October 27 2025 Edition

CNYBJ CALENDAR:

November 3 Special Report: Banking & Credit Union Report

November 3 List: Banks

November 10 Special Report: Resources for Small Business/Education

November 10 List: Chambers of Commerce

November 17 Special Report: Manufacturing/High-Tech/Incubators

November 17 List: Nursing Programs

November 24 Special Report: Employee Benefits/HR/Insurance

November 24 List: Commercial RealEastate Firms

December 8 Special Report: Energy/ Environment/Sustainability

December 8 List: Ski Resorts

December 15 Special Report: Construction/Design/Real Estate

December 15 List: Landscape Architects

December 22 Special Report: Nonprofit Directory

December 29 Special Report: Healthcare Quarterly/Excellence in Healthcare Spotlights NEW!

CNYBJ BRIEFS

Community Bank parent declares Q4 dividend of 47 cents a share

DeWITT — Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) — parent company of Community Bank, N.A. — recently announced that it will pay a quarterly cash dividend of 47 cents per share of its common stock for the fourth quarter.

The dividend will be payable on Jan. 12, to shareholders of record as of Dec. 12.

The quarterly payment equates to an annualized yield of about 3.4 percent, based on the banking and financial services company’s current stock price.

NNY Community Foundation announces nearly $52K in Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund grants

WATERTOWN — The Northern New York (NNY) Community Foundation recently announced that three local organizations will share $51,900 in grant funding from its Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund for projects at places of historical significance.

The nonprofits that will receive grant funding from the Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund are the following:

• Constable Hall Association, Constableville, $24,500 to help complete needed repairs and restoration of the Servants Quarters, which is presently used for storage. Officials plan to gradually transition the Servants Quarters into displays of “Every Day Working Life” in Lewis County. Constable Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Built in the early 19th century, it served as the home of the Constable family, early settlers and leaders who helped shape the region’s development during the 19th century.

• Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Association, $20,000 to help with needed repairs to the Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Farm, listed on the National

Register of Historic Places. The farm preserves the mid-19th century John Moser homestead, an example of an early Mennonite settlement in Lewis County. Today, the property is operated as a museum and cultural site interpreting the history, faith, and lifestyle of the region’s Mennonite community. Funding will aid with restoration of the front and side porches of the farmhouse to preserve the building’s historic character and improve visitor safety.

• Society for the Preservation of West Martinsburg Church, $7,400 to help repair and stabilize the church’s original fieldstone foundation and replace a deteriorated walkway. Improvements are critical to preserving the structural integrity of the building and ensuring safe access for visitors. Built in 1840, it is one of the earliest rural churches in Northern New York. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, it is one of only a few surviving historic structures in West Martinsburg, a hamlet that was once home to several businesses and institutions. The church also

Jefferson County hotel business benchmarks fall

WATERTOWN — Jefferson County hotels accommodated fewer overnight guests in September, as two other key business indicators also registered declines during the month. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the North Country’s most populated county fell 5.4 percent to 63 percent in the ninth month of 2025, compared to a year prior, according to STR, a Tennessee–based hotel market data and analytics company. Year to date through September, occupancy was down 3.8 percent to 52.6 percent.

Revenue per available room (RevPar), a key industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, slid 7.5 percent in Jefferson County to $78.91 in September, compared to September 2024. In the first nine months of this year, RevPar was off 4.3 percent to $64.32. The average daily rate (ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, slipped 2.2 percent to $125.24 in September from the same month in 2024, per STR. Year to date through Sept. 30, ADR was down 0.5 percent to $122.28.

DeWitt–based Community Financial System is a diversified financial-services company with total assets of more than $16 billion focused on four main business lines — banking services, employee-benefit services, insurance, and wealth management. Community Bank, N.A. is among the nation’s 100 largest banking institutions and operates about 200 branches across upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, and western Massachusetts.

houses artifacts and documents from the congregation and surrounding community, serving as a museum.

The NNY Community Foundation is now seeking proposals from eligible Lewis County organizations for a second round of funding totaling up to $48,100.

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and churches located entirely within Lewis County, which plan to undertake historic preservation or restoration. Projects should focus on the preservation or restoration of places of legitimate historical significance and significant historical community landmarks.

ICAN appoints four new members to board of directors

UTICA — Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN) recently announced the appointment of four new board members: Anthony Brindisi, Iris Buczkowski, Keith Levatino, and Latavius Murray. These four will lend their expertise and talent in assisting with governance and guidance for the growing nonprofit. ICAN says it is a unique home and community-based network that provides individualized and non-traditional services and care to the highest-risk individuals and families with social, emotional, mental health, and behavioral challenges.

Brindisi is a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of New York. He began his career at the law firm of Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman LLP as a litigation associate, was named a partner in 2008, and appointed of counsel in 2014. In 2011, Brindisi was elected assemblyman to represent New York’s 119th State Assembly District and in 2018, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving New York’s 22nd Congressional District. He served until 2021 and then returned to the law firm as a partner until 2022 when he was appointed as a judge on the New York State Court of Claims in Utica. In 2024, Brindisi served as an acting Supreme Court justice in Oneida County and in late 2024 was appointed as a Federal District Court judge of the Northern District of New York.

Buczkowski is CEO and owner of Birch Wealth Management. She has been a financial planner for more than 23 years. Buczkowski built her business from the ground up offering personalized financial advice that helps her clients achieve their goals and navigate the complexities of wealth management by understanding their family lives and unique goals, the ICAN announcement stated.

Levatino is superintendent of schools at the Little Falls City School District. He brings experience from an extensive career in education to the ICAN board, and an expert perspective as ICAN expands essential services into additional school districts. Levatino was named the Little Falls City School District superintendent in 2015, currently overseeing a district made up of 1,050 students and 200 faculty. He is also a SUNY Poly College Council trustee and previously served as an adjunct lecturer at Utica University.

Murray is founder of the Jon Diaz Community Center. ICAN says he brings a unique mix of expertise and perspectives to its board as a former professional athlete,

per available room (RevPar), an important industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, fell 4.2 percent to $101.33 in September in the Mohawk Valley’s largest county versus September 2024. In the first nine months of this year, RevPar gained 3.7 percent to $91.74. Average daily rate (ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, declined 4.4 percent to $143.41 in Oneida County in September 2025, compared to the same month a year earlier. Through Sept. 30 of this year, ADR was down 0.3 percent to $142.39. Oneida

UTICA — Oneida County hotels registered a decline in two of three key benchmarks of business performance in September. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) inched up 0.3 percent to 70.7 percent in the ninth 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 September, occupancy in the county was up 4 percent to 64.4 percent.

Brindisi

The Community Bank, N.A. branch on Route 31 in the town of Cicero.

Buczkowski

Levatino

Murray

The Northern New York (NNY) Community Foundation building in Watertown.

PHOTO CREDIT: NNY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WEBSITE

Upstate Medical University Arena revamp includes new seating, sound system

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

SYRACUSE — Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial had some changes following a $4 million renovation project that concluded at the end of the 2025-26 Syracuse Crunch ice-hockey season.

Onondaga County on Oct. 16 said the improvements include brand new lower-bowl seating; improved accessibility; expanded event spaces; a state-of-the-art sound system; renovated VIP lounge; and a new grab-and-go area, “further elevating the experience for fans, guests, and event organizers alike,” per the announcement.

“From seats and sound to the brandnew Legacy Lounge, these new upgrades at the War Memorial are some of the best yet. Not only will they enhance the visitor experience but also help market the facil-

ity to lure new concerts, comedy shows and conventions,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said in the announcement. “Onondaga County runs largely on sales tax dollars so anything we can do to bring in visitors and capture their spending helps us lower property taxes for folks right here at home. I encourage everyone to come check out a show or Crunch game and experience all these great upgrades.”

The $4 million renovation project started back in June with an overhaul to the lower-bowl seating, which now offers American-made, permanent seats, produced and installed by Irwin Seating Company, described as “one of the world’s leading manufacturers of audience seating.”

The project also expanded wheelchair-accessible seating for hockey games, and lower-bowl seating in front of the stage was removed, opening up

space for a brand new, flexible event area. Additionally, crews installed new retractable seating on the stage, allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate any group using this space during Syracuse Crunch games.

Besides seating, the arena also underwent a major audio upgrade with the installation of a new sound system, featuring Powersoft amplifiers and more than 130 Fulcrum and JBL speakers, designed to “deliver clear, even sound”

St. Lawrence County Chamber recognizes four organizations at annual dinner

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

CANTON — The St. Lawrence County (STLC) Chamber of Commerce recognized three businesses and one library during its annual meeting held Oct. 22.

The STLC Chamber honored Pepsi-Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers as its 2025 Business of the Year. In addition, the chamber recognized Jernabi Coffeehouse of Potsdam for its Customer Service Excellence, Canton Apples & Cider as the Local Producer of the Year, and the Massena Public Library as the Community Cornerstone.

The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its annual business awards ahead of the annual dinner. The chamber used the event to recognize the recipients for their achievements and contributions to the county’s business climate, quality of life, and character.

“St. Lawrence County and the North Country are filled with remarkable businesses and organizations that are essential to the vitality of our region,” Ben Dixon, executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, said in the announcement. “It is wonderful for us to be able to recognize them for the way they support other businesses, enhance our economy, and present our region as an exceptionally great place to be.”

About the Business of the Year

Founded in 1943, Pepsi-Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers employs more than 50 local residents and consistently reinvests in modern equipment, facility improvements, and sustainability initiatives that strengthen both its opera-

tions and the regional economy, per the STLC Chamber’s announcement.

Under the leadership of the Winter and Wright families, Pepsi-Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers “balances business excellence with exceptional community engagement.” Its philanthropy has supported local initiatives that include the Boys & Girls Club and youth athletics to health care, including support for the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center.

The company also demonstrates ongoing innovation through recent investments in recycling technology and cold-storage systems.

Jernabi Coffeehouse

Jernabi Coffeehouse was recognized with the Customer Service Excellence Award for its “dedication to warmth, consistency, and genuine community connection.” Those nominating the business for the award praised the coffeehouse as an establishment that “embodies hospitality from the moment guests enter,” the STLC Chamber said.

It went on to acknowledge Jernabi’s staff as “friendly, knowledgeable, and professional,” and noted for attention to detail like remembering a regular’s custom order or guiding new customers through the menu.

Canton Apples & Cider

The STLC Chamber presented the award for Local Producer of the Year to Canton Apples & Cider, a business “rooted in tradition, innovation, and community stewardship.”

Canton Apples works to preserve heritage apple varieties, including rare and heirloom strains, “keeping agricultural heritage alive” while offering consumers a

throughout the venue, Onondaga County contended.

The renovation effort also included the new Legacy Lounge, a space paying homage to the legacy of talent that has played in the arena over the last seven decades with new graphics, flooring, furniture, and gaming. The lounge, which will offer improved food and beverage options, is open to the public during Syracuse Crunch games and will be available as a premium upgrade for non-Crunch events. n

distinctive, local product.

The business also demonstrates innovation through its new line of handcrafted ciders. By blending apple varieties, it produces “complex, naturally balanced” flavors.

“Their commitment to quality and the environment is evident in their methods, which include sustainable orchard practices and the use of UV treatment rather than chemical additives,” per the announcement.

Massena Public Library

The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce honored the Massena Public Library with the Community Cornerstone Award for its outstanding contributions through education, inclusion, and connection.

The library serves as a “vibrant hub” that offers free access to technology, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment for all ages. The chamber praised the library’s staff for its commitment to “making everyone feel welcome.”

The library has also supported the Massena Chamber of Commerce, assisting integration efforts by hosting St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Assistant Director Laura Pearson in a temporary office space. n

Syracuse Crunch pictured in action against the Rochester Americans in Syracuse’s home opener on Oct. 18 at the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial. On Oct. 16, Onondaga County hosted an event to unveil the improvements inside the arena following a $4 million renovation project that occurred in the past few months. The upgrades included new seating inside the arena.

Canton Apples & Cider

PHOTO CREDIT: ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER

The St. Lawrence County (STLC) Chamber of Commerce recognized Pepsi-Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers as its 2025 Business of the Year. PHOTO CREDIT: ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Jernabi Coffeehouse in Potsdam.

CREDIT: ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Massena Public Library

CREDIT: ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY CHAMBER

Eysaman starts as South Side Community Growth Foundation’s first executive director

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

SYRACUSE — It was back in September when Deka Eysaman made her first public appearance as executive director of the South Side Community Growth Foundation.

She attended Home HeadQuarters’ annual Block Blitz, of which the foundation was a community builder sponsor. Since its founding last year, the South Side Community Growth Foundation has started cultivating relationships with its McKinley Park neighbors over face-toface conversations, kitchen table talks, and a private barbeque for the community. Eysaman is charged with “building upon this momentum in order to refine and enhance the organization’s vision,” per the Sept. 29 announcement.

Eysaman has a track record of driving impactful programs and initiatives that spark innovation within public private partnerships and advance equity for marginalized populations, per the announcement.

Eysaman most recently served as assistant director of field organizing at the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU),

where she supervised a team of more than two dozen people across the state, directly overseeing the operations of four regional offices.

Under her leadership, NYCLU grew its volunteer network by 30 percent and partnered with statewide organizations to lead a successful campaign to pass an equal rights amendment to the state’s constitution.

The foundation believes the Syracuse community knows Eysaman best from her time serving as former board president of the Urban Jobs Task Force of Syracuse.

Eysaman directed the organization’s “I-81 Local Hire” public-advocacy campaign. That effort sought to ensure 15 percent of employees working on the Interstate 81 viaduct-replacement project would be hired from the local community, bringing more than $7 million into the economy through their earned wages.

In that role, Eysaman raised more than $600,000 in funding from government and foundation sources; helped shape local policies; supported the creation of the Syracuse Build initiative; and helped the Urban Jobs Task Force through its transition from a 501 (c)(4) to 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

She also oversaw the task force’s process to hire its first executive director.

Eysaman brings experience in programming and youth development, previously serving as teen program director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse and program associate for the Syracuse University Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). She was a 40 Under Forty recipient, recognized in 2020 by BizEventz and The Central New York Business Journal

“I am honored to join the South Side Community Growth Foundation as its first executive director. This is an extraordinary opportunity to serve a community that is far too often forgotten, and to work alongside neighbors, partners, and leaders who are deeply committed to advancing equity and opportunity on the South Side,” Eysaman said in the announcement. “I look forward to bringing my experience in advocacy, community programming and facilitating cross-sector collaboration to help ensure that every resident has access to the resources they need to thrive.”

The nonprofit South Side Community Growth Foundation works to support South Side neighbors by partnering with neighbors, businesses, and govern-

Oneida County lawmakers to vote on proposed $560 million budget

Includes first property tax increase in 13 years

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

UTICA — The Oneida County Board of Legislators on Nov. 12 will vote on the 2026 budget proposal that was recently introduced with the county’s first increase in the property tax levy in 13 years.

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. called the proposed 2.9 percent property-tax increase a “necessary adjustment” to maintain essential services and prepare for the “growing financial pressures being pushed onto counties by New York State and the federal government.”

“This modest increase is not a setback, it’s a step forward,” Picente argued in his Oct. 8 budget proposal address to county legislators. “For more than a decade we have held the line on taxes while strengthening services, improving efficiency and investing in our community. But with mandated costs from Albany and Washington continuing to rise, and sales tax reve-

nue flattening, this adjustment is necessary to preserve our fiscal health and position Oneida County for the future.”

The projected $560.9 million budget represents a $12 million, or 2.2 percent, increase over the current year despite numerous cost-saving measures and programmatic reductions, the county executive’s office said. The Oneida County executive emphasized that more than 90 percent of the county’s spending is state mandated, leaving “limited flexibility” to absorb rising costs in programs such as Medicaid, foster care, and SNAP without local action.

The county’s annual Medicaid obligation, alone, stands at $57.3 million and represents about 86 percent of the entire property tax levy, Picente’s office said. It could “grow substantially” if the state eliminates its Medicaid cap or adds new service mandates such as countywide ambulance coverage.

Despite these challenges, the county executive used his budget-address remarks to underscore that his administration continues to take a “conservative and disciplined” approach to budgeting, retiring more debt than it takes on and reducing expenditures wherever possible.

The 2026 capital plan retires $17.6 million in debt while taking

on just $13 million in new borrowing for critical projects.

In addition, Oneida County is implementing cost-saving measures such as bringing the administration of the foster-care program in-house to reduce contract expenses, unfunding long-vacant positions, and maximizing the vacancy rate.

“We have made every adjustment possible to keep this increase minimal,” Picente stipulated. “We are doing what every responsible household must do, making hard choices to ensure we can meet our obligations today while protecting our ability to respond to tomorrow’s challenges.”

Over the past year, Oneida County has faced multiple tornadoes, expanded broadband to rural areas, upgraded emergency communications systems and strengthened public safety infrastructure, all without additional state or federal assistance. Picente highlighted these investments as examples of the county’s leadership and resilience.

“No other local government takes on as much responsibility as Oneida County,” Picente said. “When disaster strikes, when critical services are needed, when others turn away, we step forward. That is who we are, and that’s what this budget ensures we can continue to do.”

ment to invest in community initiatives. Established by local philanthropist Chedy Hampson (who founded and later sold TCGplayer.com for $295 million), the foundation’s focus areas include affordable housing and activities that support economic mobility of South Side residents.

“We are thrilled to have Deka at the helm,” Hampson said. “Her proven record of leading impactful initiatives, combined with her deep connection to the Syracuse community, makes her the ideal leader to guide our mission forward in ways that truly serve our neighbors.” n

Picente went on to say that fundamental changes to Oneida County’s governmental structure are needed in order to continue to meet those critical needs.

He said he will revisit proposals he made in last year’s budget address, including sending a resolution to the board to address the county’s responsibility of making villages whole on their tax collection and reevaluating sales-tax distribution.

Picente concluded his address by “reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sound financial management and the long-term stability of Oneida County,” his office noted.

“We have challenges, but they are opportunities,” he contended. “This budget is about responsibility, facing tomorrow today and ensuring Oneida County remains strong, stable and united for years to come.” n

Deka Eysaman is the first executive director of the South Side Community Growth Foundation. PHOTO CREDIT: SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY GROWTH FOUNDATION

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. on Oct. 8 presented his latest budget proposal to the Oneida County Board of Legislators.

PHOTO CREDIT: ONEIDA COUNTY

Le Moyne to use $5M grant for grad students seeking health degrees

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

SYRACUSE — Le Moyne College will use a five-year, $5 million state grant to support graduate students enrolled in certain health-care programs.

The money comes from the new statewide Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP). The HELP initiative assists students pursuing careers in health care by offering wrap-around services and support to address the workforce shortages across the health-care sector, Le Moyne said.

The grant will support graduate students in the Purcell School for Professional Studies enrolled in nursing, physician-assistant studies, clinical mental-health counseling, and occupational therapy.

The $5 million grant from the New York State Department of Health will start on Jan. 1, 2026. It represents the second largest in Le Moyne’s history behind the $7.2 million received in 2022 to fund the ERIE21 program.

“My deepest gratitude to the many faculty, program

directors and staff who contributed to the data collection and writing of the grant proposal to develop the innovative concept that resulted in this funding,” Le Moyne President Linda LeMura said in an announcement. “It was truly a collaborative effort across the College.”

This HELP initiative is part of a broader $10 billion in funding announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022 with a goal of rebuilding and expanding the health-care workforce. The program’s goal is to address health workforce shortages by providing support services to health-care trainees, thereby enhancing the career pipeline and improving access to health care training in underserved areas.

HELP offers annual funding availability of $19.5 million, Le Moyne said.

The program HOPES

This student funding and support program will be called Healthcare Opportunities for Professional and Educational Success (HOPES). In addition to financial support for more than 50 students each year, the program

Renovation project at Rome

Family YMCA is ongoing

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

ROME — The first phase of the renovation effort at the Rome Family YMCA on West Bloomfield Street is ongoing after transitioning from plans for new construction to an “ambitious” remodeling effort.

The work conducted so far has included a brand-new Spin Studio with modern lighting, sound, and air conditioning, along with new paint, padding, and backboards in the gymnasium, per the Sept. 23 announcement.

Crews have also installed an electric gymnasium divider curtain.

In addition, the work has included pool maintenance and safety upgrades completed during the summer, refinished gymnasium hardwood floors; delivery and

installation of $175,000 in cardio equipment; and the renovation of the cardio room with modern lighting, electrical, flooring, and aesthetics.

The work that is still to come will include repurposing underutilized spaces, including new personal training and group exercise areas. Second phase projects will also involve locker rooms, spa, roof, and energy-efficient systems with support from National Grid and NYSERDA. The second-phase work will target the venue’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

will involve three programming pillars: transition into the program, transition to the profession, and transition to practice.

Le Moyne College’s Office of Graduate Admission and Success and the Purcell School will oversee the program’s implementation, the school noted.

The tiered approach will provide support to onboard, retain, and qualify graduate students in the health-care field. It ties directly to Le Moyne’s strategic plan, called “Tomorrow Together.” The plan calls for the institution to “assess local and regional markets for partnerships that increase programmatic reach” and also aligns with its Jesuit tenant of “cura personalis,” or care of the whole person.

“The grant will increase resources critical to running programming, coaching students and providing vital services to support student success,” Meega Wells, dean of the Purcell School for Professional Studies, said. “It will benefit our graduate healthcare students in many ways throughout their journey through their respective programs.” n

“This renovation allows us to expand our offerings and improve the facilities that have served our community for many generations,” Hank Leo, CEO, said in the announcement. The revitalized YMCA will feature modern fitness spaces, family-friendly areas, and enhanced programs for childcare and youth engagement. As the renovation progresses, the YMCA looks forward to inviting the community to experience the updates firsthand and join in the effort.”

The Rome Family YMCA was established in 1871. It is one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in the region and was founded only 27 years after the first YMCA in London. Rome Family YMCA is part of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, which also includes the Oneida Family YMCA and YMCA Child Care in Whitesboro. n

NIH grant helps Cornell start autism-research center

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

ITHACA — Cornell University’s Ithaca campus and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City are starting an autism-research center using a three-year, $5.1 million federal grant.

The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Autism Data Science Initiative (ADSI) awarded the grant, per the Cornell Chronicle, the university’s news website.

The new center is officially called the Autism Replication, Validation, and Reproducibility (AR2) Center. It aims to improve the reliability of autism research and foster public trust in the field.

“The AR2 Center will serve as a scientific quality control hub for the ADSI teams and projects,” Judy Zhong, the principal investigator who is leading the project, said in the Cornell announcement. Zhong is the chief of the division of biostatistics

in the department of population health sciences and director of the data coordinating center at Weill Cornell Medicine.

AR2 is one of 13 projects that the $50 million ADSI research effort is funding to assess the roles of genetics, environmental interactions, and other factors in autism, Cornell said. AR2 will use existing data from previous research, Medicaid claims, and other data repositories, including the INSIGHT Clinical Research Network, and PCORnet, to support its analysis of the validity and generalizability of ADSI results.

Dr. Rainu Kaushal, who leads the INSIGHT Clinical Research Network, is another researcher working with Zhong. Kaushal is senior associate dean of health data science at Weill Cornell Medicine and chair of the department of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Zhong and her colleagues will use a three-step process that starts with replicating the data analysis to confirm the initial results reported by ADSI investigators, Cornell said. Then, they will validate that

the investigators’ models work in different subsets of patients or in patients identified using different diagnostic tools. Finally,

The renovation work at the Rome Family YMCA has included new cardio equipment.

PHOTO CREDIT: ROME FAMILY YMCA

Researchers at Cornell University’s Ithaca campus (pictured in the distance) and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City are using a federal grant to launch an autism-research center.

PHOTO CREDIT: ZOEYADVERTISING.COM

SPECIAL REPORT:

2025 MANUFACTURING DIRECTORY

Welcome to the 2025 edition of The Central New York Business Journal’s Manufacturing Directory.

The directory is an alphabetical listing of manufacturers throughout the 16-county Central New York region. The organizations included are of all sizes and represent a wide range of manufactured goods.

The listings contained in the directory provide data on number of employees, products manufactured locally, markets served, certifications, key management, and revenue figures (if available).

— Vance Marriner (vmarriner@cnybj.com)

2ND AVE LIGHTING

55 Oriskany Blvd. Yorkville, NY 13495 (800) 843-1602/2ndave.com

n Year Estab.: 1979

n No. of CNY Employees: 60

n No. of Employees Companywide: 100

n Products Manufactured Locally: custom lighting, decorative lighting, stained-glass lamps and windows, chandeliers, wall sconces, outdoor lanterns, custom lighting, table/floor lamps, and other home accessories and decor; indoor and outdoor lighting

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 180,000 square feet of manufacturing, inventory, retail, and distribution space sited on 8.5 acres.

n Certifications: lighting products are UL listed

n Markets Served: worldwide

n President & CEO: Robert Cohen

n Sales Manager: Max Cohen

n Production Manager: Chester Cohen

ADVANCED TOOL INC.

9169 River Road Marcy, NY 13403 (315) 768-8502/advancedtool.com

n Year Estab.: 1975

n No. of CNY Employees: 10

n Products Manufactured Locally: carbide end mills, miniature end mills and helical form tools; application-specific milling solutions and problem-solving, custom geometries and configurations

n Certifications: ISO 9001

n Markets Served: milling applications for aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics

n President & CEO: Sherry DePerno

ALCOA-MASSENA OPERATIONS

1 Park Ave. E. Massena, NY 13662 (315) 764-4011/alcoa.com

n Year Estab.: 1902

n No. of CNY Employees: 460

n No. of Employees Companywide: 13,600

n 2024 Revenue: $11B

n Products Manufactured Locally: molten aluminum, billet, sow, rod

n Certifications: ISO 9001.2000, ISO 9002, QS 9000 and TS-9000

n Markets Served: transportation, aerospace, construction, defense

n President & CEO: William F. Oplinger

ANDELA PRODUCTS

493 State Route 28 Richfield Springs, NY 13439 (315) 858-0055/andelaproducts.com

TOP MANUFACTURING SECTORS IN CNY BY AVERAGE EMPLOYMENT, 2025

Sector

1. Electronic Instrument Manufacturing

2. Plastics Product Manufacturing

3. Medical Equipment and Supplies Mfg

4. Converted Paper Product Manufacturing

5. Beverage Manufacturing

6. Other General Purpose Machinery Mfg

7. Dairy Product Manufacturing

8. Printing and Related Support Activities 1,026

9. Machine Shops and Threaded Products 932

10. Semiconductor and Electronic Components 883

SOURCE: NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

n Year Estab.: 1991

n No. of CNY Employees: 13

n No. of Employees Companywide: 12

n 2024 Revenue: $3.1M

n Products Manufactured Locally: glass-recycling machinery, metal fabrication, abrasive-blasting services

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 25,000

n Markets Served: Glass Recycling

n President & CEO: Cynthia A. Andela

ANHEUSER-BUSCH INBEV

2885 Belgium Road Baldwinsville, NY 13027 (315) 635-4000/anheuser-busch.com

n Year Estab.: 1976

n No. of CNY Employees: 600

n No. of Employees Companywide: 154,450

n 2024 Revenue: $53.4B

n Products Manufactured Locally: brewery offering numerous beer brands and types of bottling

n Markets Served: consumer beverage

n Senior General Manager: Ashley White

ANSEN CORPORATION

100 Chimney Point Drive Ogdensburg, NY 13669 (315) 393-3573/ansencorp.com

n Year Estab.: 2002

n No. of CNY Employees: 200

n No. of Employees Companywide: 450

n Products Manufactured Locally: EMS electronic contract-manufacturing services, prototyping, medium-to-high volume PCB assembly, test, and complete systems integration and packaging

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 1.12

million

n Certifications: ISO13485; ISO9001 and ITAR Registered

n Markets Served: medical, industrial, RF/wireless, communications, security, transportation, consumer, military, computer hardware, aerospace, LED lighting

n VP & General Manager: Rod Bush

BAE SYSTEMS

1098 Clark St. Endicott, NY 13760 (607) 770-2000/baesystems.com

n Year Estab.: 1999

n No. of CNY Employees: 1,300

n No. of Employees Companywide: 93,000

n 2024 Revenue: $28.3B

n Products Manufactured Locally: software, systems integration, support for defense applications, electronic-control and power-management systems for military, commercial air, and land vehicles

n Markets Served: technology, defense, commercial

n President & CEO: Tom Arseneault

BAXTER

4341 State Street Road Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153 (315) 685-4100/baxter.com

n Year Estab.: 1915

n No. of CNY Employees: 1,000

n No. of Employees Companywide: 60,000

n 2024 Revenue: $14.8B

n Products Manufactured Locally: medical-device manufacturer

n Markets Served: medical, health care

n President & CEO: Jose (Joe) Almeida

BENCHMARK MEDIA SYSTEMS, INC.

203 E. Hampton Place, Suite 2 Syracuse, NY 13206 (315) 437-6300/benchmarkmedia.com

n Year Estab.: 1983

n No. of CNY Employees: 12

n No. of Employees Companywide: 12

n Products Manufactured Locally: audio digital-to-analog converters; audio-power amplifiers; headphone amplifiers; audio preamplifiers

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 7,000

n Markets Served: international; home audio and professional audio, recording studios

n VP: John Siau

BENNETT DIE & TOOL, INC.

130 Wygant Road Horseheads, NY 14845 (607) 739-5629/bdandt.com

n Year Estab.: 1953

n No. of CNY Employees: 45

n No. of Employees Companywide: 45

n Products Manufactured Locally: precision machined parts, complex assemblies

n Certifications: ISO9001 and AS9003

Compliant

n Markets Served: manufacturing and aerospace

n President: Brian Bennett

BUCKEYE CORRUGATED INC.

1203 Kinne St. E. Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 437-1181/bcipkg.com

n Year Estab.: 1979

n No. of CNY Employees: 134

n No. of Employees Companywide: 850

n 2024 Revenue: $51M

n Products Manufactured Locally: corrugated packaging and related packaging products

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 330,000

n Certifications: ISO 9001:2015

n Markets Served: New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut

n VP of Sales, New York Region: Jason Crouch

BYRNE DAIRY INC.

2394 US Route 11 LaFayette, NY 13084 (315) 475-2121/byrnedairy.com

n Year Estab.: 1933

n No. of CNY Employees: 580

n No. of Employees Companywide: 580

n Products Manufactured Locally: extended shelf-life and aseptic (shelf-stable) milk and cream products

n Markets Served: company services major retailers from across the nation

n CEO & President: Carl Byrne

C-FLEX BEARING COMPANY

104 Industrial Drive Frankfort, NY 13340 (315) 895-7454/c-flex.com

n Year Estab.: 1993

n No. of CNY Employees: 23

n No. of Employees Companywide: 23

n Products Manufactured Locally: metal flexures, pivot bearings, flex couplings, lattice couplings, transfer lines

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 8,400

n Markets Served: space, aerospace, industrial, semiconductor, instrumentation, food packaging

n President and CEO: Raj Rajaram

n General Manager: Kevin Lake

147 State Highway 320 Norwich, NY 13815 (607) 337-1246/chobani.com

n Year Estab.: 2005

12,768 Employment (in thousands)

$32.13

Average hourly earnings (all employees)

n Markets Served: retail, foodservice

n Founder & CEO: Hamdi Ulukaya

CONMED

525 French Road Utica, NY 13502 (315) 797-8375/conmed.com

n Year Estab.: 1970

n No. of CNY Employees: 500

n No. of Employees Companywide: 4,000

n 2024 Revenue: $1.3B

n Products Manufactured Locally: medical devices and equipment for orthopaedic, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, cardiac monitoring, and critical-care specialties

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 500,000

n Markets Served: arthroscopy, cardiology, critical care, general and laparoscopic surgery, gastroenterology, gynecology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, sports tissue and biologics, surgical visualization

CURRENT APPLICATIONS

275 Bellew Avenue South Watertown, NY 13601 (315) 788-4689/currentapps.com

n Year Estab.: 2000

n No. of CNY Employees: 60

n No. of Employees Companywide: 60

n Products Manufactured Locally: custom brush motors, brush-less motors, gear motors, and Galway barrel pumps

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 30,000

n Markets Served: Construction, health care, mobility, industrial, all markets that use motors

n President: George Anderson

n VP/Engineering Manager: Chris Gilbert

n Manufacturing Manager: Roger Snyder

n Manufacturing Engineering Manager: Bob Olin

DEIORIO FOODS INC.

2200 Bleecker St. Utica, NY 13501 (315) 732-7612/deiorios.com

n Year Estab.: 1924

n No. of CNY Employees: 323

n No. of Employees Companywide: 323

n Products Manufactured Locally: frozen pizza dough, pizza, gluten free, organic

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 150,000

n Certifications: SQF Level 2, Organic Certified, Gluten Free Certified

n Markets Served: Proprietary packaging, bakeries, schools/institutions, convenience stores, theme parks/rec centers

EATON CROUSE-HINDS

1201 Wolf St. Syracuse, NY 13221 (315) 477-7000/eaton.com

n Year Estab.: 1897

n No. of CNY Employees: 450

n No. of Employees Companywide: 85,000

n 2024 Revenue: $24.6B

n Products Manufactured Locally: electrical equipment

n Markets Served: industrial, electrical, commercial

n President: Matt Hockman

ENDICOTT PRECISION, INC.

1328-30 Campville Road Endicott, NY 13760 (607) 754-7076/endicottprecision.com

n Year Estab.: 1960

n No. of CNY Employees: 125

n No. of Employees Companywide: 125

n Products Manufactured Locally: precision sheet-metal fabrication, stampings, weldments, CNC mill and waterjet machining, mechanical assembly

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 85,000

n Certifications: AS9100D

n Markets Served: aerospace, electronics, vehicles, ships, commercial and military customers

n General & Sales Manager: Ronald Oliveira

GIOTTO ENTERPRISES

n No. of CNY Employees: 425

n No. of Employees Companywide: 425

n Products Manufactured Locally: communication fiber-optic connectors, fiber-optic cable and test equipment; safety relays, injection-molded plastic components, CNC machining, sheet-metal fabrication

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 275,000

n Certifications: ISO 9001 2015

n Markets Served: telecom and broadband providers, contractors, utilities, government agencies and educational facilities; resellers and end-users; OEM automotive, firearms, pump, compressor, sensor, medical, and consumer products

n President & CEO: Frank Giotto

n SVP of Sales: Kirk Donley

n Exec. VP & CFO: Susan Grabinski

n VP, Org. Dev./HR: Mark Cushman

HALE MANUFACTURING

11206 Cosby Manor Road Utica, NY 13502 (315) 894-5490/halemfg.com

n Year Estab.: 1907

n No. of CNY Employees: 30

n No. of Employees Companywide: 30

n Marketing Manager: Brooke Benson U.S. MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS*

n President & CEO: Patrick Beyer

n VP of Marketing & Product Development: James Viti

n VP of Business Development: Bob Horth

n VP Client Services: John Tackabury

ASK THE EXPERT:

161 Clear Road Oriskany, NY 13424 (315) 736-2206/giottoenterprises.com

n Year Estab.: 1985

n Products Manufactured Locally: manufacturer of library, courtroom, office and home-furniture products with a focus on using wood materials

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 37,000

n Markets Served: school-supply industry, public and private libraries, contract office furniture, Residential direct

n VP: Erika Romeo

HARTMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

455 Elizabeth St. Oneida, NY 13421 (315) 363-7300/hartmanenterprises.com

n Year Estab.: 1973

n No. of CNY Employees: 34

n No. of Employees Companywide: 34

n Products Manufactured Locally: precision CNC milling and turning; 5-axis machining, Swiss-type machining, large turning; AS9100D-certified, HUBZone

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 25,000

n Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, Small Business, Woman-Owned Business, NYS WBE Certified, WBENC Certification, HUBZone Certified

n Markets Served: aerospace, medical mass transit, transportation, gas and oil power, transmission

n President/CEO: Jaime A. Sweet

HUMAN TECHNOLOGIES

2201 Dwyer Ave. Utica, NY 13501 (315) 724-9891/htcorp.net

n Year Estab.: 1954

n No. of CNY Employees: 180

n No. of Employees Companywide: 345

n 2024 Revenue: $69M

n Products Manufactured Locally: commercial sewing, embroidered and screen-printed products, retail assembly and packaging, warehousing and distribution, facilities management, custodial, landscaping

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 200,000

n Certifications: ISO, ITAR

n Markets Served: federal-defense, federal-civilian, New York State law enforcement and civilian commercial-industrial, retail/wholesale-consumer goods

n CEO: Timothy Giarrusso

n President: Carl Reistrom

ICM CONTROLS

7313 William Barry Blvd. North Syracuse, NY 13212 (315) 233-5266/icmcontrols.com

n Year Estab.: 1984

n No. of CNY Employees: 250

n No. of Employees Companywide: 250

n Products Manufactured Locally: electronic controls and engineered products

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 100,000

n Certifications: ISO 9001:2008

n Markets Served: OEM and aftermarket within the HVAC/R, appliance, electrical, pool and spa, marine and RV industries

n CEO: Janie Goddard

INDIUM CORPORATION

301 Woods Park Drive Clinton, NY 13323 (315) 853-4900/indium.com

n Year Estab.: 1934

n No. of CNY Employees: 1,000

n No. of Employees Companywide: 1,400

n Products Manufactured Locally: materials for electronics assembly, semiconductor packaging and assembly, and thermal management, such as solders, fluxes, thermal-interface materials, indium, gallium, and germanium inorganic compounds, and metal alloys

n Certifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949

n Markets Served: electronics assembly, semiconductor assembly and packaging, thermal management, and thin-film

n Executive Chair: Gregory P. Evans

n President and CEO: Ross Berntson

n CFO: Mike McKenna

n VP of Sales, Marketing, and Technical Service: Tim Twining

n VP of Global Operations: Brian Reid

n Associate VP of Human Resources: Dawn Roller

INFICON INC.

2 Technology Place East Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 434-1100/inficon.com

n Year Estab.: 2000

n No. of CNY Employees: 330

n No. of Employees Companywide: 1,685

n 2024 Revenue: $671M

n Products Manufactured Locally: instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and Smart Manufacturing/Industry 4.0 software solutions

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 204,000

n Certifications: ISO9001, ISO14001

n Markets Served: semiconductor, display, optics, solar, emergency response and security, military, environmental monitoring, petrochemical, energy, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, automotive, public utilities, research and development, pharma and bio-pharma

n President: Hannah Henley

KNOWLES PRECISION DEVICES

2777 Route 20 E. Cazenovia, NY 13035 (315) 655-8710/knowlescapacitors.com

n Year Estab.: 1974

n No. of CNY Employees: 250

n No. of Employees Companywide: 7,000

n Products Manufactured Locally: RF/MW filters, single-layer capacitors, thin-film and buildto-print components

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 125,000

n Certifications: AS 9100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001

PACKAGING

n Markets Served: aerospace and defense, communication networks, medical n VP, Global Sales & Marketing: Sam Vinci

LOCKHEED MARTIN

1801 State Route 17C Owego, NY 13827 (607) 751-2200/lockheedmartin.com

n Year Estab.: 1957

n No. of CNY Employees: 4,100

n No. of Employees Companywide: 122,000

n 2024 Revenue: $71.3B

n Products Manufactured Locally: systems engineering, software development, complex program management for global security, civil, and commercial markets

n Markets Served: aerospace, defense

n Owego GM: A. Hamid Salim

LOTTE BIOLOGICS USA

6000 Thompson Road East Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 432-2121/lottebiologics.com

n Year Estab.: 2022

n No. of CNY Employees: 490

n No. of Employees Companywide: 750

n Products Manufactured Locally: manufacturing of therapeutic proteins (biologics)

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 350,000

n Certifications: GMP manufacturing certification in more than 60 countries

n Markets Served: pharmaceutical

n General Manager: Brian Greven

n VP, PMO: Brett Budis

MCINTOSH LABORATORY, INC.

2 Chambers St. Binghamton, NY 13903 (607) 723-3512/mcintoshlabs.com

n Year Estab.: 1951

n No. of CNY Employees: 180

n No. of Employees Companywide: 200

n Products Manufactured Locally: audio equipment

n President & CEO: Charles Randall

MEYDA TIFFANY LIGHTING

One Meyda Fine Place Yorkville, NY 13495 (800) 222-4009/meyda.com

n Year Estab.: 1974

n No. of CNY Employees: 60

n No. of Employees Companywide: 100

n Products Manufactured Locally: custom lighting, Tiffany lighting, decorative lighting, stained-glass lamps and windows, chandeliers, wall sconces, outdoor lanterns, custom lighting,

BY THE NUMBERS:

410,300

Average number of employees who worked for manufacturers in New York state in August 2025

4,700

New York manufacturing-job losses from August 2024 to August 2025

SOURCE: NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

table/floor lamps, fireplace screens, ceiling pendants and other lighting fixtures, stained-glass windows and home decor

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 180,000 square feet of manufacturing, inventory, retail, and distribution space sited on 8.5 acres.

n Certifications: lighting products are UL listed

n Markets Served: worldwide

n President & CEO: Robert Cohen

n Sales Manager: Max Cohen

n Production Manager: Chester Cohen

MORSE MANUFACTURING

103 Kuhn Road Syracuse, NY 13208 (315) 437-8475/morsedrum.com

n Year Estab.: 1923

n No. of CNY Employees: 45

n No. of Employees Companywide: 45

n Products Manufactured Locally: 55-gallon drum-handling equipment, 5-gallon pail handlers.

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 120,000

n Markets Served: Worldwide

n President: Nathan Andrews

MSI MOLDING SOLUTIONS INC.

6247 State Route 233 Rome, NY 13440 (315) 736-2412/moldingsolutionsinc.com

n Year Estab.: 2006

n No. of CNY Employees: 32

n No. of Employees Companywide: 32

n 2024 Revenue: $4M

n Products Manufactured Locally: molded and fabricated plastic components, assemblies, and packaging

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 35,000

n Certifications: ISO 9001:2015

n Markets Served: medical, electronics, fiber optic, and industrial components

n President: Tom Bashant

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 4

SUNY Oneonta manufacturing bootcamp readies workers

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

ONEONTA — Nine residents of Otsego and Delaware counties earned a microcredential from their involvement in a recent manufacturing bootcamp through SUNY Oneonta’s Extended and Community Learning (ExCL) Center.

The school held an Oct. 2 ceremony following the program, which is described as an intensive four-week effort designed to prepare workers for local manufacturing jobs, per the SUNY Oneonta announcement.

“I saw an opportunity to get out into the workforce and find a long-term career without having to move outside my community,” Jayden Trask, a Sidney resident who completed the program, said in the school’s announcement. “The program taught me more than I expected. My goal now is to find a job where I can be my best … maybe operate a CNC machine and become a programmer in the future.”

Under the manufacturing bootcamp, students completed 100 hours of classroom instruction at the ExCL Center; 20 hours of hands-on instruction at local manufacturing facilities; and two days of resume writing and mock interviewing with the SUNY Oneonta Career Planning and Networking Center.

Students also toured five local manufacturing companies to learn more about their products and production.

“My favorite part of the training program was getting out in the community to tour manufacturing facilities,” said Dawn Rowe, a Unadilla resident and manufacturing bootcamp participant. “It gave me a greater sense of what they do and what they are seeking from their employees. I was impressed with how many important products are manufactured right here in our area, and I hope to find a manufacturing job soon.”

“SUNY Oneonta’s Advanced Manufacturing Training is an accelerated program with a clear end goal,” Misty Fields, director of the SUNY Oneonta Extended and Community Learning (ExCL) Center, said. “Since its ribbon cutting last year, the SUNY Oneonta ExCL Center has actively pursued opportunities to deliver workforce development initiatives tailored to the needs of our regional industries. This program was designed with flexible instruction and applied learning experiences to directly address the priorities of our local employers. As a result, participants are now prepared for manufacturing careers or registered apprenticeship programs.”

In-person and hands-on classes covered a wide-range of instruction from technical writing to manufacturing safety, blueprint reading, measuring devices, hand tools, battery assembly, soldering and shop-floor math. Local manufacturers — Brooks Manufacturing in Unadilla, Ioxus in Oneonta, and Custom Electronics — host-

ed students in their facilities for tours and more direct instruction alongside manufacturing professionals, the school said.

“I don’t believe most people realize just how many manufacturers are here in our region, or the fact that we are all seeking qualified employees,” said Bradford Brooks, president of Brooks’ Machine Products in Unadilla. “Training programs like this one can help us build that needed awareness and inspire more people to consider pursuing manufacturing careers here in Otsego County.”

Upon successful completion, the training program offered participants a $1,000 stipend, transportation assistance, a laptop, job interviews and placement support.

“Ioxus was glad to be a part of the manufacturing training program, as it allowed us to take people from the community to give them hands-on training, which they can take with them to any job, or can help them be hired with Ioxus,” Chad Hall, co-founder and president of Ioxus in Oneonta, said.

The workforce-development initiative was made possible through the combined efforts and funding of SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Broome, SUNY Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the New York State Department of Labor RADAR Grant program, the Oneonta Working Solutions office and the workforce development board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties. n

The Success Engine: Strategic Planning and Goal Alignment

Strategic planning, when coupled with goal alignment, is the engine that drives organizations to successfully achieve their goals. Whether your strategic goals include organic growth through capturing more market share, acquisitions, expanding into new markets, adapting to changing market demands, expanding facilities, or succession planning (or some combination of these and others), creating alignment from these top-level goals throughout your organization to each individual is the basis of ongoing success. Let’s start with the strategic-planning process. There are various approaches to developing a strong strategic plan. The one I prefer is one I have used many times with excellent results, both while working within companies as an operations leader and working with clients as a facilitator. The key will be to develop the plan together with the senior leadership group leading the way. Senior leadership must engage key leaders and team members across the organization throughout the process as well. I’m sure many of us can relate to working for a company and having new posters put up around the company with a “new” “vision” and “mission.” Or perhaps. You have been handed your annual goals in a “previous life” with no input whatsoever from you in developing them. It’s simple: the more engaged your team is in the development of the plan, the more vested they are in

the success of the plan. Now, more about the planning process.

The Vision Statement

This statement should describe what or where the organization will be in a predetermined time frame that is appropriate for the organization. It is a “becoming statement;” it’s not who or what you are today, but rather what or who you aspire to be. You may want to view your vision in terms of a two- or three-year plan. That’s because it may be difficult to project much further as market dynamics, technology, and other externalities can change so quickly. This statement need not be specific. It does need to set a clear direction by describing something your organization currently is not but intends to become.

The Mission Statement

This is a brief statement, again in general terms, of what must be achieved in the next year to make significant strides in the direction of achieving the vision. What does your organization need to achieve in the first year to get a healthy start on achieving the vision in two or three years? The mission statement is usually longer than the vision statement, although it should still be brief and to the point.

Critical Goal Categories (Critical Success Factors)

These are the things both necessary and sufficient to achieve the mission. As the mission is a one-year focus, so too should be the critical-goal categories. These are usually limited to between four and eight. They should be more specific than the mission, but not as specific as goal statements.

Goals

These should meet the “SMART” criteria: specific, measurable, attainable, realistically high, and time sensitive. These again should be necessary and sufficient to accomplish the goal category.

Action Steps

These will define what actions need to be taken, by whom, and when they must be completed. There is a detailed process to go from goal statement to defined-action steps to best ensure the goal is met. The focus of this process is to define all obstacles to achieving the goal, then defining action steps to overcome the obstacles.

Alignment

If the senior leaders have done a good job of aligning on the plan throughout this process themselves while bringing in key leaders from across the organization to get their input during the process as well, then the organization is on its way to goal alignment. As an example, a VP of operations for a manufacturer would have involved its director of operations, director of procurement, director of planning, and director of logistics at the detail level throughout this process. Each of these directors should also be involving their direct reports in detailed discussions during the process, right through to the front-line workers. By asking for and hearing the input from all and then using this as the plan is developed and refined, everyone has a stake in the plan. This is more time-consuming and, especially at the beginning, may require more effort, but the result will be a plan that all em-

ployees have a stake in and understand. Another key to goal alignment is to assist all employees to see how the organization’s goals align with their personal goals and aspirations. This is vital to tapping into each person’s motivation. Real motivation comes from within. Leaders at every level of the organization must understand their employees’ personal goals and aspirations. This only happens when relationships are based on trust. Leaders that understand this and are capable of forming these types of working relationships throughout the organization at all levels is what will enable true goal alignment. Imagine what your organization could achieve with this level of alignment!

Attitudes and Sustainability

No sustainable positive behavior change (and therefore no sustainable positive result) is possible without the right attitudes. This is why initiatives fail so many times in all kinds of organizations. Most people have negative attitudes about change and uncertainty. Most people are not goal setters and achievers by habit. How then can leaders habituate goal planning and achievement in their organizations?

The answer is to implement a goal planning and achievement process. This will create an “I can / We can” attitude that becomes part of everyone’s regular routine. It becomes part of the culture. n

Mark A. O’Donnell is founder and owner of Operations Excellence, LLC, a consulting firm that helps small- to mid-sized businesses and organizations with anything from boosting productivity to planning leadership transitions. He is a certified business coach.

Students involved in the manufacturing bootcamp at SUNY Oneonta visit Brooks’ Machine Products in Unadilla. The workforce-development effort is a collaboration involving several organizations.

PHOTO CREDIT: SUNY ONEONTA

Students get up-close look at area manufacturing plants

MACNY organized the tours during Manufacturing Month

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

DeWITT — Area manufacturers hosted facility tours for students and educators across the region during October.

MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, and its affiliate, Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB), organized the tours.

Throughout October, more than 450 students from 11 school districts in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley got a look at modern manufacturing and potential career opportunities. The objective of the facility tours is to show real-world examples of high-tech, high-demand manufacturing careers for students who may want to pursue that kind of work.

October is New York State’s official acknowledgement of Manufacturing Month, DeWitt–based MACNY noted.

“Manufacturing Month is about inspiring the next generation and showing them the exciting, meaningful careers available right here in New York,” Randy

DIRECTORY:

N.E.T. & DIE

25 River Glen Road Fulton, NY 13069 (315) 592-4311/netanddie.com

n Year Estab.: 1965

n No. of CNY Employees: 23

n No. of Employees Companywide: 23

n Products Manufactured Locally: CNC machine and fabrication shop

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 92,000

n Markets Served: industrial, pumps, machine builders, engineering

NASIFF ASSOCIATES, INC.

841 County Route 37, Suite 1 Central Square, NY 13036 (315) 676-2346/nasiff.com

n Year Estab.: 1989

n No. of CNY Employees: 9

n No. of Employees Companywide: 9

n 2024 Revenue: $1.2M

n Products Manufactured Locally: PC-based diagnostic ECG systems, Nasiff CardioResting ECG, Nasiff CardioStress ECG, Nasiff CardioHolter ECG, Nasiff CardioVitals ECG

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 9,000

n Certifications: FDA, Health Canada, ISO 13485, MDSAP

n Markets Served: hospital, lab, and general practice, ECG diagnostics, resting ECG testing,

Wolken, president & CEO of MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, said in the announcement. “By opening their doors, manufacturers are not only highlighting advanced technologies and innovation, but also their vital role in building strong communities. We’re proud to partner with educators and industry leaders to create pathways for students to join this dynamic and growing sector.”

Groups toured facilities such as Gardall Safe Corporation of Syracuse; Golden Artist Colors in New Berlin; TTM Technologies of DeWitt; Inficon in DeWitt; Belden in DeWitt; Byrne Dairy; Eaton of Syracuse; JPW Structural Contracting, Inc. of DeWitt; Morse Manufacturing of Salina; Haun Welding Supply & Specialty Gases; OCWA – Central New York’s Water Authority; and Ralph W. Earl Co. Inc. of DeWitt.

“MACNY’s celebration of Manufacturing Month is a reminder that collaboration can shape the future of our region’s workforce,” Scott Walker, VP of operations for Inficon, said in the MACNY announcement. “INFICON is proud to show students and teachers that today’s manufacturing is driven by innovation, precision, and advanced technology. Our cleanrooms are high-tech and dynamic; it’s exactly the kind of exposure that can spark interest in a manufacturing career.”

stress ECG testing, Holter ECG testing, blood pressure and SP02

n President, CEO: Roger E. Nasiff

n Sales Manager: Anita Bordeau

n Business Development: Ethan Nasiff

n Operations Manager: Karen OBrien

NOVELIS

448 County Route 1A Oswego, NY 13126 (315) 349-0121/novelis.com

n Year Estab.: 1963

n No. of CNY Employees: 1,150

n No. of Employees Companywide: 13,170

n 2024 Revenue: $16.2B

n Products Manufactured Locally: rolled-aluminum products

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 1.7 mil-

lion square feet

n Certifications: OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ATIF 16949

n Markets Served: automotive and transportation, consumer and industrial, building and construction, beverage cans

n Plant Manager: Kristen Nelson

OSWEGO COUNTY MANUFACTURING INCUBATION CENTER

24 Foster Street Fulton, NY 13069 (315) 341-8856/oswegocountymic.com

n Year Estab.: 2025

During the tours, students were able to see up-close modern manufacturing and advanced technologies, such as precision metalwork and large-scale fabrication to high-tech electronics, and specialty products. Throughout the visits, students met with employees, asked questions about career paths, and watched demonstrations of the creativity and collaboration involved in manufacturing careers.

“These tours give students the unique

n No. of CNY Employees: 0

n No. of Employees Companywide: 1

n Products Manufactured Locally: incubation center

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 34,000

n Markets Served: manufacturing

n CEO: Michelle Shatrau

OTIS TECHNOLOGY

6987 Laura St. Lyons Falls, NY 13368 (315) 348-4300/otistec.com

n Year Estab.: 1985

n No. of CNY Employees: 88

n No. of Employees Companywide: 93

n Products Manufactured Locally: manufactures gun-cleaning systems and accessories

n CEO: Bill Kleftis

THE RAYMOND CORPORATION, TMHNA

22 S. Canal St. Greene, NY 13778 (607) 656-2311/raymondcorp.com

n Year Estab.: 1922

n No. of CNY Employees: 2,800

n No. of Employees Companywide: 4,000

n Products Manufactured Locally: electric forklifts, end-to-end material-handling equipment and intelligent-intralogistics solutions including automation and robotics, telematics, virtual-reality learning, and advanced-energy solutions that optimize warehouse and distribution operations

n Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001

n Markets Served: provides material-handling products and intralogistics solutions for ecommerce, retail, food, beverage, grocery, manufacturing, home improvement, third-party logistics, medical, pharmaceutical, automotive, furniture, government, consumer goods; material handling and distribution centers; supply chain and logistics

n President & CEO: Brett Wood

opportunity to see modern manufacturing in action — from the equipment and processes to the people who make it all possible. For many, it’s their first time stepping inside a facility and envisioning themselves in a future career. Manufacturing Month allows us to connect education with industry in powerful ways, helping young people explore career options while strengthening our region’s workforce pipeline,” Emily Langan, manager of PEB, said.

MANUFACTURING UTILITY COSTS IN NEW YORK:

9.99 cents/kWh

Average industrial electric rate in New York state, July 2025

SOURCE: NYSERDA

n COO: Michael Field

ROME ELECTRONICS CUSTOM CABLES, INC.

222 Erie Blvd. East Rome, NY 13440 (315) 337-7574/r omeelectronicscustomcables.com

n Year Estab.: 1957

n No. of CNY Employees: 18

n No. of Employees Companywide: 18

n Products Manufactured Locally: custom-cable assemblies, electromechanical assemblies, custom RF and coaxial cable, prototyping, design, long and short run, one-offs

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 9,000

n Certifications: ISO 9001-2008, IPC/EIA J-STD001, ITAR ,USFCR

n Markets Served: military, private and industrial customers, small and large orders n President: Rocco Garro RUBY LAKE GLASS, LLC

493 State Route 28 Richfield Springs, NY 13439 (607) 435-8158/rubylakeglass.com

Students toured Eaton Crouse-Hinds as part of New York’s official recognition of October as Manufacturing Month. The students were among hundreds from 11 districts across the region taking tours at area manufacturers to potentially spark interest in future manufacturing careers.

PHOTO CREDIT: MACNY

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ASK THE EXPERT

The OBBBA Resurrects the Immediate R&E Expense Deduction

John F. Martin, CPA/PFS, CFP®, Tax Partner Dannible & McKee, LLP

Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), businesses, including manufacturers, have been required since 2022 to amortize domestic Section 174 research and experimental (R&E) costs over five years, rather than deduct them in the year incurred or paid. Manufacturers have consistently complained that this treatment stifles the development of new processes and products and threatens cash flow, especially for smaller companies. With China offering deductions of up to 200% for eligible research costs, U.S. manufacturers were put at a competitive disadvantage.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changes the R&E expense deduction rules. Here’s what manufacturers need to know.

OBBBA’s Sec. 174 Amendments

The OBBBA permanently reinstates the pre-TCJA treatment of domestic R&E costs for tax years beginning after 2024, so manufacturers can deduct them in the tax year they’re incurred or paid. Foreign R&E costs remain subject to 15-year amortization.

Also under the OBBBA, small manufacturers that satisfy a gross receipts test can claim the R&E deduction retroactively to 2022. (For 2025, average annual gross receipts for the previous three years must be $31 million or less.) And any manufacturer, regardless of size, that incurred domestic R&E expenses in 2022 through 2024 may elect to accelerate the remaining deductions for those expenditures over either a one- or two-year period.

The immediate deduction of qualified R&E expenses isn’t mandatory. Depending on a variety of factors, in some situations, claiming it may not be advisable. Manufacturers generally can instead elect to capitalize and amortize such expenses paid in a tax year after 2024 over at least 60 months. The election must be made by the due date, with extensions, of the original tax return for the first tax year to which the election applies. For 2025, a manufacturer that makes an accounting method change to capitalize and amortize R&E expenses will be deemed to have made the election. R&E expenses may also qualify for the Section 41 research tax credit. But businesses can’t claim both the deduction and the credit for the same expense. If a manufacturer claims the research credit, the R&E deduction generally must be reduced by the amount of the credit. Alternatively, manufacturers can elect to claim a reduced research credit instead.

Retroactive Deductions for Small Manufacturers

As noted, eligible small manufacturers can elect to treat the changes to Sec. 174 as if they took effect for tax years beginning after 2021, rather than after 2024. How to do this depends in part on whether the manufacturer has already filed a 2024 tax return.

If the manufacturer filed a 2024 return before August 28, 2025, an automatic extension to supersede that return to include the new guidance is available. However, the

manufacturer must file that replacement return by the extended deadline (typically September 15 or October 15). Alternatively, the manufacturer can file an amended 2024 return, following one of the two options discussed below.

If the manufacturer didn’t file a 2024 return by August 28, the manufacturer can file by the applicable extended deadline and either:

1. Elect to expense eligible R&E expenses under the new guidance, which would also require filing amended returns for 2022 and 2023, or

2. Do an automatic method of accounting change and a “true-up” adjustment on the 2024 return for the 2022 and 2023 R&E expenses.

Elections must be made by the earlier of July 6, 2026, or the applicable deadline for filing a claim for a credit or refund for the tax year (generally, three years from filing the return).

Accelerated Deductions for All Manufacturers

Manufacturers with unamortized domestic R&E expenses under the TCJA can elect to recover those remaining expenses fully on their 2025 income tax returns or over their 2025 and 2026 returns.

Notably, the IRS guidance states that taxpayers “may elect to amortize any remaining unamortized amount” of such expenses. This language suggests that the deduction will be considered an amortization expense. This is significant in light of changes the OBBBA made to the interest expense deduction for businesses, including manufacturers.

The business interest deduction generally is limited to 30% of the manufacturer’s adjusted taxable income (ATI).

(Manufacturers that meet the same annual gross receipts test discussed earlier are exempt from the limitation.)

Under the OBBBA, beginning in 2025, ATI for purposes of the interest deduction is calculated without deductions for depreciation, amortization or depletion. So amortization deductions are “added back,” potentially increasing the ATI and the allowable business interest deduction. If R&E expenses aren’t treated as an amortization deduction, they could reduce the allowable business interest deduction.

Decisions, Decisions

The OBBBA’s revisions to Sec. 174 are welcome news but also require manufacturers to make some important decisions about the various election and filing options discussed earlier. Another significant decision is whether to re-shore foreign R&E activities to expedite the deduction of the related expenses.

To discuss how these changes affect your business or to determine the most advantageous approach for your R&E expenses, contact our office today. Our tax advisors can help you evaluate your options and ensure you maximize the available benefits.

National Grid to build transmission line connecting to Micron campus

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

CLAY — National Grid plans to build a two-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission-service line underground between an existing substation and the proposed Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) fabrication areas in the town of Clay.

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) adopted the terms of a joint proposal during its meeting on Oct. 16, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an announcement that day.

The PSC also approved National Grid’s environmental management and construction plan for the first phase of construction activities. It involves the installation of the eastern expansion of the Clay substation, and installation of equipment from the Clay substation to the Micron campus.

The joint proposal was signed by National Grid (NYSE: NGG), the New York State Department of Public Service staff, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“For a project as large and transformational as Micron’s, every government agency involved must play its part to ensure its success,” Rory Christian, chairman of the PSC, said. “We are pleased that for our part, no party opposed the transmission or infrastructure application or the terms of the joint proposal, and the certificate conditions are adequate to

protect the public interest and to ensure potential significant negative impacts of the project are avoided or minimized.”

In addition to approving the transmission connections, the PSC also okayed the utility’s plans regarding receiving and addressing public complaints, addressing environmental concerns such as waterbody and wildlife protection, and where and when construction activities would occur. It also seeks to “identify and minimize” the disruptive effects of construction and describes cleanup and restoration following construction, per Hochul’s office.

“One of the main reasons Micron chose Onondaga County was access to abundant and reliable power,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said in the state’s announcement. “Now with approvals from the PSC, today marks yet another important step forward as Micron prepares to make the largest private sector investment in the history of our country and make Onondaga County and Central New York the hub for semiconductor manufacturing in North America.”

It was just over three years ago that Micron announced plans to build a massive semiconductor campus at the White Pines Commerce Park in the town of Clay. Micron says the project will create the largest-ever cleanroom space announced in the U.S., creating nearly 50,000 New York jobs over more than 20 years. That includes 9,000 high-paying Micron jobs. n

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a plan for National Grid to build an underground transmission-service line between a substation and the upcoming campus of Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) in the town of Clay.

MACNY’s Oct. 15 event covered workforce, energy issues, & more

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

DeWITT — MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, on Oct. 15 hosted its annual legislative breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse, near Carrier Circle in the town of DeWitt.

Those attending included key stakeholders, industry leaders, and legislators. It was an event that included a panel discussion on workforce, economic development, and energy issues.

The panelists included Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid’s regional director of external and customer affairs in Central New York; Susan Cole, state government affairs specialist at Novelis North America; Joanne Fernandez, di-

rector of U.S. state government affairs at Corning Incorporated; and Vlad GutmanBritten, director of policy and analysis at NYSERDA.

“Manufacturers are the backbone of New York’s economy, and energy is central to their ability to remain competitive and grow,” Randy Wolken, president & CEO of MACNY, said in an announcement about the breakfast. “Today’s discussion brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the challenges and opportunities we face around workforce, economic development, and energy policy. By working collaboratively with our elected officials, we can ensure that manufacturers continue to innovate, invest, and create jobs that strengthen communities across our state.”

Randy

president and CEO of

during the organization’s annual legislative breakfast

on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse in DeWitt.

The event also included a meet-andgreet with state and federal elected officials, a presentation on MACNY’s key legislative priorities, and an energy-focused panel discussion.

MACNY also noted that the primary objective of the event is to share success stories and highlight legislative and policy issues impacting the manufacturing industry in Central New York and beyond. n

Empire State Manufacturing Survey index is back in positive territory

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

Firms responding to October’s Empire State Manufacturing Survey exhibited optimism that points to expansion in the state’s manufacturing industry.

The survey’s general-business conditions index climbed more than 19 points to 10.7 in October, representing its third positive reading in the past four months. The index had dropped 21 points to -8.7 in September, its first negative measurement since June. Based on manufacturers responding to the survey, the October reading indicates business activity “increased modestly” in New York state, the Federal Reserve Bank

DIRECTORY:

n Year Estab.: 2013

n No. of CNY Employees: 5

of New York said in its Oct. 15 report.

A positive index number indicates expansion or growth in manufacturing activity, while a negative reading on the index points to a decline in the sector.

The October Empire State Survey report’s results easily beat economists’ forecasts for a reading of nearly -2, according to Seeking Alpha.

The survey found new orders edged higher and shipments increased, the New York Fed said. Supply availability continued to “worsen somewhat,” and inventories were little changed.

Manufacturers grew more optimistic about the outlook, with close to half expecting conditions to improve in the months ahead.

health and beauty

n General Manager, Senior VP: Mike Smith

n VP Sales: Mike Brewster

Survey details

After plunging in September, both new orders and shipments increased, with the new-orders index rising to 3.7 and the shipments index climbing to 14.4.

The inventories index hit -1.0, indicating that business inventories were little changed. The delivery-times index rose to 3.9, and the supply-availability index came in at -10.7, pointing to somewhat longer delivery times and worsening supply availability, the New York Fed said.

The index for number of employees moved up to 6.2, suggesting employment increased modestly, while the average-workweek index remained negative at -4.1, suggesting a small decline in hours worked.

n No. of CNY Employees: 1,240

n No. of Employees Companywide: 1,502

n 2024 Revenue: $448

Both price indexes remained elevated and moved higher: the prices-paid index rose 6 points to 52.4, and the prices-received index climbed 6 points to 27.2. The index for future general business conditions rose to its highest level in several months, suggesting that firms expect conditions to improve in the months ahead. New orders and shipments are expected to increase, and supply availability is expected to be little changed. Firms anticipate ongoing price increases. Capital-spending plans remained soft.

The New York Fed distributes the Empire State Manufacturing Survey on the first day of each month to the same pool of about 200 manufacturing executives in the state. On average, about 100 executives return responses.

Continued from page 10 MANUFACTURING JOBS IN THE REGION:

n No. of Employees Companywide: 5

n Products Manufactured Locally: recycled color-coated glass aggregate, recycled glass-abrasive media

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 15,000

n Markets Served: Road safety markings, commercial finishing

n Managing Member: Cynthia A. Andela

SCHNEIDER PACKAGING EQUIPMENT, A PACTEON COMPANY

5370 Guy Young Road Brewerton, NY 13029 (315) 676-3035/schneiderequip.com

n Year Estab.: 1970

n No. of CNY Employees: 160

n No. of Employees Companywide: 350

n Products Manufactured Locally: end-of-line packaging equipment including robotic palletizers and depalletizers, case packers, tray packers, cartoners, case sealers, and automatic stretch wrappers

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: About 100,000

n Certifications: RIA Certified Robot Integrator, Rockwell Certified Machine Builder, FANUC

Robotic’s Certified Servicing Integrator

n Markets Served: food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, paper products, pharmaceutical,

STEEL SALES, INC.

8085 NYS Highway 12 Sherburne, NY 13460 (607) 674-6363/steelsalesinc.com

n Year Estab.: 1964

n No. of CNY Employees: 30

n No. of Employees Companywide: 30

n 2024 Revenue: $13.2M

n Products Manufactured Locally: handrails, snow-plow shoes, sander chains, bucket relines, rebar cages and stirrups, various custom welding, punching, drilling, rolling, plate bending, and HDplasma service

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 35,840

n Certifications: DBE

n Markets Served: town and county highway departments, agri-businesses, general contractors, masonry contractors, excavators, welding/fabricators, mining companies, sawmills, general public

n President: Brenda S. Westcott

n General Manager: Joshua Newman

n Sales Manager: Deanna Brown

n Purchasing Manager: Chris Thompson

TESSY PLASTICS CORP.

700 Visions Drive Skaneateles, NY 13152 (315) 689-3924/tessy.com

n Year Estab.: 1973

n Products Manufactured Locally: minimally invasive surgical devices, consumer products, and pharmaceutical and diagnostic products

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 3.2 million

n Certifications: ISO-13485, ISO-14001, FDA/ GMP, 21CFR820 Registered, AIB

n Markets Served: medical, consumer and consumer health care, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics

n Owner & CEO: Roland Beck

n VP of Sales & Marketing: Judson Vann

n President: Stafford Frearson

n VP of Operations: Shaun Smurthwaite

TRONSER, INC.

3066 John A. Trush Jr. Blvd. Cazenovia, NY 13035 (315) 655-9528/tronserinc.com

n Year Estab.: 1978

n No. of CNY Employees: 15

n No. of Employees Companywide: 15

n Products Manufactured Locally: trimmer capacitors and microwave tuning elements, precision CNC milled and turned parts, electro-mechanical assemblies

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 15,000

n Markets Served: microwave and wireless

telecommunication, defense, medical electronics

n President: Michael Tronser

30,855 Central New York* Employment

$82,178

TTM TECHNOLOGIES SYRACUSE

6635 Kirkville Road East Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 432-8909/anaren.com

n Year Estab.: 1967

n No. of CNY Employees: 600

n No. of Employees Companywide: 15,800

n 2024 Revenue: $2.4B

n Products Manufactured Locally: manufacturer of complex RF/microwave networks and components for wireless, satellite, defense, consumer electronics, health care, and IoT applications

n Square Footage of Local Facilities: 203,000

n Certifications: ISO, etc.

n Markets Served: wireless infrastructure, consumer electronics, aerospace/defense, medical devices, IoT applications

n GM: Mark Jarosz

Wolken,

DeWitt–based MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, speaks

held

1. Pinckney Hugo Group 760 W. Genesee St. Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 478-6700/ pinckneyhugogroup.com

2. Freshy 37 Front St. Binghamton, NY 13905 (607) 238-2789/freshysites.com

3. Breakthrough Design Group Inc.

600 N. Franklin St. Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 233-9283/ breakthroughdesign.com

. LP&M / AMPL Digital Communications 120 E. Washington St., Suite 615 Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 476-1646/lpm-adv.com

5.

ACC Technical Services, Inc. 6400 Fly Road East Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 484-4500/acctek.com

. Quadsimia LLC Utica, NY 13501 (315) 768-4974/quadsimia.com

. Paige Marketing Communications Group, Inc. 258 Genesee St., Suite 204 Utica, NY 13502 (315) 733-2313/paigegroup.com

. ACS Web Design & SEO 7453 Morgan Road Liverpool, NY 13090 (315) 451-5405/acs-web.com

. IDEA KRAFT

45 Lewis St. Binghamton, NY 13901 (607) 235-5855/idea-kraft.com

. Grey Goose Graphics, LLC 633 Valleyview Drive Endwell, NY 13760 (607) 743-3509/ greygoosegraphics.com

11. Brockett Creative Group, Inc.

43 College St. Clinton, NY 13323 (315) 797-5088/ brockettcreative.com

. TOTAL Advertising, Inc.

125 E. Jefferson St. Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 451-5540/totaladvertising.com

13.

EPOCH Advertising Agency, Inc. 6164 Hemingway Road Jamesville, NY 13078 (315) 492-3270/epoch-adv.com

. Forward Business Solutions PO Box 227 Johnson City, NY 13790 (607) 677-1863/ ForwardBusinessSolutions.com

. Syracuse Design Group, LLC 616 Rugby Road Syracuse, NY 13203 (315) 263-8707/syracusedesign.com

. Weapons of Mass Creation 5104 Coffee Tree Lane Syracuse, NY 13212 (315) 935-7982/wmcstudios.com

17. Split14 Creative 5845 Widewaters Parkway East Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 295-3800/split14creative.com

. GORGES, Inc. 136 E State St., Suite 2F Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 273-3828/GORGES.us

. MPW Marketing LLC 600 French Rd New Hartford, NY 13413 (315) 404-9369/mpwmarketing.com

. Web Design by Rick 367 Cameco Circle Liverpool, NY 13090 (315) 652-3820/ webdesignbyrick.com

21. Communication Specialist

2200 S. Salina St. #684 Syracuse, NY 13205 linktr.ee/latoniamertica

. fourmangos Skaneateles, NY fourmangos.com

WEB-DESIGN COMPANIES

Ranked by No. of CNY Web Designers

100 NAwebsite strategy and development, UX design and research, content and analytics strategy, UI design and design systems, SEO, GDPR/ CCPA and accessibility compliance, presentations, VR, AR, AI, progressive web apps and web tools, programmatic advertising, search-engine marketing, display advertising and remarketing, integrated-media strategies, social media, email marketing

14 NAwebsite design, development, support, maintenance, and retainer services for WordPress CMS

5

5 9

4 45

4 10

12web strategy & consultation, web design, SEO, web-app design, userinterface design, user experience (UX) design, landing-page optimization, conversion optimization, lead-generation optimization

12website development, website-strategy planning, mobile-responsive design, web/digital brand integration, app development, digital advertising, social media, SEO/SEM, blogging, email marketing, behavioral targeting/retargeting, video pre-roll

12web design/development, web portals with database, AI development, Azure, API integrations, CMS, website maintenance, e-commerce and online ordering, custom-software applications, SEO and online marketing, desktop and mobile-application development, SQL and Access database development, SharePoint, cloud services & hosting, managed services

NAsoftware development, website design & development, online application design & development, database development, SEO, email and social-media marketing

4 13 6front-end web-development experts, web strategy, design, and content development to align user experience with an organization's brand, and acts as an essential member of your in-house and external web-development team

4 6 15digital marketing and e-commerce website design, responsive ADAcompliant website design

4 7 NAbranding, web design and development, digital advertising, corporate communications, graphic design, video production

4 5 NAcustom web design and development, print design, Google-certified, 360 degree photography & videography, video production, FAAcertified drone pilots on staff, media buying

3 4 44strategic planning, website design, content strategy, content management system (CMS), ecommerce system, custom web application development, online marketing (Google Partner), reputation management

3 8 16strategy development, web design, application development/ programming; content creation (copywriting, photography, video production), SEO, SEM, social media, online advertising, e-commerce, creation of correlating traditional materials, media management

2 4 12website design & development, digital marketing, SEO, SEM, analytics, e-commerce, content creation, ADA compliance, website brand management

2 11 3complex data-driven websites, e-commerce solutions, responsive design, web-hosting services, easy update interfaces. All pages include search-engine optimization coded into the site at no additional cost

2 3 14B2B, B2C, responsive design, development, hosting, contentmanagement systems, SEO, e-commerce, WordPress, SilverStripe, custom web-application development

2 2

1 5

1 6

18branding & communication design, website design, digital marketing/ advertising, and cinematic video

NAwebsite design, development, hosting, maintenance, graphic design, social-media management, traditional marketing, digital marketing

NAweb development, mobile applications, database programming, software development, web design, internet marketing, e-commerce; and services for businesses, educational institutions, not-for-profits

1 20 12digital strategy, social media (organic and paid), website design & development, e-commerce, custom web animation and illustration, search-engine optimization (SEO), Google-certified paid search (PPC), programmatic advertising including custom audience display and geofencing, landing-page development, analytics evaluation, email marketing, A/B testing, mobile optimization & conversion rate optimization (CRO), accessibility compliance, online-reputation and review management.

1 1 14small-business website design, website maintenance, reconstructing old websites, on-page SEO

0 0 1 multimedia graphic-design solutions

0 1 4business-process management, enterprise content-management strategy, digital-product design/prototyping/development, donormanagement strategy, digital-asset management strategy, documentmanagement strategy, e-commerce system integration, intranet development, mobile-application development, SEO, SOA application development, system-integration strategy

THE LIST

Research by Vance Marriner vmarriner@cnybj.com (315) 579-3911 @cnybjresearch

Douglas Pinckney, Chairman, CEO Aaron Hugo, President Christopher Pinckney, Chief Creative Director 1940

Ben Giordano, Founder2011

Tison Kelley, President2001

Michael J. Ancillotti, President Andrew S. Collins, VP, Creative Services

Jeffrey D. Adkins, Director of Technology & Digital Services 1993

Michael Rost, President1991

Mike Spina, Partner Rocco Fernalld, Director of Business Development 1997

Carrie McMurray, CSO1968

John Wilson, President2001

Ewelina Zajac-Holdrege, Founder & Creative Director 2011

John J. Hussar, Owner2006

Matthew D. Brockett, President & Creative Director 2002

Mark VanApeldoorn, President2001

Thomas Epolito, President Butch Braun, EVP 1989

Brian Hunsinger, President2002

Frank Smith, Principal1996

Robert A. Dracker, CEO/ Founder, Creative Director 2011

Elizabeth Conklin, Co-Founder, CEO 2023

Matthew Clark, CEO2003

Matt Wilson, Managing Partner

Daniel Acker, Managing Partner

Geoff Storm, Managing Partner 2006

Richard Phillips, Owner2009

La'Tonia Mertica Sheppard Walker, Founder/Executive Officer 2019

Neil Fennessey, President/CEO2011

Upcoming Lists

November 3 Banks

November 10 Chambers of Commerce 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 includes 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

OCTOBER 27, 2025

VOL. XXXVIII, NO. 38

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

Lee Hamilton

Mark A. O'Donnell

Kelly Bailey kbailey@cnybj.com

CIRCULATION

Raviv Nesher (315) 579-3927 circulation@cnybj.com

Marny Nesher mnesher@cnybj.com

OFFICE

Patty Martino officemanager@cnybj.com

The Case Against Prevailing-Wage Mandates on Brownfield Projects

The Empire State Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), representing more than 450 merit-shop contractors and subcontractors employing hundreds of thousands of workers throughout New York state, is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to reject the proposed prevailing-wage mandates on Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) projects.

Since the early 2000s, the BCP has provided developers with much-needed incentives to remediate and revitalize environmentally contaminated sites. This program led to hundreds of contaminated sites, more than half of which are in economically disadvantaged areas, to be cleaned up and developed. These developments create much-needed housing and jobs in the local communities. The legislature clearly sees the value in the program — if not it wouldn’t have been recently extended for another decade. Mandating prevailing wages on BCP projects will make them financially impossible for most owners/developers across the state. Prevailing-wage projects cost about 28 percent more than non-prevailing wage projects, according to the Center for Governmental Research. In addition to this study, the Empire Center for Public Policy

found that construction costs are inflated by between 13 percent and 25 percent due to New York’s prevailing-wage law.

This cost increase would be added to the already expensive task of environmental remediation for these sites. Prevailing-wage mandates would ensure that instead of communities and landscapes being revitalized, BCP sites remain idle and contaminated eyesores. Despite the irresponsible calls by some legislators to alter this successful program, our members continue to do great work remediating hazardous sites and building key parts of their communities.

A recent example of this is seen in Ruby Square, a 713,000-square-foot mixed-use development in New York City’s Jamaica, Queens. The site was redeveloped under the New York State BCP; environmental remediation included the removal of 114,000 tons of contaminated soil. Without the BCP, this site would have remained a rarely used parking lot on toxic soil.

Another BCP success story has been the 199–203 Park Club Lane Campus Expansion and Tenant Improvements. This marks a pivotal enhancement in the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s commitment to delivering accessible, world-class cancer care in Western New York. This new facility will increase convenience and reduce stress on some of our most-vulnerable residents. This $23 million renovation wouldn’t have been possible without the current BCP.

The United Nations needs American leadership

President Donald Trump got one thing right in his combative speech to the United Nations General Assembly [on Sept. 23].

The UN, he said, had such great promise, but it has failed to live up to its potential. Few reasonable people would disagree.

But Trump’s approach to the organization’s perceived failures is exactly wrong. Insulting its members, rejecting its priorities, and dismissing its achievements sends a message that America will not be a reliable partner in addressing the world’s problems.

The UN needs U.S. engagement and strong American leadership. And the United States needs an effective United Nations, the one body that brings together all the world’s governments to resolve conflicts and support democracy and human rights.

These projects represent a new start for these previously contaminated sites, allowing communities to flourish and creating jobs for members of those same communities. The BCP has an enormous impact across the state — since its inception, almost 1,800 projects have utilized this program. A prevailing-wage mandate attached to these projects means that they won’t get done — it’s that simple.

Maybe the legislators that push for this mandate every year don’t understand the massive negative impact this would have; or maybe they don’t care because scoring rhetorical victories is more important than the material conditions of their voters. That’s a joke to be sure; they know very well the negative impact this change would have because they specifically exempted affordable-housing projects from being affected.

The BCP has a positive impact across New York state It is a key factor in rebuilding everything from schools, to housing, to medical facilities. It creates jobs, opportunities, and safer and better-looking communities for us all to enjoy. The BCP works extremely well, but in typical Albany fashion a problem has to be invented to justify a “solution.” Gov. Hochul, we are calling on you to reject these foolish calls for prevailing-wage mandates on BCP projects. n

Brian Sampson is president of the Empire State Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors.

da Silva, the kind of dialogue UN gatherings should promote.

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.

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The United Nations came into being 80 years ago, when a majority of members ratified the charter that delegates had drafted at a meeting in San Francisco. Its founders were determined to avoid what happened after World War I, when the League of Nations, without U.S. membership, failed to prevent conflicts that again led to global war.

The UN has always faced criticism and even outright opposition. Many Americans worried we would concede it too much power, undermining national sovereignty. At the same time, the UN can be ponderous

and slow to act. Veto power granted the five permanent members of the Security Council — the U.S., China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom — blocks actions that are counter to any of their interests. There are legitimate concerns about the size and inefficiency of the bureaucracy. The organization is sometimes accused of being biased against America and our allies, notably Israel.

But the UN has played an important role in protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, promoting development and upholding international law. Most impor tantly, it deserves some credit for preventing a third world war. NATO peacekeepers, now deployed in 11 missions, have helped contain local conflicts. Americans appreciate this work. A survey this year by the Pew Research Center found that 57 percent have a favorable view of the UN while only 41 percent have an unfavorable view.

From those findings, Trump’s address to the General Assembly was out of synch with public opinion. The hour-long speech was typical Trump: a mix of boasts, insults, and exaggeration. He bashed immigration, called climate change a hoax, faulted Europe for buying Russian oil, and bragged about the U.S. economy. “Your countries are going to hell,” he told his audience.

Afterward, however, Trump told Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that he supports the UN because “the potential for peace at this institution is great.” He signaled greater support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and had a friendly encounter with Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula

Trump often contradicts himself, and actions matter more than words. He has withdrawn from several UN bodies, including the World Health Organization, the Human Rights Council and UNESCO. The U.S. has cut or is proposing to cut billions of dollars in funding.

The sensible answer to the United Nations’ failings is reform, not rejection. In fact, Guterres, who has been secretary-general since 2017, has instituted reforms and focused on finances. Withholding U.S. support will make the work harder.

Several years ago, Illinois Congressman David Dreier and I co-chaired a Council on Foreign Relations task force on enhancing U.S. leadership at the United Nations. We called for working with other democratic members to strengthen the organization’s promotion of democracy. We also recommended more consistent support of human rights, with sanctions for egregious violations, and efforts to strengthen counterterrorism.

The priorities in that report could guide robust U.S. engagement that would make the UN more effective and better aligned with our values and interests. The United Nations has great potential, no less today than when it was founded. It’s more likely to achieve success with strong and supportive American leadership. 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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Barclay Damon has elected DAVID BURCH as its deputy managing partner, effective Jan. 1, 2026. He will work closely with Connie Cahill, managing partner, to ensure the law firm’s continued success. A member of Barclay Damon’s Management Committee for four years, Burch has successfully led one of the firm’s largest locations among its super-regional platform. Simultaneously, he sustained one of the firm’s largest practices in the areas of white-collar and regulatory litigation and compliance, teaming with other high-performing lawyers and significant clients. Burch is also co-chair of Barclay Damon’s White Collar & Government Investigations Practice Area. He handles complex disputes, particularly in commercial litigation, internal investigations, and white-collar defense. Burch has served as lead counsel in matters that include high-stakes governmental investigations and disputes with industry-wide significance and has extensive experience representing energy businesses in disputes. n

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n Economic Champions Celebration from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Oncenter Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, 800 South State St., Syracuse. CenterState CEO’s Economic Champions event honors the outstanding businesses and organizations that are contributing to the growth of the Central New York economy. Through new jobs, new business ventures, expansions and investments, DEI commitments, company milestones and more, they are part of the team that is driving the region’s progress. From startups to well-established businesses, this collective success takes champions at every level, and CenterState CEO will recognize their outstanding achievements and impact. For more information and to register, visit: https:// centerstateceo.com/events/10/2025/economicchampions-celebration

OCTOBER 30

n 2025 Dannible & McKee Tax & Financial Planning Conference from 2-5:30 p.m. at Drumlins, 800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse. The conference offers timely tax and financial insights and professional education. This year, Dannible has reimagined the format to fit attendees’ busy schedule while keeping the high-value content and connections of past events. For much more information on what the conference entails, visit: https://www.cnybj.com/event/2025-taxfinancial-planning-conference/. To register, visit the event website: https://www.dmcpas.com/events/2025tax-financial-planning-conference/

NOVEMBER 5

n Living Life Fueled by STEM: An Inspiring Evening with Clarkson University event from 6-8 p.m. at the Griffiss Institute, 592 Hangar Road, Suite 200, Rome. The event will be moderated by Clarkson University President Michelle Larson, who will lead an engaging discussion on career growth, innovation, and the impact of STEM education in shaping future opportunities. Designed to celebrate and empower women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the evening will feature real stories of success, networking opportunities, and insights from distinguished Clarkson alumnae who have made their mark in STEM fields. Admission is free, but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: connect.clarkson.edu/register/STEM_Griffiss.

n 40 Under Forty Awards program from 5-8 p.m. at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. This awards event recognizes 40 ambitious, hard-working, civicminded individuals, who are under the age of 40. These individuals have excelled in the workplace and in the community. Come celebrate these young professionals who are making a difference in our community. This year’s event will feature: networking and cocktail hour, reserved sit-down seating for dinner, the awards celebration, and more. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.cnybj. com/event/40-under-forty-awards/

n GOFCC Business After Hours event from 5-7 p.m. at the Oswego YMCA at 265 West 1st St. in Oswego. Join the GOFCC for a special evening of networking and community as the GOFCC helps celebrate the Oswego YMCA’s 170th anniversary. From its founding in 1855 to the vibrant center it is today, this milestone honors the generations of individuals, families, and partners who have shaped the Oswego YMCA’s journey. Cost is $10 for GOFCC members and $20 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit: https://centerstateceo.com/ events/11/2025/gofcc-business-after-hours

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n 6th Annual Oswego Health Foundation Gala from 6-11 p.m. at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center, 26 E. 1st St., Oswego. This year’s theme, “The Power of Pink,” promises an elegant evening celebrating the strength of community and the life-changing impact of local health care. Event highlights include a cocktail hour with live music by Tim Forbes at 6 p.m.; gourmet dinner and awards program at 7 p.m., featuring Physician of the Year, Community Partner, and the inaugural nurses’ DAISY Award; desserts, dancing, and entertainment by Millennium Music; and wine wall and exclusive auction packages. Last year’s gala raised more than $133,000 in support of local health care. This year, proceeds will directly fund the creation of a stateof-the-art multi-specialty imaging suite at Oswego Hospital — centralizing ultrasound, mammography, and bone-density services to improve patient care and staff efficiency. Tickets are now available: $125 per person. More details and reservations are available at oswegohealth.org/gala or by calling (315) 326-3788.

n How to Use Transition to Make Positive Impacts on Your Employees, Customers, and Community workshop from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Nixon Peabody, 211 High Point Drive, Suite 110, Victor. A well-crafted transition plan can do more than ensure business continuity — it can strengthen the company’s culture, enhance the business and family’s reputation, and create lasting value for all stakeholders. This St. John Fisher University Family Business Program will feature a series of insightful panels presenting real-world experiences and expert guidance on navigating this complex process. For more information, visit the Family Business website: https://www.sjf.edu/schools/ school-of-business/family-business/

n Greater Binghamton Chamber’s 29th Annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon from 12-1:30 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton at 225 Water St., Binghamton. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. More information, including registration, is available through this link: https://shorturl.at/N9c6T

NOVEMBER 14

n AFP-CNY National Philanthropy Day Breakfast from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel –Syracuse, 6301 State Route 298 in the town of DeWitt. National Philanthropy Day is a special day to recognize and pay tribute to the meaningful contributions that philanthropy — and those active in our own philanthropic community — makes to our lives, communities, and world. This year, APF-CNY will unite with chapters nationwide and globally to commemorate National Philanthropy Day 2025. It will honor individuals, organizations, and businesses in Central New York who selflessly contribute their time, talents, and resources to enrich and benefit our communities. For more information and to register, visit: https://community. afpglobal.org/afpnycentralchapter/events/npd

NOVEMBER 21

n Coffee Talk at the Tompkins Chamber from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the chamber office at 124 Brindley St., Ithaca. Join the chamber team and peers in your industry for fresh coffee and conversation. This month, the Tompkins Chamber invites professionals from the retail and service industries to connect with friends and colleagues and expand your network in this casual environment. For more information and to register, visit: https://business.tompkinschamber.org/events/details/ coffee-talk-at-the-chamber-retail-service-194009

Bills. Even while paying, he transitioned into the business world as the chief brand officer for Enduraphin, a startup nutrition company. Murray played a key role in fundraising, marketing, and product development, leveraging his unique perspective as an athlete to drive brand success and community engagement, ICAN said. He founded the Jon Diaz Community Center in Nedrow to serve as a hub of transformative opportunities, wellness, and recreation for the youth and families in the Central New York area where he grew up. The center is named for his longtime friend who was tragically killed by gun violence in 2016. ICAN will be the operational partner for the Jon Diaz Community Center, with a planned opening in 2027.

Burch

Lockheed Martin produces higher profit, sales in Q3

BY ERIC REINHARDT ereinhardt@cnybj.com

Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) generated a third-quarter profit of $1.6 billion, or $6.95 per share, compared to $1.6 billion, or $6.80 a share, during the same quarter in 2024.

That’s according to the earnings report it issued on Oct. 21. The company’s profit result beat the consensus analyst’s estimate of $6.33 per share, according to Zacks Equity Research.

Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor based in Bethesda, Maryland, operates a Syracuse–area plant in the town of Salina and another plant in Owego in Tioga County. It employs a total of 5,100 people at those two Central New York facilities, according to the latest data the company submitted to CNYBJ Research.

The global defense technology company reported

sales of $18.6 billion in this year’s third quarter, up about 9 percent from $17.1 billion in the year-ago earnings period.

In its earnings announcement, Lockheed Martin also said its cash from operations totaled $3.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025, compared to $2.4 billion for the third quarter of 2024. Free cash flow was $3.3 billion in this year’s third quarter, compared to $2.1 billion in the year-prior period.

Lockheed Martin’s top executive was upbeat about the aerospace company’s outlook.

“Looking ahead, we are investing aggressively in both new digital technologies and physical production capacity needed to meet the top defense priorities of the United States and its allies — and we are doing so in partnership with a number of leading technology partners, large and small. Major national defense initia-

New York State’s MWBE Program: New Updates and Continuing Complexities

On May 9, 2025, New York State enacted legislation, as part of the FY 2025-26 New York State budget, extending and adding certain provisions to the New York State Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program. Although program eligibility and requirements for participants remain the same — maintaining consistency for businesses, at least, for now — some of the added provisions may lead to significant program adjustments in the future.

New Updates

The recently enacted updates to the MWBE program are as follows:

• Program Extension: The MWBE program was set to expire on July 1, 2025, but has been extended to July 1, 2028.

• Discr etionary Threshold Increase: The state agency discretionary purchasing threshold for MWBEs, which allows state agencies to make purchases from MWBEs up to a certain amount without a formal competitive bid process, has increased from $750,000 to $1.5 million.

• Annual Repor t: State agency annual reports to the director of the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (the Division) must now include, among other things, the total number of contracts awarded to MWBEs each year, the total value of contracts awarded to MWBEs each year, the participation rate, and the percentage of contracts awarded to MWBEs over the total

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they will ensure that other scientists can reproduce the findings by providing adequate documentation and transparency.

A community advisory board will meet with the AR2 leaders every six months to advise them and help ensure that the projects addresses the needs of patients and their families.

The board includes policymakers, researchers and parents of children with autism.

contracts for all commodities, services, and services purchases — all in comparison to various measurements from the prior year.

• Policy Study: The director of the Division is required to commission a policy study analyzing potential ways to improve the effectiveness of the MWBE program. The study must be prepared by an entity independent of the Department of Economic Development and the purpose is to provide recommendations to further strengthen and increase the effectiveness of the MWBE program. The policy study is due by May 1, 2027 and must be made publicly available.

Overview of RequirementsContinuing

Despite these updates, MWBE program eligibility and requirements for participants remain unchanged. As a brief reminder, some of the general requirements for the program are:

• Ownership: The minority group members or women upon which certification relies must have real, substantial, and continuing majority ownership of the business enterprise. In evaluating this requirement, the Division looks at, among other things, the minority group members’ or women’s percentage ownership, capital contribution, and risk and profit sharing of the business enterprise.

• Operation: The minority group members or women upon which certification relies must make day-to-day decisions

“We hope to build and ensure trust in ADSI’s research,” Zhong said. “We want patients and their families to be heard. We hope to serve as a bridge so that the patient community and policy makers can understand the science.”

CCSS involvement

The AR2 Center will leverage the advanced computing infrastructure and replication expertise of the Cornell Center for Social Sciences (CCSS) Data and Reproduction Archive at the Ithaca campus.

The CCSS will help replicate ADSI project results, facilitate data sharing among

tives like the Golden Dome for America demand proven leadership in a wide range of skills, including integrated air and missile defense, space warfare and highly secure command and control systems,” Lockheed Mar tin Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet said in the earnings report. “Lockheed Mar tin is the capable leader and integrator across industry for these types of initiatives. Moreover, our disciplined capital deployment continues to provide robust, reliable rewards for our shareholders, highlighted by 23 consecutive years of dividend increases. Together, these results reflect a company built for performance today and poised for growth tomorrow.”

Lockheed Martin said it expects its full-year earnings to come in at between $22.15 and $22.35 per share, with annual revenue anticipated to be in a range between $74.25 billion and $74.75 billion. n

concerning the operation of the business enterprise. In evaluating this requirement, the Division looks at, among other things, the minority group members’ or women’s experience in the industry, operational decision-making, and time devoted to the business enterprise.

• Control: The minority group members or women upon which certification relies must have the power to control the business enterprise. In evaluating this requirement, the Division looks at, among other things, the minority group members’ or women’s control of business management and control of business negotiations.

• Independence: The business enterprise must operate independently. In evaluating this requirement, the Division looks at, among other things, whether the business enterprise shares resources with another entity, transacts business primarily with only one other entity, and receives tangible benefits because of a connection to another entity and, if so, if those benefits are consistent with industry practice.

That said, even if a business enterprise meets the above-described requirements, below are a few limitations, among others, to keep in mind that may affect the ability to obtain MWBE status:

• Personal Net Worth: The minority group members’ or women’s personal net worth must not exceed $15 million, adjusted for inflation, subject to certain exclusions.

investigators, collaboratively establish best practices for ADSI projects and host training workshops for ADSI teams, Peter Enns, co-investigator, said in the Cornell Chronicle.

Enns is the Robert S. Harrison Director of CCSS and a professor in the department of government in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy.

“Everyone wants reproducible research,” Enns said. “We view ourselves as independent evaluators collaborating with ADSI teams to reach that goal.”

The center will also benefit from the

• Small Business: The business enterprise must have no more than 300 total employees, calculated as an average of the immediately preceding four calendar quarters.

• Time of Operation: The business enterprise must be in operation for at least one year.

• Doing Business in New York State: The business enterprise must have the authority to conduct business in the state of New York and actually conduct business in the state.

Moving Forward

Navigating the MWBE program can be complex despite the seemingly simple rules. Businesses seeking MWBE status should carefully consider application of the rules to the particular facts at hand when applying for initial certification, re-certification, or an appeal of a denial of either. n

Jessica M. Blanchette is an associate attorney in the Albany office of Syracuse–based Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. Contact Blanchette at jblanchette@bsk.com. Lyndon E. Hall is an associate attorney in Bond’s Syracuse office. Contact Hall at lhall@bsk. com. This article is drawn and edited from the law firm’s website.

expertise of the Data Coordinating Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, which leads real-world data studies and supports clinical trials funded by academia, government and industry.

Zhong said she hopes the three-year project will be just the start of the team’s work improving reproducibility in science more broadly. Enns agreed, noting that the cross-campus collaboration is a good model for other areas of research to follow.

“We believe it is our responsibility to build on our experience and expertise to enhance trust in scientific research in general,” Zhong said. n

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