El Hadji Fall

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KeyBank has promoted El Hadji Fall to VP, commercial payments advisor. In this role, he builds and maintains collaborative relationships with KeyBank’s relationship managers to

ORION, an Internet of Things technology accelerator, formally launches in Rome

Subscriber Only, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Featured, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Manufacturing & Engineering, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Nonprofits, Small Business, Technology

ROME, N.Y. — A Friday ceremony in Rome formally launched ORION, a technology accelerator and innovation ecosystem aimed at augmenting the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) ability to develop, secure, deploy, and utilize IoT technology. ORION is short for Open-Architecture Resilient IoT for Operational Networks and is described as the region’s first cross-organizational tech partnership

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ORION is short for Open-Architecture Resilient IoT for Operational Networks and is described as the region’s first cross-organizational tech partnership focused on the Internet of Things (IoT).

IoT connects everyday devices and objects to the internet, allowing them to communicate with each other. This technology “enhances our lives by making everyday tasks more convenient and efficient, such as controlling home devices remotely or tracking health metrics,” per the Griffiss Institute announcement.

ORION is a congressionally funded initiative between the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL); Assured Information Security (AIS); Quanterion Solutions, Inc.; the Griffiss Institute; and the New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC).

Friday’s ceremony was held at ORION’s NTROPEE facility located at 99 Langley Road in Rome.

“Leading ORION has been a rewarding experience, as it has allowed us to demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can transform the IoT landscape. The ORION lab within the Innovare Advancement Center, alongside the NTROPEE facility, plays a crucial role in this mission, offering our ecosystem partners the tools and environment to create cutting-edge solutions,” Anthony Macera, senior computer engineer/senior program manager at AFRL Information Directorate, said in the Griffiss Institute announcement. “Additionally, these facilities provide valuable opportunities to educate and inspire guests visiting Griffiss Institute for tours, showcasing the groundbreaking work happening right here. We’re ensuring seamless integration and making a meaningful impact on our national security.”

The NTROPEE facility is described as “more than just a 20,000-square-foot hangar; it’s a hub where large-scale IoT systems — from unmanned aircraft to industrial controls —find a home for development and testing,” per the website orionassured.com.

Those involved say ORION is set to “transform the local tech landscape and extend its influence statewide and nationally” by addressing key challenges in the IoT industry. Friday’s event highlighted ORION’s role in boosting economic growth, creating job opportunities, and attracting investment, “thus enhancing the region’s tech reputation.”

Loretto, union recognize latest class of LPN apprenticeship graduates

Education & Training, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Featured, Health Care, New York News, Nonprofits

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Loretto and leaders of the 1199SEIU union on Friday recognized the most recent graduates of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) apprenticeship program,

Nonprofit conference planned in Canton in mid-September

North Country, Education & Training, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, New York News, Nonprofits, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism

CANTON, N.Y. — A pair of North Country organizations are hosting the “2024 Non-Profit Conference – Renew, Retain Engage” on Sept. 11 from 8:30 a.m.

Wolfspeed plans to move device production to Marcy location, closing plant on Durham campus

New York News, Construction, Design & Real Estate, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Manufacturing & Engineering, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only, Technology

MARCY, N.Y. — Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), which operates a silicon carbide device-manufacturing facility in Marcy, plans to shift its device fabrication to its 200mm Mohawk Valley Fab and close its device fab in Durham, North Carolina where the firm is headquartered. Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed, made the announcement as the company released its

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Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed, made the announcement as the company released its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and the full 2024 fiscal year.

“We have two priorities we are focused on: optimizing our capital structure for both the near term and long term and driving performance in our state-of-the-art, 200-millimeter fab, and this quarter was a step forward on both of these priorities,” Lowe said in the announcement. “We achieved 20% utilization at Mohawk Valley in June and continued to see strong revenue growth from that fab. Our 200mm device fab is currently producing solid results, which are at significantly lower costs than our Durham 150mm fab. This improved profitability gives us the confidence to accelerate the shift of our device fabrication to Mohawk Valley, while we assess the timing of the closure of our 150mm device fab in Durham.”

Wolfspeed will remain based in Durham and maintain a “substantial” employee count at that location, the website of WRAL-TV reported.

Marc Barraco, VP of economic development at Mohawk Valley EDGE issued a statement about Wolfspeed’s plans, saying the Wolfspeed $1.2 billion public-private partnership has generated a “great deal of momentum,” noting the semiconductor corridor across the I-90 corridor from Buffalo to Albany.

“Companies like Semikron-Danfoss, Indium Corp., and Wolfspeed all provide ample opportunities for partnerships. In addition, the Marcy Nanocenter is located adjacent to the SUNY Polytechnic Institute, showcasing the best opportunities for students seeking good high paying jobs. Wolfspeed has been a solid partner throughout this effort, frequently engaging with EDGE to ensure their operations are moving steadily. Reaching 20% utilization rate at the Mohawk Valley Fab earlier this year, Wolfspeed has stated they are well positioned to continue delivering on their 200mm vertical integration strategy, making the prior investment in our region a positive step towards future growth at the Marcy Nanocenter.”

Barraco went on to say, “Mohawk Valley EDGE and the leadership of the Mohawk Valley Region is proud to partner with Wolfspeed and look forward to continuing our progress on this 434-acre greenfield space. We look forward to continuing our discussions in making the Marcy Nanocenter fully utilized to support economic growth here in our region.”

Port of Oswego Authority leader to retire at the end of 2024

North Country, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, New York News, Nonprofits, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO, N.Y. — William Scriber, executive director and CEO of the Port of Oswego Authority (POA), says he plans to retire on Dec. 31. “It’s been a privilege to have helped guide the Port to new heights of expansion, diversified clients, and greater tonnage over the past five years,” Scriber said in a POA announcement.

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — William Scriber, executive director and CEO of the Port of Oswego Authority (POA), says he plans to retire on Dec. 31.

“It’s been a privilege to have helped guide the Port to new heights of expansion, diversified clients, and greater tonnage over the past five years,” Scriber said in a POA announcement. “As Lloyd Blankfein said, when he was preparing to retire as chairman/CEO of Goldman Sachs, ‘It’s always been hard for me to imagine leaving. When times are tougher, you can’t leave. And when times are better, you don’t want to leave.’ For me, it feels like the right time to pass the torch to someone else.”

In Dec. 2017, the POA board asked Scriber to serve as acting director. At the time, Scriber said, the Port had lost customers and an overall decrease in business. Scriber said he went to work communicating with former and existing customers to secure both their return and expanded business.

“I made numerous trips to Albany to the [New York State] Department of Transportation and the governor’s office and began developing a ‘comeback’ plan for the Port. This led to the Port of Oswego’s Vision 20/30 that set a road map for achieving economic stability and long-term success,” Scriber said.

As a result, over the past five years, the Port has made a “dramatic comeback,” the POA contends. Among the milestones were the first Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award the Port of Oswego had received in many years. The award recognized increases in international cargo tonnage shipped through the port during the 2018 navigation season. Since then, the Port has won a Pacesetter award for four of the past five years.

“William Scriber’s leadership and vision have returned the Port of Oswego to prominence as a maritime commerce leader,” Thomas Schneider, POA board member and audit committee chair, said in the announcement. “Bill stepped into the executive director position during a very challenging time for the Port. His work ethic, drive and determination have secured millions in development and expansion, while simultaneously broadening our customer base to include new markets and materials. Thanks to his foresight, the Port is in an ideal position to continue to grow and prosper.”

SUNY Oswego to use federal grant to support study-abroad partnership related to semiconductors

Featured, Education & Training, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Manufacturing & Engineering, New York News, Nonprofits, Technology

OSWEGO, N.Y. — SUNY Oswego, in partnership with Monroe Community College, will use a $50,000 federal grant for study-abroad opportunities connected to Micron Technologies Inc.’s

Survey: one in four hiring managers consider young Gen-Zers “unemployable”

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Education & Training, Subscriber Only

Almost one-quarter (24 percent) of U.S. hiring managers consider young Gen-Z workers “unemployable” due to lack of workplace skills, according to a survey recently conducted by the job-seeker-resource website ResumeTemplates.com. The study — which defined “young Gen-Zers” as those, currently 18-23 years old — found that many respondents were critical of the age cohort’s lack

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The study — which defined “young Gen-Zers” as those, currently 18-23 years old — found that many respondents were critical of the age cohort’s lack of work ethic, absence of accountability, and/or generally poor work ethic.

The survey was conducted in July 2024 among 1,000 hiring managers in the U.S. who were age 25 or older and currently employed at a company with 11 or more employees.

Some additional insights from the survey indicate a widespread skepticism of Gen-Z’s workforce readiness among hiring managers and their employers. These findings include the following data points:

17 percent of respondents said their employers were either “not very” or “not at all” willing to hire young Gen-Zers for full-time positions.
More than half (56 percent) said their employers were offering the age group part-time roles including contract work and internships.
More than one-third (38 percent) said their employers offer young Gen-Zers lower pay than older co-workers for similar roles.
Almost four in 10 (37 percent) respondents said the young Gen-Z age cohort is “not very” or “not at all” reliable in the workplace.
42 percent say young Gen-Zers are not well-prepared for the workforce.
A similar percentage (41 percent) believe young Gen-Zers are not receptive to constructive criticism.
39 percent said the generation has unrealistic career expectations.

Julia Toothacre, a chief career strategist at ResumeTemplates.com offered some perspective on the generally negative findings, saying, “One thing to remember is that every young generation goes through this kind of criticism. Millennials were called lazy and entitled. Gen Z is getting branded as lacking work ethic and accountability.”

A full summary of the survey’s findings is available at: https://www.resumetemplates.com/1-in-4-hiring-managers-say-young-gen-zers-are-unemployable/

Oswego Hospital medical staff appoints new leadership

Health Care, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — The medical staff at Oswego Hospital recently appointed new leadership for 2024-2025, including Michael Alcasid, MD, as president and David Bass, DO, as VP. Alcasid in 1998 started as a staff physician at Oswego Hospital while also working as a primary care physician for Oswego County Opportunities. In 2008, he transitioned to being

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OSWEGO — The medical staff at Oswego Hospital recently appointed new leadership for 2024-2025, including Michael Alcasid, MD, as president and David Bass, DO, as VP.

Alcasid in 1998 started as a staff physician at Oswego Hospital while also working as a primary care physician for Oswego County Opportunities. In 2008, he transitioned to being a hospitalist, a position he’s held ever since. Dr. Alcasid has held various leadership positions including chairman of the ICU Committee from 2008-2017, QICA/QAPI chairman from 2016-2018, chief of medicine service from 2012-2016, and hospitalist director from 2008-2018. He’s also previously served as VP of the medical staff from 2016-2018, as well as president from 2018-2020. As the newly elected president of the medical staff, Alcasid will also serve as chair of the Medical Executive Committee and as a member of the Oswego Health board of directors. In this role, he is responsible for communicating and representing the opinions and concerns of the medical staff and its members on organizational and specific matters affecting hospital operations to the board. He will also oversee compliance on the part of the medical staff with the procedural safeguards and rights of its members in all stages of the hospital’s credentialing process, Oswego Health said in a release.

Since 2020, Bass has provided cardiovascular care with the Center of Cardiology at Oswego Health Medical Practice. Board-certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, he earned his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition, Bass completed his fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the Nassau University Medical Center. Dr. Bass has extensive cardiovascular experience throughout New York state, including being a noninvasive cardiologist at Canton Potsdam Hospital. As VP of the medical staff, Dr. Bass will chair the Oswego Health Quality Assurance and Process Improvement Committee and will serve as a member of the Medical Executive Committee, Oswego Health said.

The medical staff at Oswego Hospital includes 270-plus providers representing multiple specialty services across Central New York.

Five Star Bank parent company to pay Q3 dividend of 30 cents a share in early October

Banks & Credit Unions, Subscriber Only

WARSAW, N.Y. — Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISI), parent company of Five Star Bank, recently announced that its board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of 30 cents per share of its common stock outstanding. The banking company will pay the third-quarter dividend on Oct. 2, to shareholders of record on Sept. 13. At

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