Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
VIEWPOINT: 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 […]

Ask Rusty: Should I Claim SS Early Because it’s Going Bankrupt?
Dear Rusty: My best friend is going to be age 62 and wants to begin taking her Social Security (SS) immediately. Her reasoning not to wait is the thought that it is going to run out in 10 years, so she wants as much of her money before that happens. I have paid into Social

VIEWPOINT: Prepare for the Unexpected
A key lesson of the past 20 years is to expect the unexpected. Over that period, we’ve faced the global financial crisis, the euro crisis, the long period of zero or even negative interest rates, the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war on Ukraine, and most recently, seismic shifts in the global trade and geopolitical environment. Unpredictable

Ask Rusty: I’d like to retire early, but don’t want my Social Security cut
Dear Rusty: I will turn 65 [soon] and my husband is age 72 (he retired in 2019 at age 66). I would like to retire and enjoy some time with him before he gets too much older. I do not want to have my Social Security (SS) benefits reduced by retiring earlier, but I don’t

VIEWPOINT: Why New York’s Health Premiums Keep Going Up
New Yorkers continue to face some of the costliest health-insurance premiums in the U.S., and the insurance industry’s recently finalized rate applications shed light on why that is. In summaries filed with the state regulators, insurers attributed their price hikes to rising costs — including state-specific factors, such as insurance taxes and coverage mandates, as

VIEWPOINT: Accurate ROI measurement
Solving for B2B performance marketing’s greatest challenge Necessity is famously the mother of invention. With uncertainty surrounding marketing budgets big and small, the current need for business-to-business (B2B) marketers is almost universal: the ability to accurately measure return on investment (ROI), justifying every line-item to the penny. Here’s a wide-angle look at the trends shaping
VIEWPOINT: Title VI Coordinator Mandate for N.Y. Universities Signed into Law
As colleges and universities across New York welcomed students back to campus this fall, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a new requirement for all New York higher-education institutions to appoint a Title VI coordinator and undertake related training and notifications to their communities. The law, which had bipartisan backing in both

VIEWPOINT: Celebrating downtown Syracuse & looking ahead to exciting future
Downtown Syracuse is a lively and dynamic community. It’s a place where people live, work, and play, at it’s always changing and growing. The revitalization of downtown Syracuse reflects the collaborative efforts of community partners, residents, business owners, and investors, all driven by a shared vision for our city center. This vibrant social hub serves

VIEWPOINT: Meeting the Demand for Syracuse’s Resurgence
One step at a time Syracuse is undergoing tremendous growth and revitalization — as evidenced by the flurry of construction activity around us today. Earlier this year, I announced the City of Syracuse Central Permit Office reported 2024 marked the highest permitted construction value in Syracuse history. The $413.5 million record includes both residential and

VIEWPOINT: How the OBBBA’s Tax Reform Could Fuel Your Company’s Growth
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a sweeping tax-reform package that includes significant provisions for businesses of all sizes, was signed into law on July 4. While many headlines have focused on individual tax cuts, the bill contains several game-changing business provisions that deserve the attention of every entrepreneur, CFO, and business owner. Three
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.