Real Life Rosies program helps women enter manufacturing workforce

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UTICA — Rosie the Riveter might be an American icon, but Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and Working Solutions are turning out “Real Life Rosies” as they work together to encourage more women to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. MVCC, in partnership with MACNY, offers a pre-apprenticeship […]

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MVCC, in partnership with MACNY, offers a pre-apprenticeship program for women at its Utica campus as part of the state’s Diversifying Advanced Manufacturing with Women in the Workforce program.

“The biggest talent pool that is underrated in advanced manufacturing is women,” Colleen Blagg, MACNY’s manager of corporate services and workforce development, tells CNYBJ in an interview.

Whether it’s from not thinking manufacturing is a career for them or not knowing where to start, women have tended to shy away from those careers, and the Real Life Rosies program is working to change that and overcome those invisible hurdles.

MACNY received a grant from Empire State Development’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development to start the program, which is open to women ages 18 and older to enter the field, which is experiencing a shortage of workers.

The program focuses on the basic requirements to obtain an entry-level position. It’s a pre-apprentice program that forges a pathway to registered apprenticeship. A total of 14 trades are offered through the program.

Along with job basics like safety, tool usage, robotics, and computer numerical control (CNC), the program also covers skills beneficial to women entering or returning to the workforce.

Real Life Rosies Bartell — The Real Life Rosies program — a partnership between the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), and Working Solutions — is working to combat the shortage of workers in advanced manufacturing by preparing women to enter the field. The program includes basic job training and includes visits to area companies where participants can see the jobs in action.
PHOTO CREDIT: MACNY

“You do learn soft skills in the program,” Blagg notes. Networking practice, especially for someone in a nontraditional role, helps build confidence.

The program recently celebrated the graduation of the third and fourth cohorts of Real Life Rosies and is already up to cohort six as of mid-June, according to Yawa Zewou, a workforce-development specialist for the Rosies program. Each cohort has an average of 12 to 15 participants.

Initial reaction to the program was a bit guarded, Zewou says, until people began to learn more about it and overcome stereotypes about manufacturing jobs.

As part of the program, participants receive Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 10 training and can also take the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) exam.

It’s not all classroom learning either, Blagg notes. The program tries to bring each cohort to visit three different advanced-manufacturing employers in the area where they can see the job firsthand and interact with female workers at those sites.

“We do offer them interviews with up to six different employers,” upon completion of the program, Blagg says. “We have had pretty good success with them getting employed.”

There is no cost for the program, which also provides a stipend and wraparound support including childcare, transportation, and work clothing. Participants must be eligible to work in the United States and some general math acuity along with basic English is a must. They must also be willing to work and accept a full-time position upon completing the program.

The program also maintains a LinkedIn group for current and past participants where they can network and interact with each other.

More information about the program is available online at www.macny.org/women-in-the-workforce.

Community Foundation and UpMobility partner for Mohawk Valley Gives

Nonprofits, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

UTICA, N.Y. — The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation (UMF) are jointly hosting this year’s Mohawk Valley Gives, the third annual 24-hour online day of community giving, the organizations announced. Last year, more than 6,800 people donated nearly $2.5 million to the 255 participating nonprofits. So far, more than 300

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Last year, more than 6,800 people donated nearly $2.5 million to the 255 participating nonprofits. So far, more than 300 nonprofits in Herkimer, Oneida, and Otsego counties have registered for this year’s event, which takes place Sept. 20 at givemv.org.

“The collaborative partnership between the Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation exemplifies the power of synergy in driving positive impact,” Community Foundation President/CEO Alicia Dicks said in a news release. “By combining our expertise, resources, and networks, we are not only amplifying the reach of this event, but also fostering a richer experience for participating organizations and generating greater value for the community. This collaboration will allow us to appropriately evaluate and determine the future of Mohawk Valley Gives in a meaningful way.”

In 2023, UMF joined Mohawk Valley Gives as a match and challenge partner, offering match and challenge incentives to 35 local organizations, which resulted in raising $1.1 million.

“At the UpMobility Foundation, we leverage an entrepreneurial mindset to amplify philanthropic investments by fostering connections and collaborations with our community partners,” UMF Founder Martin Babinec said in the release. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Community Foundation to scale up Mohawk Valley Gives, as both organizations embrace innovative approaches and strategic thinking to maximize the impact of community engagement. MV Gives helps us and other donors not only in providing financial support without our targeted investing themes, but also engaging in active partnerships that work closely with local organizations to create sustainable, long-term solutions.”

UpMobility Foundation, located in Little Falls, forges partnerships and collaborative efforts with nonprofit organizations, offering support beyond grant funding. Impact areas include community building, advancing education and humanitarian aid, and international development.

Founded in 1952, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has invested $134 million into social-impact initiatives, collaborative leadership, and grantmaking.

Schumer says regional effort led to tech-hub designation

Manufacturing & Engineering, Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only, Technology

DeWITT — As he announced the $40 million federal grant for the NY SMART I-Corridor tech hub on July 2, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) thanked all three cities involved — Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. “For the first time in decades, we’re seeing a shift, not just in the manufacturing landscape but [in]

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“For the first time in decades, we’re seeing a shift, not just in the manufacturing landscape but [in] how the region works together,” Schumer said.

The senator went on to say, “Originally, each city wanted to apply for a tech hub … Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse. That would’ve hurt our application. First, are they going to pick one or the other, and second, the combined strength of the region. The sum is greater than its parts, and each region is going to do all of the activities of the tech hub.”

NY SMART I-Corridor is short for the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor.

The millions in federal funding are meant to “further position Upstate [New York] as a semiconductor center for the world,” Schumer’s office said in the announcement.

“We are making I-90 America’s semiconductor superhighway, and in a few years, a quarter of all the chips manufactured in the United States will be along this corridor,” Schumer said in his remarks. The lawmaker announced the funding during a morning visit to Inficon Inc. at 2 Technology Place, off Fly Road in the town of DeWitt.

“This is a monumental day for upstate New York,” Schumer said to open his address. “One that I have long envisioned and spent years fighting for.”

The NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub is the “first in the nation” to receive a major tech-hub award from Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, the Democrat noted.

Schumer had announced the tech-hub designation for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse during a visit last October to Saab Inc’s Syracuse operations in DeWitt. The tech-hub designation was created as part of the federal CHIPS & Science Law.

When the competition started, 400 regions applied for the funding and 31 were designated tech hubs. Only 12 are getting advanced financing for the tech-hub program, Schumer said.

“It’s going to train the next generation of our workforce. It’s going to fill in gaps to make sure that Micron’s
$100 billion investment not only attracts new supply-chain companies but also helps existing companies grow and enter into the semiconductor field,” Schumer told those gathered at Inficon, including local officials and Inficon employees watching on the stairs and from the upper floors.

He went on to say that the funding will help power new startups as we commercialize the research and activities done by some of the regions companies and chip fabrication plants, including Inficon.

The senator called the award prestigious, noting that when international firms look to have a location in the U.S., they’ll look at the regions with a tech-hub designation, including upstate New York.

“I met with a whole group of Japanese semiconductor suppliers and a whole bunch of Taiwanese semiconductor suppliers, 20 or 30 of each, and pushed our I-90 semiconductor superhighway, so it really helps,” Schumer said.

He also boasted that, “It sure didn’t hurt to have the [U.S.] Senate Majority Leader calling the White House and the Commerce Secretary [Gina Raimondo] to tell them upstate New York is the perfect choice for the future of [American] chips.”

Reaction

The event speakers also included Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon who told the gathering that the $40 million award is “going to make us more competitive.”

“It’s going to make our workforce stronger and more inclusive. It’s going to create opportunities for a startup ecosystem but also for companies that are here, and then that makes us more competitive as we’re courting companies across the world,” McMahon said.

In his remarks, Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, praised the work of Schumer for his legislative efforts, including the legislation that became the CHIPS & Science Act that includes the tech-hub program.

“Senator Schumer is responsible for helping to deliver this tech hub to the entire upstate New York corridor,” Simpson told the assembled audience. “When we work together, we win,” whether it’s in Central New York or all across upstate New York.

He acknowledged the efforts of Dottie Gallagher, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Joseph Stefko, president of ROC2025 and NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub regional innovation officer, and Ben Sio, senior VP for strategy, policy, and planning at CenterState CEO.

“It is these kinds of collaborations that allow us to be better than what we have been in the past; to transcend that historical perspective of upstate New York; and to craft this region with a new vision as … New York’s semiconductor superhighway,” Simpson said.

Standing around Schumer and also speaking at the event included Hannah Henley, president of Inficon, Inc.; J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation at Syracuse University; Greg Lancette, president of the Central-Northern New York Building & Construction Trades Council; and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

U.S. Representative Brandon Williams (R–Sennett) also issued a statement about the federal funding that same day.

“Central New York, the Silicon Empire, is the beating heart of semiconductor production right here in the United States,” Williams said. “I’ve been working with colleagues in Congress, across the aisle and across Upstate New York, to advance this priority. It’s a win for our communities, and I’m immensely proud to be a part of this milestone.”

In a separate statement, U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R–Cleveland) said the region’s selection for phase II funding “further underscores the strength and promise” of the region.

“With this additional investment into the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor and its designation as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub, our region will be at the forefront of innovative advancements benefiting our nation, and the world,” Tenney said. “This funding will onshore critical parts of our nation’s supply chain, bringing jobs to our communities and promoting technological advancement. I am eager to see the positive impact this funding will have on our community.”

Lockheed Martin’s suburban Syracuse plant wins $81M contract modification for radar system

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only, Technology

SALINA — Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Salina has been awarded a nearly $81.3 million modification to exercise an option to a previously awarded U.S. Air Force contract for the Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR) system. This contract adjustment provides for the exercise of options for four 3DELRR radars, and associated production management,

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OPINION: Helping Families Afford Childcare is Critical For Strong Communities

Opinion, Subscriber Only

Spikes in childcare costs, like those impacting just about every other good and service in New York, have created economic hardship for families all over the state. These challenges have forced many families to pass up earnings opportunities in order to care for their children, and for too many families, those missing wages are the

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Adequate childcare provides children with a safe and nurturing environment while allowing working parents to continue their careers. Now that we have entered summer, these issues take on even greater significance as parents no longer benefit from school-provided care and meals. During these months, finding affordable care for working parents has become increasingly difficult as service providers face their own challenges like middling wages and staffing shortages. Again, these issues are exacerbated by an influx in demand during the non-school months.

The Assembly Minority Conference has been working hard to address this discrepancy, and for that reason, our membership developed the “A Blueprint for Childcare (ABC) Plan,” which is a package of proposals that would save families an average of about $2,300 a year. While some helpful measures were passed earlier this year, I do not believe the state has gone far enough to help those struggling with childcare costs. And doing so has never been so important. Even before inflation peaked, 60 percent of parents surveyed said the cost of programs was the top reason for not enrolling their child in after school care. Nearly 40 percent said there were no spaces available in their preferred program.

Through a combination of tax incentives, expanded access to education and enhanced provider options, our conference believes we can alleviate a lot of pressure preventing families from achieving their maximum earning potential. Those proposals include:

• Increasing the State Earned Income Tax Credit amount from 30 percent to 45 percent (A.9258, Ra);

• Increasing the Empire State Child Credit amount to 45 percent of the federal child tax credit amount (A.9257, Ra);

• Creating a new Childcare Facility Capital Improvement Tax Credit to help childcare providers enhance and update facilities (A.9264, Ra); and

• Increasing provider options by adopting rules and regulations that would establish a model for childcare that includes hours outside of traditional day care models such as nights and weekends (A.9126, Jensen).

There are significant benefits to making these changes. These measures provide critical relief to struggling families while allowing parents to find access to quality programs and services during their children’s formative years. Further still, if we empower families by making it easier for them to earn, we can help them become less dependent on expensive social services.

Everyone wins when we make it easier for families to afford necessities. For many, childcare is as essential as gas, groceries, and housing. I will continue looking for ways to make it easier on these struggling families to afford all of those things. Unfortunately, in New York, we still have a lot of work to do.

William (Will) A. Barclay, 55, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.

OPINION: NATO’s 75-year history is worth celebrating

Opinion, Subscriber Only

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) marks its 75th anniversary this month. The observance, part of a NATO summit hosted by the United States in Washington, D.C. [July 9-11], is a big deal, and it should be. NATO is one of the most successful and important alliances in history. For any partnership of diverse nations

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For any partnership of diverse nations to endure for 75 years is no small accomplishment. NATO has not only endured; it has thrived, and it has grown, from its original 12 members to 32 nations. It has been effective in its central missions of deterring aggression by the Soviet Union — and later by Russia — and promoting security and unity among democracies.

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, there has been no question about NATO’s relevance. While Ukraine is not yet a NATO member, the alliance has rallied to its support. It’s well understood that, if Russia can win in Ukraine, the security of Europe is at risk.

And America’s security is intimately bound with Europe’s security. China may pose a greater threat; it is certainly our most significant rival. But a strong and united NATO lets the U.S. focus attention and resources on countering China’s aggression in the Asia–Pacific region.

When the United States, Canada, and 10 Western European nations created NATO, World War II had left much of Europe in ruins. More than 36 million Europeans had died — more than half of them civilians. Millions were homeless, many in refugee camps. Children wandered the streets of burned-out cities. Food shortages and power outages were frequent.

The U.S. had launched the Marshall Plan to provide material aid and rebuild Europe’s economy, and NATO was needed for the continent’s security. The Soviet Union was the primary threat, but the alliance also aimed to deter the rise of militant nationalism and promote democracy. Its key feature was Article 5, which declared that an attack on any NATO member would be considered an attack on all of them. The agreement now enhances security for nearly 1 billion people.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, it made sense to wonder if NATO has served its purpose. The alliance had its ups and downs. Donald Trump, as president, criticized it and bashed our allies for not spending enough on defense. But new threats challenged our security, including terrorism, cyberattacks, nuclear proliferation, pandemics, and natural disasters. NATO still mattered.

Then Russia sent troops and tanks into Ukraine. NATO became the platform for coordinating the European and North American response.

At this month’s summit of NATO heads of state, affirming unwavering support for Ukraine [was scheduled to] top the agenda. Ukraine participated through the NATO-Ukraine Council, launched last year. In an important transition, Jens Stoltenberg steps down after 10 years as secretary-general and is being replaced by Mark Rutte, prime minister of the Netherlands.

President Joe Biden has aptly called NATO “the greatest military alliance in the history of the world,” and we’re right to celebrate its history. At the same time, we need to ensure the alliance continues to safeguard our security in the future. And there are reasons for concern.

Russia’s war in Ukraine, should it succeed, could embolden Vladimir Putin to threaten more of Europe. The increasing cooperation by Russia, China, and North Korea — all of them nuclear-armed — is worrisome. Recent years have seen the growth of militant nationalism in Europe, one of the trends NATO was founded to counter. Trump’s “America First” movement has reawakened the American isolationism that was prevalent before World War II.

It’s often said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. NATO and other alliances keep us vigilant about our freedom and security, and we should do our best to maintain and strengthen them.

Lee Hamilton, 93, is a senior advisor for the Indiana University (IU) Center on Representative Government, distinguished scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, and professor of practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Hamilton, a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years (1965-1999), representing a district in south-central Indiana.

Ashley McGraw Architects acquires Boston–area firm

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, New York News, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Ashley McGraw Architects of Syracuse announced it has acquired studioMLA Architects, a 15-person architecture and landscape design firm headquartered in Brookline, Massachusetts, near Boston. Founded in 2006, studioMLA Architects focuses on the design of early-education facilities along with nature-inspired playscapes for young children. Ashley McGraw didn’t include any financial details of the

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Founded in 2006, studioMLA Architects focuses on the design of early-education facilities along with nature-inspired playscapes for young children.

Ashley McGraw didn’t include any financial details of the acquisition agreement in its announcement.

As part of the acquisition, studioMLA Architects will become the early-childhood education studio within Ashley McGraw Architects. In addition, Mike Lindstrom, studioMLA founder, will become the seventh partner of Ashley McGraw.

“As we emerged from the challenges of COVID, a vital component of our strategic plan was to build a more resilient business by diversifying our markets,” Matthew Broderick, president and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects, said. “We aimed to build one of the best community-focused design practice in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, expanding our capacity to make an impact and creating more opportunities for staff. This strategic acquisition provides Ashley McGraw a Boston–based office and a national practice centered on early childhood education, expanding our demographic diversity to include a much younger age group and anchoring our geographic diversity in New England.”

As the founding principal of studioMLA Architects, Lindstrom has more than 30 years of experience and specializes in the design of play and learning environments for children. He has been a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and regularly presents at the group’s annual conferences nationwide.

“We are excited about the new opportunities and resources that this strategic partnership provides to our clients and to the studioMLA team,” Lindstrom said in reaction to the acquisition. “Given the similarities in cultures and shared focus on high-quality design, I anticipate a seamless transition and look forward to a host of new possibilities.”

The acquisition furthers Ashley McGraw Architects’ geographic footprint in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, the firm said. The new Boston–area office joins the firm’s headquarters in Syracuse and its office in Washington, D.C. to bring Ashley McGraw Architects’ total employee count to 79.

Schumer applauds U.S. for tariffs on steel shipped from Mexico that was made elsewhere

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Manufacturing & Engineering, New York News, Technology

The U.S. and Mexico have taken joint action to prevent China and other countries’ steel and aluminum exports from evading tariffs before entering the U.S.

AIS to sign mentoring agreement with aerospace company

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

ROME, N.Y. — Assured Information Security (AIS) and Paterson Aerospace Systems (PAS) have formed a mentor-protégé agreement under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Mentor-Protégé Program, the companies announced. The strategic partnership will leverage AIS’s experience and expertise to foster the growth and development at PAS, enhancing its capabilities and competitive edge across the aerospace industry.

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Hochul appoints LaFave as State Fair director, removing interim tag

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Nonprofits, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

GEDDES, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday appointed Julie LaFave as director of the New York State Fair. LaFave had been serving as the interim director since the state announced the departure of previous director Sean Hennessey back in February. LaFave served as the State Fair’s operations director in 2023, managing the day-to-day operations

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GEDDES, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday appointed Julie LaFave as director of the New York State Fair.

LaFave had been serving as the interim director since the state announced the departure of previous director Sean Hennessey back in February. LaFave served as the State Fair’s operations director in 2023, managing the day-to-day operations of the Fairgrounds, including the oversight of contracts, budgets, more than 50 buildings spread across 375 acres, and over 100 full and part-time staff.

Prior to joining the State Fair in 2023, LaFave was commissioner of the department of parks, recreation, and youth programs for the City of Syracuse

LaFave was selected for the position after a nationwide search that “attracted a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates,” Hochul’s office said.

“Julie’s experience as Operations Director and Interim Director, coupled with her creativity and knowledge, are incredible assets to the long-term growth and vitality of The Great New York State Fair,” Hochul said in the announcement. “I am proud to officially welcome her as the Director of one of our most beloved traditions, and look forward to working with her as we continue to invest in and grow this extraordinary showcase of New York’s farmers, products, culture, and diversity.”

As the interim director, LaFave has led the planning of the 2024 State Fair. The state contends her efforts will result in a Fair with “one of its most diverse, dynamic, and family-friendly entertainment lineups with shows ranging from acts geared toward children to Grammy winning artists and Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame performers.”

Additionally, LaFave has worked to develop several attractions that demonstrate the importance of the state’s agricultural initiatives in boosting New York’s economy, tourism efforts, and educational endeavors, Hochul’s office said.

This year’s State Fair opens Aug. 21 and continues through Labor Day on Sept. 2. Admission, parking, and tickets to the Fair’s midway are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting the State Fair’s website.

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