Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
VIEWPOINT: Drivers of uncertainty persist into 2023
[Last year was] a volatile one for the economy and the financial markets. The main factors that drove uncertainty in 2022 remain the same as we enter 2023 — the stubbornness of inflation and its effect on the Fed’s interest rate policies, and the looming threat of economic recession and its impact on corporate earnings. […]
VIEWPOINT: Are Business Non-Compete Clauses a Thing of the Past?
Analyzing the FTC’s new regulation On July 9, 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order that, among other things, directed the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “to curtail the unfair use of non-compete clauses and other clauses or agreements that may unfairly limit worker mobility.” Making good on (and, in fact, going significantly beyond) this
Ask Rusty: Can I Get Survivor Benefits While Still Working?
Dear Rusty: I lost my wife several years ago and I qualified for Social Security spousal benefits. Unfortunately, because of my income, I have not been able to take advantage of this benefit. I am currently 64 and still working. I believe I have until the age of 70 to receive this. Is there any
HISTORY FROM OHA: If It’s Hardware We Have It: The Burhans & Black Story
The history of Burhans & Black, Inc. dates back to 1874 when Henry Nehemiah Burhans’ sash, blind, and door company joined with Jerrold William Black’s hardware business to become Burhans, Black & Co. Henry Nehemiah Burhans was born in the town of DeWitt on Oct. 12, 1839. He received his education at Fayetteville Union School
VIEWPOINT: The Impact of N.Y.’s New Pay-Transparency Law on Employers
On Dec. 21, 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the long-anticipated New York State pay-transparency bill into law. The bill amends New York State Labor Law by adding a new section 194-b, which takes effect on Sept. 17, 2023. Labor Law § 194-b continues a recent trend toward pay transparency both nationally and locally, including similar
Ask Rusty: For Some Simple Guidance About Medicare
Dear Rusty: I’m nearing 68 years old, have never signed up for Medicare, but am thinking that I should look into it. I’m currently covered by my wife’s health insurance through her employer. I would greatly appreciate some simple guidance regarding Medicare. I’ve tried watching some videos about the subject, but it was always so
VIEWPOINT: NLRB Restores Obama-Era Bargaining-Unit Test
On Dec. 14, 2022, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) issued a decision that (again) modifies its standard for bargaining-unit determination cases where a labor union seeks to represent a unit that contains some, but not all, of the job classifications at a particular workplace. The decision, in American Steel Construction, Inc., revives
CEO FOCUS: Evolving our Communications and Operational Teams to Support Members and Staff
I’ve [recently] highlighted shifts to our forward-facing work resulting from a strategic refresh process that has helped us redefine our goals, metrics, and the resources required to best meet the evolving needs of our members and the community. At the same time, we are also evolving our communications and operational teams. CenterState CEO’s marketing and
Ask Rusty: Will My Wife’s Benefit Change My Claiming Decision?
Dear Rusty: I’ll be 69 in April 2023, and my wife will be 59 [in about a month]. I’m still working and am trying to determine whether I should take Social Security at 69 or 70. My main question revolves around my wife’s future Social Security benefits and how they will affect my decision on
VIEWPOINT: How Can Your Business Transform In An Uncertain Economy?
When you’re in a tough spot —personally or professionally —and not sure of where to go or what to do, you need to look within at your fear. And then you need to use it as fuel to realize your goals. Most of us experience fear as being friction, getting in the way of making
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.