Journeys | Special Anniversary Issue | Summer 2023

...For Life's Journeys

With every curve in the road, with every unexpected pitstop, there's always a helpful lesson and something to appreciate. These entrepreneurs share their true stories about staying power, a commitment to 'local', and enjoying the journey.

Welcometothe SPECIALANNIVERSARYISSUE ofJourneys.Asweturn95yearsold,we'restill learninganddefinitelygrowing.Andwestill believethere'snobetterplacethanCentralNYin thesummertime!

NEWOfferingsInside

Ifyou'reaburgeoningentrepreneur,take advantageoftheinsightsofferedinside.Ifyou're aparentworkingdiligentlytoteachyourchildren aboutthevalueofahard-earneddollar,guide themwithournew,helpfulworksheetsyou'll find.ShareJourneyswithfriendsandfamilyand takeusalongwithyouononeoftheSavvy Staycationadventuresdetailedinsideaswell!

Throwoffthebowlineandheadforthehorizon...

Fromtowntotownthereareiconicsummerevents,beautifulwaterways,hiking trails,farmers'markets,andevenafewhiddengemsalongthejourney.Summer graduationparties,weekendsatthelake,roastingsmoresaroundthecampfire, takinginalocalfoodandwineexperience,headingoutintheRV...it'sabout makingmemorieslocallythatanyone,anywhereintheworldwouldadmire. It'saworthwhilefeelingtoappreciateeverycurveintheroad,everyunexpected pitstopalongtheway.Thosearetrulythebestlearningmomentsassomeofthis month'struestoriesdemonstrate.Don'tforgettostopandsmelltheroses.

TheLong&WindingRoad

Nearlyacenturyold,we'velearnedwhatitmeanstomakeapromiseandkeep apromise.Youcan'tgrowtonearlyahundredyearsoldasacommunitybank withoutasolidcommitmenttoyouremployees,yourcustomers,localbusinesses, andthenaturalresourcesthatmakeCentralNYsuchawonderfulplacetolive, work,andraiseafamily.

There'sanoldsaying"Wefindwhatwegolookingfor."Soit'smyhopethatthis SpecialIssueofJOURNEYSoffersyouhelpfultoolsandinspirationalstoriesfor yourfamily,yourbusiness,yourcommunity.It'sanhonorforSenecaSavingsto walkthisjourneywithyou,foranother95years.

JOSEPH VITALE

President, CEO & Director

Seneca Savings

SenecaSavings.com

InvestSeneca.com

Share your true business or non-profit story by submitting it to info@senecasavings.com

Journeys is proudly created in partnership with Angela Moonan, LLC | blue i marketing

A History of Homeruns in Central NY with General Manager, Jason Smorol

WorkingwithLocalBusinesses

Inalocaleconomy,it'snicetodobusinesswithlocal people"Itcertainlybenefitsthelocaleconomy,butforme, it'sabouttherelationshipscreated,"saysJasonSmorol, GeneralManageroftheSyracuseMets."It'smucheasierto reachouttosomeonethatlivesinthiscommunity,cares aboutthiscommunity.Ithinkthatyoujustgetalittlebit extralevelofserviceworkingwithalocalbusiness."

BaseballgoesbackinSyracuseto1845.Itwassopopular theykickedtheminorleaguebaseballteamoutofHanover SquarebackinthedaySyracuseprofessionalbaseballhas beenaroundinsomeway,shapeorformsince1876"We've practicallybeenherelongerthananybodyelseThere’sa longevity,atradition,ahistoryofcomingtoopeningday," saysJason.

Baseball.AnAmericanPastime.

Livingthroughmultiplestadiums,andmultipleaffiliates, fromtheCubstotheCardinals,theteamhasbeenin Syracuseforalongtime.Thisistheteam'ssecondgo aroundwiththeMets.BaseballistheAmericanpastime. Andintheoldernortheastcities,likeours,these baseballteamstakeonadifferentmeaning.Thisteamin particular,literallywasownedbythepeopleofthe community.It'sonlynaturalasasportsentity,thatthe teamcontinuestothrivewiththatlocalflavorJasonstates "Weworkwithsomanydifferentlocalbusinessesandlocal, charitableorganizationsWehavethatskeletalgirthof75 homegames,we'reabletointeractwithsomanymore people.That'swhatmakesusthenumberoneattended sportingeventintown.We'rethislittlesecretoverhereon thenorthside.We'vebeenhereinthisexactspotsince 1934."Beforethat,theballclubwasbasedonthewestside oftown,StarPark.

"BuyLocal"

CHInsuranceisthepresentingsponsoroftheMets'

BuyLocalnights.Jasonsays"They'realocalinsurance companyandsomeoneyoucancraftarelationshipwith directlybecausethey’renotthismegacorporation.Youcan callJoeorJohnandyou'regonna’seethemhereattheir tableandthey'regonna’beoutthrowingafirstpitch.Soit's justreinforcingthefactthatlocalisimportantandyouhave choices."Jasonalsosharesthat"Sometimesthelarge corporations,youcan'tgetawayfromthem,andtheydoa finejobandtheyfillyourneeds.Butifyouhavethatchoiceto buylocalandyouknowthatyou'resupportingsomeonethat livesinyourcommunity,goestoyourschools,drivesonyour streets,andjustcaresalittlebitmore thatjustmakes senseSoit'simportantforustodoourBuyLocalnightshere atthestadiumtocelebratethat"

Howdobaseballandbankingcompare?

Teamworkandcoaching.Thephrasesbaseballandbanking areprobablynotsomethingyouassociateoften,butatthe endoftheday,botharebusinesses."Baseballisour business,"statesJason."Relationshipsareatthecoreofboth ofthem.Botharebuiltontrust.Integrityunderpinsbothof them.Ourbusinessiscustomerserviceandentertainment. It'stheNewYorkMetswhodecidewhoplaysfirstbaseand whoplaysoutfield.We'reresponsibleforBuyLocalNights andFireworks,andworkingwithlocalorganizations,and buildingrelationships.Thisisthesamethingthatmakes SenecaSavingsagoodlocalbank,andsomeoneyouwantto dobusinesswithbecauseofthatrelationshipHavingthat kindofrelationshipwithpeoplegoesalotfurtherbecause youknowtheyhaveyourbestinterestsatheart"

Jason Smorol, GM of the Syracuse Mets with Seneca Savings CEO & President, Joe Vitale.

Beingalocalteam

It'snicetohavealocalbanktoworkwith.Ilovegoing throughandtalkingtothepeopleatthebank.It’salways interestingandIlookforwardtoit.IknoweveryoneinNorth SyracuseandinLiverpool.Wealwayshavealittlechat,and it’snotlikeyou'rebanking.It'slikeyou'regoingtoseesome peopleyouknow,andyoujusthappentoberunningan errand,adepositorawithdrawal.

TheMostAmazingShowonDirt!

"We'rethemostamazingshowondirt!Imentionedearlier thatwe'rekindofthislittlesecretoverhereonthenorthside andit'shardtosaythatwe'reasecretwhenwe'rethelargest attendancesportingeventintown!Yettherearestillsomany peoplethatIrunintothatlifejustgetsinthewayTheysay, 'Oh,I'vebeenmeaningtogothere'I'vebeenontheradio andawomanhassaidthatshehasneverbeentoagame Weaskedherhowlongshe'slivedintown.She'sonlybeen here25years,"Jasonlaughs."Iviewthatasanopportunity… we'realreadythenumberonesportingeventintown,and therearestillpeoplethathaveneverbeenhere."

CompletelyUniqueCNYExperience

HaveyoueverbeentoDollarThursday?There'salsoTaco Tuesday,andacommunityengagementeventevery WednesdaycalledWeCareWednesdays,whencharitable organizationscometotheballparktoraisemoneyandgrow awarenessEveryFriday'scraftbeerandfireworkFriday "Wehave26fireworkshows,"saysJason"Nobodydoes that"EverySuperSaturdaythere'sfireworksoragiveaway AndonSundays,kidseatfreeandrunthebasesafterthe game.

TheMetsevenhavenightswhereyoucanbringyourdogout. "WehavePrideNight,JuneteenthNight,CopadeLaDiversion wherewecelebratetheHispanicheritageinthecityof Syracuse.IrishnightandItaliannight.WebringMarvel superheroeshereonnumerousoccasionsThere'ssomuch goingonwithallthein-betweenentertainment,onthefield, allofthegreatdifferentfoodoptionsandlocalvendorsthat we'vebroughtintothestadium,"sharesJason

"Wehaveauniqueproducthereandagreat combinationofabeautifuloutdoorstadium, thehighestlevelprofessionalathleteinthe areathatcouldbeontelevisionthenextnight, playingfortheNewYorkMetsandgoingtothe WorldSeries.Andyoucanseethemallright here...inSyracuse,NewYork."

SpecializinginPEOPLEWhoDon'tLikeBaseball!

JasonsharesthattheSyracuseMetsspecializesinpeoplewho don'tlikebaseballIt'sreallyaboutbeinginasocial atmosphere.It'saboutseeingyourfriends,beingwithyour family,havingagreatnightofentertainment,"Allwhilebeing themostaffordableplaceintownOurticketpricesarethe mostaffordable,asisourparkingandconcessions,"asserts Smorol."Wehaveauniqueproducthereandagreat combinationofabeautifuloutdoorstadium,thehighestlevel professionalathleteintheareathatcouldbeontelevisionthe nextnight,playingfortheNewYorkMetsandgoingtothe WorldSeries.Andyoucanseethemallrighthere...inSyracuse, NewYork."

Milb.com/Syracuse

Tillie's T uch

Featuring Dale Johnson, Founder

Empowering children through sports

AnInspirationalJourneyandaBeaconofHope andSupport

Inaworldwheresomechildrenfaceunimaginable hardships,Tillie'sTouchshinesasabeaconofhopeand support.FoundedbyDaleJohnson,Tillie'sTouchisanonprofitorganizationdedicatedtotransformingthelivesof underprivilegedchildrenthroughthepowerofsports. Dale'spersonaljourney,shapedbyhisownexperiences withdomesticviolence,ignitedapassiontocreateasafe havenforkidstoescapetheirstrugglesandfindsolacein theworldofathletics.ThisisthestoryofTillie'sTouchand theincredibleimpactithashadoncountlessyounglives.

ASanctuaryinSports

Growingup,Dalefoundrefugefromthetumultuous environmentofhishome,intherealmofsports Whether itwasfootballorotherteamactivities,beingpartofa largercommunityprovidedhimwithasenseofbelonging andpurpose Itwasn'tuntilapivotalmoment,whena tragicstoryonESPNcaughthisattention,thatDale's perspectiveexpanded.Inspiredbythe"KickforNick" program,whichhonoredayoungsoccerenthusiastwho losthislifeservinghiscountry,Dalefeltcompelledto makeadifference.Hestartedcollectingsoccerballsand equipmentwithhisdaughter,Abby,unawarethatthis humbleactwouldlaythefoundationforsomethingmuch greater.

Tillie'sTouchTakesShape

AsDale'sinvolvementwiththelocalsoccercommunity deepened,heencounteredagroupofchildrenfrom diversebackgrounds,yearningforanopportunitytoplay thesporttheyloved Witnessingtheirinfectiousjoy,Dale steppeduptooffersupport,sharingequipmentand rallyingresources Collaboratingwithapassionatecoach, hediscoveredtheimmensepotentialforpositivechange throughsports ItwasherethatTillie'sTouchtrulybegan toblossom,namedafterDale'sdaughter,AbigaleTillie Johnson.Dale'sentirefamilyhasofferedunwavering dedicationandassistancewhichhavebeeninstrumental intheorganization'sgrowth

TheHeartofTillie'sTouch

WhileTillie'sTouchhasarevolvingdoorofvolunteers, theessenceoftheorganizationlieswithinDale'sfamily. Supportedbyhiswifeandchildren,Dale'svisionof breakingthecycleofpovertytakesshape.Together, theyworktirelessly,engagingwithchildrenyear-round andprovidingopportunitiesforpersonalgrowthand empowerment Theirprograms,includingtravelsoccer teams,aimtoinstillvaluessuchasteamwork,discipline, andresilience,helpingchildrenriseaboveadversity

"Let's face it There isn't a kid out there that picks their parents or the community they grew up in. In my experience, these kids are not just looking for handouts I think that's one of the biggest things that's misunderstood about the kids that live in poverty " - Dale Johnson

ife Lessons L

earned on the field

DispellingMisconceptions

Oneofthemostprevalentmisconceptionsaboutpoverty andchildreninneedisthatthey'resomehowtoblamefor theircircumstances.Dalepassionatelyassertsthat childrenareinnocentbystandersinthechallengesthey face Tillie'sTouchworksprimarilywithkidslivingbelow thepovertyline,withthegoalofbreakingthecycleand ensuringthatfuturegenerationsdon'texperiencethe samehardships Byprovidingsupport,education,anda nurturingenvironment,Tillie'sTouchaimstoempower thesechildrentoovercomeobstaclesandbuildbrighter futures.

GraduationDay:ATriumphofResilience

ForDale,themostfulfillingdayoftheyearishighschool graduationday.Afterdedicatingtimeandefforttowork withthesechildrenyear-round,watchingthemreceive theirdiplomasisanindescribablejoy.Manyofthe childrenTillie'sTouchsupportsfacedailytragedyand distractionsintheirneighborhoodsandschools.Despite theseadversities,theyexhibitremarkableresilience.By celebratingtheirachievements,Tillie'sTouchunderscores thesignificanceoftheiraccomplishmentsandreinforces thebeliefthatabrighterfutureiswithintheirreach

SenecaSavings:AValuedPartner

Throughoutthisnon-profit'sjourney,SenecaSavingshas beenaninvaluablepartner.TheTillie'sToucheffort,ledby thebank'sLaurieUcher,SeniorVPofRetailBanking,has providedessentialguidanceandassistanceinmanaging fundsandensuringfinancialstability,yearafteryear Dale states"Withthebank'sgeneroussupport,Tillie'sTouch hasreceivedsignificantgrants,enablingtheorganization toexpanditsreachandimpactonalargerscale"Seneca Savings'commitmenttothecommunityalignsperfectly withTillie'sTouch'smission,andtheircollaborationhas resultedintransformativeprogramsandinitiatives.

ExpandingHorizons

Thankstothecontinuoussupportfromdonors, volunteers,andcommunitypartners,Tillie'sTouchhas beenabletoexpanditsofferingsbeyondsoccer. Recognizingthetransformativepowerofsports,the organizationnowprovidesopportunitiesinvarious disciplines,includingbasketball,volleyball,trackandfield, andmore.Bydiversifyingtheirprograms,Tillie'sTouch ensuresthatchildrenfromallbackgroundscanfindtheir passionandunleashtheirpotential

"We really want to engage kids even further We would really like to start working with kids even younger than what we ' re currently working with, creating not just the opportunity to play organized soccer, but start developing those study habits that are so needed when these kids get to junior high and high school

Our ultimate goal is to, start a girls program.

"

- Dale Johnson

WhileTillie'sTouchprimarilyfocusesonsports,the organizationgoesbeyondjustteachingthetechnicalskills ofthegame Throughmentorshipprogramsand workshops,childrenareprovidedwithessentiallifeskills thatwillservethemwellbeyondthefield Theylearnabout leadership,communication,goalsetting,andresilience, equippingthemwiththetoolsneededtonavigate challengesandsucceedinallaspectsoflife

ANetworkofSupport

Tillie'sTouchunderstandsthatlastingchangerequiresa networkofsupport.Theorganizationactivelycollaborates withschools,localbusinesses,andcommunity organizationstocreateacomprehensivesupportsystem forthechildren.Bypartneringwitheducational institutions,Tillie'sTouchensuresthatthechildrenreceive academicsupport,tutoring,andresourcestoexcelintheir studies.Localbusinessesalsoplayacrucialroleby providinginternships,jobshadowingopportunities,and careerguidancetohelpthechildrenenvisionabright futurebeyondtheircurrentcircumstances

CelebratingAchievements

Throughouttheyear,Tillie'sTouchorganizesvarious eventsandcelebrationstorecognizeandcelebratethe achievementsofthechildren.Whetherit'sasports tournament,anawardsceremony,oracommunity gathering,theseoccasionsfosterasenseofprideand accomplishmentamongthechildren.Byhighlightingtheir successes,Tillie'sTouchinstillsabeliefintheirabilitiesand showsthemthattheirhardworkanddedicationare recognizedandvalued.

InspiringSuccessStories

Overtheyears,Tillie'sTouchhaswitnessednumerous successstoriesthatstandasatestamenttothe organization'simpact Childrenwhostartedwithlittleorno exposuretosportshavegoneontoearnscholarships,join competitiveteams,andevenbecomecoachesandmentors themselves Thesesuccessstoriesinspireothersand demonstratethatwithdeterminationandsupport, anythingispossible.

LookingAhead

AsTillie'sTouchcontinuestomakeadifferenceinthe livesofchildren,theorganizationhasitssightsseton expandingitsreachevenfurther.Withthegoalof establishingadditionalchaptersinneighboring communities,Tillie'sTouchaimstotouchthelivesof morechildreninneedandcreatealastinglegacyof empowermentandopportunity.

Tillie'sTouchhasbecomeashiningexampleofthe transformativepowerofsportsinthelivesof underprivilegedchildren.Throughtheirunwavering dedicationandcommitment,DaleJohnson,hisfamily, andtheentireTillie'sTouchcommunityhavecreated asanctuarywherechildrencanescapetheirhardships, findsupport,anddiscovertheirtruepotential.Asthe organizationcontinuestogrowandinspire,itispaving thewayforabrighterfutureforcountlessyoung individualswhodeserveeveryopportunitytothrive.

STAGGERING FACT: Syracuse, NY is the #1 city in the country for poverty level children under the age of 18 In fact, 48 4% of the kids who live in Syracuse, live under the poverty line

On the Go! On the Go! with Joe with Joe

Ground blessing with Syracuse Habitat for Humanity...

Support and collaboration from Seneca Savings CEO, President & Director, Joseph Vitale.

Seneca Savings is proud to be a sponsor of our local team, the Syracuse Mets!

Joe's pictured here with Mets GM Jason Smorol

Look for the Seneca Savings sign in the outfield!

Making Their Mark

colleges."Ifsomeone'sabletofigureout thelaborchallenge,thereisn'tmuchelse they'dneedtoworryabout,"helaughs.

TheJourneyBringsChallenges

AnotherchallengeforUticaMetalsliesin navigatingtheregulationsimposedbythe DepartmentofEnvironmental Conservation(DEC)andtheOccupational SafetyandHealthAdministration(OSHA) Compliancewiththeseregulations requiresconstantattentionand resources,furtheraddingtothe company'soperationalcomplexity.

Supplychainmanagementhasbeen anotherhurdleforUticaMetals Although

Shannon Lazarek, Owner of Utica Metals in Utica, NY

thesituationhasimprovedrecently,the companyhadtoadapttodisruptionsinthe supplychainbystockpilingmaterialsin advance.Currently,UticaMetalshasenough inventorytosustainproductionuntilthefirst quarter2024.Additionally,thefluctuating pricesofmaterialshaveposedchallenges,as thecompanyquotespricestocustomersthat cannotbeeasilychanged."We'renottakingany chancesregardingthesupplychainandfeellike we'rebetterpreparedtonavigatepricingand supplychainfluctuationsthatareotherwise beyondourcontrol,"saysShannon

MarketsAcrosstheNation

Allofthecompany'scustomersareoutsideof NYS."Wedon'thaveasinglecustomerinNY," saysShannon.UticaMetalsdistinguishesitself asoneofthefewbusinessesremaininginthe industrythatspecializesinmanufacturingmetal emblemsforautomotivecompanieslike Chrysler,GeneralMotors,andHarleyDavidson. Thecompanyreliesondirectsalesto manufacturers.However,thestateofthe economysignificantlyimpactsUticaMetals,as aslowdownincarsalesorrisinginterestrates directlyaffectstheirbusiness

TheCompetitiveLandscape

Whenitcomestocompetition,UticaMetals facesdirectcompetitionfromcountrieslike China,whichofferlowerproductioncosts.This necessitatesaconstantfocusoncostcontrol andmaintainingcompetitivepricinginthe market.

InvestingInPeople

UticaMetalsplacesgreatimportanceon offeringgoodbenefitstoitsemployees Beinga smallcompany,ithasmanagedtoretainaloyal workforce,withmanyemployeeshavingbeen withthecompanyformanyyears Thecompany activelyinvestsinitsemployeesbyproviding educationandcertificationopportunities,which contributetoapositiveworkenvironment. Lazarekstates"Ourretentionratehereisvery goodandweworkdiligentlytoensureit'ssimply agoodplacetowork."

LookingAhead

Lookingahead,UticaMetalsplanstoexpandits capabilitiesbyventuringintoplasticemblems, whichwillinvolvesub-contractinginjectionmolding andimplementingscreenprinting.Thecompany aimstoofferbothmetalandplasticemblemsto catertodifferentcustomerpreferences.This expansionwillrequiresomespacewithinthe existingfacility,whichcurrentlyhasapproximately 10,000squarefeetavailable.However,thereare noimmediateplanstoacquireorconstructanew buildingwithinthenextfewyears

Rock-SolidPartnership

UticaMetalshashadalong-standingrelationship withSenecaSavingsforabout10years.Shannon valuesthepersonalizedserviceandaccessibility offeredbythebank.Unlikelargernationalbanks wherecustomerinteractionscanbeimpersonal andever-changing,Shannonsays"SenecaSavings providesaconsistentandresponsiveexperience. UticaMetalshasobtainedloansforequipment purchasesandmaintainsalineofcreditthrough thebank,whichiseasilyrenewableeveryfive years Shannonstates"Thepersonalizedapproach andloyaltyfromSenecaSavingsCEO,JoeVitale, andthewholeteam,hasfosteredastrong partnershipbetweenthebankandUticaMetals"

WhatComesNext

"Weseethingsremainingstatusquoforusforat leasttherestof2023,"saysLazarek."We've plannedahead,butwedon'tseetoomuchfurther disruptionforthisyear."AsUticaMetalscontinues itsoperations,itfacesongoingchallengesinhiring qualifiedengineers,adheringtoregulatory requirements,managingthesupplychain,and competingwithlower-cost,international manufacturers.However,thecompany's commitmenttoinnovation,expansionintoplastic emblems,commitmenttoemployees,andastrong partnershipwithSenecaSavings,positionitwell forfuturesuccess,helpingthecompanymake theirmarkthatlastsalifetime

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JOURNEYS | 15

ENTREPRENEUR

FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW'S START-UPS, AND THE VISIONARIES WHO TAKE THE LEAP

The habits outlined on the following pages are not exclusive to entrepreneurs, but they play a significant role in their success.

WHILE THE DESTINATION MATTERS, ENJOY THE JOURNEY ALONG THE WAY...

By cultivating these traits, aspiring entrepreneurs can enhance their entrepreneurial journey and increase their chances of building lasting, thriving businesses.

SENECA SAVVY

SENECA SAVVYSENECA SAVVYSEN

THE ENTREPRENEUR HABITS

Entrepreneursareknownfor theiruniquehabitsand characteristicsthatcontributeto theirsuccess.Thesehabitsnot onlyhelpthemnavigatethe challengesofstartingand runningabusinessbutalso enablethemtomaintaina competitiveedgeintheeverevolvingbusinesslandscape.

Herearesomekeyhabitsthat successfulentrepreneurscan cultivateontheirjourney:

Embracing Risk: Entrepreneurs understand that taking risks is an inherent part of the business journey They have the courage to step out of their comfort zones and pursue innovative ideas, even if they involve uncertainty. By embracing calculated risks, entrepreneurs create opportunities for growth and stay ahead of the competition.

ContinuousLearning:Successfulentrepreneurs haveaninsatiableappetiteforknowledge.They prioritizecontinuouslearningandseekoutnew informationandinsightsthatcanbenefittheir businesses Whetherit'sattendingindustry conferences,readingbooks,orengagingin onlinecourses,theyunderstandthatstaying informedandadaptableiscrucialforlong-term success.

StrongWorkEthic:Entrepreneursoftenwork tirelessly,puttinginlonghourstoturntheir visionintoreality Theypossessastrongwork ethicandarewillingtogotheextramileto achievetheirgoals.Theirdedicationand perseverancearefundamentalinovercoming obstaclesanddrivingtheirbusinessesforward.

GoalSetting:Entrepreneursunderstandthe importanceofsettingclearandmeasurable goals.Theybreakdowntheirlong-termvision intosmaller,actionableobjectives,allowing themtotrackprogressandstayfocused By settingspecifictargets,entrepreneurscan effectivelyprioritizetasks,makestrategic decisions,andstaymotivated.

Adaptability:Thebusinesslandscapeis dynamicandsubjecttoconstantchange Successfulentrepreneursembracethisreality andpossesstheabilitytoadaptquickly.They stayaheadoftrends,monitormarketshifts, andadjusttheirstrategiesaccordingly.This adaptabilityenablesthemtoseizenew opportunitiesandnavigateunexpected challenges

NetworkingandRelationshipBuilding: Entrepreneursrecognizethevalueofbuildingstrong networks Theyactivelyseekoutopportunitiesto connectwithindustrypeers,potentialmentors, investors,andcustomers Buildingrelationships allowsentrepreneurstogaininsights,access valuableresources,andcollaboratewithlikemindedindividuals.

TimeManagement:Effectivelymanagingtimeis crucialforentrepreneurswhooftenjugglemultiple responsibilities Theyprioritizetasks,delegatewhen necessary,andefficientlyallocatetheirtimeto maximizeproductivity.Byoptimizingtheirtime managementskills,entrepreneurscanstrikea balancebetweenwork,personallife,andself-care.

Resilience:Entrepreneurshipisajourneyfilledwith upsanddowns Successfulentrepreneurspossess resilienceandtheabilitytobouncebackfrom setbacks.Theyviewfailuresaslearning opportunities,adapttheirstrategies,andpersevere inthefaceofchallenges.Resiliencehelps entrepreneursmaintainapositivemindsetand continuemovingforward,evenduringtoughtimes

"Sound Business Advice from the SBDC"

RecentlyIhadtheopportunitytomeetRobertGriffin, RegionalDirectorfortheNYSSmallBusiness DevelopmentCenteratOnondagaCommunityCollege. I’vealwaysthoughtoftheSBDCasaresourceforstartupbusinesses,butRobertpointedouttheyaregreat resourcesforexistingbusinessesaswell.

TheNYSSBDCprovidessmallbusinessownersand entrepreneurswithbusinesscounseling,training,and researchatnocost.Theyhaveastaffofbusiness advisorsavailablethatoffercounselingandtrainingto businessowners.Counselingrangesfromstartinga business,growingyourexistingbusiness,disaster recovery,energyefficiency,sellingtothegovernment. Theycanassistminorityandwomenentrepreneursgain the8(a)orWomenandMinorityBusinessEnterprise Certification.

Ifyouarelookingtostartabusiness,theSBDCcan provideassistancewithbusinessplandevelopment, accounting,marketing,financialplanning,costanalysis,legalbusinessstructure,loanpackaging, employeemanagement,plusmore.Onceyoumakean appointmentwithabusinessadvisoryoushouldtake somestepstoprepareforthemeeting.

Someofthingsyoucantoprepareforthismeetingare:

1)Writedownyourquestions2)Reviewyourfinances todeterminehowmuchyouhavetoinvestinthe businessand3)Howmuchincomeyouneed4)Don’t starttheprocessofchangingyourlifebeforeyoumeet withtheadvisor,setagoalforthemeeting,andhave avisionofwhereyouwanttogo.

Asanexistingbusiness,theadvisorscanassistyouin manyareas.Thebusinessadvisorscanassistyouwith businessplanredesign,managementreorganization, internetcommerce,marketing,expansion,and employeemanagement.Manybusinesseslearned duringtheCOVID-19pandemictheywereunawareof howtohandleatrueemergency.

TheSBDCcanassistexistingbusinessownerswith developingabusinesscontinuityplan,alongwith wheretofinddisasterassistanceloansandgrant applications.

"What's Around the Corner?"

Theroleofartificialintelligence(AI)hasbecomeincreasinglysignificantforup-andcomingentrepreneurs.Here'showAIisshapingtheentrepreneuriallandscape:

DataAnalysisandInsights:AI-poweredanalyticstoolsenableentrepreneursto extractvaluableinsightsfromlargevolumesofdata.ByleveragingAIalgorithms, entrepreneurscanidentifypatterns,trends,andcustomerpreferences,allowingthem tomakedata-drivendecisionsanddeveloptargetedmarketingstrategies.AIalso helpsentrepreneursgainadeeperunderstandingoftheircustomers,optimize operations,andidentifynewbusinessopportunities.

AutomationandEfficiency:AI-poweredautomationtoolsstreamlinerepetitivetasks, freeingupentrepreneurs'timetofocusoncriticalaspectsoftheirbusiness.Chatbots canhandlecustomerinquiriesandsupport,whileAI-poweredsoftwarecanautomate administrativetasks,suchasdataentryandscheduling.Byautomatingtheseprocesses, entrepreneurscanimproveoperationalefficiencyandreducecosts.

EnhancedDecision-Making:Entrepreneursfacenumerousdecisionsdaily.AIcanassistinmaking moreinformedchoices.AIalgorithmscananalyzecomplexdatasets,markettrends,andhistorical performancetoprovideentrepreneurswithinsightsandpredictions.

StreamlinedResearchandDevelopment:AIacceleratestheresearchanddevelopmentprocessforentrepreneurs.Machinelearning algorithmscananalyzevastamountsofdata,scientificpapers,andmarkettrendstoidentifypotentialinnovations,optimizeproductdesigns, andimproveefficiency.ByleveragingAIinR&D,entrepreneurscanexpeditethedevelopmentofnewproductsorservices,savingtimeand resources.

PredictiveAnalytics:AIalgorithmscananalyzehistoricaldataandmarkettrendstomakeaccuratepredictionsaboutcustomerbehavior, marketdemand,andindustrytrends.Thispredictivecapabilityallowsentrepreneurstoanticipatemarketshiftsandadapttheirstrategies. WhileAIofferstremendousopportunitiesforbusinesses,it'scrucialtoapproachitsimplementationthoughtfully.Entrepreneursmust understandthelimitationsandethicalconsiderationsassociatedwithAIandensurethatitsusealignswiththeirbusinessvaluesandgoals. ByharnessingthepowerofAI,up-and-comingentrepreneursandestablishedbusinessownersalike,cangainasignificantadvantageinthe dynamicandcompetitivebusinesslandscape.

As a small business owner, you face unique challenges when building a financial future. This article provides insights into mistakes small business owners often make, and steps to take when building toward the retirement you desire.

®

And How to Address Them

The Retirement Roadmap

One-third of small business owners don't have retirement strategies in place.

WHATTODONOW

Defineyouridealretirement.Clarifywhen youwanttoretireandthelifestyleyou hopetoenjoy.

Buildstrategiestoattendtoyour retirement.Determinetheactionsyou musttaketofillthegapsbetweenyour currentassetsandtheincomeyou’llneed tosupportyourdesiredretirementlifestyle.

Building,running,andgrowingacompanycanbetough. Often,inthemidstoffulfillingyourprofessionalpriorities, yourpersonalfinanciallifeisplacedonthebackburner. Believeitornot,you'renotalone.

Manyentrepreneursseetheirgrowingbusinessesasa meanstoretire.Futhermore,manystartretirementplans whenthebusinessisfirststartedanddon'toftenreview whethertheapproachstillworksforthebusiness.

However,justhavingbusinessisanautomaticallytranslate intohavingaretirementstrategyinplace.Withouta roadmap,onethatgoesbeyondthehopeofsimplysellingthe business,orpassingittofamily,youcouldendup,pushing backyourabilitytoretire.Inonesurvey,1/3ofrespondents saidtheyhavenoretirementstrategywell34%saidtheylook foranewjobopportunityaftertheyretirefromtheir business.

Butasweallknow,delayingretirementisn’talwaysan option,andlifeoftenbringssurprises.Forexample,certain healthchallengesmaycauseyoutoretireearly.Avalid concernisthatonly31%ofretireeswereveryconfidentin theirabilitytocovermedicalexpensesduringretirement.To helpensurethatyoucanretireonyourterms,youneedtobe proactiveandaddressthefollowingitemsassoonas possible.

Formanybusinessowners,selling theircompaniesattopdollarorpassing themdowntofuturegenerationsisthe goal.However,studieshaveshownthat eventhough50%ofbusinessowners plantoleavetheirbusinessesinthe nextdecade,only34%havea successionplaninplace Over40%of smallbusinessownersplanforthe retirementtobeginafterage65

Nomatterhowmuchyouloveyour business,aclearexitstrategyis necessarytohelpfosteryour companieslongevityandpreserveyour financialhealth Whattodonowdefine youridealexitstrategy Doyouwantto sellyourbusiness?Passittothenext generation?Findingoutsidesuccessor?

Determinetherealvalueofyour business.Hireaqualifiedprofessional toprovideaclearvaluationofyour companyasitstandstoday Depending onhowfaryouarefromretirementor exiting,youmightneedtorevisitthis valuationinthefuture Createa strategyandsticktoit Yourexit strategymightrequireyoutohirenew people,adjustyourservices,or implementsomeotherchanges

#Strategy

2 Your Exit

WHATTODONOW

Defineyouridealexitstrategy.Doyouwanttosellyour business?Passittothenextgeneration?Findanoutside successor?

Determinetherealvalueofyourbusiness.Hireaqualified professionaltoprovideaclearvaluationofyourcompanyas itstandstoday Dependingonhowfaryouarefrom retirementorexiting,youmightneedtorevisitthisvaluation inthefuture.

Createastrategy andsticktoit.Yourexitstrategymight requireyoutohirenewpeople,adjustyourservices,or implementsomeotherchanges.

Nearly 1/3 of US businesses survive the second generation, but only 13% survive through the third.

3 Business Reinvestment and Retirement Savings

Tryingtobuildyourretirementsavingswhileyou grow.Yourbusinesscanbechallenging.Evenifyou arereadytosellyourbusinessatretirement,youneed savingsthatarecompletelyseparatefromyour business.

Therealityisthatrelyingsolelyonthevalueofyour businesssecureyouintoretirementcanberiskyand easilybackfire.Notonlycanindustries,changing companies,falter,butthemarketforsmallbusinesses canalsobehighlycompetitive,dependingonmultiple economicfactors

Wouldyouandyourfamilybeabletoenjoya comfortableretirementwithoutyourcurrentincome orprofitsfromsellingyourbusiness?Iftheansweris no,thenitispasttimetostartbuildingyoursavings

WHATTODONOW

Balanceyourpersonalandprofessionalfinances. Whendecidinghowtoinvestyou’reavailable, assetsorwhatsalarytotake,makesuretoaddress bothsidesofyourfinanciallife

Askyourfinancialprofessionalaboutavailable retirementsavingstools.Rulesregarding retirement.Planschangeovertimesoitisimportant toevaluateyourretirementstrategyperiodically ReviewyourbudgetandcreateaSavings approach.Identifywaysyoumaybeabletotrim yourexpensesandestablishahabitofregularly contributingtoyourpersonalretirementsavings.

4 Get Sufficient Life Insurance Coverage #Strategy

Going

without life

insurance can end up costing more in the long run.

Inthissection,let’sdiscusslifeinsurance.Most peoplearefamiliarwithlifeinsurance,buttherole thisproductplaysforsmallbusinessownerscan bemorecomplexthemforthetypicalindividual. Ofcourse,sufficientlifeinsurancecanhelp protectyourfamily’sfinancialsecurityifyouwere topassaway.However,abusinessownercould haveextraliabilities,suchasbusinesscollateralIf youtakeoutloanstosupportyourbusinessby usingpersonalassetsascollateral,andyoupass away,yourfamilymembersmaybeonthehook forthatdeck,whichcouldjeopardizetheir financialstandingHowever,lifeinsurance providesanaddedlayerofprotectionforyour lovedones.Keepinmindthisreportisfor informationalpurposesonlyIt’snota replacementforreallifeadvice,somakesureto consultyourlegalortaxprofessionalbefore consideringusingpersonalassetsascollateral

WHATDODONOW

Analyzeyourlifeinsurancecoverage.Doyou havetherighttools?Doyouhaveunrecognized gaps?Addressyourlifeinsuranceneeds.

Calculateyourtotaldebtsandexpensesto determinetheamountyourfamilywouldneedif youweretopassawayprematurely.

Uncoverlifeinsuranceopportunities.Workwitha professionaltodeterminehowlifeinsurancemight beabletohelpsupportbothyourbusinessneeds andretirementgoals.

*Severalfactorswillaffectthecostandavailabilityoflifeinsurance,includingage,health,and thetypeinamountofinsurancepurchasedLifeinsurancepolicieshaveexpenses,including mortality,andotherchargesIfapolicyissurrenderedprematurely,thepolicyholderalsomay paysurrenderchargesandhaveincometaximplicationsYoushouldconsiderdetermining whetheryouareinsurablebeforeimplementingastrategyinvolvinglifeinsuranceAny guaranteesassociatedwiththepolicyordependingontheabilityoftheissuinginsurance companytocontinuemakingclaimpayments

In one survey, 58 percent of respondents claimed that preparing for retirement makes them feel stressed.

5 Outside Support

Federal regulations cost the American economy $1.9 trillion a year indirect costs, lost productivity, and higher prices. Costs to small businesses are nearly 20% higher than the collective average for all businesses.

Runningasuccessfulsmallbusiness,requiresanumberof skills,fromdeliveringyourproductorservicetomanaging employeesandenablinggrowth Althoughthereisnoshame inbuildingateamtosupportyoursuccess,manybusiness ownerseemtoforgetthattheydonothavetodoitalone Takemedicalinsurance,forexample,learningtheinsand outsofvariousmedicalpolicychoicescanbechallengingas oftenbestleftpeoplewhoknowwhatquestionstoask. Also,considerthefollowing:Inthepast22years,federal agencieshavepublished15,458rulesthatmeannegatively impactsmallbusinesses.Hiringoutsidehelpgetyouaccess toexperiencedprofessionalswhocanapplytheirknowledge toyoursuccessspecificneedsandmanageregulatory obstaclesefficiently.

WHATTODONOW

Determinethetypesofprofessionalsupportyouneed. Dependingonyourcircumstances,youmaywantto considerhiringataxprofessional,attorney,orfinancial professional.

Connectyourprofessionals.Aligningyourfinanciallife requiresdeepcommunication.Makesureyoursupport teamhasaclearpictureofhowtheyexpectedtowork together.

Embracethebenefitsofdelegation.Yourprofessional teamistheretohelpsupportyouwiththeirguidance.Let themprovidetheinsightyouneed,andtakethisweightoff yourshoulders.

#Strategy

HOWWECANHELP

Launchingandgrowingasmallbusinessisachallengingandtime-consumingendeavor Thisiswhyin timesofeconomicfluctuationandchangingregulations,webelieveitiscriticaltoseekguidancefroma financialprofessional

Theinformationinthisreportoffersahelpfuloverviewofwhatyoumightneedtoprepareforyourown retirement.Fromourexperience,smallbusinessownerswhoconsiderthesestrategies andtakeproactive stepstoplanforthefuture—arebetterabletoenjoythelivestheydesire.

Weknowbalancingyourpersonalandprofessionalprioritiesistough Therefore,weareheretoserveasa resourceforyouandyourfamily.

Ifyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheinformationyoureadorwouldliketodiscussyourspecificneeds, pleasecontactus.Wewouldbedelightedtospeakwithyouandwalkthatjourneywithyou.

Mike Mattessich was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, in the Army. As a side business and a bit of a hobby, he was welding and fabricating motorcycle frames out of his home. He also started doing some machine and repair work, and eventually very small projects in construction metals. That allowed Mike to buy a little bit more equipment and also form a plan of opening full-time when he got out of the Army and moved back to Baldwinsville in 2008.

That same year, Mike started Mattessich Ironworks. Mike and his wife Danielle, still live in Baldwinsville, and are happy to be a part of the Central New York community. "I enjoy this industry. I really like the metals industry. I often say that it's the last of the great industrial trades. Iron workers are tough but sharp. They need to be smart."

Mike's team works with big, heavy, industrial machinery "I love it," says Mike. "I enjoy this industry and I really enjoy growing a company. I often joke with our employees that we could be manufacturing toothbrushes. It's just making a company successful that I enjoy!"

The Most Important Resource

Constant improvements to the property, constant improvements to the fleet, to the machinery, is a focus at Mattessich Ironworks As with many owners these days, the biggest challenge for the company however, is personnel Whether that's personnel in their office, fabricators, maintenance mechanics, or installers, Mike confirms that it's very tough to find trustworthy, technically proficient people "We've taken some pretty creative routes to solve that problem. And at this point, I can very honestly say that our

people are our number one resource While we haven't had a challenge with being able to get material, we ’ ve had a challenge with pricing of material In contract work, you ' re signed onto a contract and some of these materials have doubled throughout the life of the contract It's really stung us financially "

On the Horizon

At 15 years old, Mattessich Ironworks is still considered a young company. "But we ' re competing with generational, old companies, some of them spanning a hundred years. So we, as a group, feel like we have so much to learn and so many ways that we can improve. The potential is there," says Mike. Mattesich is in the process of

modernizing their machinery through automation

Ultimately, that requires more people, more operators, tuners, and designers "CNC machinery is a great asset and we ' re moving into that," says Mike "We bought our first CNC machine last year We also bought about 15 acres to add onto our yard just for natural growth " Mattessich also sees the company needing to expand their building over the next year or two. So, being able to secure that land was very definitely helpful."

ThePotentialImpactofMicron/GrowthinCNY

WhenaskedaboutthepotentialimpactofMicronand othergrowthasaresultofthecompanysettlinghere locally,MikeemphasizesthatMattesichIronworkswill undoubtedlyhaveafocusonthemunicipalendofthe growth.Thatcouldbelocalschoolsbeingbuiltinschool districtsthatareexpanding,largerpostofficesoranew library,retailstoresaswell.Mikestates"There'sgoingto bemoreretailstoresandrestaurants.Soweanticipate beingverymuchinvolvedwithhowtheneighboring communitiesgrowwiththeincreasingpopulation."

MaintainingASolidWorkforce

Maintainingasolidworkforce,toMike,isatwo-part systemThefirstisthatobviouslypeoplecometoworkfor payandforfringebenefitsandtofeelincludedina workforceMikefeelsthattheiremployeesaretheir numberoneresourceandtheyputforthabigeffortto takecareofpeople,treatthemrespectfully,andalso makethemknowthatthey'reatagood,long-term,stable company.Thisretentioniskeytomaintaingasolidteam.

ThesecondparttothisisanareaMattesichhashadto getcreativewith,andthat'srecruiting"Wehavebanners

"I can honestly say that our people are our number one resource. "

- Mike Mattessich

From all of us at Seneca Savings and across our community, Thank You for your service Mike Mattessich.

up on the side of the road. We have signs everywhere. We've tried to strengthen relationships with the trade schools. BOCES is a great example We try to keep a good relationship now, allowing interns to come in and test their ability And beyond that, we ' ve been in touch with tractor trailer schools looking for drivers We've been in touch with mechanic schools, looking for mechanics It's become much more of a reaching out effort rather than just simply posting ads," says Mattesich "New talent is always important to us, " he states

The Long View

Mattesich pays close attention to long-term economic analysis in order to shape their two year workload. The goal is to lay on a base amount of work for the next two years so there's work on the books. Once they reach that, then they focus on mid-term planning. That's work within a one year period. And, in the event of an economic downturn, this again allows the company to at least have a base amount ahead of them. "Then if we need to either increase our travel radius, or decrease our profit level, both of those things help us find work when, there isn't as much work available as we ' re normally used to," says Mike "We, may not be making as much money per project, but we ' re at least keeping everyone busy "

Investing in Growth & People, With the Right Partner

It takes a tremendous amount of effort to organize their plans, create new systems, absorb new responsibilities, because of the growth at Mattessich Ironworks. "An effort towards continually improving our company is really what we ' re focusing on. As a result, we ' re able to keep a few dozen people employed. And I think that's pretty good success when talking about the impact on our local community," states Mike.

Seneca Savings has been the right partner for realizing that growth. Mike and his wife Danielle, have done their personal mortgages through Seneca in addition to the commercial financing done for the business. Mike affirms "The first thing I can say is they're so personable and so available to us. It's great to be able to get the decision makers on the phone or to meet in person and not be put on hold. Barb is the branch manager in Baldwinsville and Danielle works most closely with her. Danielle's our Vice President and she also heads up our finances So the two of them work closely and get along very well And I hear nothing but good things We’ve been working with Seneca for probably about five years now We bought our first ever automated CNC machine It’s a huge step forward for our company An absolute major improvement for our quality and for our productivity We financed it through Seneca Savings and it was a very easy process They were more than helpful throughout it When I look to the horizon, I'm excited at the prospect of growing my company even further, with Seneca Savings.

Amy Robbins:

A Trusted Voice for 34 Years

ThatLaugh,ThatVoice

There'savoicewithanidentifiablelaughthat reverberatesacrosstheairwaveseverymorninglike clockwork.There'sasenseofcertaintyandguidance thatshinesthroughthelightheartedbanter,mixed withthehyper-localnewsandtraffic.AmyRobbins, co-hostoftheever-popular93QMorningShow,has beenafamiliarvoiceontheradioforanimpressive 34years.Alongsidehercolorfulco-hostTedLong, AmyhasbecomeabelovedfigureinCentralNY, whereshe'smadeherprofessionalhomeat93Q...the numberonehitmusicstation.Inarecentinterview, Amysharedinsightsintoherjourneyinradioandthe impactshehopesshe'smadeonthelocalcommunity alongtheway.

First,alookback

Robbins'passionforcommunicationswasignited duringatourofalocalTVstationwhenshewasin7th grade.Onafortunatevisittoatelevisionstudioduring herGirlScoutdays,Amywasinspiredbyayoung reporternamedLauraHand,anotherbeloved ambassadorforourcommunity.Amydevelopeda passionforcommunications,leadinghertopursuea degreeinbroadcastjournalismatIthacaCollege. However,herpathtookanunexpectedturnwhenshe discoveredthatnewsreportingwasn'therforte.Itwas duringherinterviewat93QthatAmyfoundhertrue calling,blendingnewsandpersonalityintheradio morningshowformat.Whentheopportunityat93Qto workonthemorningshowpresenteditself,shetooka leapoffaithandhasn'tlookedbacksince.We'reall thebetterforit.

MakingaConnectionMatters

OneoftheaspectsRobbinscherishesmostabouther

jobistheopportunitytoconnectwithlisteners. Overtheyears,she'smetcountlesspeoplewho've grownuplisteningtotheshow,andnowtheirown childrenareavidfans."Youhavetoadmirethefact thatwe'vebeenapartoftheirlivesforsomany years,generations.Andit'skindofneat.Ilove thatwehavethatimpact,"saysAmy.Beingapart ofpeople'slivesformultiplegenerationsisboth humblingandgratifyingforAmy.Shevaluesthe positiveimpactsheandherco-hosthaveonthe community,andtheirroleasalocalmorningshow becomesincreasinglymeaningfulaslocalradio becomeslesscommon.

StayingTruetoTheirRoots

Whiletherehavebeenopportunitiestomoveelsewhere, Ted&AmyhavechosentostayinCNY.Bothofthem werebornandraisedinthearea,andtheirfamiliesare rootedhere.Thestrongconnectiontheyfeeltothe community,combinedwiththelocalfocusoftheir show,hassolidifiedtheirdecisiontoremain.Theytake prideinsupportinglocalbusinesses,recognizingthe importanceofinvestinginandnurturingthecommunity theycallhome.

ThePowerofRadioinPeoples'Lives

Trulywantingtohaveimpact,Amyoccasionally consideredworkingfornon-profitsorengaginginmore directimpactinitiatives.Overtimeshe'srealizedthather presenceonthemorningshowalreadyhasthatpositive influenceonmany."Listenerssharestoriesofhowour showhasbroughtjoyduringdifficulttimes,provideda senseofnormalcy,comfort,andlaughter,"shestates. Thisrealizationreinforcedherbeliefthatevenseemingly smallactions,especiallythosedeliveredeverymorningto startsomeone'sday,canmakeasignificantimpact.The powerofradiotomakeadifferenceinpeoples'livesis undeniable.

OfferingReassuranceinHardTimes

TheCOVID-19pandemicpresenteduniquechallengesfor theradioindustry,withreducedcommutingandchanges indailyroutines.However,RobbinsandLongremained committedtotheirlisteners,recognizingtheneedfora constantpresenceduringuncertaintimes.Theywere touchedbymessagesfromlistenerswhoviewedtheir showasasourceofstabilityandlightduringthedarkness ofthepandemic.Amyshares"Iwasactuallyworking fromhomeforalmostayearandahalf.Tedwashere everyday.Wereallyfeltlikewehadtobeontheair becausewehadtobethereforpeople,andtalkabout whatwasgoingon.Attimeswewonderedifanyonewas listening!Butthensomeonewouldwriteorcallinand thankusforbeingabeaconoflightduringaverydark time."

ASoundFinancialJourney

Moneyisalwaysoneofthosetopicsforfamiliesthat's tough,especiallyintoughertimes.Amy,recentlyaguest ontheSenecaSavingspodcast"TheJourney,"wentin depthaboutherownlearningandeducationwithmoney. Growingupinafinanciallyliteratefamily,shelearnedthe valueofbudgetingandresponsiblespendingfroman earlyage.Thisfoundation,coupledwithherhusband's similarmindset,hashelpedthembuildasecurefinancial future.Robbinsbelievesthatopencommunicationand sharedfinancialgoalsareessentialinrelationships,

emphasizingtheimportanceofdiscussingfinancesbefore committingtoalong-termpartnership.

TheImportanceofLOCAL

"Justliketheradioshowislocally-focused,Ithinkit's importanttosupportyourlocalbusinessesaswell,like SenecaSavings,"statesRobbins.ConsideringthatTed& Amyhaveprovidedawarm,friendly,welcomingand locally-focusedmorningshowenvironmentwherelocal businessescansharetheirstories,addstotheteam's influenceandimpactforindividualsandbusinessesalike.

"Ithinkbuyingfromandworkingwithlocalcompaniesis extremelyimportant.JustasImentionedthatwe'rea localcentricshow,youhavetosupportandinvestinyour community."Amygoesontosharethatshebelievesa reasonwhypeopleliveinSyracuseandCentralNewYorkis becauseoftheconnectionthat'sbeenbuilthere."Ifeellike there'sbeenanewenergysincethepandemic,with peoplerealizingallthatCentralNewYorkhastooffer, maybeforthefirsttimeinalongtime.So,they'removing backfrombiggercities,andthey'rerealizingwhatagreat placethisistolive.Wereallyhavetosupporteachother anywaywecan."

AdviceFortheNextGeneration

Whenaskedaboutheradviceforaspiringprofessionals, Robbinsemphasizestheimportanceofhardwork, versatility,andkindness.Shebelievesinbeingpassionate aboutone'schosencareerandbeingwillingtostartatthe bottom,acceptinganyopportunitythatpresentsitself.

"Especiallyinmediathesedays,youcouldbeontheair, butalsodoingdigital,writingcopy, helpingwith promotions.Youhavetobeversatile."I'vealwaysworked hard,reallyhard.AndI'vealwaystriedtobekind.That's beenmymantratoalwaysworkhard,bekind,anditwill allworkoutforeveryone."

TheNextChapter

AmyRobbinscontinuestoundoubtedlyleaveanindelible markontheradioindustryandcommunitiesacrossthe region.Herpassion,authenticity,workethic,and unwaveringdedicationtoherlistenersandlocalbusiness

community,havemadeheranicontoallwhocallthis areahome.Amyplanstocontinuetobringherinfectious energytotheairwaves,makingeachdaybrighterforher audienceandreaffirmingherstatusasalocalradio legend.

AsAmycontinuesherjourneyonthe93QMorningShow, sheremainsgratefulfortheopportunitytodowhatshe loves,andplanstocontinuedoingitforaslongaspeople wanttolisten.There'slittledoubtthatthemorningshow co-hostthoroughlyenjoysherwork,andwitha workweekthatfliesbyinaflash,shefeelsfortunateto stillbehavingfunafteralltheseyears."I'mgoingtoride outthischapterI'min,foraslongasIwantto,"says Amy."AndthenIthinkbecauseI'vebeenfinancially literateandsavvy,I'llbeabletohavealotofoptionsas towhatIwanttodonext.CanIplayTaylorSwiftwhen I'm85?Mmm,notsureaboutthat,"shelaughs.

IfTed&AmyWroteaBook

WhenaskedifTedandherweretowriteabook,what wouldthetitlebe...themorningshowco-host answersonceagain,withlaughterandlighthearted kindness.

"Thebooktitle?Neverathrowawaybreak.Ted&I havealwaystalkedaboutthisforourshow.Every singlebreakhastomakeadifferenceandhavea meaning.Everybreakhastobegenuine,andbea reasonwhypeoplelisten.Andifyouwantedtoget reallydeep,anythingyoudoinlifeisnevera throwawaybreak.

Itmaynotbetherightdecisionthatyoumake,but makeadecision.Andit'sthepeoplethatyouspend yourtimewith,andthecareerthatyouchoosetodo. Everysinglethingthatyoudo...doitwithapurpose.

Nomatterwhetherit'searlyinthemorningorwe're sayinggoodbyeonaFriday.

It'sneverathrowawaybreak."

"Never a Throwaway Break"

Staycation Staycation Savvy Savvy

Worthwhilejourneys that areclosetohome

AStaycationcanbeasmart,savvyoptionfora vacationthesedays.Affordable,flexible,and enjoyable,staycationsprovideanopportunityto supportlocalbusinessesandattractions,reduce environmentalimpact,andspendqualitytime creatingmemorieswithyourfamily.

WhatbetterplacetodothatthanCentralNewYork inthesummertime?Ifyou'reanaturelover,wehave plentyofoptionsforyoutoexploreduringyour staycation.LikeBeaverLakeNatureCenter,a651acre naturepreservelocatedinBaldwinsville,Baltimore WoodsNatureCenterinMarcellus,GreenLakesState ParkinFayetteville,andSterlingNatureCenterin Sterling.TheCentersofferavarietyofoutdoor activities,suchashiking,birdwatching,andprograms onnatureandwildlife.Ifyou’reinterestedinseeing wildlifeupclose,considervisitingtheRosamond GiffordZooinSyracuse,ortheWildAnimalParkin ChittenangoCentralNYisalsohometoseveralstate parks,includingClarkRservationStateParkin Jamesville,andChittenangoFallsStatePark

PettingzoosareabundantinCentralNewYork. FromtheWildAnimalParkinChittenangotoHighland ForestandSpringsideFarm,ourregionofferssomany hands-onexperiencesandopportunitieswithanimals, educationalexhibits soplentyofopportunitiesfor familyfun!

Whetheryou’relookingforarelaxingdayof birdwatching,orafundayoutwiththefamilyatthe zooorstatepark,CentralNewYork,hassomethingfor everyonetoenjoyduringtheirstaycation.Withour diversehabitat,includingforests,wetlands,andlakes, theregionattractsawidevarietyofbirdspecies, makingourareaagreatdestinationforbirdwatching enthusiastsHometoanumberofbirdwatching spots,includingtheOswegoHarborpier,theTinker Fallsarea,andLabradorHollowUuniquearea,the SkaneatelesLakearea,andtheMontezumaNational WildlifeRefuge,whichis7,000acresandhometoover 240speciesofbirds,includingwater,fowl,raptors, andsongbirds.Visitorscanhikeordrivethewildlife

drivewhichoffersscenicviewsoftherefugeswetlands andgrasslands.OnondagaLakeParkinLiverpool offersavarietyofhabitats,includingwetlands, woodlandsandopenwater,makingitagreatspotfor birdwatchingvisitors.Youcanhikeorbikealongthe parkstrails,whichofferscenicviewsofthelakeandits birdpopulation.

Anothergreatwaytoenjoyastaycationis backyardcamping.Setupatentinyourbackyardor nearbycampsite.Enjoyallthefunofcampingwithout thetravel.Roastmarshmallowsoveracampfire,tell ghoststories,andenjoystargazing.Ifyoudon’thavea tentforcampinggear,considerrentingthemfroma localoutdoorequipmentrentalcompany.Someof thesecompaniesalsoofferdeliveryandsetup services,makingiteasytoenjoyahasslefree, backyardcampingexperienceDon’tforgettopack somesnacks(S'moresarealwaysthebighit!),and gamestokeepyourselfentertainedBringagood booktoreadunderthestars.Withbackyardcamping, youcanstillenjoytheoutdoorsandallthefunof campingwhilestayingclosetohome.

CentralNewYorkisknownforits'agricultural abundance,andfarmersmarketsareagreatwayto sampletheregionsfreshproduceandlocallymade goodsThereareseveralfarmersmarketsacrossthe area,includinginSyracuse,Baldwinsville,North Syracuse,Bridgeport,Cicero,andLiverpool.

Therearesomanysummereventsthattakeplace here!SenecaSavingstriestogetinvolvedwithas manyaspossibletosupportourcommunities, concerts,localeventsandactivitiesBesuretocheck outourwebsiteandsocialmediapagesforupdates ongoingthroughoutthesummerforupcomingevents intheregion;includingofcourse,August'sNewYork StateFair,whichisoneofthelargestandmost populareventsinCentralNewYork,attractingvisitors fromalloverthestateandbeyond.PapermillIslandin Baldwinsvillehoststhesummer-long

A CNY Summer of Fun that your family AND your wallet will thank you for!

concertseriesfeaturingavarietyoflocalandnational acts.TheLakeviewAmphitheaterinSyracusealsohosts manyconcerts,includingmajortouringacts,ina beautifuloutdoorsetting."Liverpool IsThePlace"summerconcertseriestakesplaceat JohnsonParkinLiverpoolandthe"MusicinthePark" seriesisatGreenLakesStatePark,inFayetteville.These eventsfeaturelivemusicinascenicoutdoorsettingand areagreatwaytoenjoythesummerweatherand supportlocalmusiciansInadditiontotheseorganized concertseries,therearealsootheropportunitiestocatch livemusicacrosssentNewYorkthroughoutthesummer. Localbars,restaurantsandothervenuesofferlive musiceventsfeaturingavarietyofgenresandgreat performers.Whetheryou’relookingforfamily-friendly fun,oranightoutwithfriends,there’ssomethingfor everyoneinthisvibrantanddiverselytalentedregion!

Thesearejustafewofthegolfcoursesandsporting eventsinCentralNewYorkduringthesummer: Whetheryouenjoyplayinggolf,orwatchingsports, there’salwayssomethingexcitinghappening!

SyracuseMetsBaseball

BoilermakerRoadRace

PGATourChampionsGolf:Dick’sSportingGoodsOpen

SyracuseNationalsCarShow

EmpireStateMarathon&HalfMarathon

IronMan70.3Syracuse

Golf(Thereareover50+courses,thesearejusta fewofthepublicones)

TurningStoneResortCasino

TimberBanksGolfClub

TheLinksatErieVillage

WestHillGolfCourse

Drumlins

ArrowheadGolfCourse

BrooklawnGolfCourse

HighlandParkGolfCourse

GlenwoodGolfCourse

RoguesRoostGolfandCountryClub

NorthernPines

RadissonGreensGolfCourse

Why Why Staycation? Staycation?

Cost savings

Flexibility

Support local businesses Reduce environmental impact

Quality time with family

WhyStaycation?

CentralNYisarguablyoneofthemostspectacular summerplaygroundsthereis!So,whystaycation?In anefforttobe'staycationsavvy,'costsavingslead thewayonwhystayingclosertohomemaymakethe savviestsenserightnow.

There'stremendousflexibilitybystayingcloseto home,bothonyourwalletandonyourtimeline. You'llsaveyourselfthepotentialtravelhasslesand timelossoftenassociatedwithgoinglongdistances. Yougettheopportunitytosupportlocalbusinesses bystayinglocal.Becauseyou'relikelyusingagood deallessfuel,inwhateverformthattakes,there'sa clearreductioninenvironmentalimpact.Andinthe end,whatyou'rereallywantingisqualitytime withfamilyand/orfriends,andwe'veshown countlessoptionsheretodoexactlythat,whilegoing easieronyourwallet!

SENECA SAVVY: Your Money Mindset

Budgetingandplanningforemergenciesaretwoof themostimportantfactorsinfinancialfitness. Theveryfirststepisto'getreal'withyourmoney. Avoidingyourfinancesisn'tgoingtosetyouupfor thesuccessyoudesire.Themorerealyougetwith yourmoney,themoreyourmoneywillgetrealwith you.It'sarelationshipyouneedtofoster.

Thinkofyourmoneyinbuckets.Youhaveshorttermandlong-termfinancialneeds.Youhave absoluteneeds,thenyouhavewants.Makea decisionaboutwhat%percentageneedstogoin whatbucket.Makeaplan,andsticktoit.Ifyouget offtrack,it'sjustlikegettingfit...don'tbediscouraged andgetyourselfrightbackontrack.

Financialwell-beingislikegettingfitinyourwalletand

journeyworthwhiletaking.

We'rewithyoueverystepoftheway!

Considerhowyourneedsdifferbasedonwhere you'reatinlifeandwhatyouwanttoplanfor. Millennialswillhaveaverydifferentsetof considerationsthanGenX.Millennialswilllikelybe planningforawedding,balancingcollegedebt,saving forafirsthomepurchase.GenXaresendingtheir kidstocollege,payingfortheirchildrens'weddings, maybeconsideringearlyretirement.Allofthese influenceyourprioritiesandpercentagesineach bucket.

GETSENECASAVVY!

FREEFINANCIALFITNESSTOOLSAVAILABLE24/7 ONLINEATSENECASAVINGSUNIVERSITY

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Seneca Savings University "SSU" offers FREE financial wellness tools, vidoes, resources, online: SenecaSavings.com/video-tutorials/

inyourmoneymindset.It'sonestepatatimeanda

$ENECA $AVVY: WORD$ OF WI$DOM

"The personal service is outstanding, they are always friendly & professional."

- William Duda

"Excellent customer service! Very efficient and helpful"

- Hasim Osmanovich

Annette Sherwood-Fischer at Seneca Savings is the best in the business! With her decades of banking experience she was able to consolidate two out of control Home Equity accounts and high interest credit cards, to a monthly payment that will save me at least $400. They do all the work for you and it's a non-stressful experience there. The bank is very inviting and modern. The checking account is free and so are the checks, unlike a lot of other banks. I would recommend them to anyone who has a chance to consolidate and be more financially stable in todays turbulent high inflation environment"

- Steven Jenkins

I went in the Bridgeport branch. I was greeted immediately. I was looking to open a checking and savings account. Rick was very helpful in explaining my options. Suzanne was GREAT. She was very informative and made some suggestions to me that will make my life much easier.

- Lori Smith

"Seneca Savings has the most friendly and the most intelligent tellers out there! Say NO to the rest and bank with the BEST!!"

- Angela Mossow

"I have been banking at various banks for over 50 years... this bank, Seneca Savings, is by far the best bank ever. The employees are always very courteous and helpful and I rarely have to wait in line. I highly recommend this bank." - Mark

Lopez

Been here for years, best local bank. Very helpful and nice, always." -

Steven Jenkins

True Reviews Your Local Bank

"It has been a pleasure to work with Seneca Savings Bank. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a community bank. Exceptional customer service. Katrina Russo is friendly, knowledgeable, and a delight to work with."

- Caprice Reader

Every step, every hand shake, every commitment, every one of us every day on the Seneca Savings Team, is working to earn your trust and your business. Your opinion matters in person, and online. Please consider leaving us an online review by aiming your phone camera at any branch location QR code below... It's an honor to serve you as your local bank. Thank You!

Liverpool Branch

Baldwinsville Branch N Syracuse Branch Bridgeport Branch