Syracuse becomes an arts, culture, & entertainment destination

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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 […]

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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

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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.

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Greek Peak president inducted into SKI NY Hall of Fame

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Small Business, Subscriber Only

VIRGIL — Wes Kryger, long-time president of Greek Peak Mountain Resort, was recently inducted into the SKI NY Hall of Fame at a special ceremony up at the mountain. The event was held on Nov. 7 at The Lookout at Hope Lake at the resort in the town of Virgil, with a presentation being given

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Franklin Square Park gets its fountain back after restoration

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

SYRACUSE — Franklin Square Park at the corner of Plum and Solar Streets in Syracuse again includes an attention-getting fountain. The Franklin Square fountain has been reinstalled following a 12-month absence for a more than $77,000 restoration project. The fountain was originally installed in the early 1990s. Since that time, it faced wear and tear,

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Embassy Suites hotel near Destiny USA has a new owner

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — A Virginia–based private-equity firm is the new owner of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA hotel. The hotel is located at 311 Hiawatha Boulevard West, across from Destiny USA. Excel Group — an Arlington, Virginia–based private-equity firm that says it owns, develops, and invests in premium-branded limited-service hotels across the U.S.

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SYRACUSE — A Virginia–based private-equity firm is the new owner of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA hotel.

The hotel is located at 311 Hiawatha Boulevard West, across from Destiny USA.

Excel Group — an Arlington, Virginia–based private-equity firm that says it owns, develops, and invests in premium-branded limited-service hotels across the U.S. — on Nov. 12 announced that it has acquired the 209-room hotel.

Excel Group didn’t disclose the purchase price. The Onondaga County property record for 311 Hiawatha Blvd West and Solar Street lists the owner as Destiny USA Real Estate LLC. The total assessment for 2024 is nearly $13.6 million and the full market value is listed at more than $21.7 million, according to the county record.

“We are thrilled to acquire the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA, the premier hotel in the market. This property is strategically positioned to benefit from Syracuse’s ongoing resurgence,” Shoham Amin, founder and principal of Excel Group, said in a statement. “This investment allows us to capitalize on the recent supply and demand imbalance caused by hotel closures in the area. Historically, this market has been stable, driven by healthcare and education sectors, and is now poised for significant growth with Micron’s upcoming construction.”

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA hotel opened in 2017.

Excel Group says the hotel is “strategically located in an area with increasing demand for hotel space stemming from shopping, travel hubs, Syracuse University, and healthcare institutions, including Upstate University Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, as well as the area’s robust development pipeline.”

The hotel is also located several miles from the site of Micron Technology’s (NASDAQ: MU) planned $100 billion chip complex, which will begin construction in 2025 and is expected to generate 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. The Embassy Suites is also a short drive from the JMA Wireless Dome.

Hotel projects in DeWitt, Salina win county funding

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

Onondaga County hotel initiative seeks to add hotel rooms SYRACUSE — Onondaga County has awarded funding to hotel projects in the towns of DeWitt and Salina, representing the first two grant recipients in the county’s program to create more hotel rooms. The first recipient

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St. Lawrence County Chamber honors three businesses at annual dinner

North Country, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

POTSDAM — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce (STLC) recognized three businesses for their achievements during its annual dinner held on Oct. 23 at The Stables at Windy Point in Potsdam. The winners were: Hosmer’s Marina of Ogdensburg; Currant Renewable Energy, LLC of Massena; and Summit SHRED LAB and Storage of Potsdam. Besides the

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POTSDAM — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce (STLC) recognized three businesses for their achievements during its annual dinner held on Oct. 23 at The Stables at Windy Point in Potsdam.

The winners were: Hosmer’s Marina of Ogdensburg; Currant Renewable Energy, LLC of Massena; and Summit SHRED LAB and Storage of Potsdam.

Besides the business recognition, the event brought together community members for an evening of networking, recognition, and inspiration, the STLC said in its announcement.

Awards

Hosmer’s Marina received the Customer Service Excellence award, which was established to recognize a chamber business that has been extraordinary in its delivery of products and services to its customers, the chamber said.

Curran Renewable Energy was recognized with the Local Producer of the Year award, honored as an STLC business that has developed its capacity for creating and selling a product that is locally sourced and value-added, “raising awareness and pride for local products.”

Summit SHRED LAB was recognized with the Business of the Year award, as it contributed to the growth of the St. Lawrence County economy and “brings pride to the business community.”

“It was wonderful to recognize Summit SHRED LAB, Hosmer’s Marina, and Curran Renewable Energy as three examples of businesses contributing to the business climate, quality of life, and vitality of our county,” Ben Dixon, executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, said in the announcement, “A common theme with these awardees — and all the businesses that were at the dinner — is a clear commitment to the communities they are part of.”

Event agenda

Besides the award presentations, Lenore VanderZee, president of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, provided opening remarks before Dixon offered a “State of the Chamber.”

Dixon reflected on the past year as “one of evolution” pursuant to the mergers of the STLC, Ogdensburg, Canton, and Massena chambers, staffing changes, and improvements to membership benefits.

The year’s major highlights included expanded marketing and promotion reach, networking events, leadership-development programs, support to nonprofits, tradeshows and events, several new tourism initiatives, and promotion of the Total Eclipse.

The evening began with a cocktail hour featuring a string duo, networking, and auctions, followed by a buffet dinner provided by Big Spoon Kitchen and desserts from Sugar Valley Bakery.

The chamber’s dinner event wrapped up with silent and live auctions led by Dawn Merz, with auction-item donations from several chamber member businesses.

The event was supported by STLC Chamber Leadership Circle members and event sponsors, including AmeriCU and The Stables at Windy Point as the Red Carpet sponsors; Northern Credit Union as Awards sponsor; and CST Group Inc. as Entertainment sponsor, the STLC said.

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UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health Foundation names new board members, officers

Health Care, Subscriber Only

GENEVA — The UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health Foundation board of directors has recently elected three new board members: Alexis Ogra, J. Nicole Taylor, and Diana Smith. Ogra serves chief of staff for New York State Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan in his Geneva office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from University at Buffalo. Ogra

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