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Onondaga County launches 10th year of Onondaga Grown campaign
SKANEATELES, N.Y. — The “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown” campaign is now in its 10th year and encourages the public to choose food and products grown in Onondaga County by more than 570 farm families. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and the Onondaga County Agriculture Council on Tuesday launched this year’s campaign during a visit […]
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SKANEATELES, N.Y. — The “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown” campaign is now in its 10th year and encourages the public to choose food and products grown in Onondaga County by more than 570 farm families.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and the Onondaga County Agriculture Council on Tuesday launched this year’s campaign during a visit to Anyela’s Vineyards in the town of Skaneateles.
Anyela’s Vineyards is also one of the 12 locations opening for a day of agritourism at the 8th annual Harvey Skeele ON Farm Fest, which is set for Sept. 21, officials announced during Tuesday’s event.
The full list of locations is available at: http://onondagagrown.com
Both McMahon and David Knapp, Onondaga County Legislator and chair of the Onondaga County Agriculture Council, discussed the importance of connecting the public with their food producers:
“This year’s campaign highlights the importance of connecting the public directly with their food producers. That connection happens daily at farmers markets, local stores and farmstands, and in many cases — right at the farm in the form of agritourism.” McMahon said in a county news release. “Onondaga County is focused on expanding and strengthening our local agricultural community. Through a multi-media campaign and the ON Farm Fest event, our goal is to inform the public of all the amazing products and experiences available thanks to their local farmer”
The “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown.” campaign seeks to educate the community on the health and economic benefits of purchasing in-season produce and other local products. Through radio and TV commercials, social-media posts, and signage, the campaign also highlights specific producers from within Onondaga County, per the announcement.
The Onondaga Grown campaign continues to include a regular feature on The Local Show on WSYR Radio (AM 570 and 106.9 FM) on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 7 a.m. The feature involves farmers and businesses discussing the “Buy Local” movement.
Study launched on Utica Thruway exit and surrounding roads
UTICA, N.Y. — The Herkimer Oneida County Transportation Council (HOCTC) is launching a study and website to improve the connectivity and safety of the I-90
Genius NY program selects semifinalists as 8th round of accelerator continues
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO announces 14 companies have been named semifinalists for the 8th cohort of the Genius NY program at the Syracuse Tech Garden. Genius NY is short for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York. It is described as the world’s largest accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and advanced
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO announces 14 companies have been named semifinalists for the 8th cohort of the Genius NY program at the Syracuse Tech Garden.
Genius NY is short for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York. It is described as the world’s largest accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies.
The semifinalists will now compete to see which five are selected for the one-year program at the Tech Garden. A team of 50 evaluators reviewed 80 applications for semifinalist selection.
More than half of the companies in the applicant pool were from outside of the U.S., and most applicants identified as being in the “validation” phase.
Of the 14 semifinalists selected from that pool, eight are international teams and three identified as minority and women-owned business enterprises. Two teams are from New York state.
Finalists will be announced in early July. In August, the five finalists will arrive in Central New York to begin the program.
Finalists will compete for the grand prize at Innovation Night this fall, where they’ll pitch to a panel of judges and the audience. Each team will have five minutes to make the case for their product. The winner will receive a $1 million investment, and the four remaining teams will each receive a $500,000 investment.
“The pool of applicants we receive for the Genius NY program becomes more impressive and competitive each year. More than half of the selected semi-finalists are in the commercialization phase, and the others are well on their next step. Additionally, around half of the semi-finalist teams are focused on defense applications or detect and avoid technology, complimenting the regional ecosystem of defense manufacturers and initiatives,” Kara Jones, director of Genius NY, said in the announcement. “The advisors will now make the tough decisions on which companies will be our five finalists this year. I’m looking forward to another year of the Genius NY program during this exciting time in Central New York.”
Semifinalists
Route 11 bridge project begins in Whitney Point
WHITNEY POINT, N.Y. — A $21.2 million project to replace the U.S. Route 11 bridge over the Tioughnioga River, install one and a half miles of accessible sidewalks along Main Street, and new crosswalks at Whitney Point Middle School and the Broome County Fairgrounds has begun in Whitney Point. As part of the project, the
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WHITNEY POINT, N.Y. — A $21.2 million project to replace the U.S. Route 11 bridge over the Tioughnioga River, install one and a half miles of accessible sidewalks along Main Street, and new crosswalks at Whitney Point Middle School and the Broome County Fairgrounds has begun in Whitney Point.
As part of the project, the New York State Department of Transportation is working with KLAW Industries to integrate recycled glass into the concrete, increasing the concrete’s strength while lowering the cement content and carbon emissions.
“This project, which enhances safety and walkability while replacing a 77-year-old bridge, is a solid investment in the future of Whitney Point, which is home to one of the best county fairs in the entire Empire State,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a press release. “Coupled with innovations in new technology that will lower carbon emissions, this project will not only shore up the village’s infrastructure, but make it a more resilient place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The U.S. Route 11 bridge provides a connection not only to businesses, recreational opportunities, and community facilities, but also provides access to Interstate 81 and state routes 26, 79, and 206. The average annual daily traffic count within the project limits is more than 11,000 vehicles per day.
The existing bridge is a three-span steel thru-girder structure built in 1947 that is approaching the end of its service life. It is on the state’s high-risk flood-watch list, which requires 24/7 monitoring when water levels reach a certain level.
It will be replaced with a multi-girder bridge less prone to the impacts of flooding, which will move it off the high-risk list. The design of the new bridge will visually complement an adjacent bridge reconstructed in 2017.
Work on the project will last until late 2026. A temporary bridge will be built adjacent to the existing bridge to accommodate pedestrian, two-way vehicle, and bicycle traffic during construction. Lane shifts on U.S. Route 11 will be necessary to build new sidewalks and crosswalks.
“This project underscores our commitment to sustainability by incorporating recycled glass into concrete, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing its strength,” Whitney Point Mayor Jason Somers said in the release. “The new bridge will provide a more resilient connection for our residents, our school’s students, and visitors ensuring safer and more efficient travel throughout our region. This development is a significant step forward for Whitney Point, reinforcing our position as a vital crossroads in the Southern Tier and Central New York.”
KLAW Industries was formed in 2019 by Binghamton University students and operates from the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator.
Court Street Apartments project in Binghamton celebrates groundbreaking
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Officials broke ground June 11 on a project in Binghamton to transform a vacant warehouse and office building into 111 affordable apartments, with more than half reserved for homeless veterans and other vulnerable populations in need of supportive services to live independently, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. The Court Street Apartments project will
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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Officials broke ground June 11 on a project in Binghamton to transform a vacant warehouse and office building into 111 affordable apartments, with more than half reserved for homeless veterans and other vulnerable populations in need of supportive services to live independently, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The Court Street Apartments project will include 80 rehabilitated apartments as part of the adaptive reuse of the former Sheltered Workshop for the Disabled building, which provided job training and medical care to local residents with physical and mental disabilities from 1947-2011. There will also be 31 newly constructed apartments as an addition to the building. All units will be reserved for households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income.
“Court Street Apartments will ensure that more than 100 families and veterans can afford to stay in Binghamton while also repurposing vacant spaces that support the city’s continued revitalization efforts,” Hochul said in a statement. “This project illustrates how Binghamton, one of the first Pro-Housing Communities in New York, is continuing to support affordable housing. Together, we can create innovative developments that boost the supply of new homes, support vulnerable populations, and bring sustainable, energy-efficient buildings to our downtowns.”
The all-electric project meets the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) sustainability guidelines for new construction projects. Energy-efficient measures include a central energy recovery ventilation system for heating and cooling, electric heat pumps, and added insulation to improve air quality and reduce exposure to pollutants.
According to a press release from Rochester–based contractor Christa Construction, amenities will include a community room, exterior recreation space, and a fitness center. Inside, lounges, laundry rooms, and trash rooms will be located on each floor.
Helio Health owns the building and Passero Associates, which has several offices in New York, served as the project architect, according to the project fact sheet on the Christa Construction website.
The project has an estimated cost of $24.5 million and an anticipated completion date in the third quarter of 2025.
In all, 60 apartments will be set aside for homeless veterans and those who suffer from substance-use disorders or mental illness as part of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative with on-site supportive services such as case management, assistance in stabilizing medical or substance-use disorder challenges, developing goals for employment or education, and becoming more independent.
Financial support for the project includes HCR’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, which will generate equity of about $14.9 million, along with $14.8 million from HCR’s Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, $6 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, $1.2 million from the Clean Energy Initiative, and $700,000 permanent tax-exempt bonds.
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 nearly $6.4 million in equity.
Over the past five years, HCR has created or preserved more than 3,400 affordable homes in the Southern Tier. Its Pro-Housing Communities program recognizes municipalities for their commitment to housing growth, and certification as a Pro-Housing Community is a requirement for municipalities to receive up to $650 million in state discretionary funding.
Onondaga County awards more than a dozen agritourism grants
SKANEATELES, N.Y. — Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon on Monday announced 13 recipients in the second round of the county’s agritourism-grant program. The county executive announced the grants at Last Shot Distillery at 4022 Mill Road in Skaneateles. Applicants are eligible for awards up to $15,000 Agritourism “helps promote farm viability while also benefiting the
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SKANEATELES, N.Y. — Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon on Monday announced 13 recipients in the second round of the county’s agritourism-grant program.
The county executive announced the grants at Last Shot Distillery at 4022 Mill Road in Skaneateles. Applicants are eligible for awards up to $15,000
Agritourism “helps promote farm viability while also benefiting the local economy and food system,” the county contended in a release.
“The investments being made into our agricultural community, specifically through our agritourism grant program, are crucial to helping our local farms and small businesses while also maintaining the quality of life we enjoy in Onondaga County,” McMahon said.
The county is accepting applications on a rolling basis, and those interested can find the application at agriculture.ongov.net/blog.
Proposed projects should fall in one or more of the following categories: Improve, Expand, Initiate, and Market.
The grant recipients are listed below:
AmeriCU formally opens remodeled Herkimer location
HERKIMER, N.Y. — AmeriCU Credit Union on Monday (June 10) unveiled its recently remodeled Herkimer Financial Center, which features new technology to better serve its members. Changes include the installation of interactive teller machines (ITMs) that offer members enhanced services through a teller-assist functionality that provides personal assistance by a live representative, the credit union
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HERKIMER, N.Y. — AmeriCU Credit Union on Monday (June 10) unveiled its recently remodeled Herkimer Financial Center, which features new technology to better serve its members.
Changes include the installation of interactive teller machines (ITMs) that offer members enhanced services through a teller-assist functionality that provides personal assistance by a live representative, the credit union said. The new waiting area allows for a new flow for credit-union representatives on the floor, making them more approachable and available.
“We value the importance of investing in the future of our community,” AmeriCU President/CEO Ron Belle said in a statement. “As we look ahead, the renovation of this financial center signifies our commitment to fostering growth, development, and a place where individuals and businesses can achieve their financial goals. The connections we develop between our members, our team, and the community we serve allows us to grow as an organization and expand the financial services we offer to meet our member’s needs.”
The Herkimer location is the fourth branch AmeriCU has renovated over the past 19 months as it works to enhance its physical delivery network with technology and design that reflects the modernization of the financial industry while still fostering personalized relationships, credit union officials noted.
AmeriCU, which serves 24 counties, operates 20 branch offices. The credit union has $2.7 billion in assets and more than 164,000 members.
AAA survey finds consumer interest in EVs is declining, hybrids preferred
Consumers’ interest in buying a fully electric car is declining according to a new survey report. Only about one in five adults surveyed (18 percent) say they’d be “very likely” or “likely” to buy a new or used electric vehicle (EV) (not a hybrid), down from 23 percent last year, according to the most recent
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Consumers’ interest in buying a fully electric car is declining according to a new survey report.
Only about one in five adults surveyed (18 percent) say they’d be “very likely” or “likely” to buy a new or used electric vehicle (EV) (not a hybrid), down from 23 percent last year, according to the most recent annual consumer survey on EVs by AAA, which the organization released on June 6.
“Even more revealing,” 63 percent of responded said they were “unlikely or very unlikely” to purchase an EV for their next car purchase.
“Early adopters who wanted an EV already have one,” Greg Brannon, director of automotive research at AAA, said in a news release. “The remaining group of people who have yet to adopt EVs consider the practicality, cost, convenience, and ownership experience, and for some, those are big enough hurdles to keep them from making the jump to fully electric.”
AAA found the main hesitations in purchasing an EV continue to be cost, lack of convenient charging options, and anxiety about range (the number of miles they can drive before needing a charge). Three in 10 also cited the inability to install a charging station where they live.
However, hybrid options could “bridge these gaps, broadening consumer interest in owning an EV,” AAA contended.
AAA’s survey also found that nearly one in three U.S. adults (31 percent) say they would be “very likely” or “likely” to buy a hybrid. Access to a hybrid vehicle “lessens the anxiety” for consumers because it allows people to enjoy the benefits of electrification without feeling like they are disrupting their current lifestyle or travel plans (longer distance driving, less charging options, etc.), the association noted.
“Deciding to make the leap to [fully] electric may feel overwhelming for many consumers, and a hybrid option may be the way to bridge this gap,” Brannon said. “Consumer demand will ultimately dictate the future, and my prediction is that we will have a mix of EVs, hybrids, and internal combustion vehicles in dealerships and on the roads in the US for many decades ahead.”
Methodology
The survey was conducted from April 4-8 of this year, using a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population overall. The panel provides sample coverage of about 97 percent of the U.S. household population. Most surveys were completed online, but consumers without web access were surveyed over the phone.
A total of 1,152 interviews were completed among U.S. adults, 18 years of age or older. The margin of error for the study overall is plus or minus 4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. Smaller subgroups have larger error margins, AAA said.
PAR focuses on core business with sale of two subsidiaries
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — PAR Technology Corp. (NYSE: PAR) is making moves to focus its business on the restaurant industry, announcing it will sell both subsidiaries that comprise its government operating segment for a combined $102 million. PAR sold PAR Government Systems Corp. (PGSC) to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., (NYSE: BAH) in a deal that
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NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — PAR Technology Corp. (NYSE: PAR) is making moves to focus its business on the restaurant industry, announcing it will sell both subsidiaries that comprise its government operating segment for a combined $102 million.
PAR sold PAR Government Systems Corp. (PGSC) to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., (NYSE: BAH) in a deal that closed on June 7.
The company will also sell Rome Research Corporation (RRC) to NexTech Solutions Holdings, LLC (NTS) in a transaction expected to close by the end of the second quarter.
“Today’s announcement represents a milestone in advancing PAR’s goal to become the world’s largest technology provider to enterprise foodservice,” PAR CEO Savneet Singh said in a release. “The sale of our government operating segment to notable strategic buyers Booz Allen Hamilton and NexTech Solutions provides a clear fit for these businesses, allows for a seamless transition, and sets up both PGSC and RRC for continued success.”
The sales are part of PAR’s efforts to divest what it considers non-core assets and reinvest capital in areas where it will receive better returns, Singh added.
The company’s release did not break down the sale price for each subsidiary and did not address the transition of employees at either PGSC or RRC after the sale.
Baird and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP advised PAR, while Jefferies LLC and King & Spalding LLP advised Booz Allen Hamilton.
PAR provides hardware, software, loyalty, drive-thru, and back-office products and solutions to the restaurant industry, with installations in more than 95,000 restaurants in over 110 countries.
Downtown Farmers Market begins its 52nd season on Tuesday in Syracuse’s Clinton Square
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Downtown Farmers Market is set for its 52nd season, beginning Tuesday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse.
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