Central New York has always been full of strong communities # CNYstrong

WCNY awarded $500k for workforce development in film industry

Empire State Development recently announced that Syracuse public communications organization WCNY has been awarded $499,766 from the state’s Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program for its new WCNY Entertainment Academy. The academy will train the next generation of television and film production engineers, electricians, set designers, sound mixers and camera operators to help support the growing entertainment industry in Central New York.

The grant program funds job training and workforce development across the state’s entertainment industry and is designed to further diversify the industry by targeting residents in economically distressed areas of the state and creating a pathway to permanent jobs in film and television production. The grant will complement more than $300,000 that WCNY will contribute to launching the Entertainment Academy.

“WCNY has been educating Central New York communities for decades and we are pleased to support the new WCNY Entertainment Academy that will create a pipeline for well-trained workers in the entertainment industry,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “The individuals who graduate from this program will have vital skills and connections needed for new careers and brighter futures.”

WCNY President and CEO Mitch Gelman said this fits WCNY’s goals “to provide education, create economic opportunity and enhance quality of life. The Academy builds on the edu- cation services WCNY offers and will give us the opportunity to expand our commitment to help further workforce development.”

The WCNY Entertainment Academy, which will open this fall, will train a diverse group of people ages 25- to 39-years-old in one of three annual 14-week training sessions with approximately 16 trainees per session. The curriculum will be taught by local union representatives, experienced staff at WCNY, and adjunct faculty members and guest lectures from across the entertainment industry.

IATSE Local 52 will collaborate with WCNY to provide instructors for the program and offer a real-world baseline of knowledge and specific skills in grip, electric, video, sound and shopcraft, which are necessary for graduates to be job-ready upon completion.

Graduates will earn certifications, including OSHA and Aerial Lift certifications, and will

troops tribute concert held June 21

AmeriCU’s Salute to the Troops Tribute Concert celebrated its eleventh year as part of FMWR’s Mountainfest. The event, which was free and open to the public, was held on Wednesday, June 21.

AmeriCU Credit Union brings forth this special event as a tribute and expression of gratitude to the brave soldiers of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division, along with their families and community, for their remarkable service and selfless sacrifices in service to our nation. This year’s event featured country music artists Gabby Barrett and Maddie & Tae.

“We are grateful for our partnership with FMWR and the opportunity to host this remarkable concert, allowing us to express our gratitude to our soldiers. It has been an absolute privilege to showcase this concert for the past eleven years, and we are truly honored,” says Ron Belle, President and CEO of AmeriCU. “The generous contributions of our sponsors and volunteers have played an indispensable role in making this year’s concert a success.” For more information on Salute to the Troops, visit americu.org/salutetothetroops.

Central New York has always been full of strong communities