New York corn production forecast to slip slightly this year

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New York farms are expected to produce 94.05 million bushels of corn for grain in 2024, down 1.4 percent from 95.4 million bushels last year.

Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties appoints six new board trustees

Nonprofits, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

UTICA — The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties recently added six new members to its board of trustees to succeed departing board members who have completed their service. The new members are the following individuals. Colleen Gaetano served as the VP, global education and artistry, at Estée Lauder for five years after holding

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UTICA — The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties recently added six new members to its board of trustees to succeed departing board members who have completed their service.

The new members are the following individuals.

Colleen Gaetano served as the VP, global education and artistry, at Estée Lauder for five years after holding multiple positions at Estée Lauder since 2006. Gaetano earned a master’s degree in opera performance from the Curtis Institute of Music and has performed in operas around the world.

Stephen Gorczynski is the executive VP and Central New York regional president of M&T Bank. He worked for M&T and its predecessor On Bank & Trust Co., as a commercial-relationship manager from 1993-2002 before returning to M&T in 2010. Gorczynski holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Le Moyne College.

Kay Sinclair had a 22-year long career at Lockheed Martin, serving in different roles related to systems integration and database management. She was also an adjunct professor in SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Computer Science Department, working specifically as a STEAM Workshop Leader. Sinclair received her master’s degree in business administration from Humboldt State University.

Winston Oluwole Soboyejo serves as the president and chief administrative officer at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and has a long history of working and conducting research with universities and institutions around the world. Soboyejo has a Ph.D. in materials science and metallurgy from Churchill College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge in England.

Stephen Surace recently retired from his roles as president and chief financial officer at Tidal Basin and Rising Phoenix Holdings Corporation after serving the companies for more than 24 years. Surace holds a master’s degree in technology management from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Elias Zeina is the founder and general manager of Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina’s, which he launched in 2021 after working for over a decade at his family’s business, Zeina’s Café. Zeina holds a master’s degree in technology management from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he also received his bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Greg McLean, president and founding partner at Caruso McLean & Co., and David Manzelmann, market president at M&T Bank, are leaving the board of trustees after their terms ended.

ESD, Micron now accepting letters for $500M investment fund

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

ALBANY — Those interested in pursuing funding from the $500 million Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund can now submit a letter of intent. Both Empire State Development (ESD) and Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) will review letter-of-intent submissions, which started being accepted on Aug. 15, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the July

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ALBANY — Those interested in pursuing funding from the $500 million Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund can now submit a letter of intent.

Both Empire State Development (ESD) and Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) will review letter-of-intent submissions, which started being accepted on Aug. 15, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the July 18 announcement. Those that align with program goals will be invited to submit a full application.

Hochul used the July 18 announcement to release the guidelines for pursuing the money in that fund.

The state created the fund as part of the Green CHIPS incentive agreement between Micron and ESD, New York’s economic-development agency, Hochul’s office said in its announcement.

Boise, Idaho–based Micron plans to build a massive semiconductor-manufacturing campus at the White Pine Commerce Park in the town of Clay.

Information about the fund can be found on ESD’s website, as well as registration for the community workshops for those pursuing funding.

All entities seeking grant funding from the Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund must submit a letter of intent for initial consideration. Letters of intent will be received and reviewed on an ongoing basis by funding partners.

The Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund will support investments in four categories: workforce development, education, community investments, and housing.

The program guidelines center on the “grassroots priorities” outlined in the recently released community priorities document (CPD) from the Central New York Community Engagement Committee (CEC).

The elements form the key criteria in the program guidelines with special consideration given for projects that address the immediate priorities identified in the CPD.

The Central New York Community Engagement Committee is made up of local stakeholders and five ex officio members. The effort to create the CPD included more than 13 months of public engagement across more than 300 community organizations and contains input from more than 12,700 Central New Yorkers.

“This fund has the potential to make sure economic growth in our region’s future benefits everyone, especially those historically left behind. By centering the voices of Central New Yorkers in the Community Priorities Document, we believe this program will help bring equitable and inclusive growth following Micron’s transformative investment,” Melanie Littlejohn and Tim Penix, co-chairs of the Central New York Community Engagement Committee, said in the state’s announcement. As we move forward, we’re excited to see awards from this fund create new opportunities that reach every corner of Central New York, uplifting our entire community.”

Besides leading the committee, Littlejohn is president and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation and Penix is VP of the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center.

Empire State Development is contributing $100 million to the fund. Investments from ESD’s portion will be available for capital-based projects and ESD will consider grant requests over $100,000.

Micron is committing $250 million to the Community Investment Fund over the next 20 years, with an additional $150 million to be raised from private philanthropy and other sources. Investments from Micron’s portion of the Community Investment Fund will be determined by Micron with guidance from the CPD and in consultation with ESD.

Awards will be publicly reported as part of Micron’s Green CHIPS incentive requirements, Hochul’s office said.

Onondaga County program to help hotel developers, operators

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

SYRACUSE — It was back on June 4 when Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced plans for a hotel initiative, and the program is now accepting grant applications. The Onondaga County Hotel Initiative will be seeded with $4 million and will award grants ranging from $50,000 to $750,000 to developers. The grants are meant to

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New York home sales slide more than 17 percent in June

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

ALBANY — New York realtors sold 8,630 previously owned homes in June, down 17.4 percent from the 10,446 existing homes sold in June 2023. Pending sales also fell in June, pointing to further declines in closed home sales in the next couple months, the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) said in its June

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Next AAA Western and CNY leader starts in September

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AMHERST — The next president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York will begin his new duties on Sept. 9. The board of directors of AAA Western and Central New York has chosen Marke Dickinson following a national search, the organization said in its Aug. 7 announcement. Dickinson will succeed retired president and

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AMHERST — The next president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York will begin his new duties on Sept. 9.

The board of directors of AAA Western and Central New York has chosen Marke Dickinson following a national search, the organization said in its Aug. 7 announcement.

Dickinson will succeed retired president and CEO Anthony Spada, who will remain with the organization as executive advisor through the end of the year to “ensure a smooth transition.”

Dickinson’s leadership background spans health care and consumer marketing to general management, strategy, and finance. Immediately prior to joining AAA, he worked as chief marketing officer at ChenMed in Miami, Florida, a primary care provider focused on seniors.

Dickinson will be relocating from Florida to lead AAA’s regional headquarters in Amherst, a Buffalo suburb. He is no stranger to AAA, having served in executive leadership roles over a 13-year span at AAA organizations in Wilmington, Delaware and Dearborn, Michigan. In that time, he earned regional and national leadership awards from AAA for his efforts and said he looks forward to returning to his AAA roots.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to join the talented team at AAA Western and Central New York and assume this important leadership role at such a pivotal time for the organization amid the growth and expansion of many valuable services for its members,” Dickinson said in the AAA announcement.

Known for his commitment to community involvement, Dickinson has shared his time and talents with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, United Way and the Urban League, AAA said. Additionally, he holds degrees from Penn State University and Harvard University’s Kennedy School with an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“After an extensive national search to find the right, best candidate to serve as the next President and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York, we are excited to have found a dynamic and talented leader with a demonstrated record of success, including more than a dozen years driving growth in other AAA clubs. We are confident that Marke’s focus on cultivating a culture of innovation and achievement, paired with his self-described passion for bringing out the best in others, will make him an engaging leader with a passionate vision for AAA,” Laura Saxby Lynch, chair of the AAA Western and Central New York board of directors and chair of the CEO selection committee, said in the AAA announcement.

Syracuse native lends skills to U.S. Naval Base in Romania

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Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington has crossed continents to ensure environmental compliance. Regional Stormwater Program Manager, Evan Miles, a Syracuse native, recently completed a three-week assignment at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu in Romania. As the installation environmental program director, Miles contributed significantly to the environmental division at NAVFAC Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT).

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Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington has crossed continents to ensure environmental compliance.

Regional Stormwater Program Manager, Evan Miles, a Syracuse native, recently completed a three-week assignment at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu in Romania. As the installation environmental program director, Miles contributed significantly to the environmental division at NAVFAC Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT).

His outstanding performance was praised by EURAFCENT’s Supervisory Environmental Engineer, Kathie Beverly. “Evan did an outstanding job and progressed numerous initiatives during his onsite tenure. The Public Works Officer (PWO) in the monthly report outlined that seven of the Environmental (EV) topics had notable updates, which is credited to Evan who gets things done, communicates well and consistently added value,” said Beverly.

At NSF Deveselu, Miles ensured environmental compliance across the installation and worked with tenants, fellow NAVFAC employees, and the public. He reported directly to PWO, LCDR Rhett Johnson.

“I thought this was a very unique opportunity to go serve overseas in an area I typically wouldn’t find myself visiting,” Miles said about his decision to support Deveselu. “I saw it as a chance to expand my knowledge base and become a more-rounded NAVFAC employee.”

NSF Deveselu is the first operational Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Facility that supports the ballistic-missile defense system of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The facility houses a fire-control radar deckhouse, an Aegis command, control and communications suite, and launch modules containing Standard Missile-3 defense missiles.

With his successful mission at NSF Deveselu complete, Miles returns to his role at NAVFAC Washington, bringing valuable experience and insights to further enhance the organization’s environmental initiatives.

A Clarkson University alum, with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, Miles manages the stormwater compliance program across the NAVFAC Washington region. He emphasized the personal benefits of his work, stating, “It is a very rewarding feeling to know you are providing a tangible difference in helping keep our Earth cleaner, even if it’s just within your community.”

Outside of work, Miles enjoys traveling, hiking, attending sports events and bartending part-time at a brewery. He encourages the next generation interested in environmental engineering within the Navy to consider the unique opportunities and travel experiences the field offers.

Miles, originally from Syracuse, now resides in Washington, D.C., and has been with NAVFAC Washington since September 2015. He held various roles within the environmental department, including environmental-project manager and temporary positions as Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling stormwater program manager and the regional air-compliance program manager.

Senate leader wants expanded Oswego County Industrial Park

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

It’s needed because of Micron, Schumer says SCHROEPPEL — With Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) coming to northern Onondaga County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) believes it’s time to expand the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park (OCIP). Schumer wants to secure $2.5 million in federal

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It’s needed because of Micron, Schumer says

SCHROEPPEL — With Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) coming to northern Onondaga County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) believes it’s time to expand the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park (OCIP).

Schumer wants to secure $2.5 million in federal funding to help the effort. He visited the site on Aug. 6 to announce his pursuit of the money, which would come through the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

The funds would “fast-track” the development of the site, Schumer’s office said in its announcement. Development would involve building the new infrastructure needed to land new companies to support the growth of the semiconductor industry and the good-paying jobs that come along with that investment.

OCIP is located less than 10 miles from the future home of Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) in the White Pine Commerce Park along Route 31 in the town of Clay.

Schumer said this long-planned expansion would more than double the size of the park, using land that’s already been acquired. He called the potential expansion “critical” as the Oswego County Industrial Park is nearly out of usable space, just as investment opportunities increase for the region.

“With Micron coming and New York’s semiconductor superhighway revving up, the time to invest is now to ensure Oswego County and Central New York land the dynamic supply chain companies and good-paying jobs building America’s future. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and with the Oswego County Industrial Park less than 10 miles from the future home of Micron’s massive $100 billion mega-fab, this area is primed to be at the forefront of those efforts to build out America’s semiconductor supply chain right here in Upstate New York,” Schumer said in the announcement. “That is why I am pushing the EDA to deliver the millions needed to fast-track this expansion and get the site 100% shovel-ready for companies to move in and set up shop. Oswego County, like so much of Upstate NY, is a community that was the beating heart of America’s industrial past, and investments like this can help tap this region’s amazing assets to ensure they are the ones building America’s industrial future, too.”

His office said Schumer personally wrote to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in support of the $2.5 million in federal funding to help the County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency (COIDA) fund the development of these new, shovel-ready manufacturing sites.

The funding through the EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA) Program would support the construction of new public roads, sewer lines, water lines, pump stations, storm water management controls, and other critical preparations of the 185-acre expansion that is being planned at OCIP.

“Prime real estate”

Schumer said that OCIP’s strategic location, just miles from Micron’s more than $100 billion megafab investment in neighboring Onondaga County, is “sure to make this expansion prime real estate” for future semiconductor supply-chain companies looking to set up shop near the mega project.

Oswego County is already in conversations with prospective companies looking at the OCIP site for potential investment, and the proposed site expansion and infrastructure improvements will help local leaders better market the area to secure that new investment, per Schumer’s office.

The Senate leader explained that local officials project the OCIP expansion could create as many as 10 new, shovel-ready development parcels, giving Oswego County the sites and infrastructure necessary to attract major new investments from the semiconductor, microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing industries. Schumer cited firms such as Daldrop SBB, which is planning to invest over
$7.2 million to build a state-of-the-art cleanroom-manufacturing facility in the business park that will create 30 new jobs.

“A federal investment at the Oswego County Industrial Park expansion site will be the catalyst to attract several new advanced manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain companies that would create hundreds of new high paying jobs, leverage hundreds of millions in capital investment in new facilities and manufacturing equipment and help to diversify and create resiliency in the Oswego County economy for generations to come,” Austin Wheelock, executive director of Operation Oswego County, said in the Schumer announcement.

Renovations complete at Olbiston Apartments in Utica

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

UTICA — The Olbiston Apartments in Utica are ready for tenants after a more than two-year, $67 million project to renovate and upgrade the formerly condemned property. Liberty Affordable Housing of Rome renovated the 126-year-old building at 1431 Genesee St. into 153 new units in a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments affordable to

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UTICA — The Olbiston Apartments in Utica are ready for tenants after a more than two-year, $67 million project to renovate and upgrade the formerly condemned property.

Liberty Affordable Housing of Rome renovated the 126-year-old building at 1431 Genesee St. into 153 new units in a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income.

On Aug. 8, Liberty held a ribbon-cutting celebration and gave tours of the renovated building.

“This is a day of celebration and achievement of preservation,” Liberty Executive Director Randell J. Denton said at the event, which was livestreamed by the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce.

The Romanesque Revival building opened in 1898. It was one of the first fireproof apartment buildings in the state, Denton noted, and served as luxury apartments for many years.

“Over the past 100 years, this prominent building has experienced many transformations with many highs and unfortunately terrible lows,” he added.

The building deteriorated to the point that the city of Utica condemned it in 2021, displacing its residents after an inspection revealed unsafe conditions.

The project modernized the building, resolving those unsafe conditions, but also focused on saving historic elements where possible including marble, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and balconies with cast iron balconets.

“The rehabilitation of Olbiston Apartments brings one of the region’s most magnificent and iconic buildings back to its former glory, transforming it into much needed modern and affordable housing that will provide more than 150 homes in the bustling city of Utica,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release. “By breathing life into this historic gem, we are retaining a critical supply of affordable housing, significantly reducing the building’s environmental footprint and complementing the growing vibrancy of Utica’s downtown.”

The apartments rent for anywhere from $737 per month for a studio to $991 per month for a two-bedroom unit. That includes on-site parking and laundry amenities, water/sewer/trash removal, and a community room with computer lab. CRM Rental Management, Inc., manages the property.

The redesign achieves Energy Star Multifamily New Construction Program and Enterprise Green Communities 2020 certification by utilizing several energy-efficiency measures including a new roof membrane with increased insulation, cold-climate heat pumps, a centralized hot-water system that uses 98-percent efficiency boilers, building-wide LED lighting, and Energy Star rated or equivalent appliances.

State financing for the project included $4.8 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $22 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and $16.3 million in subsidies from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation facilitated the use of federal and state Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits estimated to provide
$12.2 million in equity. The City of Utica provided $3 million from the Utica Prosperity Initiative.

Oswego Health Foundation announces board leaders

Health Care, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — The Oswego Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the health system, has recently announced the leadership for its board of directors. The foundation has appointed Katie Toomey as board chair. She is an Oswego resident and chief marketing officer at the Syracuse–based law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. As chief marketing officer,

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OSWEGO — The Oswego Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the health system, has recently announced the leadership for its board of directors.

The foundation has appointed Katie Toomey as board chair. She is an Oswego resident and chief marketing officer at the Syracuse–based law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. As chief marketing officer, Toomey oversees Bond’s marketing team. She works with the firm’s management on strategic initiatives, including business development, marketing strategy, and implementation of marketing initiatives. Before joining Bond, Toomey was VP of member engagement at CenterState CEO, providing leadership and strategic guidance to Central New York’s largest business leadership and economic-development organization. During her tenure at CenterState CEO, she also served as executive director for the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, which became a fully integrated affiliate of CenterState CEO in 2017.

“It is my honor to serve as Chair of the Oswego Health Foundation Board of Directors. The health system’s leadership and impact on our community is undeniable. I look forward to doing everything I can to support its philanthropic efforts to ensure that our community continues to receive safe, reliable, and quality care,” Toomey said in an Oswego Health news release.

Mary Ann Drumm, CEO of CRA Medical Imaging, has been named vice chair of the Oswego Health Foundation board. Since 2002, she has been responsible for overseeing the radiology services at the hospitals that CRA services, including Oswego Hospital, Crouse Hospital, and radiology for several subspeciality practices in the surrounding area. The group is comprised of 27 radiologists, four midlevel providers, and 55 employees. Other responsibilities include financial oversight of the practice, compliance and security issues, coding accuracy, and operational issues for their three outpatient offices. Drumm served as chair for the Oswego Foundation Gala for four years and has served for the past two years as vice chair on the Oswego Health Foundation board.

Mark Slayton, a fundraising and financial leader at SUNY Oswego, has agreed to stay on as treasurer of the board. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) licensed in New York state and a graduate of St. John Fisher College. Slayton joined the University Advancement office at SUNY Oswego in July 2000 as director of finance for both the Oswego College Foundation, Inc. and the Oswego Alumni Association, Inc. Currently, Slayton is the college’s assistant VP of alumni & development finance, operations, and technology, and is responsible for all the financial and operational aspects of both organizations; including, working with the foundation’s audit and finance, governance and investment committees and overseeing the college’s endowment fund. Slayton also works directly with the development officers and donors in helping to structure their major gifts.

William (Bill) W. Crist, a retired superintendent, has been named secretary of the Oswego Health Foundation board. He has called the Oswego area home since his early teens. He has more than 40 years of experience in education — from classroom teacher to superintendent of schools. Crist recently retired in July 2023 from the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Syracuse.

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It’s needed because of Micron, Schumer says

“Prime real estate”

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