Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.
Oneida Indian Nation expenditures topped a record $700 million last year
VERONA, N.Y. — The Oneida Indian Nation said its spending reached record levels in 2024, topping $700 million invested in employees, capital projects, and more.
Syracuse football 2025 schedule includes four College Football Playoff participants
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University will open its 2025 football schedule against the Tennessee Volunteers and will also face opponents that include Clemson, SMU, and
Southern Tier nonprofit names new executive director
ONEONTA, N.Y. — The LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions — a nonprofit serving Chenango and Otsego counties, which seeks to reduce the onset of substance misuse and addiction — has a new executive director. Tessa Davidson started in the role on Jan. 1, succeeding Julie Dostal, who retired after more than 25 leading the
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
[bypass-paywall-buynow-link link_text=”Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article”].
ONEONTA, N.Y. — The LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions — a nonprofit serving Chenango and Otsego counties, which seeks to reduce the onset of substance misuse and addiction — has a new executive director.
Tessa Davidson started in the role on Jan. 1, succeeding Julie Dostal, who retired after more than 25 leading the organization, according to LEAF.
Davidson has been with LEAF Council since 2019, starting as a prevention specialist. She has displayed a deep commitment to public health, community wellness, and prevention services that align with LEAF’s mission, the council stated.
“I am deeply honored to take on the role of executive director of LEAF in my hometown, especially as my team and I continue to build on the incredible foundation laid by Julie Dostal,” Davidson said in a statement. “Julie’s leadership and dedication have made a profound impact, and I’m excited to carry forward LEAF’s important work in reducing substance misuse, increasing awareness, and supporting those in recovery. My vision is to ensure that LEAF remains a vital resource for our community, advocating for prevention, and providing individuals with the tools they need to thrive.”
Davidson holds a bachelor’s degree in public-health education from SUNY Brockport and a master of public health (MPH) degree from Binghamton University.
Following her retirement. Dostal will continue serving on the board of directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependencies. LEAF said..
LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions says it is dedicated to helping create a community where children and adults can live in healthy environments that are free from the effects of alcoholism and other addictive diseases. In Chenango and Otsego counties, LEAF identifies community needs, connects individuals with treatment organizations, develops and hosts community education programs, works with local schools to provide educational workshops, advocates for policies that address local problems, provides information about substance use and addiction, and raises awareness about alcoholism and addictions as diseases and public-health concerns.
New York State parks attracted a record 88 million visitors in 2024
ALBANY, N.Y. — A record 88.3 million people visited state parks, historic sites, campgrounds, and trails operated by the New York State Office of Parks,
City of Syracuse seeks bids for Hanover Square fountain-rehab project
SYRACUSE, N.Y.— The City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation says the public-bidding process for the rehabilitation of the Hanover Square fountain is open.
New Onondaga Hotel planned for park site in downtown Syracuse
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Downtown Syracuse is expected to be home to a new 240-room hotel called Onondaga Hotel later this decade. The Syracuse Industrial Development
Destiny USA preps for Regal Cinemas construction, closure of Margaritaville
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Destiny USA says Regal Cinemas is set for $15 million remodel that will update the entire facility, and at the same time, the Margaritaville restaurant/bar will be closing with its lease expiration. Both were part of a Wednesday announcement outlining what Destiny USA is expecting in the year ahead. It describes itself
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
[bypass-paywall-buynow-link link_text=”Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article”].
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Destiny USA says Regal Cinemas is set for $15 million remodel that will update the entire facility, and at the same time, the Margaritaville restaurant/bar will be closing with its lease expiration.
Both were part of a Wednesday announcement outlining what Destiny USA is expecting in the year ahead. It describes itself as New York state’s largest shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.
Destiny USA called Margaritaville “a treasured part” of the mall’s offerings during the past 10 years, and its upcoming departure is “part of the normal course of business.”
“This is a common occurrence in our business, unfortunately sometimes tenants close. The good news is we are continually adding new tenants to the center and are always enhancing our tenant mix,” Stephen Congel, CEO of Pyramid Management Group, said in the Destiny USA announcement. “Destiny USA continues to perform exceptionally well, thanks to our unique combination of retail, dining, and entertainment. We are in the process of bringing in exciting new tenants and are very optimistic about the future.”
Destiny USA cited Margaritaville as being among a few long-term leases that will conclude in early 2025, but it didn’t name the other affected tenants.
New tenants
Besides the Regal Cinemas project, Destiny USA announced several new additions that it believes will enhance its shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings.
They include Barnes & Noble, which opened in 2024; American Eagle, which renewed its lease for seven years with a store remodel coming soon; and Victoria’s Secret, which also recently renewed its lease for five years with a store remodel, which is currently underway.
The offerings also include Indoor Pickleball, a 40,000-square-foot facility that will be under construction later this spring; Virtual Reality Concept, a 14,000-square-foot venue that will be under construction in early spring; and Charcoal Grill and Modern Buffet, which is a new buffet restaurant that is coming to the mall’s Canyon area.
In addition, JD Sports, which is known for its innovative athletic footwear and apparel, will hold a grand opening on Saturday morning, beginning at 10 a.m.
“Destiny USA continues to thrive with a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options,” Michael Gately, general manager at Destiny USA, contended in the announcement. “We are excited about the new tenants joining our center in 2025 and remain committed to providing exceptional experiences for all our guests.”
Capital Region auto dealer sentenced for $160K in sales-tax theft
COLONIE, N.Y. — An Albany–area car-dealership business owner has been sentenced for stealing more than $160,000 in sales taxes by underreporting more than $2 million in taxable sales. That’s according to a Friday, Jan. 24 announcement from New York Attorney General Letitia James and Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and
Become a Central New York Business Journal subscriber and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
[bypass-paywall-buynow-link link_text=”Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article”].
COLONIE, N.Y. — An Albany–area car-dealership business owner has been sentenced for stealing more than $160,000 in sales taxes by underreporting more than $2 million in taxable sales.
That’s according to a Friday, Jan. 24 announcement from New York Attorney General Letitia James and Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) Amanda Hiller.
They say Guy Kennedy Nicolas of Colonie, owner of G&A Auto Care, Inc., failed to file annual sales-tax returns for his auto-dealership business for all but two years from 2013 to 2023. Both he and his business pled guilty to the felony of second-degree grand larceny in November 2024. Judgements were entered against Nicolas and G&A Auto Care, requiring them to pay back the full amount of stolen sales tax. Nicolas was also sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 23 to five years of probation. G&A Auto Care was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge. As part of the sentences, both admitted to the full amount of sales tax owed and had judgements entered against them requiring them to pay back the $160,000 owed to the state.
“Having a license to operate a car dealership in New York carries a responsibility to follow the law in the process of running that business, including paying your taxes,” DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said in the attorney general’s announcement. “I am pleased that our team was able to assist in this case, and I applaud the efforts of the office of the attorney general and partner agencies to hold this business accountable on behalf of all New Yorkers.”
CNY Community Foundation wins $400K grant for lead-poisoning prevention efforts
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Central New York Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY initiative will use a $400,000 grant to support the LeadSafeCNY coalition’s outreach and community engagement
Erin’s Angels of CNY has announced the appointment of Tracy Wimmer as treasurer of its board of directors. She brings more than 28 years of accounting
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.