Upstate N.Y. Energy Storage Engine CEO starts position

Get our email updates

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

VESTAL — An engineer with “decades of experience in industry and higher education” is now serving as the CEO of the Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine that Binghamton University leads. Meera Sampath previously served as the associate dean of research in Binghamton’s Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, according to its […]

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

VESTAL — An engineer with “decades of experience in industry and higher education” is now serving as the CEO of the Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine that Binghamton University leads.

Meera Sampath previously served as the associate dean of research in Binghamton’s Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, according to its Oct. 22 announcement.

The Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine is one of 10 inaugural engines funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and established under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The program is one of the largest investments in place-based innovation in U.S. history, Binghamton University said.

Sampath spent the first 20 years of her career with Xerox Corp., including time as the VP for innovation and business transformation at Xerox Services and as founding director of the Xerox Research Center India. From there, she joined SUNY, serving as associate vice chancellor for research and as executive director of the SUNY-IBM AI Collaborative Research Alliance.

Sampath holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, the school noted.

“I am excited and honored to lead this transformative project that brings together technology, innovation and talent development with a deep focus on the community,” Sampath said in the Binghamton announcement. “I look forward to working closely with our leadership team and our colleagues at the National Science Foundation to establish upstate New York as America’s battery capital.”

Sampath began serving as interim CEO of the Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine during the summer and formally stepped into the role in late September.

Sampath, who holds 15 U.S. patents, is recognized for her contributions to the field of discrete-event systems and model-based failure diagnosis. Her professional interests include social implications of technology, innovation for developing countries, and fostering interdisciplinary research.

Binghamton University describes the Energy Storage Engine as a coalition of more than 40 academic, industry, nonprofit, state and community organizations. Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) and Launch NY serve as core partners.

The coalition received an initial $15 million for the first two years and may receive up to $160 million during the next decade. It will receive an additional $16 million over 10 years from Empire State Development.

“The NSF Engine is a critical initiative for the future of our region,” Harvey Stenger, president of Binghamton University, said in the school’s announcement. “I am excited to have Meera lead this effort as CEO. Her strong leadership skills, global perspective and deep commitment to the community are critical to advancing the Engine’s mission of technology-based inclusive economic growth.”

Engine’s work

The Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine will help to “drive domestic self-sufficiency and achieve global competitiveness in battery technology” by providing grants in use-inspired R&D to industry-academia coalitions to address critical challenges along the entire battery lifecycle with a focus on safety and sustainability.

It will also support regional energy-storage companies with training, mentoring, access to infrastructure and investments to accelerate technology and market readiness.

The Engine will also be providing grants for community organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to develop and scale innovative programs to build a skilled workforce for the battery industry.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Sampath to the Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine,” William Acker, a member of the Engine’s governance board and executive director of the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST), said. “Her technical leadership and extensive experience in building successful partnerships across industry, academia and government will be instrumental in driving the growth and success of the Engine.”

Utica University Nexus Center chalks up win for Oneida County

Education & Training, Mohawk Valley, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

UTICA — Two years after opening, the Utica University Nexus Center is not just meeting Oneida County’s expectations, but also exceeding them, the county’s leader says. First announced in 2017, the $64 million sports complex opened in November 2022, and has been busy ever since, according to Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. “In

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

UTICA — Two years after opening, the Utica University Nexus Center is not just meeting Oneida County’s expectations, but also exceeding them, the county’s leader says.

First announced in 2017, the $64 million sports complex opened in November 2022, and has been busy ever since, according to Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr.

“In that two-year time period, almost every weekend has been occupied,” he tells CNYBJ in an interview. And that’s not counting the normal weekday operations and big events the venue has hosted including the IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship this past April and the World Box Lacrosse Championships in September.

From world championships to youth sports tournaments, the venue has remained steadily busy since opening, exceeding all early expectations, Picente says.

“We had these visions of success, but we thought it would take a little more time to ramp up,” he says. Oneida County projected the Nexus Center could host two dozen hockey and lacrosse championships annually, bringing in more than 320,000 visitors and generating over $26 million in visitor spending.

The Nexus Center offers an ideal setting both geographically, right in the center of the state, and opened at the right time to capitalize in the growing tournament market, Picente says.

“It just opened up a whole new venue for these tournaments to come to,” he says, adding that the next closest venues of comparable size are in Buffalo; Marlborough, Massachusetts; and Toronto, Canada.

Oneida County committed $32 million on bonds to fund the center along with securing a $22 million grant from the state and raising the hotel and occupancy tax to 5 percent to fund the project.

The idea was that the bed tax would pay for Nexus, “and that’s what it’s been doing,” Picente says. Hotel occupancy rates have risen from an average of about 59 percent in 2022 to almost 62 percent in 2024, according to Oneida County Tourism.

“The Nexus Center has significantly boosted tourism in Oneida County, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond for events like the International Ice Hockey Federation tournament and the Lacrosse Box Championships,” Oneida County Tourism Interim President Pietra Yozzo tells CNYBJ in an email statement. “On a personal note, as a hockey mom and a proud spectator, I’ve seen firsthand how the Nexus Center has energized our community, filling local hotels and restaurants with enthusiastic guests.”

At nearly 170,000 square feet, the 1,200-seat sporting facility features three multipurpose 200-foot-by-85-foot playing surfaces that can be used as ice sheets or turf. There are times the venue offers open skating to the public. Utica University sports medicine students gain real, professional experience at the venue, which also features classrooms, faculty offices, and conference/meeting rooms. The Nexus Center also serves as the home of the Utica University’s women’s hockey team and the Utica Jr. Comets Junior A hockey team, and as a practice and training facility for the American Hockey League’s Utica Comets.

While the venue itself is sports focused, it’s part of a bigger picture in both welcoming people to the region and adding to the area’s offerings and quality of life, Picente says.

“Since Nexus opened, almost 40 percent of visitors are from out of state,” he notes. Those visitors have visited other attractions in the area, dined at area restaurants, and saw what the greater Utica area and central New York have to offer. Some of those people may choose to come back here for vacations, he says, while others may even choose to move here.

“I think that bodes well for us when we’re attracting industry,” Picente says.

International Wire buys new equipment for Canastota plant using National Grid incentive

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

CANASTOTA — The Canastota plant of International Wire is using new equipment, thanks to an energy-efficiency incentive from National Grid (NYSE: NGG) that will help the firm save money in the long run on its energy costs. International Wire replaced a 25-year-old multiwire drawing machine at the plant with a new generation of equipment that

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

International Wire replaced a 25-year-old multiwire drawing machine at the plant with a new generation of equipment that pulls wire quicker using less electricity, National Grid said. The equipment upgrade represents a reduction of nearly 4.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, creating savings of $166,600 annually.

The new machinery is also cleaner to operate, eliminating an additional 4.58 million pounds of carbon-dioxide emissions, the utility said.

“Increasing productivity for a manufacturer leads to an increased bottom line,” Alberto Bianchetti, regional director of customer and community engagement at National Grid, said in the announcement. “Incentives from National Grid, such as the one provided here to Owl Wire and Cable, strengthen local businesses while lowering their operating costs.”

The Canastota facility was founded as Owl Wire and Cable in 1954 and acquired by International Wire in 2019, National Grid noted.

International Wire earned an $821,000 incentive to offset the purchase. Based on the energy saved, the company will recoup its investment in the $2.1 million machine in less than eight years as opposed to nearly 13 years without the incentive.

“Enhancing safety, enabling productivity, and modernizing technology are key to staying competitive in today’s market,” Dave Bass, VP of engineering at International Wire, said in the National Grid announcement. “National Grid’s incentive program supported our investment, allowing us to achieve all these goals while lowering our energy consumption. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

International Wire is a multinational wire-products manufacturer headquartered in Camden. The company, which operates 11 manufacturing plants in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, specializes in bare copper and tin-plated wire products for the industrial, energy, mass transit, telecommunication, appliance and building markets.

Energy-efficiency programs

National Grid says New York manufacturers can learn more about industrial energy-efficiency programs by contacting an advisor at energysavings@nationalgrid.com or calling (800) 787-1706.

It also offers energy-efficiency programs for the agricultural, education, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail and restaurant industries.

National Grid is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through its networks in New York and Massachusetts.

Christopher Lenish

People on the Move

FustCharles, a certified public accounting firm in Syracuse, recently hired Christopher Lenish as an audit associate. He will help service the firm’s manufacturing, health care,

Q3 earnings slip at Chemung Financial as new branch opens

Banks & Credit Unions, Construction, Design & Real Estate, Southern Tier, Subscriber Only

ELMIRA — Chemung Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: CHMG), parent company of Chemung Canal Trust Company, recently reported net income of $5.7 million, or $1.19 per share, in the third quarter, down 25 percent from $7.6 million, or $1.61 per share, in the year-ago quarter. However, the latest quarter’s results were an improvement over Chemung Financial’s net

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

However, the latest quarter’s results were an improvement over Chemung Financial’s net income of $5 million, or $1.05 a share, in this year’s second quarter.

“Our balance sheet is well positioned as we enter into this rate-cutting cycle,” Chemung Financial President/CEO Anders M. Tomson said in the Elmira–based banking company’s Oct. 22 earnings report. “We are seeing the benefit of higher-yielding loans driving interest income, while funding costs continue to moderate. Strong non-interest income production and a stable credit environment were a welcome addition to an already strong quarter.”

Chemung Canal Trust recently opened a new full-service branch in Williamsville, in western New York. Salaries and wages at the banking company increased $600,000 as a result of the new branch, which opened Oct. 11. The bank also received regulatory approval to convert a former branch in Clarence into an administrative office to support the bank’s western New York operations.

“As we begin operations in our new Williamsville, New York location, we are eager to continue fostering an environment committed to our mission of community-oriented baking, both in western New York and throughout the bank’s footprint,” Tomson said.

Chemung Financial reported total assets of $2.77 billion as of Sept. 30, up from $2.71 billion on Dec. 31, 2023, due to an increase of $56.3 million in loans and $43.6 million in cash and cash equivalents. Those gains were partially offset by a decrease of $30.9 million in total investment securities and $6.9 million in accrued interest receivable.

Chemung Canal Trust Company, a full-service community bank with trust powers, operates 31 branches in New York and Pennsylvania.

Hitiksha Morzariya

People on the Move

FustCharles, a certified public accounting firm in Syracuse, has hired Hitiksha Morzariya as an audit associate. She will help service the firm’s manufacturing, health care,

NUAIR CEO says HQ at Syracuse airport just makes sense

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Manufacturing & Engineering, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only, Technology

SYRACUSE — Ken Stewart, president and CEO of NUAIR, believes opening the organization’s new headquarters at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) “just makes sense.” “Our team works with the next generation of uncrewed and electric aircraft and is developing the platform to safely integrate them into the national airspace… what better place to work than

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

SYRACUSE — Ken Stewart, president and CEO of NUAIR, believes opening the organization’s new headquarters at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) “just makes sense.”

“Our team works with the next generation of uncrewed and electric aircraft and is developing the platform to safely integrate them into the national airspace… what better place to work than in an airport that has had military drones like the MQ-9 Reaper taking off autonomously for years? We’re honored that many of our partners and legislature are here to celebrate this occasion and continue to recognize the innovation in Central New York,” Stewart said.

NUAIR on Oct. 30 formally opened its new headquarters at the Syracuse airport.

The nonprofit NUAIR is short for the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. Its headquarters was previously located at 250 Harrison St. in Syracuse.

Those attending the event included Assemblymembers William Magnarelli (D–Syracuse), Pamela Hunter (D–Syracuse), and Al Stirpe (D–Cicero), as well as other representatives from New York, NUAIR board and Alliance members, key executives, and industry partners.

“We are at an incredible time in Central New York’s history as we have assumed a leadership position in proving Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft can safely, securely, and efficiently integrate into the National Airspace System,” Jason Terreri, executive director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, said in the NUAIR announcement. “We are proud to partner with NUAIR to remain on the cutting edge of these efforts and are excited to see how they positively impact the way we move people and goods throughout Central New York and beyond!”

NUAIR says its newly established headquarters at SYR sits immediately next to the NUAIR Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility.

The organization says its Center of Excellence “offers visitors a glimpse into the future of transportation” with UAS and advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.

“Supporting the innovative technologies and emerging industries that are creating the jobs of tomorrow is at the heart of ESD’s mission. Together with NUAIR, we are laser-focused on elevating the UAS industry in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley,” Hope Knight, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development, said in the NUAIR announcement. “The NUAIR Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility represents yet another major milestone that will help to ensure the uncrewed system sector’s continued growth in New York State.”

Syracuse becomes an arts, culture, & entertainment destination

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Downtown Committee’s fall progress breakfast discussed the topic SYRACUSE — Business owners and the leader of the Everson Museum of Art recently shared their thoughts on how downtown Syracuse is an arts, culture, and entertainment destination that has “unique experiences for everyone.” They spoke on the theme of the Oct. 29 fall progress breakfast, that was presented

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

Downtown Committee’s fall progress breakfast discussed the topic

SYRACUSE — Business owners and the leader of the Everson Museum of Art recently shared their thoughts on how downtown Syracuse is an arts, culture, and entertainment destination that has “unique experiences for everyone.”

They spoke on the theme of the Oct. 29 fall progress breakfast, that was presented by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc., in partnership with National Grid (NYSE: NGG), at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.

About 450 people attended the event, the Downtown Committee tells CNYBJ in an email.

The speakers included Elizabeth Dunbar, president and CEO of the Everson Museum of Art, who discussed the recent opening of Louise, a new café that’s described as a “unique and interactive dining experience inside the museum,” according to a Downtown Committee announcement.

Dunbar spoke about the Rosenfield collection and how diners are invited to enjoy the pieces and use them as part of their dining experiences.

In addition, Sarah Pelligrini and Rob Zaccaria, co-owners of Noble Cellar, shared details of the opening of Noble Cellar earlier this year and the rich history of its location at 304 E. Onondaga St., next door to the Onondaga County Courthouse. They spoke about the importance of preserving and honoring the building while creating a new upscale experience for diners to enjoy.

The fall progress breakfast speakers also included Nikita Jankowski, founder of Belesai Communications, who spoke about her experience in the travel industry and the assets downtown Syracuse has in the arts, culture, and entertainment world and why she considers Syracuse a travel destination. Jankowski highlighted the places and experiences that the city has to offer and why people want to travel into downtown Syracuse.

“Listening to today’s presenters share the inspiration behind their continued investments in Downtown Syracuse was at the heart of today’s event. Learning how our arts, culture and entertainment scene has grown through the years highlights that Downtown Syracuse is a true destination,” Merike Treier, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, said in the announcement.

The Downtown Committee says the progress breakfast series is known for providing “exclusive previews” of projects and items that the community is “buzzing about.” Inviting presenters to share their stories behind these “exciting initiatives helps build a deeper connection to Downtown Syracuse and provides insight into the growth underway,” per the announcement.

The progress breakfast is held twice a year, in the fall and spring seasons. The event receives corporate-sponsorship support from AmeriCU, CXtec, FustCharles, and Tompkins, the Downtown Committee said.

Turning Stone opens redesigned Sportsplex

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Mohawk Valley, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

VERONA — Turning Stone Resort Casino on Nov. 8 celebrated the grand reopening of its renovated Sportsplex, which features a new indoor golf range, pickleball facility, and more. Renovated as part of the $370 million renovation project at Turning Stone, the Sportsplex also includes retail options and other amenities, the resort announced. “With the brand

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

VERONA — Turning Stone Resort Casino on Nov. 8 celebrated the grand reopening of its renovated Sportsplex, which features a new indoor golf range, pickleball facility, and more.

Renovated as part of the $370 million renovation project at Turning Stone, the Sportsplex also includes retail options and other amenities, the resort announced.

“With the brand new Sportsplex, the Turning Stone evolution is building on our already larger than life golf and recreation experiences and making them even better,” Turning Stone Enterprises Director of Golf Operations David Winget said in a release. “This complete reimagining of the facility brings together the latest technology and exciting new amenities with the award-winning service Turning Stone is known for to deliver an experience unlike anything else in upstate New York.”

The new Sportsplex now features 36 golf bays that offer cutting-edge Trackman ball-flight technology designed to help golfers of all levels improve their game. On the lower level, each bay features a 32-inch monitor for Trackman tech, while the upper-level bays provide players access via their mobile devices. The Sportsplex also offers new extended target greens.

The facility is also home to three full indoor pickleball courts where guests can play with friends and family or join competitive leagues. Lessons will also be available.

The new retail center offers a variety of golf equipment from top brands and an expanded apparel collection.

Along with the full update of indoor golf and recreation options, the Sportsplex continues to offer a golf short-game area, daily golf lessons, clinics, custom fittings, indoor tennis, and racquetball. All-season climate control ensures year-round use, Turning Stone Enterprises says.

The Sportsplex renovation is the latest phase in the Turning Stone project, which is the Oneida Indian Nation’s largest reinvestment in the resort in 20 years. The project will double the resort’s existing conference facilities while adding a new hotel, restaurant, outdoor event spaces, and parking garage.

The resort currently features five hotels, two spas, five golf courses, more than 20 dining options, a 125,000-square-foot gaming floor, a sports-betting lounge, The Showroom concert venue, several nightlife venues, and a 5,000-seat arena.

Naturally Lewis wins tourism award for Tug Hill visitor guides

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, North Country, Subscriber Only

LOWVILLE — Naturally Lewis, Inc. has been awarded a New York State Tourism Industry Association Tourism Excellence Award for the 2024 Discover Tug Hill Visitor Guides. It received the honor at the 2024 New York State Tourism Industry Association Tourism Excellence Summit at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, according to a Sept. 13 announcement.

Already an Subcriber? Log in

Get Instant Access to This Article

Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.

Learn More and Become a Subscriber

Get our email updates

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

Get our email updates

What's New

Upcoming Events

Greater Binghamton Chamber Connect Over Lunch

NOFA-NY 43rd Annual Winter Conference

Central New York Political Leadership Institute Information Session

CNYBJ Job Board

Get Instant Access to This Article

Engine’s work

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Energy-efficiency programs

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Downtown Committee’s fall progress breakfast discussed the topic

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get Instant Access to This Article

Get our email updates