hotel market data and analytics company. Year to date through Nov. 30, occupancy was down 0.6 percent to 62.5 percent. Revenue per available room (RevPar), an industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, dropped 9.5 percent to $68.18 in Onondaga County in November from a year prior. In the first 11 months of 2025, RevPar was up by 0.8 percent to $85.26. Average daily rate (or ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, slipped 3.9 percent to $124.62 in November versus the year-earlier month, STR reports. Year to date through the month of November, ADR was higher by 1.4 percent to $136.53.

WATERTOWN — Jefferson County hotels hosted fewer overnight guests in November, as two other key business indicators also declined during the month. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the North Country’s most populated county slipped 1.5 percent to 46.2 percent in the 11th month of 2025, compared to a year prior, according to STR, a Tennessee– based hotel market data and analytics company. Year to date through November, occupancy was down 3 percent to 52.7 percent. Revenue per available room (RevPar), a key industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, fell 3.5 percent in Jefferson County to $49.23 in November, compared to November 2024. In the first 11 months of 2025, RevPar was off 3.6 percent to $63.75. The average daily rate (ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, dipped 2 percent to $106.44 in November from the same month in 2024, per STR. Year to date through Nov. 30, ADR was down 0.7 percent to $121.06.

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G.A. Braun of Cicero is now operating under new ownership BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com CICERO — G.A. Braun of Cicero, a supplier in the North American laundry-equipment market, has a new owner. Jensen North America, a subsidiary of the Jensen-Group, acquired G.A. Braun. The deal closed on Dec. 1, J.B. Werner, former CEO of G.A. Braun, told CNYBJ in a Dec. 9 email. G.A. Braun is located at 79 General Irwin Blvd., off East Taft Road, in the town of Cicero. Jensen-Group is headquartered in Wetteren, Belgium. Neither company released financial details of the acquisition agreement. With the acquisition, Jensen-Group expands its manufacturing footprint, product portfolio, and service network across North America. The firm calls it a “significant milestone” in its growth strategy. In the transaction, Jensen acquired Braun’s production facility, and both brands will continue to co-exist. It will allow both Jensen and Braun to “preserve what makes each brand unique, while join-

ing forces to deliver even greater value, innovation, and support to customers across North America,” per the announcement on the Braun website. The newly founded company Jensen Braun LLC acquired the assets of G.A. Braun. Under the new structure, Jensen North America will manage both Jensen Braun LLC in Cicero and Jensen USA in Panama City, Florida. Braun employs about 230 people, including about 210 employees at its local plant, per Werner’s email to CNYBJ. “After many successful years in the laundry industry, I am proud to see Braun become part of the JENSEN team,” Werner, the former G.A. Braun top executive, said in the acquisition announcement. “We share the same values: customer focus, reliability, and a passion for building long-term partnerships. I am confident that our employees and customers are in very good hands and will benefit from the global strength and expertise of the JENSEN-GROUP.” Werner is now working as a consultant to the new organization, Jensen-Braun, n LLC, he told CNYBJ.

The principals involved as the Jensen-Group acquires G.A. Braun of Cicero. Pictured here, from left to right, are: Tony Biela, president of Jensen North America; J.B. Werner, CEO of G.A. Braun; and Jesper Munch Jensen, CEO of Jensen-Group. PHOTO CREDIT: G.A. BRAUN WEBSITE

SU’s Orange Business Angel Network to begin in spring 2026 BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com SYRACUSE — The Orange Business Angel Network (OBAN) at Syracuse University (SU) is a student-led experiential learning program that will provide hands-on startup investment experience for students while connecting SU-affiliated entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship. The program will begin in the spring of 2026 with an inaugural class of about 15 students and a founding cohort of angel investors, per the Dec. 2 announcement that SU’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management made about OBAN’s launch. OBAN places students at the center of “real investment activity,” SU said. Selected students will conduct “professional-level due diligence” on actual startups, organize pitch events, and facilitate the connections between entrepreneurs and accredited angel investors, all while earning academic credit through a three-credit course. Students will conduct the due diligence that investors use to make their decisions and help in deal flow while allowing the angel to make their own investment decisions. “OBAN represents the next evolution in entrepreneurship and experiential education at Whitman,” Alex McKelvie, dean of the Whitman School of Management, said in the announcement. “We are giving our students authentic responsibility in the angel investment process, preparing

them to lead in entrepreneurial finance or informed founder roles. For the Whitman School, this program strengthens our position to grow into a top 25 business school while building critical connections for our students and alumni within the Syracuse University network. It is yet another commitment by Whitman to experiential programs, which is central to our education.”

Three OBAN groups

Within OBAN, three groups of selectively chosen, SU-affiliated participants will make up the network, “ensuring the brightest students, most promising ventures and supportive angels are involved,” per the announcement. Whitman students in the program will learn angel investing fundamentals through direct practice, conducting market research, analyzing financials, and organizing pitch sessions. The course will be taught by Whitman professor Jeffrey Gish, who brings experience in both angel investing and entrepreneurship education. Investors accredited with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can join as angels of the network. As a key part of the program is including successful university alumni in the classroom, these “supportive angels” commit not just to potential investments but to mentoring both students and entrepreneurs throughout the process, the Whitman School noted. Entrepreneurs with university affiliations — having an alumnus, student, parent, faculty, or staff member on their

The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University (SU) says it has started the Orange Business Angel Network (OBAN). ERIC REINHARDT / CNYBJ

founding team — can apply to pitch for seed-stage funding. The program focuses on companies with valuations under $10 million that have raised less than $2 million to date, but with the potential to grow and be an attractive investment. “What excites me most about OBAN is how it transforms the traditional boundaries between classroom and deal room,” Erin Draper, director of experiential programs at Whitman, who is leading the launch of the program alongside McKelvie, said. “Students aren’t just observing the investment process within OBAN. They’re essential to it. And our angels are actively mentoring the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs. This creates a virtuous cycle that benefits everyone involved.”

OBAN participation

The Whitman School is now accepting applications for all three OBAN participating groups: students, angel investors, and entrepreneurs. Students: Upper-level undergraduate and graduate students can apply for the selective spring 2026 cohort. Prerequisites include foundational entrepreneurship coursework. The Whitman School of Management has reached out to students directly. As for angel investors, accredited investors with SU connections can become founding members of the network. “This will be a very select group and grow over time,” the school noted. Membership application information can be found at: https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/SV_5u2O7cvBgV65Bmm n

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Binghamton to close State Street parking garage Jan. 5 Move comes before planned demolition BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com BINGHAMTON — Binghamton’s State Street parking garage will close on Jan. 5, 2026, ahead of its demolition in the new year. Binghamton plans to request bids for demolition of the garage in the coming weeks, per the city’s website. The mayor announced plans for the ramp’s demolition in September during his 2026 budget address. The ramp, located on the corner of State and Henry streets, was built in 1970. “As the City moves forward with plans to tear down the aging State Street parking ramp, LAZ Parking is working to relocate

monthly parkers and bring operations to a close,” Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said in the announcement. “Downtown’s two new parking garages on Water Street and Hawley Street are providing residents and visitors with safe and easy parking options. With the State Street ramp at the end of its useful life, demolition will clear the way for economic development opportunities in a critical corner of downtown Binghamton.” Permitted parkers at the ramp can contact LAZ Parking at (607) 759-1026 or email binghamton@lazparking.com with questions, or to seek more information on relocation. Businesses whose customers and employees use the State Street ramp can also reach out to the city’s Office of Economic Development at (607) 772-7161 for assistance in identifying alternate parking n options.

The City of Binghamton is alerting the community that the State Street parking garage will close on Jan. 5. The city plans to demolish the structure in the year ahead. PHOTO CREDIT: CITY OF BINGHAMTON WEBSITE

Trump Accounts & Enhanced Childcare Benefits: Employer Considerations for 2026

A

s employers finalize 2026 benefits strategies, two major provisions of the One Big Beautiful

Bill Act (OBBBA) are poised to reshape how companies support working families. The first is the upcoming launch of

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Trump Accounts, a new federally backed Investment Retirement Account for children. The second is the significantly expanded Employer-Provided Childcare Credit, which will substantially improve the economics of offering childcare benefits. While both provisions take effect in 2026, year-end planning is the right moment to determine whether — and how — these benefits will factor into the new year’s package.

Trump Accounts: Updated Timing, Funding, and Employer Role

Trump Accounts, with updated guidance provided on Dec. 2 in IRS Notice 2025-68, allow parents or guardians to open a long-horizon investment account for any child under 18 with a Social Security number. Eligible children born from 2025-2028 receive a one-time $1,000 federal seed deposit — effectively free money that benefits families regardless of income. The official IRS position is that accounts will be available for enrollment in early 2026, with contributions beginning July 4, 2026. Employers will be permitted to contribute up to $2,500 per employee’s child per year, excluded from taxable income. A major recent development is the $6.25 billion philanthropic commitment from Michael and Susan Dell, which is expected to provide roughly $250 per child for millions of eligible children born before 2025 (those who are too old to receive the $1,000 seed deposit), particularly in ZIP codes with median household incomes under $150,000. This dramatically expands the number of families who will receive an initial deposit.

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• Guaranteed seed deposits: A $1,000 federal contribution (and potentially $250 Dell family funded contribution) creates immediate value for employees. • Employer-friendly benefit:

Contributions are simple, capped, and excluded from taxable income. • Long-term wealth building: Funds accumulate tax-deferred for decades, supportJOE ing financial security GREENE well into adulthood. • Low-friction Viewpoint investing: Accounts must use diversified index funds, reducing decision-making complexity.

Cons of Trump Accounts

• No early access: Funds cannot be withdrawn before age 18; after that, they follow traditional IRA rules. • Limited use cases: Not available for education or early-career expenses. • Restricted investment menu: Only index-based options are permitted. • Delayed implementation: Employees cannot open or fund accounts until 2026. For now, the most valuable employer action is employee education — helping families understand eligibility and preparing them to enroll promptly once accounts become available.

Expanded Employer-Provided Childcare Credit for 2026

OBBBA meaningfully enhances the IRC §45F childcare credit beginning in 2026. Employers can claim the credit whether they operate on-site childcare, partner with a third-party provider, or subsidize employees’ childcare costs directly. Key changes include: • Credit cap increases from $150,000 to $500,000 (or $600,000 for qualifying small employers) • Credit rate increases from 25 percent to 40 percent, and potentially 50 percent for eligible small businesses • Expanded definition of qualifying expenses, now including third-party contracted childcare providers Alternatively, the OBBBA increased the Dependent Care FSA limit from $5,000 to $7,500 per household in 2026. Note SEE GREENE, PAGE 15 4

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HEALTH CARE QUARTERLY

Rome Health was among the regional hospitals awarded state grant funding for information technology and cybersecurity projects. FILE PHOTO CREDIT: ROME HEALTH

Rome Health wins state funding for IT, cybersecurity projects North Country hospitals also receive funding BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com ROME — The state has awarded Rome Health $18.9 million in funding through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation program to advance health-information technology, cybersecurity, and telehealth across its network. The North Country hospitals Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown and ClaxtonHepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg also won state funding under the same program. The awards are among more than $300 million in new state funding to support health-care transformation projects across New York state, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Dec. 12. The grants, made through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program IV and V, will support 22 projects aimed at improving health-information technology by expanding patient electronic-medical records, strengthening cybersecurity, and patient-information security, and expanding telehealth services.

Rome Health

The money will allow Rome Health to implement an integrated electronic-health

record (EHR), replacing six separate systems currently in use, per the Dec. 12 Rome Health announcement. The new system will help providers spend less time navigating multiple Levett platforms and more time with patients, while improving care coordination and efficiency throughout the hospital and affiliated practices, the health system contended. “This $18.9 million project is a major milestone in our mission to transform healthcare delivery and strengthen the long-term sustainability of care in our community,” AnneMarie Czyz, president and CEO of Rome Health and a registered nurse, said in the Rome Health announcement. “With our new ICU, surgical services, women’s surgical suite, and medical center already open, this health IT initiative is the final component of the transformation plan we set in motion five years ago.” Czyz also acknowledged Gov. Kathy Hochul; Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health; New York State Senator Joseph Griffo (R– Rome); and New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–Marcy) “We are deeply grateful to our state leaders for recognizing how vital this project is for the future of healthcare in our community,” Czyz said. “We express our gratitude to Governor Hochul and Commissioner

McDonald for their continued commitment to strengthening healthcare across New York State. Their leadership in prioritizing investments that modernize health informaAttilio tion technology, enhance cybersecurity, and expand telehealth makes a meaningful difference for communities like ours. This support ensures that Rome Health can continue building a safe, reliable, and connected system of care that meets the needs of our patients today and well into the future.” Nancy Levett, chief information officer, and Dr. Michael Attilio, chief medical information officer at Rome Health, are leading the next phase, including a request for proposal to select the new EHR system. “This investment will give our teams the tools they need to deliver safe, efficient, and connected care,” Levett said. “It also strengthens our cybersecurity posture and enhances data-driven quality improvements for our patients.” The EHR will support business operations, streamline revenue cycle processes, and provide data-driven insights that will help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Rome Health. New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D–Marcy) issued a Dec. 12 statement congratulating Rome Health hospital on its grant award.

“Rome Health Hospital has long served as a cornerstone of our community’s wellbeing and a pillar of support for our residents,” she said. “This investment will enable Rome Health to modernize its facilities and enhance patient care capabilities, allowing the hospital to continue its mission of providing high-quality healthcare services close to home, while adapting to meet the evolving needs of the patients and families it serves.”

North Country hospitals

Besides Rome Health, Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown will use a nearly $22 million grant for implementing a unified electronic-health record system. Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg will use a nearly $5 million grant for its project called, “Carthage Area Hospital CyberGuard Health Initiative: Cybersecurity Protection and EHR Optimization.” Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and Carthage Area Hospital operate under the same leadership. “With these investments, we are focused on developing safe, reliable and connected patient-centered care,” Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, said in the state’s announcement. “By expanding data capabilities and improving cybersecurity defenses, we’re enhancing clinical decision making across the state’s health care network.” n

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MV Biotech Collective unites MMRI, MVHS, SUNY Poly core strengths BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com UTICA — The Mohawk Valley (MV) Biotech Collective, formed by three of the region’s well-known institutions, seeks to position the Mohawk Valley as a leader in biomedical innovation. Representatives from the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI), SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly), and Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) signed a memorandum of agreement to formally establish the alliance, per the Nov. 19 announcement. The MV Biotech Collective “unites the core strengths” of the three institutions: MMRI’s “foundational” scientific research, MVHS’s “critical clinical excellence” and SUNY Poly’s “advanced academic innovation,” the organizations contend. “This signing is more than a formal agreement; it is the ignition point for a new era of scientific progress in New York State,” Maria Kontaridis, MMRI executive director, said. “By functioning as one unified team, we are able to accelerate scientific output, generate high-value

IP, and drive economic development.” Kontaridis is also the Gordon K. Moe professor and chair of biomedical research and translational medicine at MMRI. Separately, the three organizations have been working on biotechnology projects within their own disciplines, MMRI said. The partnership will allow for easy cross-institutional collaboration, encouraging clinicians, scientists, faculty, and students to work together on shared projects. “This collaboration represents an important step forward for our region and for the future of healthcare in the Mohawk Valley,” Dr. William LeCates, president and CEO of MVHS, said. “By combining the clinical resources of MVHS with the research strength of MMRI and the academic innovation of SUNY Poly, we seek new opportunities to translate discoveries into better care for our patients and our community.” The MV Biotech Collective’s primary goal is to foster a “one team” approach, enabling joint grant applications and strengthening established lines of

Three prominent Mohawk Valley (MV) institutions have formed the MV Biotech Collective. Pictured at the signing ceremony, from left to right, are: Winston Soboyejo, president of SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Marcy; Dr. William LeCates, president and CEO of Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) in Utica; and Maria Kontaridis, executive director of the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) in Utica. PHOTO CREDIT: MMRI

research. It will allow the organizations to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to “dramatically” accelerate the pace of discovery and create a biomedical hub in the region. The Collective seeks to build entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting and growing new biomedical companies and “serving as a catalyst for regional economic growth,” MMRI said. “This partnership reflects a shared vision and belief in what’s possible when education, research, and clinical prac-

tice come together,” Winston Soboyejo, Ph.D., president of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, said in the announcement. “Through the MV Biotech Collective, we are cultivating an environment where innovation thrives, students and researchers work side by side, and discoveries made here in Utica have an impact far beyond our region.” The group has plans to start bringing the organizations together to form committees and create a three, five and 10-year strategic plan. n

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Work progresses on Johnson City surgery center for Guthrie Lourdes Hospital BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com JOHNSON CITY — Construction work is nearing completion on a new ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in Johnson City for Binghamton’s Guthrie Lourdes Hospital. The Guthrie Broome Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Center will be the first facility in the Southern Tier region “dedicated exclusively” to orthopedic and musculoskeletal surgical care. It is described as a “true partnership” between local orthopedic, spine and podiatric physicians, Guthrie Lourdes Hospital, and Constitution Surgery Alliance (CSA). CSA, an Avon, Connecticut–based firm with experience in creating orthopedic surgery centers, is providing development and management-advisory services. Located in the former Oakdale Mall, the surgery center will include four operating rooms, 17 private recovery bays, and “cutting-edge” surgical technology, including

a robotic system, Guthrie said in a Dec. 10 announcement. Slated to open in February 2026, the new facility will offer outpatient orthopedic surgery, including total joint replacements, spine surgery, sports medicine, and procedures for the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, and ankle, as well as outpatient pain procedures. The project is part of Guthrie’s broader investment in Oakdale Commons and supports the organization’s goal of “providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place,” per the announcement. “Building a new surgical facility off the main hospital campus is part of our larger vision to offer high-quality, low-cost surgical care, in a convenient location with ample parking and modern facilities,” Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, president and CEO of the Guthrie Clinic, said in the announcement. “The surgery center complements our existing services at Oakdale Commons, including primary care, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and

Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton is looking ahead to the early 2026 completion of its surgery center in Johnson City. PHOTO CREDIT: GUTHRIE CLINIC WEBSITE

the fitness center. As healthcare continues to shift toward outpatient settings, we’re committed to meeting the community’s needs with high-quality, specialized care.” Upon opening, the center will employ up to 30 nurses, orthopedic technicians, and support staff. It will undergo a licensure survey by the New York State Department of Health and pursue certification from both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), Guthrie said.

Dr. Mohamed Al Saied, medical director and board member of the new center, in the announcement emphasized the importance of ASCs in modern health care. “Surgery centers are a vital part of ensuring patients have access to high-quality, safe, and convenient surgical care,” Dr. Al Saied said. “Our mission is to provide world-class orthopedic surgical care in the region. With advancements in anesthesia and minimally invasive techniques, ASCs are an excellent option for most orthopedic procedures. We’re excited to begin n operations in February.”

Community Wellness Partners to launch PACE program with $2.6 million state grant BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com CLINTON — PACE, which is short for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is described as a “transformative initiative” designed to help older adults live independently in their communities while receiving coordinated care. Community Wellness Partners of Clinton says it will use a state grant of $2.6 million to establish a PACE program, per its Nov. 24 announcement. The money comes through the New York State Department of Health’s Statewide Residential and Communitybased Alternatives to the Traditional Model of Nursing Home Care, according to Community Wellness Partners. The state grant builds on a “growing foundation of support” from key regional partners. Community Wellness Partners has also received funding from Oneida County; The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc.; the Mother Cabrini Foundation; and the J. M. McDonald Foundation. Their investments have played a “crucial role in laying the groundwork” for the PACE initiative and strengthening the organization’s capacity to expand services for older adults. “We are honored to receive this significant investment in the health and inde-

pendence of our region’s older adults,” Lenora D’Apice, chief strategy officer at Community Wellness Partners, said in the announcement. “PACE represents a proven, person-centered model that supports seniors and their caregivers with compassion, dignity, and comprehensive care. This grant, along with the support of our valued funding partners, accelerates our ability to bring this vital service to the community.” Community Wellness Partners says it will be seeking additional support in the coming year from community partners to further expand PACE services and enhance care for the region’s growing senior population. “We will be working on specific fundraising efforts related to PACE that will engage the community to be a part of this transformational service to our region,” Jim Messa, VP of development at Community Wellness Partners, said. “This program is one of a kind for Oneida County, with the next closest PACE centers in Syracuse and Schenectady. We are proud to bring this service to our community.” With its integrated, team-based approach, the PACE model ensures access to medical care, rehabilitation, social supports, transportation, nutrition, and other essential services. Those services are all coordinated through a central care team and delivered at home or at Community

The Lutheran campus of Community Wellness Partners in Clinton. The organization will use state funding to help it establish a PACE program. PHOTO CREDIT: COMMUNITY WELLNESS PARTNERS

Wellness Partners’ dedicated PACE center, which will be located on its Clinton campus. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, PACE programs help reduce hospitalizations, delay nursing-home admission, and improve quality of life, Community Wellness Partners said. “With this new funding, we can build a program that not only meets the needs of our aging population but also strengthens the regional continuum of care,” Jeremy Rutter, CEO of Community Wellness Partners, said. “In just Oneida County alone there are 1,528 eligible PACE enrollees, with the potential to reduce the need for nursing home stays as well as aid in annual savings to Medicaid by millions. It supports a better quality of life for the seniors in our community, which is the root of our mis-

sion. We look forward to partnering with families, healthcare providers, and community leaders as we bring PACE to our area.”

About Community Wellness Partners

Community Wellness Partners is a faithbased network of nonprofit organizations that supports wellness through the provision of community services, housing, and health care. With more than 150 years of combined service, Community Wellness Partners is one of the largest senior-care organizations in Central New York. It employs hundreds of people who serve over 1,000 older adults daily through a continuum of care that includes home care, care management, adult daycare, independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. n

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Upstate University Hospital $450M annex project starts with design phase BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com SYRACUSE — The $450 million hospital annex project at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse is starting with the design phase. The design will include a new, expanded emergency department and burn unit to serve the Central New York region, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Dec. 2. “Launching the design phase of our new hospital annex marks an exciting and essential step toward strengthening emergency care for our entire region. With the unprecedented growth earmarked for our region in the coming years, this project ensures Upstate is ready to meet our community’s future health-care needs in a world class facility,” Dr. Robert Corona, CEO of Upstate University Hospital, said. “We have the most hard-working and professional staff and they deserve a state-ofthe-art facility to match, as do the

patients we serve. We look forward to working side-by-side with Cannon Design and Architecture on building this much-needed facility.” The SUNY board of trustees proposed the funding for the hospital annex late in 2024, which is now part of the current state budget. New York City–based Cannon Design Architecture and Engineering, P.C. will lead the design work and subcontract with a number of subconsultants, most of which are designated as a minority owned or women owned business enterprise (MWBE), as well as a service-disabled veteran owned business (SDVOB), enabling the firm to meet or exceed the goals of 15 percent MBE, 15 percent WBE, and 6 percent SDVOB. Updates on the project will be made publicly available as the design progresses, Hochul’s office noted.

An expanded emergency department will be part of the design phase of the annex at Upstate University Hospital. The exterior of the current emergency department is pictured here in January 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE GROLL VIA HOCHUL FLICKR

“All New Yorkers should have access to the highest quality of health and medical care available –– that’s why we’re investing in a state-of-the-art facility for SUNY Upstate Medical and for all of Central New York,” the governor said. “And for generations of Central New Yorkers, this new facility will be a reliable source of care for decades to come.” Over the summer, SUNY and Upstate Medical University held

a briefing for MWBE firms as part of the bidding process for the design contract. Additional outreach will occur throughout the project, per Hochul’s office. “With this announcement today, we move closer to building a world class emergency department, surgery suite, ICU and burn unit for Central New York. We are grateful to Gov. Hochul and our elected officials, the State University of New York

for their support of the $450 million investment that makes today’s announcement possible,” Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University, said. “Upstate is also eager to collaborate with Cannon Design and its team of experts who will bring their innovative approach to building a modern resilient hospital environment to support every patient that comes through our door.” n

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New COO settles into role at Community Memorial Hospital BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com HAMILTON — The newly appointed COO at Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) has been on the job for a few weeks, overseeing daily operations of primary and specialty practices. Kipp Jones started his new duties on Dec. 8, CMH tells CNYBJ in an email. In this new role at the hospital, Jones will play a key role in advancing Jones CMH’s strategic initiatives, “ensuring continued excellence in

patient care, quality, and performance,” per the CMH announcement. He brings experience in health-care leadership and a proven ability to strengthen operational systems that support both providers and patients, the hospital said. “Kipp brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of how to strengthen operations while keeping patients at the center of every decision,” Jeff Coakley, president and CEO of Community Memorial Hospital, said in the announcement. “We are confident he will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team and help us continue to advance our mission of providing exceptional care close to home.”

Most recently, Jones served in leadership roles with HCA Healthcare in New Hampshire, and a private practice, where he made contributions to rural health care in New England. His accomplishments include leading the recruitment and contracting of providers to strengthen access to care and expand provider capacity. Jones also led the implementation of electronic medical record (EMR) systems in newly acquired practices. His skill and experience in these areas will “prove to be uniquely beneficial” as CMH continues to advance and grow during an upcoming upgrade to the organization’s EMR, the hospital contended.

“I am eager to partner with our team members, medical staff, board, and the broader community to build on the outstanding work already being done,” Jones said. “Together, we will continue to strengthen CMH’s role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that’s close to home — just as we have done since 1952.” Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree from Cornell University. Community Memorial Hospital offers primary and specialty care in locations that include Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill, and Waterville. n

UHS Chenango Memorial’s Sidney practice set for improvement work in 2026 BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com NORWICH — UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich has a multi-specialty practice on Pearl Street in Sidney in Delaware County, which is set for infrastructure improvements sometime in 2026. The hospital will use federal funding of more than $667,000 for the work, per a Nov. 25 announcement. It will cover 75 percent of the total project cost, estimated at $890,000. The hospital received word that its funding request to help replace the facilities aging roof, windows, and doors had been included in the 2026 federal budget. It credited U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) with securing the money. “We are deeply grateful for Senator Gillibrand and her staff’s advocacy on our behalf and for this federal investment, which will help us create a safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient environment for the patients and families

we serve through our health center in Sidney,” Cecil Miller, president and CEO of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, said in the announcement. “These improvements strengthen our ability to provide high-quality primary, pediatric, and specialty care as well as diagnostic imaging and laboratory services close to home for residents of Sidney and the surrounding communities.” UHS Chenango Memorial purchased the 44 Pearl St. property that houses the multi-specialty practice in 2010 to better serve patients in western Delaware and Otsego counties, Miller added. “This is one more step forward in our continued efforts to advance our mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate care close to home for the residents of our service area,” Miller said. Over the last 15 years, more than $1.8 million has been invested in the facility to support the growth of services offered. That list now includes primary care, pediatrics, women’s health services,

The UHS Sidney practice in Delaware County is set for an improvement project with the help of federal funding. PHOTO CREDIT: UHS

orthopedics, cardiology, general surgery, laboratory services, and diagnostic imaging, including 3-D mammography. It is one of 15 projects to receive funding in New York state in the FY 2026 Agriculture-Rural Development and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bills. “UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is a critical health care hub, serving thousands of individuals in the area,” Gillibrand said. “I am proud to have secured funding for this

modernization project to ensure that UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital can continue providing health care services for New Yorkers [at its Sidney location] while reducing energy costs and improving safety and security for patients, their families, and staff.” UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is part of United Health Services, described as a locally owned, nonprofit health-care system with 916 beds and more than 40 locations across New York’s Southern n Tier.

Oswego Health names executive director of nursing BY JOURNAL STAFF news@cnybj.com OSWEGO — Oswego Health has recently announced the promotion of Cheryl Stilwell to executive director of nursing. Stilwell began her career at Oswego Health in 2008, as the clinical manager of med surg — a role she held until 2013. Demonstrating strong leadership, clinical expertise, and a compassionate approach to patient care, she was then promoted to director of med surg. Stilwell served in that role for more than 12 years, “guiding her team with consistency, excellence, and a deep commitment to quality,” Oswego Health contended. Her promotion to executive director of nursing marks the next milestone in her distinguished tenure, it added. Stilwell’s path to nursing leadership began with her graduation from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario (Canada), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1995. She became licensed as a registered

nurse in New York state in 1996. Before joining Oswego Health, Stillwell spent more than five years at A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital, where she served as assistant nurse manager of the Med Surg Unit from 2002-2008, followed by a role as inpatient manager in 2008. Stilwell is also an active member of the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership. In her new role as executive director of nursing at Oswego Health, Stilwell will oversee the planning, organization, and administration of nursing services across the hospital. She will lead nursing-division operations, professional-development initiatives, training programs, and shared-governance processes that support the highest standards of patient care. Her leadership will be essential in ensuring continuity, quality, and excellence within Oswego Health’s nursing operations, the health system stated. “Cheryl has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and deep compassion for both her patients and her team,” Katie Pagliaroli, SVP,

Cheryl Stilwell PHOTO CREDIT: OSWEGO HEALTH

COO, and chief nursing officer, said in the announcement. “She has the heart of a nurse and the vision of a leader. We are confident she will thrive in this role and continue to elevate the profession of Nursing at Oswego Health.”n

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Pictured at the Dec. 17 check presentation, from left to right, are: Mathew Kiefer, The Good News Foundation (GNF) board member; Dr. Scott Bolen, GNF board chair; Brian Saville, CEO/executive director of GNF; Marc DePerno, VP, foundation & communications at Sitrin Health Care Center; Jackie Warmuth, director of clinical rehabilitative services at Sitrin; and Barbara Countryman, GNF board vice chair. PHOTO CREDIT: THE GOOD NEWS FOUNDATION

Good News Foundation supports Sitrin Military Program BY JOURNAL STAFF news@cnybj.com UTICA — The Sitrin Health Care Center Military Program recently received $30,000 of vital support from an initiative honoring veterans. The Good News Foundation (GNF) presented a check for the Sitrin Health Care Center Military Program on Dec. 17, at the GNF offices near Utica, during its end-of-year meeting. The funds are the proceeds from the 2025 “Flags for Heroes” event held in November, when about 1,000 U.S. flags were displayed on Utica’s Memorial Parkway. The donation of $30,000 was the largest check from this event to date for the Sitrin Military Program, which serves veterans and service members who are dealing with a range of physical, emotional, and

cognitive issues, according to a GNF announcement. The program has provided crucial support to those who have experienced traumatic brain injuries, spinal-cord injuries, amputations, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. On behalf of the Good News Foundation, Brian Saville, CEO/executive director, and GNF board members, presented the check to Sitrin Health Care Center’s Jackie Warmuth, director of clinical rehabilitative services, and Marc Deperno, VP of foundation & communications. The Good News Foundation says it is a Christian-based nonprofit “rooted in the values of Christ, compassion, and community. Guided by faith, it welcomes all people and provides programs, events, and support group services that encourage spiritual growth, strengthen families, and offer hope and help in times of need.”

Bassett Healthcare names chief quality officer BY JOURNAL STAFF news@cnybj.com COOPERSTOWN — Bassett Healthcare Network recently announced the appointment of Carlton J. Rule, MD, as chief quality officer. In this role, Rule will oversee system-wide quality programs, patient safety, performance improvement, and patient experience. His responsibilities encompass ensuring regulatory compliance across all affiliated hospitals and clinics, the Cooperstown–based health system said in its Rule Nov. 6 announcement. As the chief quality officer, Rule will work closely with clinical and non-clinical teams across Bassett Healthcare Network’s hospitals, clinics, school-based health centers, long-term care facilities, and other locations to improve the organization’s quality performance and programs. Rule has held progressive clinical leadership roles within Bassett Healthcare Network for more than 20 years. He is currently VP of medical affairs for Bassett Medical Center and the network’s critical access hospitals, including Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital — a position he will maintain in addition to taking on the role of chief quality officer. In his position

as VP of medical affairs, Rule serves as a key advisor to Bassett’s medical staff leadership and executives, participates in peer review and grievance committees, and guides clinical governance and bylaws development, per the announcement. Prior to his tenure as VP of medical affairs, Rule served as president and CEO of O’Connor Hospital in Delhi and Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney (now A.O. Fox Hospital – Tri-Town Campus) from 2014-2017. He also served as medical director of Bassett’s southern region health centers in Delaware County, including Delhi, Andes, Stamford, and Walton. Rule has been a practicing physician in family medicine for more than 30 years. He graduated from Cornell University and New York University School of Medicine. Before joining Bassett Medical Group in 2011, Rule served as executive VP of A.O. Fox Hospital. He has also worked as the medical director of First Community Care of Bassett and medical advisor to At Home Care, Inc. Bassett Healthcare Network is an integrated health system that provides care and services to people living in a 5,600-square-mile region in upstate New York. The organization includes five corporately affiliated hospitals, more than two dozen community-based health centers, over 20 school-based health centers, two skilled-nursing facilities, and other health partners in related fields. n

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St. Joseph’s Health’s new medical practice expands orthopedic, spine care BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com SYRACUSE — St. Joseph’s Health Orthopedic and Spine Care has been in operation for less than a month, expanding access to orthopedic and spine services for patients across Central New York. The new St. Joseph’s Physicians practice formally opened on Dec. 1 and is now accepting new patients and continuing care with current patients, according to an announcement on the St. Joseph’s Health website. The practice is located at Northeast Medical Center, in suite 115 at 4000 Medical Center Drive in the town of Manlius. “This expansion represents another exciting milestone in St. Joseph’s commitment to delivering exceptional orthopedic and spine care,” Julianne Himes, VP, medical group president at St. Joseph’s Physicians, contended in the announce-

ment. “By welcoming this talented group of surgeons, we’re able to offer patients more specialized expertise close to home, supported by the full continuum of St. Joseph’s Health services.” St. Joseph’s Health Orthopedic and Spine Care offers diagnostic and treatment options, including robotic-assisted joint replacement and minimally invasive spine procedures. Four orthopedic surgeons with experience in treating musculoskeletal and spine conditions are joining the St. Joseph’s Physicians network. They include Dr. Kevin Kopko, medical director of joint surgery, who specializes in hip and knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and robotic surgery; and Dr. Aaron Bianco, who specializes in neck and back. They also include Dr. Bradley Raphael, medical director of sports medicine, who specializes in shoulder, knee, sports medi-

St. Joseph’s Health Orthopedic and Spine Care opened on Dec. 1. Four area orthopedic surgeons joined the new practice, including, from left to right: Dr. Justin Iorio, Dr. Bradley Raphael, Dr. Kevin Kopko, and Dr. Aaron Bianco. PHOTO CREDIT: ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH WEBSITE

cine, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), cartilage, joint preservation and orthobiologics. Dr. Justin Iorio, medical director of spine surgery, who specializes in cervical/thoracic/lumbar surgery, spinal tumors, degenerative conditions, minimally invasive procedures, and navigation, is also part of the group.

“We’re thrilled to see the continued growth of our orthopedic program,” Dr. Robert Carlin, chief medical officer at St. Joseph’s Medical PC, said. “With state-ofthe-art technology, including robotic-assisted surgical options, we’re redefining what’s possible in musculoskeletal and n spine care for our community.”

New York milk production rises more than 3 percent in November 2025 BY JOURNAL STAFF news@cnybj.com Dairy farms in New York state produced more than 1.34 billion pounds of milk in November, up 3.2 percent from just over 1.3 billion pounds of milk in the year-prior month, according to the latest monthly milk-production report that the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) issued on Dec. 22. Milk production per cow in the state averaged 2,070 pounds in the 11th month of 2025, up 0.2 percent from 2,065 pounds in November 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the Empire State totaled 649,000 head in November 2025, up 3 percent from 630,000 in the year-earlier month, NASS reported. Milk production in the nation’s 24 major dairy producing states totaled just under 18.08 billion pounds in November 2025, up almost 4.7 percent from 17.27 billion pounds in November 2024, according to the USDA.

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OPINION

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Taxpayers’ Breaking Point: N.Y.’s Most-Persistent Problem N

ew York households in every region of the state are struggling with the realities of rising energy prices and more-expensive grocery bills, straining budgets to their max. The cost of living in New York state isn’t just a passing storm. It’s a full-blown nor’easter, blanketing residents under an inWILL surmountable financial BARCLAY burden. New York’s persistent affordability probOpinion lem begins in Albany. We cannot talk about affordability without talking about the elephant in the room, runaway state spending. Years of reckless spending has fostered one of the nation’s most hostile economic climates. The FY 2025-26 state budget ballooned to an unprecedented $254 billion [upon adoption in May]. New York is outspending states with larger populations and more robust economic growth and opportunity. It’s clear Democrats in Albany actually believe they can fix the affordability crisis by asking taxpayers for more money. A snapshot of New Yorkers highlights the precarious situation: households of all income levels are scrapping and clawing to make ends meet. A report from the Community Service Society of New York revealed a desperate financial picture for residents (https://www.cssny.

org/publications/entry/financial-precarity-among-new-york-state-residents). One in four New Yorkers has no emergency savings, more than a quarter report relying on debt to cover expenses and close to 40 percent are not saving for retirement. If we want New York to be a place where families can thrive, we must change our course. Affordability won’t come from government checks; it has to come from fundamental reforms. The Assembly Minority Conference knows it’s too expensive to live here and call this place home. We have introduced a number of legislative proposals that would provide the immediate financial relief New Yorkers are desperately seeking, including: • ​ Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan: Eliminate sales tax on dozens of everyday items for two years, including (but not limited to) gasoline, personal-care products, housekeeping supplies, and prepared foods (A.7417, Barclay); •​  Earned Income Tax Credit Expansion: Expand the New York state value of the earned income tax credit from 30 percent to 45 percent of the federal amount (A.5661, Barclay); •​  Mobile Tax Freedom Act: Eliminate the state sales, compensating use, and excise taxes on mobile-telecommunications services. Also, authorize local governments to eliminate their sales and compensating use taxes on mobile telecommunications (A.9204, Barclay); •​  State Spending Cap: Cap state

spending to the average rate of inflation of the three previous calendar years and increase the maximum capacity of the rainy day fund (A.7530, Barclay); •​  Division of Regulatory Review and Economic Growth (D-RREG): Establish a division, led by a commissioner who has a fixed term, to review and make binding recommendations for the elimination of burdensome regulations and implement a “two-for-one” reduction requirement mandating agencies identify two existing rules for elimination when proposing a new rule (A.5582, Barclay); •​  Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Increase the state allowance of qualified expenses by 15 percent (A.2314, Ra); and, •​  Empire State Child Credit: Increase the state tax credit amount to 45 percent of the federal child tax credit amount (A.2492, Ra). The Empire State should be defined by the heights of its citizens’ opportunities, not the height of their tax bills. We cannot keep asking New Yorkers to tighten their belts while the state government loosens its own. Affordability must become a mentality, a policy directive. New York’s future depends on it.

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.

Dismissing politics as “dirty” is wrong & self-defeating I

’m often struck by how often I meet people who think that all politics are dirty. They view politics as innately unethical, something they should avoid altogether. They stereotype politicians as dishonest and corrupt. I spent decades working in politics, and I can say with confidence that this view is mistaken and deeply unfair. It’s also self-defeating. If we turn our backs on politics, we reject an essential way to improve our communities and our nation. Politics is simply the LEE way we govern ourHAMILTON selves in a democracy. It’s quite possible for Opinion politicians to live lives that are ethically sound. In my experience, most do. There is no question that many Americans are, to put it mildly, suspicious of politicians. When it comes to Congress, about four in five Americans disapprove of the way it does its job, according to a recent Gallup poll. Ratings of the ethics of various professions put politicians near the bottom, with car salesmen and TV reporters. I encountered the idea that politics is not a worthwhile calling when I first ran for public office. It probably didn’t help that my brother was a United Methodist minister. People who knew the family claimed to be bewildered that two siblings would

take such opposite career paths. In fact, I’d argue that politics and the ministry have a lot in common. Both are people-oriented professions that require us to withhold judgment and work with individuals as they are. And, in their distinct ways, both are concerned with virtue. It may seem odd today to associate politics with virtue. It wouldn’t have seemed odd to America’s founders. I have always been impressed by how often they wrote about virtue. They were concerned with private virtue, the idea that people should live ethical lives; and they cared deeply about public virtue, the concept that people had a civic duty to prioritize the common good. They saw both as essential. “Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private (virtue),” John Adams wrote, “and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.” The founders were certainly politicians. They competed for power, and their supporters engaged in energetic and contentious political campaigns. They sometimes fell short of living virtuous lives: several owned slaves, for example, even if they knew slavery was wrong. But any list of virtuous Americans would surely include Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and other founders. Abraham Lincoln, considered by many historians to be our greatest president, was a politician who compromised and acted strategically to achieve his goals. He was also an ethical and deeply serious man who sought divine guidance and agonized over the suffering caused by the

Civil War. It may seem that politics and virtue are irreconcilable today, given our era’s bitter partisanship and take-no-prisoners election tactics, along with the outsized influence of money in politics. It’s easy to find examples of politicians acting corruptly: by accepting bribes, for example, or by manipulating policies to enrich themselves. Bad actors in government get a lot of attention, and rightly so. But we should remember that there are 435 members of the U.S. House and 100 members of the Senate, along with thousands of officials in state and local governments. The vast majority are doing their jobs with a sense of responsibility and integrity. As for those who aren’t, it’s up to the people to hold them accountable or replace them with officials who will serve the public. If we take our responsibility as citizens seriously — if we attend to the public virtue that the founders wrote about — we are more likely to get the politics and the politicians that we deserve. 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.

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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 valuable insights into the financial and operational challenges facing the nonprofit sector — and strategies to overcome them. You’ll walk away with 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-nonprofit-conference-2026/. The event website is at: www.dmcpas.com/events. JANUARY 8 n Tompkins Chamber Small Business Roundtable from 9:30-11 a.m. at Northside Wine & Spirits, 222 Elmira Road, Ithaca. Small Business Roundtable is for organization leaders and business owners/managers with 50 or fewer employees to come together and discuss challenges and share successes in their work. Bring your biggest challenge, opportunity, or need to your peers for feedback, problem solving, accountability and more in a safe, supportive, confidential space. For more information and to register, visit: https:// business.tompkinschamber.org/events/details/small-businessroundtable-at-northside-wine-spirits-194073 \ JANUARY 13, 15, & 20 n N.Y. SBDC Fast Track to Small Business Workshop held in-person and online from 9 a.m-4:30 p.m. This is an intensive,

hybrid 20-hour workshop that will be facilitated by New York State-certified small-business advisor, Kellie Greene, and includes a variety of presenters who are all experts in different facets of small-business startup.​Topics will include business-plan development, marketing/branding, financial management, and more. The in-person portion of the workshop will be held at Mulroy Hall at 4926 Onondaga Road in the town of Onondaga. For more information, including registration details/policies, visit: https://nysbdc.ecenterdirect. com/events/1019823 JANUARY 14 n Tompkins Chamber Business After Hours event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County, 50 Graham Rd W., Ithaca. This event offers chamber members a special opportunity to share ideas and build connections. Held at various locations in Tompkins County, this gathering is the perfect place to form long-lasting partnerships. For more information and to register, visit: https://business. tompkinschamber.org/events/details/business-after-hours-atymca-w-sprague-jackson-194042 JANUARY 15 n Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Connect Over Lunch event from 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at Stu’s Place, 114 N. Page Ave., Endicott. The chamber’s Connect Over Lunch is a popular networking event held on the second Thursday of each month at various locations throughout the community. There will be an opportunity to meet one another, display literature, participate in the included raffle, and give a brief introduction to the entire group. More information, including registration, is

available through this link: https://shorturl.at/7Rb2V 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://centerstateceo.com/ events/1/2026/economic-forecast-breakfast 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-annual-economic-forecast-building-bc-awards10551?calendarMonth=2026-02-01

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Ask Rusty: Why Can't I Get My SS Benefits? DEAR RUSTY: I called the Social Security office, as well as went with my husband when he went to collect his Social Security. Because I work full-time (earning about $800 per week), the Social Security Administration (SSA) said I could not file for my Social Security (SS). Yet I seem to read articles all the time about people doing so. My husband just filed for his benefits and is now collecting them. Out of the two of us, his Social Security will be larger. Please advise me.

Signed: Wanting my Benefits Dear Wanting my Benefits: If you have not yet reached your SS full retirement age (FRA) and you are working full time, you are likely being affected by Social Security’s annual earnings test, which limits how much you can earn while collecting Social Security prior to your FRA. Your FRA is somewhere between age 66 and 67, depending on when you were born. The annual earnings limit for those collecting SS benefits prior to FRA in 2025 is $23,400 (changes yearly). And, if that is exceeded, the SSA will take away benefits equal to $1 for every $2 you are over the limit. If you applied for your benefits and are still working, and were denied, it’s likely because the SSA determined that your current annual earnings considerably exceed the earnings limit and, thus, you cannot collect benefits. That’s because the penalty for exceeding the limit would be more than your benefit amount. FYI, the earnings limit will go away when you reach your full retirement age so, after FRA,

GREENE:

Continued from page 4

that this household cap is the combined total of either employee salary-reduction contributions or any employer contributions. A Dependent Care FSA (flexible savings account) is a pre-tax account that

SURVEY:

Continued from page 2

nance/insights/ai-trends-financial-management-2026.aspx Citizens Financial Group (NYSE: CFG) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $223 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2025. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations, and institutions. Citizens operates 1,000 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. That includes 10 branches in the 16-county Central New York region, where it has a nearly 2.1 percent share of total market deposits, according to CNYBJ Research, citing FDIC data.

you can claim your benefits even if you are still working. Or if you stop working before your FRA you can collect your SS benefits at that time. None of this means you are losing money, because your monthly SS payment will continue to grow until you later claim (e.g., after you stop working, or only work part-time), or until you reach 70 years of age. When you later claim, your monthly benefit will be higher and, depending on your longevity, you may recover what you didn’t get now because you are working. And that includes both your own SS retirement benefit and any spousal boost you may be entitled to from your husband. So, my suggestion is this: as long as you are working full time and exceeding Social Security’s annual earnings limit, continue to wait to claim your Social Security. Then, when you reach your FRA (again, between 66 and 67, depending on the year you were born), or if you stop working before that, go ahead and apply for Social

allows employees to set aside money to pay for eligible work-related childcare expenses, such as daycare, preschool, and after-school care. These updates lower the net cost of on-site childcare, contracted center partnerships, or employer childcare subsidies — making 2026 a potential turning point for childcare benefit expansion.

Actions for Employers as 2026 Planning Begins

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Security again. At that time, your application will be approved, and you will be awarded your own earned SS RUSSELL retirement amount plus any additionGLOOR al amount you may be due as your husband’s spouse. To be entitled to Social Security a spousal boost from your husband, Matters your own FRA entitlement must be less than 50 percent of your husband’s FRA entitlement. But the amount you receive will be reduced if you claim before your full retirement age. n 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.

1. Confirm whether Trump Account contributions will be part of 2026 benefits. 2. Educate employees on eligibility, seed deposits, and expected early-2026 enrollment. 3. Assess childcare strategy in light of the expanded §45F credit and higher FSA limits.

4. Coordinate communication plans for 2026 open enrollment. 5. Evaluate small-employer status to determine enhanced credit eligibility. n Joe Greene is a senior manager at Evans and Bennett, LLP, a full-service accounting firm based in Syracuse. Contact him at jgreene@evansandbennett.com.

16 I

THE CENTRAL NEW YORK BUSINESS JOURNAL I DECEMBER 29, 2025

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