OSWEGO COUNTY
BUSINESS June / July 2015
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OswegoCountyBusiness.com
Why Everybody Loves Christine She is all about workforce development. As the head of the One-Stop Career Center, Christine Weaver’s main job is to help job seekers find a job and employers find workers
INSIDE
June / July 2015
Meet 11 women who make a difference in the banking / credit union sectors $4.50
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swego County has a broad selection of business parks in place that are perfect for your business.
Infrastructure is in place and there’s room to grow! Operation Oswego County will work with you to make sure your location is the best fit for your success—whether it’s on a Great Lake, an airport, or in wide open spaces. Financing’s available too: SBA 504 loans, County IDA tax-exempt and taxable bond financing, and Empire State Development financing.
In NY: Industrial Parks Perfect For Your Business
Among the businesses we host:
Our Industrial Parks Include:
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • •
Sunoco Otis Technology Linde North America Northland Filter International Southern Graphic Systems Canfield Machine & Tool Oswego State University DeWald Roofing
Oswego County Industrial Park Lake Ontario Industrial Park Airport Industrial Park Rich Corporate Park Columbia Mills Business Park Riverview Business Park
Call or visit us online to find your dream location:
L. Michael Treadwell, CEcD
(315) 343-1545 | www.OswegoCounty.org
innovation ManageMent
BuSineSS groWth
Lean Manufacturing & Six SigMa
Workforce training
Strategic PLanning
Helping CNY Businesses Grow. 315-425-5144 • www.TDO.org
The Central New York Technology Development Organization (TDO) is the regional NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center (MEP). oswego county TDO ad.indd 1
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Dynegy. Power to New York. Dynegy’s Independence Power Generating Facility: Committed to Providing Reliable Electricity and Jobs to New York Our 40 employees and 1000+ megawatts of generation capability provide enough power to keep the lights on for more than one million homes. We strive for the highest performance in operational safety and environmental responsibility.
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Y O SW E G O C O U N T
BUSINESS $4.50
June / July 2015
iness.com OswegoCountyBus
Why Everybody Loves Christine She is all about workforce of the development. As the head , One-Stop Career Center job Christine Weaver’s main a is to help job seekers find job and employers find workers
INSIDE
Meet 11 women who make a difference in the banking / credit union sectors
June / July 2015
$4.50
JUNE / JULY 2015
PROFILE TIM HARDY This former Navy Reserve official, now general manager at Sunoco’s ethanol plant in Volney, says running the local plant is like running a ship at sea — it’s a 24/7 proposition where everyone has a role......................12
SPECIAL FEATURES
COVER STORY • Why Everybody Loves Christine As the head of One-Stop Career Center in Fulton, she and her team have provided services for local employers and employees alike Page 48
Manufacturing & Economic Development • Wages — Manufacturing wages have gone down — one in four now earns $11.91 —but CNY is bucking the trend • Progress — CNY Regional Economic Development Council setting the pace
How I Got Started The Ouellettes of Ontario Orchards celebrate 50 years of marriage and 50 years of business ownership................... 10 Designing Woman Amy Birsdall, a Herkimer County native, now in charge of planning and zoning in Oswego ............................. 36 Women in Banking The banking/financial sector in Oswego County features many prominent women in high-ranking positions. We profile 11 of those women ................................................................. 60 Femfessionals Networking organization functions as referral, support for women in business............................................................... .74 Agribusiness “Buy Local’ programs have given agribusinesses a big boost in the area.................................................................................. .76 New Assisted Living Facility What happens when a developer gets together with an experienced nursing home operator? The Garden by Morningstar to open in Oswego this summer......................................................................................................................78
SUCCESS STORY
Page 42
Real Estate • Little Help from Big Employers — How healthcare, education and energy have helped the real estate market • Top Sellers — Interview with the top five real estate agents in Oswego County
Page 55
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Issue 138
DEPARTMENTS
Sam North America in Schroeppel is emerging as a leader in converting, flexible packaging market. Find out more about the company and the people behind it ...................................................83
On the Job, Newsmakers. ..................... 9,
20, 21 Where in the World... Ireland, the Emerald Isle.............. 16 Business Updates....................................... 30 My Turn Not your typical newspaper obituary . ............. 40 Economic Trends Deadline to get NYS funding .............. 46 Last Page Doug Buske, Harborfest’s executive director ....... 90 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2015
Celebrating Small Business Week Dream Big, Start Small
Award Winners
Small Business of the Year Not for Profit Business of the Year
New Business of the Year
ZINK SHIRTS
Financial Institute of the Year The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce
For You, About You
JUNE / JULY 2015
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home......................32 ALPS Professional Services....82 Amdursky, Pelky, Fennell, Wallen.................................35 Amerigas..................................24 Banach Insurance.....................41 Berkshire Hathaway ................56 Blue Moon Grill.......................21 Burdick Ford............................29 Burke’s Home Center...............23 C & S Companies......................5 Canal Landing Marina.............19 Canale’s Italian Cuisine...........21 Caster’s Sawmill Inc................23 Century 21 - Galloway.............59 Century 21 Leah Signature......56 Child Care Development Council................................81 Community Bank.....................39 Compass Credit Union.........5, 73 Computer Accounting Services ..............................39 Crouse Hospital..........................2 Davis Law Office.......................7 Dynegy’s Independence.............3 Eastern Shore Associates Insurance...............................7 Eis House.................................21
Advertisers
Empower FCU.........................74 Entergy.....................................92 Exelon Generation.....................8 Fastrac......................................15 Finger Lakes Construction.......25 Fitzgibbons Agency.................35 Fort Ontario..............................18 Foster Funeral Home................86 Fulton Community Development Agency..........23 Fulton Savings Bank................15 Gannon Pest Control ...............23 Glider Oil.................................15 Great Lakes Trolley.................18 Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce.........5 Hardwood Transformations.....24 Haun Welding Supply, Inc.......51 Hillside Commons...................41 History Collaborative...............19 Interface Solutions.....................7 J P Jewelers..............................23 Johnston Gas............................24 Key Bank.................................73 Laser Transit..............................8 Local 43 (NECA EBEW).........47 Local 73, Plumbers & Steamfitters.........................53 Medical Registry of CNY........81
MetLife Ins. Co........................32 Mimi’s Drive Inn.....................21 Morningstar Residential Care Center..................................91 Mr. Sub.....................................21 Nelson Law Firm.....................75 North Bay Campground...........18 Novelis.....................................54 Ontario Orchards......................18 Operation Oswego County.........2 Oswego County Community Foundation..........................32 Oswego County FCU...............75 Oswego County Mutual Insurance.....................................53 Oswego County Stop DWI......24 Oswego Health ........................80 Parker’s Excavating.................24 Parker’s Service (NAPA Truck Parts)...................................23 Pathfinder Bank........................14 Paura’s Liquor Store................53 Pawn Boss................................29 Peter Realty..............................82 Phoenix Press...........................24 Port of Oswego Authority........47 Pro-Build..................................25 Pulaski / Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.......19
RanMar Tractor........................23 Riccelli Northern......................51 RiverHouse Restaurant............21 Rudy’s......................................21 Salmon Country Marina & Campground........................19 SAM North America................47 Schneider Packaging................52 Scriba Electric..........................23 Springside at Seneca Hill ........82 Sun Harvest Realty..................59 SUNY Oswego, Office of Business and Community Development....................... 11 Tailwater Lodge.......................87 Technology Development Organization (TDO)..............3 The Gardens Assisted Living Community..............91 Trust Pediatrics........................81 United Wire Technology..........52 Universal Metal Works............53 Valley Locksmith.....................25 Vernon Downs............................6 Volney Multiplex.....................23 White’s Lumber & Building Supply..................41 Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.....19
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COVERING CENTRAL NEW YORK OswegoCountyBusiness.com
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Editor and Publisher Wagner Dotto
Associate Editor Lou Sorendo
Columnists
L. Michael Treadwell Bruce Frassinelli Sandra Scott
Writers & Contributing Writers
Kenneth Little, Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Hannah McNamara Lesley Semel, Matthew Liptak Debra Lupien Denny
Advertising
Peggy Kain Shelley Manley
Office Manager Alice Davis
Layout and Design Chris Crocker
Cover Photo
Chuck Wainwright Oswego County Business is published by Local News, Inc., which also publishes CNY Summer Guide, Business Guide, CNY Winter Guide, College Life, In Good Health– The Healthcare Newspaper (four editions), CNY Healthcare Guide and 55PLUS, a Magazine for Active Adults (two editions) Published bi-monthly (6 issues a year) at 185 E. Seneca Street PO Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126. Subscription: $21.50 a year; $35 for two years © 2015 by Oswego County Business. All rights reserved. Third class postage paid at Syracuse, NY. Permit Number: 244
How to Reach Us
P.O. Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315/342-8020 Fax: 315-342-7776 Email: Editor@OswegoCountyBusiness.com
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ON THE JOB “What rewards do you give employees who rise above and beyond expectations?”
“I think the greatest reward you can give someone is free time. Our lives are so busy with work, kids and our personal lives that rewarding someone with free time to do as they wish makes them feel empowered to do even more for an organization.” Vinny Lobdell, president Healthway/Pure Global, Pulaski “Group kudos, additional compensation in a fiscal manner and or time off to perform personal tasks. I call them ‘Z dollars.’” Zelko N. Kirincich, executive director Port of Oswego Authority, Oswego “Excellus BlueCross BlueShield honors the valuable contributions of employees who rise above and beyond expectations by making a recognition system available to all employees. Launched in 2014, the online system allows employees to acknowledge the achievements of their co-workers. It includes a social component that shares the information throughout the company and gives employees from across the company a chance to comment publicly on any recognition, share it with an individual or group and ‘like’ it. “Every other week, our online employee newsletter features a shining example of an employee who has demonstrated the company’s cultural values, supported our strategy or strengthened our business. Individuals who are nominated and the nominators themselves are eligible to win prizes. “These efforts to recognize outstanding employees complement formal or informal programs that already are in place in individual Excellus BlueCross BlueShield divisions and departments.” Jim Reed, senior VP Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Syracuse “Faculty and staff who excel typically receive more responsibilities and more opportunities to share their talents and have a bigger positive impact on students and the community. In addition, both the college and the university system have awards programs to recognize excellent performance and the most outstanding faculty are eligible for promotion to the JUNE / JULY 2015
university-level rank of distinguished professor.” Julie Harrison Blissert, director of public relations SUNY Oswego, Oswego “Because public schools do not typically have systems in place for recognizing, in the form of additional remuneration, employees’ exemplary achievement, we acknowledge and thank those employees for their stellar accomplishments in other ways. We might nominate them or support their nominations for formal recognition by their professional associations; publicize their accomplishments on our website and in our newsletter, or thank them in the form of formal memoranda that are included in their personnel files. “We might also showcase their work at faculty and staff meetings as best practice in their fields, and invite the employees to take on leadership roles within the school system. In addition, we might also honor them by inviting them to give presentations about their work at board of education or other meetings. A personal telephone call or handwritten note is often in order. “Employees who go above and beyond usual expectations usually do so because their personal values, intrinsic motivation and work ethic demand nothing less. Some are shy about being recognized because they do not like being the center of attention while others nominate themselves for awards. I respect both types of employees and want them to know that whether they seek recognition or not, they deserve it for outstanding efforts and outcomes.” Laura Lavine, superintendent LaFayette Central School District, LaFayette “Each month, Oswego Health awards an Oswego Hospital employee with the ‘I Care Award.’ This award is given to an exemplary employee who follows Oswego Health’s values, which are integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence. The hospital employee who receives the award is recognized in the employee newsletter, given a certificate and a gift certificate to the hospital snack bar, as well as a parkOSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
ing spot close to the hospital entrance for the month. “Similar awards are presented quarterly at the Fulton Medical Center and the Central Square Medical Center. The honored employees are recognized in the employee newsletter, given a certificate and an Oswego Health logo shirt.” Marion Ciciarelli, public relations manager Oswego Health, Oswego “There are a multitude of ways that we reward faculty and staff at Utica College for exceeding expectations and helping to make our institution a better place to live, work and learn. The accomplishments of faculty and staff are shared and celebrated throughout the institution on an almost daily basis through a variety of communications such as community newsletters and email. “We are also in the final implementation stages of a peer-to-peer online recognition program called ‘Kudos Card,’ where employees can recognize each other at any time for work that is above and beyond. These kudos will be folded into the ongoing performance management program and will render the recipients eligible for prize rewards. Also, employees who exemplify our core values and mission are rewarded at our annual employee recognition ceremony with a prestigious award for excellence that includes public recognition and a monetary prize. We also have a variety of ways in which students can recognize exceptional faculty for excellence in teaching and for being committed to diversity and inclusion.” Todd S. Hutton, president Utica College, Utica
By Lou Sorendo 9
How I Got
Started The Ouellettes This year, Dennis Ouellette and his wife June are celebrating not only doing business at Ontario Orchards for 50 years, but also their own golden wedding anniversary as well. The couple has transformed a business that went from earning $11 its first day to a multi-million dollar annual operation. We recently spoke with Dennis By Lou Sorendo
Q.: How did you get started as the owner and operator of Ontario Orchards? A.: After graduating Hannibal High School with a Regents diploma, I realized college was not going to be part of my future. Retail sales was part of my life with my family for many years. I was involved in retail sales since the age of 6. My parents, Dennis T. Ouellette and Estelle, had a chicken and pig operation along with acres of fruit trees in Sterling. I graduated high school in 1964, and the following year, an opportunity arose. There was a horse barn across from where we used to sit on the side of the road in a pick up truck that we considered buying. We purchased it, and that was the official beginning of Ontario Orchards with Dennis and June Ouellette. It was just a horse barn with a simple plank floor, asphalt roof and twin swinging doors in front and a driveway coming into the business. Q.: What were the motivating factors that got you involved in the operation? A.: I think one of the primary reasons that we looked into purchasing the barn and location was that we understood that customers, farmers and suppliers needed to come to us. We grew up going door to door, to farmers’ markets and to retail stores, which required long hours and much travel. It was like, OK, I had enough of this. No matter what it takes, we wanted to create a market where people would come to us. That was really the purpose of buying the market, rather than following markets, stores and going on the side of the road. We needed a permanent location where we could establish a base where people would come to us. That was really the key behind the beginning of this. Q.: How did you create the initial capital to get the business up and running? A.: If you’re sitting down, you’re going to laugh. We graduated and June and I got married, and then we built the business. I married her for her money. I was a farm boy and she was a farm girl. She was more frugal with her money than I was. She had $300 and I had $50. That is the truth. We really had no money to start with. I can remember the first day we opened, June — who was a student at SUNY Oswego working on her degree — sat outside for the whole day for $11. The business has grown from that $11 to what it is today, a multi-million dollar operation, largely because I’ve been a very determined person when
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it comes to reinvesting. I’ve had opportunities to invest in other places and locations, but as the business grew, I kept reinvesting back into the business. Q.: What do you attribute the longevity of the business to? A.: The fact that we have family involvement is one of the major keys to success for Ontario Orchards. If it wasn’t for family being able to work together with our own specific agendas, it may not have developed into what it is today. We all have our points of interest that we developed amongst us as a family. Of course I am the farmer, Kathy does employee relations, Laurie handles the business aspect of it and June is the reigning force that organizes, creates and provides oversight. Q.: What do you enjoy most about your profession? A.: The best part of business is I don’t work. That is a four-letter word. I enjoy participating in the business with family, employees and customers. That also allows me to participate in the challenges of marketing, production and the four seasons that come along. Every time you have a new season, there is more interest. I don’t work; I just participate. Q.: What future plans are there at Ontario Orchards? A.: The future has much to offer at Ontario Orchards. The young-bloods — that is my daughters, granddaughters and staff — are being creative with new products, supplies, displays and pricing. We are more complete now as a four-season business as customers can come here year-round. Most farm markets close seasonally and very few have figured out a way to sustain through four seasons. We’re really quite pleased with the success of the four seasons at Ontario Orchards and intend to expand on that even more. Q.: Have you thought about retirement? A.: Retirement will never be part of the business in my mind. Once a farmer, you’re always a farmer until you’re planted they say. I simply just want to change the pace. I love heli-skiing and traveling around the world to different places to primarily fish and ski. I just got back from Greenland where we heli-skied, then went to Labrador to chase Atlantic salmon. I still visit up in Alaska with family and friends. As I get older and more established in our business, I want to spend more time with family. JUNE / JULY 2015
unlimited horizons SUNY Oswego helps solve problems. We provide advisement and training for business start-up and expansion. We assist in accessing grants and provide for workforce development opportunities. We provide technical assistance and training for non-profit organizations. We build relationships that lead to a better economy and inject vitality into the Central New York community. SUNY Oswego offers unlimited horizons. Learn more. oswego.edu/obcr Office of Business and Community Relations 103 Rich Hall SUNY Oswego Oswego, NY 13126 315.312.3492 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Profile By Lou Sorendo
TIM HARDY General manager at Sunoco’s ethanol plant in Volney is looking to take the fuel-producing facility to the next level
F
annual Farmers and Family Day or Tim Hardy, who is retired from New York state agricultural on June 25. the U.S. Naval Reserve, Sunoco’s community,” he said. Employees and their fam“One of the things ethanol plant in Volney is in many ilies gather along with area that we have done at the ways like a ship at sea. farmers — who are both sup“If you stop and think about it, a ship plant is become more pliers and customers — to at sea is 24-7. You don’t just turn out the engaged in supporting enjoy a summer barbecue lights at the end of the day,” said Hardy, things within the comget-together. who has served as general manager of munity, whether it be folks No ‘typical’ day — There the plant for two years. He has worked at the plant volunteering isn’t a typical day for Hardy at or by providing chariat Sunoco for 21 years. the Sunoco plant. “That’s one of “In many ways, it is very similar table contributions,” the things I like about this job,” in that people have similar responsibil- Hardy said. “I’m he said. ities,” he noted. “When on a ship, you a firm believOne thing that is stand a watch. Employees here — de- e r t h a t constant is an 8 pending on what job responsibilities they we are a.m. meeting evhave — are essentially standing a watch. all citery day. Staff You are the person who is responsible i z e n s reviews the for that section of the plant during the o f t h e status of the world. time you are here.” plant, talks The Volney plant is the first ethanol And if you about current processing facility owned and operated narrow that weather and by Sunoco, and is located on 115 acres down, we are the condition of that was formerly home to a Miller all citizens of our various parts of community.” Brewing plant from 1971-1994. the plant, discusses Hardy said most of his “I’ve always had an interest in alterplanned activities and expectnative energy, and I’m a believer in the employees live somewhere relatively ‘all in’ philosophy where I am willing to close to the facility, and “it’s important ed visitors, and zeroes in on anything that look at anything and everything when for us to support our employees as they might come up that involves safety, such as hot work, welding or crane activities. support their communities. it comes to energy,” he said. “That’s the only part of the day that “We’re a big presence here and are Hardy is responsible for the overall facility, including production and its certainly aware of that. We want to be is typical,” he said. “After that, all of us financial, safety and environmental a good neighbor and contributor and I have various responsibilities, whether see community outreach as a big part it is meeting with vendors or seeking performance. ways to improve productivity or the He is also engaged in the marketing of that.” In that vein, Sunoco is featuring its appearance of the facility. of the facility with the help of Erin Tones, “You come here manager of logistics and blink and it’s and marketing at Lifelines 4 in the afternoon Sunoco Ethanol. already.” “We are really Age: 56 Hardy puts in starting to put forth Birthplace: Watervliet, Mich. an average of 50 to 60 an effort to presCurrent residence: Penfield hours per week, but ent ourselves as a Education: Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University; undergraduate fellowship at the that varies because member of the comUniversity of Cambridge, England; master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College there is no typical munity, not only Personal: Wife Joani; daughter Emma day. in Oswego CounHobbies: Hiking, biking and kayaking How does Harty, but the broader
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dy manage the stringent demands of his profession with his personal life? “Frankly, it was a tougher balance when I was younger,” he said. He and his wife Joani have been married for almost 30 years. The couple has a daughter, Emma, 27, who lives in Chicago. “I was a Naval officer, so the hours I work now are nothing compared to what I used to work,” he said. “Family comes first, and then you just manage to fit everything else in after that.” He was initially on active duty with the Navy before transitioning to the Naval Reserve. “I would work my regular job during the week, and all the hours that entailed. When you are younger and trying to make your career, you are doing the things you have to do to be successful professionally and putting in the time required to do that,” he said. “I would come home on a Friday in time to drop one bag and pick up another and walk out the door and go do my Naval Reserve obligations.” Hardy retired from the Naval Reserve in 2013. What are his keys to a long marriage? “It’s the same as the keys to being a general manager. You have to have patience as well as a sense of humor,” he said. “I think my wife is beautiful, but the first thing that attracted me to her was she made me laugh,” he noted. Keeping it light — Hardy said he tries not to take himself too seriously. “Let’s face it, everyone has an ego, but at the same time, I really believe in people wanting to get up and go to work in the morning and enjoying what they are doing. Part of it to me is that there is no harm in laughing.” Hardy said he likes to put people at ease. “I think when you are at ease, you can think more clearly and express yourself more clearly and truthfully,” he said. Hardy and his wife enjoy living in Upstate New York. “There are so many things to do here, and we take advantage of it,” he said. Hardy has set a goal of becoming an Adirondack Forty-Sixer. He intends to climb all 46 peaks that make up the Adirondack Mountains. He did a few in 2014 and intends on banging out a half dozen more this year. “I just like being outside,” he said. “When I was in the service, I lived in a bunch of different places. As crazy as this sounds, especially in light of the winter we just had, I live up here by JUNE / JULY 2015
“In order to be a general manager, you have to understand a lot of different things,” he said. “You have to be able to ask the right questions, then at the same time, listen to the answers and then process the information. It’s almost like a jigsaw puzzle where you start putting all the different pieces together.” choice,” he noted. Neither he nor his wife is originally from New York, and they have lived in a number of different places. “We have had plenty of opportunities to leave here and go other places, but choose to live here,” he said. Hardy said he enjoys the environment and the people are friendly. “It’s not too crowded and I am certainly not a fan of the I-95 corridor and everything that goes along with that.” Job stressors — Hardy does take on considerable job stress. “We have 80 employees here, so everybody has their own ideas as to what we should do, how we should do it and the directions we should take,” he said. “We try to keep everyone informed so we are all on the same page and everyone has their oar in the water pulling in the same direction. That can be challenging and can add stress.” Hardy also noted there is stress inherent in running a business. “We are very much tied into the commodities markets because the feedstock of this plant is corn,” he said. “If corn prices are favorable, we have a chance at being profitable. If not, we are not going to be.” At the same time, Sunoco makes four different byproducts that are sold out of its Volney facility. The largest in terms of volume is ethanol, and again, if the price of ethanol is favorable, there is a good chance for profitability. If not, “we’re going to struggle financially,” Hardy said. In addition to corn ethanol, the plant also produces carbon dioxide, which is sold to the Linde Group, located adjacent to the ethanol plant. The Linde Group purifies the product, and it sells it for beverage and medical uses. Another byproduct is corn oil, which is used to produce biodiesel. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
The facility also produces dried distiller grains, a highly sought after livestock feed, which, like corn, is tied directly to the commodities markets. While managing a large facility can be a challenge, employees “are also what gives you the most satisfaction, especially when you are able to see someone advance and give someone the opportunity to move up within the company.” Hardy also gains satisfaction from being able to successfully execute projects. “We spent over $10 million in this facility last year on capital improvements,” he said. “To be able to do that and do it successfully and see an economic return on that investment is very satisfying.” Communication is vital — Hardy said he “cannot over-communicate” when it comes to running the plant. That involves not only his employees, but also the people he reports to. “There’s no reason to sugarcoat things. If you have to make decisions, especially if they are decisions about the impact on the plant either financially or operationally, you have to put it all on the table,” he said. Hardy said it is crucial to be upfront and available for staff. “You can’t manage remote from the rest of your people and expect them to perform,” he said. “I would never ask anybody to do something that I wouldn’t want to do myself.” Patience is a must, while being a good listener is a necessary trait to have in order to be an effective manager, Hardy said. “This plant is in many ways a big biochemistry set,” he said. “I’m certainly not going to sit here and pretend I understand all of the chemistry, but we have people here that do,” he said. Hardy uses the classic adage, “jack of all trades, master of none,” to describe what it is like to be general manager. “You really have to understand the broad picture of what is going on, and you have to rely on the people that are masters of those trades to do their jobs,” he said. Hardy said one must have a curious nature in order to be an effective manager. “In order to be a general manager, you have to understand a lot of different things,” he said. “You have to be able to ask the right questions, then at the same time, listen to the answers and then process the information. It’s almost like a jigsaw puzzle where you start putting all the different pieces together.” 13
Publisher’s note By Wagner Dotto
W
hen it comes to the One-Stop Career Center in Fulton, I’m a bit biased. I have used its services many times and I have always been very satisfied with the results the staff delivers. I’m a big fan of the center and its director, Christine Weaver. I follow a simple procedure when I need to recruit new employees: I advertise in the local papers — The Palladium-Times and the Oswego County Weeklies — place an ad on craigslist and email Chad Whelsky at the OneStop Career Center asking him to keep an eye for potential candidates. Invariably I get the best results through the One-Stop Career Center (I get a ton of candidates through craigaslist as well but most are not good matches). The staff of the One-Stop seems to go out of their way to find the perfect match for us. For those who are not familiar with it, the One-Stop Career Center is
federally funded and works as part of Oswego County Workforce Development Board (disclosure: I’m a member of the WDB). It’s a type of job matching organization. It helps employees find the best companies to work for and it helps employers to find the right employees. It does a lot more: the One-Stop Career Center also helps companies train potential employees, does the screening and everything in between. For example, when K&N’s Foods USA of Fulton was putting together a team of workers to run their new plant, it was the One-Stop Career Center that did most of the screening and recruitment for the company. Today K&N’s, which operates out of the former Birds Eye plant in Fulton, employs nearly 80 workers, according to the 2015 CNY Business Guide. It helps those who are looking for a job with a number of services, including resume writing, Internet access for job search, books and
reference materials and a variety of workshops. Companies ranging from Felix Schoeller in Pulaski, Novelis in Oswego and Huhtamaki in Fulton to several small, mom-and-pop businesses are among the 160 employers who used the service last year. They all have benefitted from the One Stop Career Center. The center is truly a crucial tool in workforce development and has made a big tremendous in the local economy.
WAGNER DOTTO is the publisher of Oswego County Business Magazine.
John Vashaw Jr.
Manager, Vashaw’s Collision Services Oswego, NY
Pathfinder Bank is At Vashaw’s Collision Service we are proud of the workmanship we provide our customers. It’s a guaranteed commitment we have maintained for over 35 years, and a value we share with our team at Pathfinder Bank. That is important to me, and why. . .Pathfinder Bank is My Bank!
My Bank.
www.pathfinderbank.com Oswego: (Main: 343-0057 • Plaza: 343-4483 • Downtown Drive-Thru: 343-2577) • Mexico: 963-7248 Fulton: 592-9545 • Lacona: 387-3437 Central Square: 676-2265 • Cicero: 752-0033 • Syracuse: 207-8020
14
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Member FDIC
JUNE / JULY 2015
Spring! Time to Power Up!
We r On-road & Off-road Diesel ve to fill your skid tanks Deli Give Our Mascot “Squirt” A Call
OIL CO., INC. Skaneateles 685-5740 | Pulaski 800-724-3835 Oswego 343-9291 | Carthage 493-0152 Glenfield 376-7977 | Boonville 942-3835
5276 US Rt. 11 • Pulaski, NY 13142/289
JUNE / JULY 2015
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
15
Where in the World is Sandra Scott? By Sandra Scott
Ireland
The Emerald Isle
I
reland is the perfect place for people to visit if they do not want to take an escorted tour and are considering a drive-about. The island is small, they speak English, the people are hospitable — and there is plenty to see. After flying into Dublin, pick up
a rental car and drive to some place outside Dublin. Driving in Dublin is not recommended because of the traffic and difficulty parking. Save Dublin for the end of the trip. I find jet lag more difficult when flying to Europe than Asia because most
flights arrive early in the morning, which is the middle of the night my time. We don’t plan much the first day and try to spend some time outdoors which helps reset one’s biological clock. An hour west of Dublin is Ireland’s oldest distillery, Kilbeggan’s. The Irish drive on the left. Make sure you have a map and planned an itinerary. Signs are in English and Irish with distances in kilometers. We treat kilometers as miles when calculating travel time — better to arrive a little early than be stressed over being late. There is always the chance of getting lost which in Ireland can be memorable when asking directions. People are friendly and the Irish have the gift of gab. It seems they have all kissed the Blarney Stone. The Irish countryside is beautiful with bucolic scenes of grazing animals, quaint houses and sites such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. Some of my favorite moments in Ireland are those not mentioned in the “must see” places in Ireland. In Roscom-
One of my favorite evenings in Dublin was at Johnny Fox’s Hooley Night. It’s a traditional pub in a mountain location with decorative farm tools, hooley nights and live Irish music. 16
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2015
mon we stayed at the Abbey Hotel where the dining area looked out on the ruins of an Abbey and I loved watching the grandchildren scamper in and around the ruins of Roscommon Castle where there were no barriers or entrance fees. Traditional Irish food tends to be no-nonsense dishes made with meat and potatoes. During a cooking class in Roscommon I learned how to make the Irish version of corned beef and cabbage. Between 1995 and 2000, Ireland experienced a period of rapid economic growth referred to as the Celtic Tiger, during that time many foreigners moved to Ireland so now Dublin has some great ethnic restaurants. The annual Dublin Food Fair highlights the city’s culinary diversity. After exploring the Emerald Island (it is possible to include Northern Ireland in the drive) return the car and explore Dublin. There are several companies offering one- to 3-day tickets on a hopon-hop-off bus (some include airport transfers and discounted tickets to some of the attractions) plus a lot of the sites are within walking distance. Be sure to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells written in 800 AD, Kilmainham Goal, where some of Ireland’s most famous protesters were held, and you can’t say you have been to Dublin if you haven’t visited the Guinness Brewery and had your picture taken with the statue of Molly Malone, a 17th century fish hawker made famous in a song. One of my favorite evenings was at Johnny Fox’s Hooley Night with great food and traditional entertainment. There are a variety of accommodations. Many people prefer B&Bs which offers the opportunity to learn about the Irish lifestyle; others prefer the privacy of a hotel, while some will enjoy a stay (even for a couple nights) at one of the luxurious properties such as Powerscourt, a large country estate located outside of Dublin. Remember there is a reason why it is the Emerald Island. Expect occasional rain and misty days.
Sandra Scott, a retired history teacher and the co-author of two local history books, has been traveling worldwide with her husband, John, since the 1980s. The Scotts live in the village of Mexico. JUNE / JULY 2015
Some of my favorite moments in Ireland are those not mentioned in the “must see” places. In Roscommon, I loved watching the grandchildren scamper in and around the ruins of Roscommon Castle where there were no barriers or entrance fees.
You can’t say you have visited the city without a tour of the famous Guinness brewery and a photo with the statue of Molly Malone, a 17th century fish hawker made famous in a song. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
17
explore Open 12 Months 7 Days a Week
Farm • Farm Market Greenhouses • Nursery Bakery • Cider Mill U-Pick Apples & Pumpkins Landscaping & Agri-tourism
North Bay Campground on Lake Neahtahwanta 77 Sites Available
• 36 with Water & Electrical Hookups • 30 Seasonal Sites with Water & Electrical Hookups • Restroom & Shower Facilities
Fall Harvest Jamboree September 19 and 20, 2015
7735 State Rt. 104
www.cityoffulton.com
315-343-6328
(315) 592-2256
www.OntarioOrchards.com
Open May to Mid-September
Fort Ontario State Historic Site
3 1 5 - 5 0 0 - R I DE
OPEN
Mid-May thru Mid-October
Wed– Sat & Monday Holidays: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Sundays: 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm Open Daily July to Labor Day Mon – Sat: 10 am - 4:30 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm www.fortontario.com
315-343-4711
18
Safe & Reliable | Reasonable Rates | 24 Hour Service
Wine Tours • Corporate Outings Special Events • Weddings We are passionate about helping you lose yourself in the fun and relaxation of our vintage trolley-style limos.
www.GreatLakesTrolley.com • greatlakestrolley@gmail.com OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2015
SUNY Oswego Expands Opportunity with Syracuse Campus
W
ith the official designation of the SUNY Oswego Metro Center as a branch campus, people residing or working in the greater Syracuse area will be able to complete in-demand degree and certificate programs at the Syracuse location in Clinton Square. “Opened in downtown Syracuse in 2008, our off-campus site grew quickly into a significant asset for the Central New York region,” SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley said. “Now as a branch campus, it will meaningfully extend our access and excellence.” “The expanded authority will accrue to greater academic achievement for the people of this region, spur innovation and collaborative research with our academic and business partners, and contribute to this area’s economic strength and resilience,” the president said. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Education Department approved the branch campus status in May following approval by the state Board of Regents in January. Courses in support of master’s and graduate certificate programs have been offered at the center for more than six years, but until now students were not able to take all courses necessary to complete a degree or certificate at the Syracuse location. “SUNY Oswego offered new opportunities for learning and professional development in downtown Syracuse when they opened classrooms in the Metro Center,” said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. “The designation as a branch campus means working professionals and others can now earn an entire graduate degree here, which is good news for our citizens, our workforce and our economy.” In addition, by fall 2016 undergraduate students will be able to transfer into a couple of bachelor’s degree programs and take the upper division courses necessary to complete four-year degrees. More information about the SUNY Oswego Metro Center is online at oswego.edu/syracuse. JUNE / JULY 2015
The Pulaski/Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to visit the
explore
Pulaski area NY’s best and most popular fishing destination! 4 Seasons of family fun with boating, camping, golfing in summer and fall, to snowmobiling, cross country skiing and more in winter. Our members will help you plan your next visit for both business & pleasure.
Marina & Campground Texas, NY
Call 315-298-2213 or visit us at www. pulaskinychamber.com or e-mail info@pulaskinychamber.com
FULL HOOK UP CAMPGROUND TRANSIENT SITES AVAILABLE 10 TON BOAT HAUL-OUT
CERTIFIED MERCURY MERCRUISER SERVICE CENTER Inside & Outside Storage • Shrinkwrapping Available Deep Water Docks • Non-Ethanol Gas See Us for All Your Marine Repair Needs
315-963-8049
Theme Park with Yogi & Boo Boo
www.salmoncountryinc.com
“More Than Just A Campground”
Sporting, RV & Camping Supplies
CABIN RENTALS
Gifts • Groceries • Mini Golf Gemstone Mining • Free WiFi 601 County Route 16, Mexico, NY 13114
315-963-7096
jellystonecny.com • Email: office@jellystonecny.com
Canal Landing Marina 20 Marine Electric Water Hookups, Dumping Station, Restroom Facilities & Private Showers. Located at Lock 3 on the State Canal (Oswego River), within walking distance of restaurants, banks, stores and churches. Friday Night Concerts at the Gazebo
FREE DOCKING
Docking for boats up to 42 ft. in length.
Safe Haven Museum H. Lee White Maritime Museum Fort Ontario Historic Site Oswego Railroad Museum Richardson-Bates House Museum John D. Murray Firefighters Museum Heritage Foundation of Oswego Oswego Public Library Oswego County Tourism Office 800-596-3200 ext. 8322 www.visitoswegocounty.com
(315) 592-2474 www.cityoffulton.com
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
19
NEWSMAKERS NEWS BRIEFS ON LOCAL BUSINESS & BUSINESS PEOPLE
Webb Retiring from NBT Executive Team Jack H. Webb, executive vice president of strategic support and a member of NBT Bancorp and NBT Bank’s executive management team, is retiring from his staff role with the company. Webb joined NBT with the merger of Alliance Bank into NBT Bank in March 2013. Webb will continue to serve NBT as a director on both its corporate and bank boards. Webb “Having Jack on our leadership team for the last two years has been a tremendous asset to NBT,” said Martin Dietrich, the company’s president and CEO. “In addition to supporting a smooth transition of Alliance Bank into NBT, we’ve also benefited from the experience and perspective he developed through his extensive career as a community banking leader in Central New York. We look forward to Jack’s continued contributions to NBT’s success through his role on our NBT Bancorp and NBT Bank boards.” Prior to joining NBT, Webb led Alliance Financial Corporation and Alliance Bank, serving as chairman, president and CEO for over a decade. His tenure at Alliance followed a 25year career with Chase Bank. “I’ve had a rewarding career in banking and in Central New York,” said Webb. “In the coming years, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to support NBT as a director and to explore new ways to pursue my interests and apply my skills.” Currently, Webb serves on the board of directors and the executive committee for the Community Baseball Club of Central New York, Inc. (Syracuse Chiefs). He is also a member of the Central New York Regional Economic Council. 20
Scott Laundry Joins CNYTDO Staff Scott Laundry has joined the Central New York Technology Development Organization (TDO) as a senior project manager. Laundry leads the implementation of Lean Six Sigma, quality systems, supply chain, and workforce training initiatives for CNY manufacturers. His 25 years of operations experience includes leadership positions with Albany International, Forster Controls Laundry
and Termiflex Corporation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Lowell and a Master of Science degree in engineering management from Syracuse University. He received his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from the Six Sigma Academy and is a TWI Institute certified trainer. The Central New York Technology Development Organization (TDO) is the NYS designated Regional Technology Development Center and NIST Manufacturing Extension partnership (MEP) Center for Central New York. Its mission is to help CNY manufacturers and technology businesses innovate, compete and grow.
SUNY Supervisor Gets Chancellor’s Award John Ferlito, a 38-year SUNY Oswego employee and, since 1998, the campus electrical supervisor, will receive the 2015 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. In day-to-day operations and in
OVIA Insurance Employees Assist with Clean-Up Day
Employees of the Fulton Office of OVIA Insurance Agencies were on hand recently at Fulton Kiwanis Kidhaven Park for the Fulton Little League “Field Clean Up Day”. OVIA Insurance Agencies has traditionally sponsored a team in the Fulton Little League, and this season wanted to assist with the field clean up. According to Jim Poindexter, OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
vice president of OVIA Insurance Agencies, one of the employees’ spouses even donated his time this spring to renovate the inside of the concession stand. Shown pictured from left to right are OVIA employees: Debbie Hausele, Sue Balcom, Amanda Serow, Jim Poindexter, and Amy Shaw. JUNE / JULY 2015
Dining Out
SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH and DINNER Serving 7 days a Week - Fast Service- Fresh Coffee Plenty of Parking
Mimi’s Drive In Rt. 481 North, Fulton • 593-7400
Mon-Thurs 6-9 • Fri & Sat 6-9 • Sun 6:30-9
“We Don’t Make the Only Sub in Pulaski. Just the BEST!”
“Mr. Sub” Serving Pulaski since 1972
Salads, Tacos, Pizza & Wings
OVER 36 VARIETIES OF HOT & COLD SUBS! 4840 N. Jefferson St., Pulaski OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
144 Academy St., Mexico, NY
We accept Visa, Mastercard & Debit
eishousellc@twcny.rr.com
• Events of all types ranging in size from 2 to 150 • Outdoor events in lovely garden setting • The Eis House Lodge offers accommodations for
Call-in orders are welcome…
298-6021
nightly, weekly and extended stays
• Fine dining and tavern • Drop-off catering
315-963-3830
Serving lunch & dinner
Featuring house aged, hand-cut beef, fresh seafood, pasta, signature salads, burgers & sandwiches
Celebrating 200 years of restaurant service on Salina Street in Pulaski, NY
598-4770 Canal Landing • Fulton
Steak, Seafood, Chicken, Veal, Pork and Pasta
Famous Italian Cuisine.
LUNCH AND DINNER SERVED: Monday - Saturday 11 am to 9 pm BAR SERVICE till 10 weekdays Friday & Saturday till 12 SUNDAY DINING 12:00 to 6:00 pm
Banquet Room Unforgettable fine private dining for your special occasion Lower level of Blue Moon Grill JUNE / JULY 2015
156 West Utica Street, Oswego, NY 13126 315-343-3540
Business Meetings•Seminars Parties & Receptions
315-509-4281 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
7241 Oswego Road, Liverpool NY 13090 315-701-4323
21
Ferlito
preparation for special events, Ferlito’s hallmarks are customer service, dedication and personal follow-through, according to utilities manager John Bricker, who nominated his facilities maintenance and operations colleague for the
award. “Customer service is his strong point,” Bricker wrote. “He makes sure everybody’s needs are met, by using a personal touch. He will dedicate whatever time is needed to make sure events go off without a problem. He makes himself available and talks to people to see if he can do anything more to help.” With primary responsibility for electrical distribution system maintenance on campus, Ferlito also has taken on many other tasks. One was improving the visibility of Pathfinder Hall’s police station with new exterior lights. Then-Chief Cynthia Adam of University Police publicly thanked Ferlito and his crew for helping the station become a “beacon of the night.” Ferlito also oversees the electrical system’s safety. “He insures that the electrical system on our campus is reliable and up to code,” Bricker said. The medal for the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service will be conferred on Ferlito at Oswego’s December commencement ceremony.
Susan Arbetter on Top 100 Power List Susan Arbetter, host of WCNY’s “The Capitol Pressroom” and WCNY’s news and public affairs director, has moved up on City and State’s Top 100 Albany Power list. She climbs from 46 to 40. “For people at the state Capitol, 11 a.m. is synonymous with “The Arbetter Capitol Pressroom” 22
radio show. Arbetter always guarantees a great lineup of Albany insiders who discuss the hottest legislative topics,” according to a news release. City & State is the only media company devoted solely to covering government and politics in New York. Formed from the merger of City Hall and the Capitol newspapers in 2012, City & State now provides detailed coverage of the politics, the policies and the people of influential individuals and organizations all over New York. “Susan is a dedicated, passionate, and insightful journalist, providing listeners with in-depth analysis of important issues that directly impact their lives,” said Robert J. Daino, WCNY president and CEO. “The show is always looking for ways to engage and educate listeners about what’s happening at the Capitol through radio, social media, e-communications, and its website.” “The Capitol Pressroom” is WCNY’s daily one-hour radio program broadcast from the Legislative Correspondents Association Pressroom on the third floor of the State Capitol in Albany. The show features interviews with important newsmakers. This year’s underwriting support for “The Capitol Pressroom” is made possible by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), Public Employees Federation, Capital New York, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), William G. Pomeroy Foundation, Albany Law School, and State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU).
SUNY Technology Professor Honored Thomas J. Kubicki, an assistant professor of technology at SUNY Oswego, received the Distinguished Technology and Engineering Professional Award from the International Technology and Engineering Education Association at a conference March 27 in Milwaukee. The award recognizes the recipient’s outstanding performance and accomplishments in the field of professional technology and engineering education. It is one of the highest honors given to technology and engineering educators for professional achieveOSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
ment. Consideration for the award is based upon documented evidence of leadership and management skills, continuing participation in the association’s education programs, and demonstrated leadership in assoKubicki ciation, community and professional activities. At Oswego, Kubicki has served as an adviser to the Oswego Technology Education Association, co-directed a summer energy institute for secondary school teachers, served on the academic steering committee on sustainability and been an adviser to students in sustainability studies. He has been active with various professional organizations. He has served on the International Technology and Engineering Education Association advisory board and made presentations at the association’s conferences around the country. He has served on the board of the Technology Education Collegiate Association, executive board of the New York State Technology Student Association and the executive committee of the New York State Technology Education Association. In the community, he has been active with Boy Scouts of America in Utica and Syracuse, served with Operation Northern Comfort as a board member and project coordinator, supervised construction of handicapped ramps for ARISE, and served on the parish council and hunger committee of his church.
OOC’s Website Receives Award Operation Oswego County (OOC), Oswego County’s designated economic development organization, was recently awarded “certificate of excellence” for its newly launched website by the New York State Economic Development Council’s (NYSEDC) at its 2015 marketing and promotional materials award competition. “The OOC website is the hub of our marketing efforts,” said L. Michael JUNE / JULY 2015
Home&Business
RANMAR
CastersInc.Sawmill
Tractor Supply Sales Parts Service
Parker’s Service, Inc.
5219 Route 11 North • Pulaski
315-298-5109
LS Tractors • Dixie Choppers • Hustler Mowers
Home of the Guaranteed Free Same Day Delivery! For all Orders Called in by 10:00 am
PO Box 67 • 4811 Salina St. Pulaski, NY 13142
298-4772
Scriba
ELECTRIC INC.
“Your #1 Building Supply Headquarters in Oswego County!”
ELECTRIC CONTRACTING RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL 82 Creamery Rd • Oswego
TJ
www.BURKES.DOITBEST.com
38 East 2nd St. Oswego 343-6147 65 North 2nd St. Fulton 592-2244 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 am-6:00 pm; Saturday 7:00 am-4:00 pm; Sunday 8:00 am-2:00 pm
JUNE / JULY 2015
315-342-7681 www.scribaelectric.com
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
HARDWOOD PRODUCE BOXES SKIDS & PALLETS SOFTWOOD LUMBER 6323 US Rte. 11 • Sandy Creek, NY
315-387-5104
Grow Your Business
in Fulton
The City of Fulton is an attractive place to locate and expand your business. Fulton’s abundance of water and energy, central location and highly productive workforce has attracted large and small businesses into the community.
Among other things, we offer: • Revolving Loan Packages • Micro-Enterprise Loan Program • Technical Assistance For more information, call 593-7166 or visit us online at fultoncda.com
23
Home&Business
Hardwood Transformations Inc. Technology for the Future
Custom finishers of hardwood flooring serving manufacturers and distributors internationally
193 E. Seneca St. Oswego • 315-207-0044 Dependable Propane Gas Service Since 1937
For... ✔HOME ✔FARM ✔INDUSTRY 913 Phillip St. Fulton • 315-592-5450
CENTRAL STATION MONITORING Industrial • Commercial • Residential
SECURITY SYSTEMS • FIRE ALARMS FULTON
315-593-3066
Treadwell, CEcD, OOC executive director. “All of our other marketing drives potential clients to our website, which provides them with a comprehensive overview of how we can help them establish or grow their business in Oswego County.” The website was created with the assistance of an economic development grant from National Grid. OOC also received the rank of “honorable mention” for its electronic newsletter, “OOC E-News.” The “OOC E-News” has become a valuable tool to report important information about current economic development activity to our constituents and to direct potential business customers to our website to learn about the resources and assets of our county. “The NYSEDC marketing and promotional materials award competition recognizes the best and most effective publications in the economic development field in New York state. We are proud that our marketing materials have met the test of our economic development colleagues,” said Treadwell. The recognitions are awarded each year to NYSEDC member organizations throughout New York state who produce printed materials and Internet media to promote economic development in their areas. OOC has won several awards in past years for the effectiveness and quality of its advertising and promotional materials from NYSEDC and other regional and national professional economic development organizations.
David J. McCann, VP
System Inspections Electrical Contracting
Eastern Shore Associates Insurance (ESA) has announced two professionals have joined its team. Kelly Steckel was hired as a commercial lines marketing manager and will be in ESA’s North Syracuse office. Steckel has more than 25 years in commercial lines experience where he has worked for four insurance carriers and two large Syracuse insurance agencies. He also holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC), Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU), and Associate In Insurance Services (AIS) certifications. Steckel resides in Brewerton with his wife, Heidi, and their two children.
• FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS ... including Automatic Delivery • Automatic, Online & Telephone payments. • Local DEDICATED EMPLOYEES • 24 HOUR Fully Staffed Emergency Service • World Class Safety
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GUARANTEED Price Programs Call Today! 1-800-835-7182 24
Professionals Join Eastern Shore
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2015
Steckel
Freda
His son, Jacob, is a senior at LeMoyne College. Dan Freda was hired as a producer in the agency’s Greece office, in the Rochester area. He will work with producer Eryl Christiansen to serve the agency’s large base of commercial customers in Rochester. Freda, a native of Albany, resides in Gates with his wife, Jessica, and daughter, Aubrey. Headquartered in Fulton, Eastern Shore Associates is a Trusted Choice agency and ESOP (employee stock owned) company.
Chamber Honors Four Local Businesses The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce recently honored four businesses for their role in the community. The Press Box received the small business of the year award while Zink Shirts was selected as new business of the year. Oswego County Federal Credit Union received the financial institution of the year award and the CNY Arts Center in Fulton received the nonprofit of the year award. The business received the awards in May during the small business celebration at the American Foundry in Oswego. The celebration was held in conjunction with the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Week. The SBA began celebrating and recognizing small businesses in 1963 and the event has grown to include festivities across the United States. This year’s theme was “Dream Big, Start Small.” Two chamber guest speaker’s shared their insights and experiences at the event, Theresa Himes, president and CFO of Bosco and Geers, and John Halloran, business adviser with the Small Business Development Center in Oswego. JUNE / JULY 2015
Home&Business For All Your Project Needs!
Building Materials Supplier Stop In or Call Today
5818 Scenic Avenue, Mexico
(315) 963-7293
Rte 104, 2nd Light on Route 3 North
Rick Rebeor registered safe technician
“Mobile Service to N. Onondaga, Oswego, N. Cayuga Counties Since 1994”
(315) 598-9709
www.Valley-Locksmith.net
Garage Doors
Finger Lakes Garage Door
315-923-7202 800-923-DOOR (3667)
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Steel or Wood Frame Albany: 518-355-6708 • Homer: 607-749-7779 Clyde: 315-923-7777 • Batavia: 585-343-1777
OswegoCountyBusiness.com OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
25
Businesses Honored During Small Business Week
T
Two businesses from Oswego County and 11 from Onondaga County have been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration
hirteen small businesses in Oswego and Onondaga counties were recognized during National Small Business Week in May at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 17th Annual Small Business Excellence
Awards luncheon in Syracuse. They have been selected for the awards based on their company’s longevity, innovation, sales growth, increased employment, ability to overcome adversity or community contributions.
Great Lakes Recycling, Murphy’s Automotive Solutions Recognized • Operation Oswego County, Inc. honored Great Lakes Recycling, Inc. in Oswego with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. In 2008, Daniel Dorsey, Jr., Kevin Dorsey and Christian Morgia started Great Lakes Recycling, Inc. when their family business, Eagle Beverage, wanted to outTimothy Murphy, Murphy’s Great Lakes Recycling recognized in event. From left are source the recycling part of Automotive Solutions, John the business. Patrick MacKrell, New York Small Business Development Great Lakes Recycling is Center; Dave Dano, Operation Oswego County, Inc.; Halleron, Small Business responsible for recycling all Christian Morgia, Great Lakes Recycling, Inc.; Daniel Dorsey, Development Center glass and aluminum contain- Jr., Great Lakes Recycling. Inc., and Bernard J. Paprocki, SBA. Oswego. ers distributed through Eagle Beverage. The aluminum cans are crushed, bundled and sent to Novelis Corporation to be reprocessed Excellence Award. Financing for the new business was Tim Murphy had retired from Nainto new beverage cans. Great Lakes a collaboration between Pathfinder Recycling continues to grow by taking tional Grid, but wanted to stay active. Bank and Operation Oswego County. His son Brian is a certified mechanic on new service areas. After just one year, the business has who was working at Burritt Motors. • New York Small Business DeTogether, they decided to affiliate with grown enough to hire an additional velopment Center Oswego honored mechanic. Future growth includes NAPA and build a new facility, startMurphy’s Automotive Solutions also in plans for two additional bays. ing Murphy’s Automotive Solutions. Oswego with a 2015 Small Business
26
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2015
Lil’MorStix: from left, DeBorah Little, Lil’MorStix, Joanne Lenweaver, WISE Women’s Business Center.
TruBliss: from left, Jodi DeAugustine, Pathfinder Bank, Cristy Casamento, TruBliss Wellness Sp.
CME: from left, Elizabeth Rotundo, CME Associates, Inc., Scott Hutt, JP Morgan Chase Bank.
SERVPRO: from left, Peggy Adams, GSBDC, Vincent Mangan, SERVPRO of North & East Onondaga and Oswego Counties.
11 Businesses in Onondaga County Recognized • WISE Women’s Business Center honored Lil’MorStix in Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. DeBorah Little has staying power. Throughout her life she has chosen “to be her own boss” in various business ventures. With typical determination, DeBorah recently achieved her degree from Syracuse University, launched an innovative new product and found time to conduct training for other women entrepreneurs at the WISE Women’s Business Center. Deborah’s new venture Lil’MorStix features a cosmetic design that allows users to save money and keep the environment clean. Lil’MorStix is a tube that allows cosmetic wearers to extract 30 percent of the cosmetics stuck at the bottom of a used cosmetic tube, such as lipstick, concealer or blush. • The 504 Company honored Allied Spring & Service in East Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. Allied Spring & Service is a woman-owned business that has been in existence since 1965 providing a wide range of services. The company operates out of two locations; East Syracuse, NY and Elmira, NY. Their locations have a frame and wheel JUNE / JULY 2015
XTO: from left, Keith Krieger, XTO, Inc., Don Krieger, XTO, Inc., Ric Sill, XTO, Inc., John Gibbs, Solvay Bank.
alignment center, a machine shop where heavy-duty power steering axles are bored and sleeved, as well as spring and suspension system repairs. In 2014, new owners Jodie Phaneuf and Jeannie Lay utilized the SBA 7a and 504 loan programs to acquire the company and purchase the company’s two locations. • Solvay Bank honored XTO, Inc. in Liverpool with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. In 1978 Bill Hallidy, Bryce Hughes, and Don Krieger founded XTO, Inc. in East Syracuse and moved to a larger building in Liverpool in 1983.The business continued to grow with significant expansions in 1987, 1993 and 1998. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Euphony: from left, David Bull, NY SBDC Onondaga, David “Fuz” Eller, Euphony, Inc.
The company currently employs 75 full-time employees and 10 to 12 temporary employees. XTO makes die-cut/waterjet-cut sponge rubber, solid rubber, silicone, flexible plastics, cork, felt, and fiberboard. Their major market segments are medical devices, railcar/bus/transportation, sport (hockey/lacrosse) helmets, military, wireless, filtration, HVAC, electronics, and lawn equipment. • Pathfinder Bank honored TruBliss Wellness Spa in North Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. TruBliss Wellness Spa provides the best of both medical and 27
Sun Environmental: from left, Mark Fort, M&T Bank, Matthew Notaro, Sun Environmental Corporation, James Hanmer, Sun Environmental Corporation.
Basic Baby: from left, John Spilka, NBT Bank, N.A., Colleen Fox, Basic Baby, Inc., Joshua Fox, Basic Baby, Inc.
Allied Spring: from left, Brian Bund, NYBDC, Jodie Phaneuf, Allied Spring & Service, Jeannie Lay, Allied Spring & Service.
Paul J. Cowley: from left, Brian Bund, NYBDC, Paul Cowley, Paul J. Cowley & Associates, Inc., Gail Cowley, Paul J. Cowley & Associates, Inc.
Empire State: from left, Matthew Nicholl, Berkshire Bank, Robert Argyle, Empire State Hail Company, David Nauseef, Empire State Hail Company.
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
holistic services combined. Some of the popular services include laser hair removal, laser skin rejuvenation, vein reduction, body waxing, anti-aging treatments, massages and wellness coaching. TruBliss and its staff stand above their competition with two dual-certified Paramedical Laser Estheticians with over 20 years of experience on staff. Other specialized staff offer unique and individual services for treatment of acne, epidermal lesions, and sun damage, along with tattoo removal, oncology massage, reiki, acupuncture and transformative health coaching. • NYBDC honored Paul J. Cowley & Associates, Inc. in Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. Paul J. Cowley & Associates, Inc. opened in 1975 with three underlying principles: creativity, integrity and service. Although the industry has changed several times, those standards have not. The agency’s services include strategic and integrated marketing and planning, brand strategy, advertising and public relations, digital marketing and lead generation. What makes Cowley unique is their holistic philosophy and approach to growing a client’s bottom line with the understanding that if the client is successful, Cowley will be successful. Cowley has served diverse clients over the years, including Stickley Furniture, Dermody Burke & Brown, and Hematology/Oncology of CNY to name a few. • NY Small Business Development Center honored Euphony, Inc. in Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. David “Fuz” Eller, a service-disabled veteran, was working for a large Syracuse-based defense contractor developing a next-generation text-to-speech synthesis technology for speech therapy and simulation environments. With government funding cuts, Fuz found his division cut along with his position. Instead of giving up on the idea, he formed a new company, Euphony, Inc., and negotiated to take over his team’s inventions and equipment from his former employer. Recently Euphony won a $150,000 grant in the Regional Economic Development Councils JUNE / JULY 2015
awards program and a $25,000 Grants for Growth prize from CenterState CEO for product commercialization. • NBT Bank, N.A. honored Basic Baby, Inc. in Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. Basic Baby, Inc. is a retail baby products business. Basic Baby was created in 2010 when the owners realized a demand for higher quality, hard to find, naturally oriented baby items within the Central New York and Syracuse markets. The company has steadily grown from a smaller location in Shoppingtown Plaza to their current space on Erie Blvd. Owners Josh and Colleen are actively involved in the community and also host the very successful CNY Baby Expo that attracts 3,500 attendees to mingle with roughly 75 baby vendors all in one location. • M&T Bank honored Sun Environmental Corporation in Liverpool with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. James Hanmer and Matthew Notaro founded Sun Environmental Corp. in 2010.Their combined experience exceeds 30 years in the environmental industry, working together for well over a decade. Sun Environmental Corp. provides its customers with environmentally sound, cost-effective, and innovative solutions for many different types of environmental needs and issues. Sun Environmental’s professionals have the knowledge to manage a turnkey operation of various hazardous, non-hazardous and universal waste projects. They provide 24-hour emergency response, waste transportation and disposal, industrial services and cleaning, soil and surface remediation and assistance with compliance. • JP Morgan Chase Bank honored CME Associates, Inc. in North Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. CME Associates, Inc. is a multi-disciplined engineering technology corporation that provides construction materials evaluation and technical support services to owners and professionals engaged in design, construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. CME’s licensed engineers and certified JUNE / JULY 2015
technicians specialize in geotechnical engineering, construction materials evaluation, geological sciences and investigative engineering. The CME technologists and laboratories provide physical testing of construction materials according to standard test methods and the NYS Building Code. CME owns and operates a diverse fleet of subsurface exploration-test boring drill rigs. CME also operates five independent accredited materials testing laboratories. • Greater Syracuse Business Development Corporation honored SERVPRO of North & East Onondaga and Oswego Counties in East Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. John Halko formed J.Halko, Inc. in 1993 when he purchased his first SERVPRO franchise. SERVPRO franchises offer water and fire damage restoration; mold and bio-hazard remediation; carpet and upholstery cleaning and deodorization. John has steadily grown the business with the acquisition of two additional SERVPRO franchises that allow him to serve northern and eastern Onondaga County, as well as all of Oswego County. In 2013 John purchased a 29,600 sq. ft. building in East Syracuse to renovate as the current headquarters. The building has allowed John’s SERVPRO franchises to offer expanded services and greater efficiency to their clients. • Berkshire Bank honored Empire State Hail Company in Syracuse with a 2015 Small Business Excellence Award. Empire State Hail Company is a leading automotive reconditioning service provider throughout New York State and the Northeast. Their services include hail catastrophe response and management solutions, vehicle service contracts, and vehicle reconditioning services. The Service Contract Division, Dent Defender LLC, continuously builds innovative service contract products that their dealer’s clients desire and request. In 2015, Empire is expanding their office building in Syracuse to provide additional space for a growing sales and management staff, along with more shop space to better accommodate the vehicle reconditioning division. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Under New Ownership in Mexico
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New owners also bought 17 acres of land in order to expand the park
ob and Marion Palmer left the corporate world behind to finally live out their career dreams as the new owners of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mexico. Both were born and raised in Port Jervis but relocated to Charlotte, N.C., after college where they have spent the past 30 years of their lives. For the past eight years, the Palmers have been looking for a campground to own and operate extending from North Carolina to New York, but when they came across Jellystone, they knew it was the right fit. The motivation to buy and run a campground came from the fulfillment of a lifetime dream they’ve had since they got married. “We started camping when we first got married and then when we had kids, we bought a pop up and it became a family event,” Marion said. “We have always been a camping, biking and backpacking family and love the outdoors and camping.” Since it’s something that they have had a lot of personal interest in, they decided to combine their professional skill sets and gifts to make their dream a reality. “This is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream and we love families and personally love kids so for us it’s just going to be sharing our love of camping, the outdoors and nature with people,” Marion said. “If you ask our adult kids what some of their fondest memories are, they immediately remember our camping trips and I just want that to be the same thing for families that come here.” Marion graduated from Orange County Community College with an accounting degree and Bob graduated from Brockport with a business degree. While in North Carolina, Bob worked as a human resource director for various companies and Marion worked for a software development company. Both were able to gain a significant amount of professional skills that they
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plan to utilize as the new owners of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. “One reason we really wanted to come back here is because to us, New York has always been home and a good majority of our family still lives in the Port Jervis area,” Bob said. The couple also wanted to make sure the campground they bought was seasonal, which made the New York area stick out even more while searching. The camping season at Jellystone runs from early May until late October and is booked full of recreational activities during each weekend. Characters come to life — Just one of the many family oriented traditions for all 75 of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks across the United States and Canada is the appearance of the Yogi Bear characters every weekend. The first weekend begins with an event called “Wake up the Bears Weekend,” where families have the chance to interact and recognize the beginning of
the camping season with the Yogi Bear characters. “Families and kids really love the larger-than-life Yogi bear characters and the connection campers are able to have with them,” Marion said. “One of the things about being a Yogi bear at Jellystone Park is the activities that are featured throughout the camping season like Weird Science Weekend, Christmas in July and Chocolate Extravaganza where the Yogi Bear characters are consistently featured.” Previous owners Ed and Barb Lighthall owned the business for over 45 years and did a remarkable job creating a family friendly campsite, the Palmers noted. “One thing that drew us in is the fact that Jellystone is a premier family camping experience,” Bob said. “If you’re looking for a campground that caters to families and offers activities for kids and adults, then this is the type of place you’re going to look for.”
Marion and husband Bob Palmer just took over as the new owners of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mexico. They said they left the corporate world behind to finally live out their career dreams. “This is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream,” said Marion. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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“Jellystone gives kids the opportunity to learn, explore and make memories and camping is the type of business that families can make memories while they do it,” Marion said. Its location along the Little Salmon River also played a key role in the Palmers’ decision to buy Jellystone. Since it’s a salmon breeding ground where the salmon actually swim up river to lay their eggs, the camp hosts a large contingency of salmon fishermen and women during the camping season. The park is also equipped with a swimming pool, game room and miniature golf course. As new business owners, the Palmers will be working hard to maintain their current clientele as well as recruit future campers. “One of the things we are making our No. 1 priority is training on how important customer service is,” Marion said. “We know returning customers have certain expectations and our goal is going to be to exceed those expectations and continue to give them a fun time whether its a weekend, one night, or a whole week.” The Palmers also plan on creating a strong social media and marketing plan to increase awareness about the campground through Facebook, TripAdvisor and Yelp. “We want to promote our business, improve our market and attract clientele from other areas,” Bob said. As far as future development and expansion, the Palmers are more focused on learning and understanding the camping business before making any major changes. “This park has been in operation with the same owners for over 45 years and they have done an awesome job at growing and developing it into the park that it is,” Bob said. However, the Palmers did purchase 17 acres of land for the Jellystone Park and have a lot of ideas and visions for expansion in the future. These include additional cabins, renovations, and new amenities and services that will appeal to different age groups and outdoor enthusiasts as well as families. “Our overall goal is to provide an outstanding camping experience for our customers and that has to do with the facilities, activities, and personal relationship and touch that you can give your customers,” Bob said. “It’s the personal interaction and relationships that make the difference, particularly in the industry that we’re in.”
By Hannah McNamara JUNE / JULY 2015
Black Creek Cafe & Treasures’s facade on Main Street in Mexico. The business opened its doors in December.
A Dream Comes True: New Coffee Shop in Mexico
For Cutillo family, opening a coffee shop was always a dream
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exico’s Black Creek Café & Treasurer owners, Melanie, Kate and Joshua Cutillo, used to fantasize about owning a coffee shop. Melanie Cutillo said for years no matter how the conversation started, eventually it would turn to “what if we owned a coffee shop.” “When we visited coffee shops on and off throughout the years, we would imagine what we would and wouldn’t do and even how we would decorate it,” she said. Comparing the coffee shop of today from the shop of their visionary dreams, Cutillo laughed and admitted it does not look anything like they pictured it, but they just love it. “We opened with a fun and pretty layout based on recycled furniture and the works of local artists and crafters
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
to meet our goal of being an environmentally sustainable shop,” she said. “Along the way our community friends have helped it develop even more character by bringing in things like cool chairs and art to display. They have even started a book club through the shop.” Black Creek Café & Treasures opened its doors at 3276 Main St., Mexico, on a cold and rainy day in December 2014, just in time to be part of the town’s annual event, Christmas in Mexico. Cutillo remembered when they served their first three steamed organic and free-trade hot cocoas using an espresso machine imported from Italy. “When those three customers walked outside and opened the lid of their hot cocoa, people began stopping them to find out where they got their hot cocoa,” she recalled. “After that, we made hot cocoa all day. It was 31
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packed in here and we sold out of everything. It was so much fun to meet everyone!” Black Creek Café (BCC) serves only organic and free-trade cocoa and its coffee is roasted fresh from Taste the World in Oswego. “Having your coffee locally roasted and freshly ground just before you drink it makes a real difference,” she said. The café also serves organic teas, Italian sodas, smoothies as well as other light menu options such as the Black Creek Breakfast and Tea 4 Two. It also carries pastries from local bakeries such as Canal Commons Bakery in Oswego and The Bake Shop Eatery in Mexico in addition to the café’s own line of from-scratch baked goods including its popular Mexicali Chocolate Cake, lemon-ginger scones and Morning Glory Muffins. Melanie Cutillo said their food menu is limited but features fresh, local produce and changes from week to week. “We are shareholders in a through Freedom Rains Farm in Pulaski,” she said. “This means we build our menu each week based on the produce available.” Cutillo explained shareholders of a CSA (community supported agriculture) pay for produce in advance of the growing season and in return receive weekly shares of the Melanie Cutillo farm’s bounty. “This summer, BCC will also be a pickup spot for Freedom Rains Farm,” Cutillo added. “Overall, we emphasize sustainability and use as much organic and local food possible to create an eclectic vegetarian menu.” The café also offers a variety of fun events for the community, including private catered tea parties and fundraisers as well as open mic nights on the second and fourth Thursdays, which she said are becoming very popular. “We are looking for musicians for Saturdays night, too,” she said. Cutillo said the café was named after the creek that runs through the heart of Mexico and the decision to name it this was reinforced by a dream OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
she had. “I was reading an article about the Black Creek walking trail and suddenly remembered a dream I had a long time ago about owning a coffee shop named Black Creek Café.” She said the treasure was added not just because of all of the beautiful local craftsmanship the café holds, but also because of the people. “Someone asked us when we first opened, ‘So, what’s the treasure?’ and we said, “You!’” Cutillo said. “Our vision for the café is really for the community. We see it more like a community center with a coffee shop.” And it is the community that BCC celebrates and exhibits through the unique items for sale by local artisans and crafters, creatively displayed upon the walls and upon the antique furniture refurbished by Cutillo. “And we are always accepting new vendors,” Cutillo added. For more information about the café and upcoming events, visit Black Creek Café and Treasures’ Facebook page or contact them at 298-4692. Background — Cutillo graduated in 2009 with a degree in global history from SUNY Oswego and a master’s degree from Syracuse University in child and family health in 2014. She was working toward a PhD in rural development of South Asia when an accident forced her to take a medical leave from her education and compelling her to re-evaluate the decision to continue. “I felt the path had changed and it was okay,” Cutillo said. “I was supposed to go to India and work with rural women.” Preparations were made in the summer of 2014 for her travel to Zambia with UNICEF when another accident changed her path. “My mother-in-law fell and was in critical condition for a long time, so I didn’t go.” In July 2014 Cutillo said she found herself standing in her driveway, wondering why she would ever want to leave Oswego County. She decided to turn her attention to where she was, asking herself, “What can I do with what I have that will do the most good?” Cutillo’s answer came to her almost immediately. She would open a coffee shop and had immediate support from her family.
By Debra Lupien Denny JUNE / JULY 2015
Bounce is Big Business Number of businesses involving inflatable jumping equipment has grown in the area
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f you’re a parent or grandparent of young children, you probably have visited a bounce house facility in the area or watched your youngsters playing in one at an event. The number of businesses involving inflatable jumping equipment has grown in the area, and it’s easy to see why. Children absolutely love bouncing in them, and their parents and grandparents love value the exercise bounce houses offer. Patrick Longo started renting bounce houses as PJ’s Bounce House in Fulton in 2011. He started by purchasing one bounce house and liability insurance and renting the bounce house for children’s birthday parties, graduation parties, fireman’s carnivals, reunions, fundraisers and benefits. Longo drives within a 30-minute radius of Fulton to set up the bounce house on weekends. He works a fulltime job weekdays. “If you have a big party, it’s great for kids,” Longo said. “You can put your kids in them and know they’re safe.” Though bounce house injuries can happen if the house tips, Longo said he carefully stakes them and will not set them up in the event of bad weather. His sunny personality helps his business grow. “You have to be pretty friendly,” he said. “You see people of all ages.” CNY Bounce in Oswego also rents bounce facilities for events. Kathleen Feocco, a partner at Feocco’s Family Inflatables, LLC in Auburn, said that cleanliness encourages repeat business. “We have a Lysol product that doesn’t hurt the vinyl of the bounce houses,” Feocco said. Feocco, her son and business partner, Anthony Feocco, or his wife, Hillary Feocco, wipe down the bounce houses weekly and the tables and games daily or more often as needed. Started in Sept. 2013, the business started when the Feoccos purchased eight bounce houses initially and opened in Finger Lakes Mall in Auburn. Moving
to a new location across from the mall on Cranebrook Drive, a stone’s throw from Routes 5 & 20, has proved to be “a bit of a struggle, getting people to know where we are now.” Giving parents something to do while kids play also helps generate business for bounce houses. The Feoccos offer free WiFi, which helps pass the time as the children play.
The Feoccos charge $5 for a fullday pass. Other bounce houses charge around $2 to $7 per hour or two-hour period. Parents must stay with their children. Operating bounce houses is pretty economical. Feocco said that the 1.5 horsepower fans used to continuously fill them with air are very energy efficient. The equipment itself is made of very thick vinyl and lasts for many years. Many bounce houses offer party packages or rent equipment for events as other revenue streams. Bounce house rentals and bounce house facilities require different insurance policies. Offering other amenities for children has helped boost business for
BUSINESS UPDATE
JUNE / JULY 2015
The number of businesses involving inflatable jumping equipment has grown in the area. Shown is the equipment available at CJ’s House of Bounce in Camillus. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Live 2 Bounce, LLC in Cicero. The fouryear-old business offers “bubble time” thanks to its bubble machines, along with inflatables. Manager Angelica Tomasino said that ads in local papers have helped, but word-of-mouth advertising helps draw most of their young clientele. After attending a birthday party of another child, most children want to return, especially if they receive a free pass as a party favor. Some bounce businesses, like Feocco’s, offer a separate party area so birthday parties don’t necessarily close for drop-in visitors, although it’s possible to rent the entire facility. Most notify post changes in their hours on Facebook. Like most other bounce facilities, Live 2 Bounce allows parents to bring in snacks and sells snacks, but contracts with outside companies as an option for catering parties. Keeping the facility fresh helps encourage return visits. “We have so many inflatables,” Tamasino said. “We change them every three to four months.” They include a boxing ring, obstacle courses, slides, Jacob’s ladder, and Velcro wall. Designating a toddler area helps bounce facilities keep little ones safer. Alisha Martin, manager of CJ’s House of Bounce in Camillus, said that the way she helps grow the six-year-old business is listening to customers and understanding what they want. “You have to be appealing to your clientele and customer-service oriented,” Martin said. “Be ready for positive and negative feedback. Provide what they want to see. When people come in and love it, they’ll come back. If they come and the place is a mess and kids are running around crazy, they won’t be back.” Part of the job duties of managing a bounce facility includes helping parents keep an eye on their children. CJ’s keeps a couple of employees on the floor just to make sure everyone is safe. “Most of the time, the kids are good and parents watch out for them,” Martin said. She also likes to keep on hand extras like birthday candles and a cake server since parents often forget these. And, like most bounce businesses, socks, since they’re required for bouncing children. “A lot of it is you want to build a good customer base,” Martin said. “If you don’t like kids, there’s no reason to open a bounce house.”
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant 34
Lisa Emmons, owner of Mother Earth Baby with her husband Nathan, at her store in Oswego. She has expanded the business to include a new line of baby products and laundry services. “We are also looking at adding some shampoo and body wash to the mix along with some other products for the whole family.”
Mother Earth Baby Continues Growth Spurt
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Company adds laundry service, own private line of baby products
irthed in 2009 as a division of Mother Earth Health Foods in North Syracuse, Mother Earth Baby (MEB) has experienced substantial growth spurts over the past five years, including the opening of a store in Oswego and Watertown, an expansion of its diaper service as well a complete laundry service business. Along with all of this, in April, MEB launched its own private line of MEB products in collaboration with Ontario Soap Company, called MEB Naturals. “We now carry our own line of essentials for families including diaper creams, bottom wash and stain sticks,” said co-owner Lisa Emmons. “With just a $200 investment in the logo and label
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design and about $800 in our initial batch of product, we expect to make about 120 percent on this initial launch.” What is even better, said Emmons, is that they are not only investing in their product line, but also in another local business and the other local businesses it does business with. “What is really great is since it is local, we don’t have to pay shipping costs so we can price our products for less than like-products we are currently stocking,” she said. “We are also able to tailor our formulas according to what our customers are looking for.” MEB Naturals current line consists of a Bum Balm, Mega Bum Balm (bottom balm with zinc for bad rashes and skin problems), Polkadot Stick (for stains), Wash and Wipes Bits in two scents for an alternative to irritating disposable JUNE / JULY 2015
wipes, and a Boo Boo Stick for common cuts and scrapes. “We are also looking at adding some shampoo and body wash to the mix along with some other products for the whole family.” Emmons said, she and her husband and co-owner Nathan have plans at some point to start offering these products wholesale to other boutiques after fine-tuning the formulas and growing the product line. Continue growth — After opening its first independent MEB store in December 2011 on Water Street in Oswego, the business quickly outgrew it within a year. In March 2013, MEB moved to its current location at 70 W. Bridge St. Today, this location not only serves as their store and laundry facility, but also as their home. “It is so nice; we are centrally located and I love being able to walk downtown,” Lisa said. The Emmons said their laundry service, Breezy Kleen Laundry Service, is picking up steam as well, offering complete laundry service to residential, college and commercial customers, along with free pick up and drop off in Oswego, Fulton, Mexico, Hannibal and the surrounding areas. All of this growth and expansion has resulted in both Lisa and Nathan leaving their full-time jobs. While Lisa now focuses solely on the business, Nathan has been afforded the opportunity to do something he has always wanted to do — open his own deejay business, Just Push Play Productions. When he is not deejaying, he is working with the business, helping take care of their four children, or driving the massive five-county diaper delivery route between Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, Jefferson and Madison counties. In 2014, the Emmons also opened up a Mother Earth Baby in Watertown and while the store has done a great business, Emmons said the stress of not being able to be on site has been difficult. Since opening they have endured vandalism, two collisions with deer while traveling to Watertown and more recently, a flood caused by an upstairs tenant. All this, along with the store’s manager needing emergency surgery after a fall, has the Emmons stepping back, deciding in March to temporarily close while they reevaluate the logistics of continuing to operate three stores. The response on their Watertown Facebook page to the news was one of mixed emotions as the community offered their support for the decision while indicating how much they JUNE / JULY 2015
will miss the store. “We will, however, continue to serve our diaper service clients in the Watertown area and we will continue full store operations in both our Oswego location and North Syracuse location,” Emmons said. “This, in fact, will give us the opportunity to grow and expand our Syracuse and Oswego operations as we move forward.” Even with all they have done, Emmons believes there is still a misconception in the community about what MEB really is. She said MEB is a natural baby product store including, of course, a wide variety of cloth diaper options. Emmons pointed out how much the cloth diaper industry has changed and grown since opening their first store. “And we’ve grown with it,” she said. “I like to think we are the experts in cloth diapers.” Emmons said while their website explains all of the different variations, she is also available to walk parents through the process of choosing what is right for them, their baby and their lifestyle. “There is so much information out there on cloth diapers, it’s really overwhelming and confusing for a new mom today,” she said. “I am able to break it down, choice by choice, which is really helpful for them. I have also put together two cloth diaper packages and people are loving it.” MEB is not just a brick-and-mortar operation and Emmons said one of the biggest focuses this year will be the business’ website. “Our Web sales have really been going through roof with many orders coming from the West Coast,” she said. “The website is the window into our store, so we are taking that next step to contract with a provider to host it and maintain it for us.” MEB’s Facebook page currently has more than 5,000 followers and Emmons makes sure it has at least five to six posts a day. MEB is also a host site of the national Share the Love program, which provides loaner diapers for low-income families. “We have started a ‘diaper bank,’” she said, accepting donations not just for diapers and diaper covers, but also cotton shirts, flannel sheets or fabric that can be used for parts of diapers, such as liners, or be turned into burping cloths or cloth wipes.
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Roll the Presses! Capitalizing on the demise of Scotsman Media Group, Upstate Printing Co. in Syracuse builds momentum
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hen one door closes, another opens. That was the case when Scotsman Media Group closed its printing operations last year in Syracuse. More than 100 customers — including magazines and newspapers such as The Oswegonian, SUNY Oswego’s weekly paper, and the Catholic Sun — were told to find another printer. Exit Scotsman; enter Upstate Printing Co. Patti Vinciguerra is the president of sales and marketing and has been with Upstate Printing for 10 years. According to Vinciguerra, the exodus of Scotsman Media Group has had a tremendous impact on Upstate Printing, which has been doing business for nearly 20 years.
BUSINESS UPDATE
“We had heard Scotsman was struggling right before they closed the Pennysaver part of the business,” she said. Prior to the shutdown, Upstate Printing contacted a familiar face in Cindy Pascarella, senior account executive with SMG. “We reached out to Cindy who we knew well to see if she felt secure,” Vinciguerra said. “At that time she did; but when word came down that commercial printing was also closing, she immediately contacted us and Upstate President Paul Vinciguerra very quickly put the wheels in motion,” she added. Upstate Printing wasted no time in hiring Pascarella and making her its vice president of sales and marketing. It also scooped up sales manager Linda Brown as well as mailing specialist Dave Spearing. Brown had nearly 30 years experience at Scotsman and worked directly with many publish-
ers who printed their publications at Scotsman. Upstate Printing then bought a press from Scotsman, plus added head pressman Todd Knapp and bindery expert Seth Burgh to the already seasoned Upstate team. The business did not stop there. With this growth, Upstate was able to hire finishing aficionado Rick Pope after the relocation of the print shop he was employed by. Upstate Printing would also add pre-press expert Aaron Perrine to round out the team. “All of these folks are highly skilled and cross trained, which gives us the experience and quality we need for increased volume,” Vinciguerra said. Incorporating former Scotsman workers is helping the business from both an experience and quality standpoint. Vinciguerra said most of the original and additional team members have more than 25 years experience. Four of the new members served as managers. “The level of industry knowledge helped for a smooth although hectic transition,” she said. Upstate already had two shifts in place to better serve customers, “so we had a solid foundation to grow on,” Vinciguerra noted. Significant volume boost — To say work volume at Upstate Printing Co. has
After about 10 years operating out of the Solar Street near Destiny USA location, Upstate Printing is moving to 433 W. Onondaga St., in a building that was once occupied by another printer, LetterGraphics. The new location — at 24,000 square feet — is double the current plant. The company, which will own the building, is moving at the end of July or early August. 36
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Patti Vinciguerra is the president of sales and marketing at Upstate Printing in Syracuse. “We had heard Scotsman was struggling right before they closed the Pennysaver part of the business,” she said. Her company hired several of the key people at Scotsman last year. increased as a result of SMG’s demise is an understatement. “We’re still evaluating the numbers, but I’d say there has at least been a 35 to 45 percent increase,” she said. “And the most beautiful thing was we hardly had any overlap in customers, so they are almost all new customers for Upstate.” Vinciguerra said there were several factors to absorbing additional workload and handling it in an efficient and quality manner. “It was a lot of hard work, many hours plus the advantage of our seasoned work team,” she said. The business employs 18 full-time workers, and at least an equal amount of trained seasonal workers. “That gives us the flexibility we need for peak production periods,” she said. A commitment to continuous improvement and employees’ willingness to be flexible in a changing environment also proved pivotal, she noted. Also key was “the trust that we could keep it going,” she said. Vinciguerra added the business has an online order entry system developed by Paul Vinciguerra that keeps everything organized and information available, which considerably aided the process. Upstate Printing also has additional graphic artists that are available as needed and a group of vendor partners that increases its production capabilities as required. Ready for next move — To acJUNE / JULY 2015
Cindy Pascarella and Linda Brown, who ran commercial printing sales at the former Scotsman Media Group, have moved to Upstate Printing bringing with them a large volume of clients. commodate its growth, the business is planning to relocate to the near west side in the city of Syracuse. Presently, it is located on Franklin View Terrace on Solar Street by Destiny USA. “Repurposing a mostly vacant building on the near west side in Syracuse will give us the ability to improve our efficiencies and room to further grow the business,” Vinciguerra said. The need for additional space is the primary reason for the move, she noted. “We will double our manufacturing space, bring vitality to our new neighborhood and look forward to long-term stability,” she said. “Plus, we will have plenty of green space on our new property which will nurture employee morale.” Among the popular publications the business produces are many educational newsletters and calendars. Included in that are newsletters and appeals for nonprofit causes. Upstate Printing also prints Oswego County Business magazine and its sister publication, 55 PLUS. Commercial printing at the business OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
involves a combination of offset and digital printing. “This gives us the added flexibility of producing at competitive pricing for the size of the job,” Vinciguerra said. The business also features full-service bindery. Upstate Printing also specializes in mailing services, including traditional and variable data mailing, direct mail marketing and database services. Vinciguerra said Upstate Printing’s ability to be full service and the solid relationships it has formed with vendor partners gives it a competitive edge over other printers in the region. “The family values’ mentality we have permeates every part of Upstate Printing, from our employees, customers, neighbors and vendors,” she said. Vinciguerra attributes the business’s longevity to its ability to establish strong relationships with customers and find value for those customers by producing products of high quality while meeting their budgets and timelines.
By Lou Sorendo 37
SPECIAL REPORT By Hannah McNamara
Designing Woman Amy Birdsall takes on Port City’s planning and zoning duties
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my Birdsall had a passion for architecture even as a child. Birdsall, 39, is the new planning and zoning director for the city of Oswego. “As a child, I was really fascinated with the connection between psychology and the aesthetics of a place and its impact on mood and feelings,” Birdsall said. “I think beauty is really compelling and can create positive feelings like excitement, joy and peacefulness. My career is an extension of the desire to create these positive feelings in a built environment.” Growing up in Herkimer, one of her most memorable childhood pastimes was looking at for sale houses and housing developments with her family. Her mother’s passion for style and design soon became her own and as she grew up, she became fascinated with the correlation between how beautiful a home was and how lovely life might be living in a space that is beautiful. Thanks largely to her mother’s passion and influence, Birdsall went on to achieve a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in architecture at SUNY Buffalo. Within a year after graduating, Birdsall moved to Colorado where she worked for 15 years in the resort communities of Vail and Aspen. “I loved being a resident of Colorado because it’s a place that values a balance of life and recreation as well as work,” Birdsall said. “There’s a lot to do as far as skiing and hiking and a lot of outdoor experiences that allow you to be connected to nature.” While living in Colorado, she was working for several different architectural firms in the mountain resort markets designing buildings and large homes and seeing those projects
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through construction. In 2005, Birdsall opened her own architectural firm, Inspiratec Studios, Inc., a boutique design firm that focused on modern mountain luxury architecture and interior design. “Both Aspen and Vail had a vision for delivering world-class experiences that included intercultural and intellectual endeavors and they both had high standards for design, architecture and development,” Birdsall said. After being a resident in Colorado for 15 years, Birdsall moved back to her hometown of Oswego in order to be closer to her family. Upon her return to Oswego in 2013, Mayor Thomas Gillen appointed Birdsall to the city of Oswego Planning Board and Tree Advisory Board. Birdsall has also been active with the Oswego Renaissance Association. The ORA’s mission is to promote the development, restoration and preservation of healthy, vibrant neighborhoods and communi-
ties in Oswego. “I think the program is brilliant, elegant and I think it’s one of the programs the community has to offer right now that has the greatest opportunity to transform not only our neighborhoods, but also our view of ourselves as a community,” Birdsall said. Birdsall is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects, the Urban Land Institute, The American Planning Association and the New York Planning Federation. Work in progress — Birdsall’s job is to plan and implement development projects to move the community toward being more modern and aesthetically pleasing. “Due to my prior experience in Colorado, my ability to see and design a space down to the details is really defined,” Birdsall said. “I’m aware that the design and successful execution of details is really critical to the overall look and feel of a space.” Although
Amy Birdsall is the new zoning and planning director in Oswego.
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this job position is different from her prior position in Colorado, Birdsall has gained a particular perspective on architecture that allows her to be thoughtful about aesthetics and also understand project management and construction. The Port City resident said there are a lot more influences that come into play in being a community planner than being an architect. There isn’t just one particular client but an entire community of clients to please. She has to be creative and think about where her funding sources are coming from for any particular project, so it’s much more dynamic than the work she was doing in Colorado. Recently, Birdsall was given the opportunity to be the project manager of the renovation of Washington Square Park through a $40,000 grant that was given to the ORA. “It was wonderful to see the before and after and how it impacted the neighborhood,” said Birdsall. “I’m enjoying this position so much because I have a feeling of purposefulness in this position and I have the opportunity to impact people and make a difference in their quality of life.” Birdsall has many plans for community development and downtown revitalization. “I truly believe that a planning document is intended to be utilized as a way in which to construct and not sit on a shelf and collect dust,” Birdsall said “The community will only reap the benefits of thoughtful planning if there are concrete results.” One of the main projects she has planned is improving Oswego’s main corridors and gateways. In order to do this, she is in the process of developing plans for a 3.5-mile stretch of state Route 104 (Bridge Street) in order to make it a corridor that is more aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable. “We need to do a better job of making sure that everyone’s first impression is a good one, so maybe they’ll take a second and think about stopping,” Birdsall said. She also wants to focus on waterfront revitalization and improving access to the waterfront for the community. Birdsall said she is driven to reap the benefits of the beauty of the water because it is the “jewel of this community.” “I’m passionate about this community and I feel very purposeful about the work that I’m doing,” she said. “I think that fuels my desire to see this community transform.” JUNE / JULY 2015
The Accounting Standard n Bookkeeping n Invoicing n Sales Tax n Payroll n Accounts Payable n Tax Preparation 157 East First Street, Suite 4, Oswego NY 13126 (315) 343-0409 www.ComputerAccountingSvc.com A Division of
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Bruce Frassinelli bfrassinelli@ptd.net
Not Your Typical Newspaper Obituary When it comes to obituaries, just about anything goes, as shown in an obit published recently by newspapers in Pennsylvania
BRUCE FRASSINELLI is the former publisher of The Palladium-Times and an adjunct online instructor at SUNY Oswego. You can contact him at bfrassinelli@ ptd.net. 40
T
She is survived by her children, Charles he day I walked into the newsroom for J. and his wife, Lisa, James and his wife, Joyce, orientation for my first newspaper job in Michael and his wife, Carol, Bridget, Joseph and 1966, the craggy, cigar-chomping editor his wife, Sheryl; a shitload of grandchildren; gave me a lot of tips. “Now, I am going to say and one big great-grandson. this one twice, because it is so important,” he told me, looking me straight in the eye. When I first saw the obituary, I thought “Don’t ever screw up an obit, or there will for sure someone at the newspaper had failed be hell to pay.” to edit the information sent As part of their trainMy Turn from the funeral home, but ing, all rookie reporters that wasn’t the case at all. had to spend a few days A few days later, The on the obituary desk, beTimes Leader ran a story cause it taught us accuracy after the obituary had gone — there was no margin for viral and was the butt of all error. Back then, a funeral sorts of social media jokes. director would dictate the Times Leader Executive obituary over the phone, Editor George Spohr said he spelling just about every and Publisher Walt Lafferty other word and every agreed to run the obituary name. I, in turn, would as submitted, in a gesture of spell back the names and respect to the grieving famiany unusual words to ly’s wishes. “They asked us make sure I had everyto retain that word in Stella’s thing perfect. obituary, because it’s what Fast forward just Dorothy A. “Stella” Scrobola proud of her “shitload of grandkids.” she would have wanted,” about 50 years. Spohr said. A lot has changed. The same obituary also was submitted to a Back then, the newspaper printed obituaries at no charge to the funeral home, so most cross-town rival newspaper, The Citizens Voice, papers had a set format, and all obituaries but the scatological word was changed, much were largely plugged into the same template. to the annoyance of the family. Here is how this Today, funeral directors pay for the publi- newspaper edited the phrase: “…numerous cation of obituaries (and, of course, pass along grandchildren and one big great-grandson.” Despite the national attention Mrs. Scrobothose charges to their clients). The set format of old is pretty much out the window. In 1966, the la’s obituary received, Spohr said the newspaper obit would have read, “Mary Smith died…”; received few complaints. Her son, Charles, who wrote the obituary, today, it might read, “Mary Smith has been said his feisty mother came from fun-loving taken to Heaven on the wings of angels…” Just about anything goes in an obituary, Irish stock, and while some might have found which is why people are survived by their dog, the word coarse or disrespectful, his mother their goldfish, their car, their best friends, etc. would have been all for it. “She would have Given the laxness of obituary uniformity laughed,” he said. One local newspaper publisher, Jon Spauldtoday, I suppose it was only a matter of time that obit content would go viral, and that is ing of The Palladium-Times in Oswego, would not have run the word. “I’m not running proexactly what happened in early May. An obituary printed in The Times Leader fanity in the paper,” Spaulding said. “I have to newspaper in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., highlighted believe there’s a better way to capture someone’s the life of Dorothy A. “Stella” Scrobola, who spirit than by using profanity.” John B. Johnson, chief executive officer and died at the age of 84. The obituary followed traditional pat- co-publisher of The Watertown Daily Times, said each case is decided on its own merits. terns until it listed her survivors: OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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“We’d handle it in consultation with the family,” Johnson said. “Generally, we respect the wishes of submitted obituaries, especially if it were within the character of the deceased. However, there are limits to the language used in advertising and obituaries, and that is why the consultation and evaluation of each potential incident is important.” We sought reaction from three executives at The Post-Standard in Syracuse, but none responded to our requests for comments. Reader reaction in Wilkes-Barre was mixed. “It was rather crass of the editors to allow that term; shame on them and the family,” said one reader. Another disagreed: “I commend the paper for accepting the family’s words and keeping them. This obit should not have been altered at all, and I am glad that it was not.” There was no end to the comments from the news media. Fox News playfully asked whether “shitload” is “more than a fistful and less than an armload.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word as “a very large amount (usually vulgar).” Just for the record, Mrs. Scrobola had 11 grandchildren.
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New Small Businesses Every year hundreds of people file a DBA to start a new small business in Oswego County. They all receive a one-year complimentary subscription to Oswego County Business. Reaching small business owners. Another good reason to advertise in Oswego County Business. JUNE / JULY 2015
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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MANUFACTURING SPECIAL REPORT By Lou Sorendo
Wages in Manufacturing Going Down? Not in CNY Manufacturing wages in the U.S. have gone down — one in four now earns $11.91 or less —but CNY is bucking the trend
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hile reports nationally indicate a wage crisis in the manufacturing sector, workers in the Syracuse metro area have been consistently experiencing stability in their paychecks. The National Employment Law Project recently did a study that revealed one in four manufacturing workers are being paid less than $11.91 per hour as wage cuts and temporary jobs redefine the industry. According to the study, wages have eroded significantly for manufacturing workers across the country. Today, more than 600,000 manufacturing workers are paid just $9.60 per hour or less, and 1.5 million manufacturing workers — one out of every four — make $11.91 per hour or less. “Overall, manufacturing wages have held up pretty well locally in terms of the average for the Syracuse Metropolitan Statistical Area,” said Karen Knapik-Scalzo, associate economist with the New York State Department of Labor Division of Research and Statistics. The Syracuse MSA includes Onondaga, Oswego and Madison counties. The most recent wage data for the manufacturing sector is from the third quarter of 2014. The average annual wage for a worker in the manufacturing sector was $58,392 in the third quarter of 2014. That is an average of $28.07 per hour based on a 40-hour week. “That is well above the average wage if we combined all industries in the Syracuse metro area,” she said. When combining all industries in both the public and private sectors, the average wage for the third quarter of 2014 in the Syracuse MSA was $43,340. “In terms of major industries, it pays very well,” she noted. “We’ve been pretty fortunate that manufacturing is still a very good paying industry in our area,” she noted. Utilities workers at the three nuclear power facilities in Oswego County are treated separately from manufacturing. “Utilities is very high paying in Oswego County and the Syracuse metro area,” she said.
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MANUFACTURING SPECIAL REPORT
The average annual salary for a utilities sector worker in the Syracuse MSA based on data for the third quarter of 2014 is $101,604 a year. Historically, wages in the manufacturing sector in the Syracuse MSA have been steady. Since 2000, the region has seen increases in average wages for manufacturing on an annual basis with the exception of the prerecession era of 2007-2008 and 2013. Knapik-Scalzo noted, however, that those decreases were negligible. She said it was a “pleasant surprise” to see wages in the manufacturing sector hold up even during the throes of a recession. While a number of manufacturing jobs were lost during that time frame, the average wage in the sector help up relative to other industry sectors and well above the average wage. Knapik-Scalzo said like other sectors, “You are going to have different wage scales depending on the industry. For instance, chemical or computer parts manufacturers may pay more than textile mills. Even within the manufacturing sector, you are going to see certain industries that pay more than others.” The labor department does not make it a practice to make projections, but Knapik-Scalzo said being that wages in manufacturing have held up, it’s at least a good sign for the future. She said there are several industries that pay above manufacturing wages, such as utilities, the financial sector, professional business services and the federal government. “In terms of being right up there with major industry sectors, manufacturing is still one of the top ones,” she added. Positive forecast — Randy Wolken, president of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, said the Syracuse metro area has several positives going for it, which will continue to stabilize wages in the manufacturing sector. “In my experience, that’s less of a problem here, partly because of the industries we have, which are more technologically advanced,” Wolken said. He noted that outmigration has also perhaps resulted in a trend where starting wages locally are considerably less or entry level. JUNE / JULY 2015
In terms of the National Employment Law Project study, Wolken said it indicates that three-quarters of manufacturing workers are earning higher wages, “sometimes considerably higher.” “If you look at our wage data on average, it is one of the best-paying sectors in our entire community,” he noted. He said oftentimes lower-paying positions are created after long-time workers move into the “middle skills” realm. He said a more genuine crisis is a “middle skills crisis” where there are not enough people who have the technical skills that transcend a high school education. They require two to four years of either additional certification or training. “That is one of the reasons why we are going to see wages in general go up in manufacturing as people need to fill those skill gaps,” he said. “They are going to be moving people who were originally in lower-paying jobs into higher-paying jobs in order to cover that deficit, which in part is happening because of the baby boomers retiring.” Wolken said to expect wages in the manufacturing sector to trend up due to the middle skills gap being filled. “I would expect that to continue over the next 5 to 10 years as baby boomers retire,” he said. “Those positions are going to have to be filled, and they are going to do that by increasing wages. They will also do that by taking people who are in lower-paying entry level positions and moving them into middle and higher-level jobs.” Another major factor is the impact of reshoring, he noted. U.S. more competitive — “The United States has become cost competitive over the last decade vis-à-vis other parts of the world,” Wolken said. “We recently became the most competitive developed country from a cost perspective in the world because of productivity improvements and also the lower cost of natural gas.” Wolken said this has significantly changed the cost equation and has even reduced the gap with China. He said there is only about a 5 percent difference in production cost between the two countries, with the U.S. being higher. “That’s pretty small compared to what it used to be,” he said. “In order to maintain the workforce OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
that’s needed to be successful, manufacturers have to maintain wages,” he said. “If it comes down to having skilled labor so you can produce products to be competitive, you have to pay.” Even though there may be lower wages for traditional entry-level positions, the region is seeing stabilization and even increases at higher levels on the manufacturing side, Wolken said. “I think that’s going to be a trend that will continue because of all the technology being introduced,” he noted. “These are not entry-level jobs for the most part. They are technical jobs that in certain cases require technical degrees and require a lot of hands-on learning,” he said. “I would expect wages to maintain or increase because of what’s going on around the world when it comes to technology.”
A First in 10 Years: Manufacturing Jobs Up in CNY Karen Knapik-Scalzo, associate economist with the New York State Department of Labor Division of Research and Statistics, said in just over the last six months, the Syracuse MSA (Onondaga, Oswego and Madison counties) has seen increases in the number of jobs in manufacturing. “That hasn’t happened in decades here in Syracuse,” she noted. “We’re actually starting to see some job increases in the manufacturing sector in the Syracuse MSA,” she said. “We are up about 500 jobs over the year when comparing this past March to March of 2014.” Knapik-Scalzo said she has been hearing “a lot of anecdotal evidence” when speaking with business groups and manufacturers that are looking for experienced, skilled workers. “That anecdotal evidence is finally translating into some increases in the number of jobs in manufacturing over the past year,” she noted. 43
MANUFACTURING SPECIAL REPORT By Lou Sorendo
Percolating Progress CNY Regional Economic Development Council sets the pace
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t’s good to be king. The Central New York region was again the top performer in the state’s competitive regional economic development council process. The CNY REDC was recently awarded $80.2 million for 85 projects in round four. The council has been awarded more than any region over the past four years. “I think it’s certainly something that we are incredibly proud of,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO and Syracuse’s business incubator, The Tech Garden. He is also co-chairman of the CNY REDC. “I know that every one of the regional councils across the state takes their work incredibly seriously and no where is that more true than in Central New York,” he said. “We have really good partners who are spending a lot of time making sure projects being put forward in New York are really strategic in nature.” Simpson said the CNY REDC features a sound strategy “based on hard facts, data and good analysis,” and has received positive feedback in terms of the quality of that strategy. “We hold ourselves accountable as a council in making sure we’re only putting forward projects that align with that strategy,” he said. Simpson said the council is doing all it can locally to help those projects funded by the state realize success. “Success for us doesn’t end when council announcements are made in December every year and we win and lose and get a series of investments for our projects,” Simpson said. “Our work in reality just begins at that point.” The council then works hand-inhand with individual project sponsors to make sure it is doing all it can to help them solve problems associated with finances or bureaucratic red tape.
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The council’s mission is to help the projects achieve the goals for job creation and investment that have been projected. Top projects — When reviewing the latest wave of CNY REDC-approved projects, Simpson said the renovation of the Hotel Syracuse is one of the most significant. The Hotel Syracuse opened in 1924 on South Warren Street. The historic hotel has been closed since 2004 but is about to undergo a $57 million renovation that will lead to its reopening in 2016. The project received $3.65 million in REDC funding. “It is one of the largest awards we’ve ever asked for a project in Central New York,” he said. “The high-profile nature of that project is significant not just in Syracuse, but for the entire region.”
Demolition crews were knocking down walls and stripping rooms to their steel girders as renovation of the historic Hotel Syracuse got underway in March. Simpson said the revitalization of downtown Syracuse has been a “great success story” for the region over the course of the last 10 to 15 years. “We are starting to see more of that activity in other parts of the region such as Auburn, Cortland and Oswego,” he said. “One of the things that our strategic plan recognizes is the very strong importance of our urban centers, villages and main streets,” Simpson said. “These are not only traditional centers of commerce, but also the psychological hearts of our communities that ensure there is a sense of vitality. “It is critical to the way in which people perceive the economic condition in our region.” “Not only is it important to take the Hotel Syracuse and put it back
Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO.
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MANUFACTURING SPECIAL REPORT
“We are also in contact right now with over 200 companies not in the region that have interest in bringing their projects and employment here” to productive use, but the addition of more than 250 hotel rooms is a significant boost for the hospitality industry and retailers around it,” he added. Simpson said the project represents a chance to reactivate the southern end of downtown, an area that hasn’t seen as much reinvestment as other parts of the city. Simpson said the city has been operating for the better part of the last 10 years without a hotel to support The OnCenter. That hinders the city’s ability to host large-scale conventions in the region, he said. Having a dedicated headquarters hotel for the convention center will enable the city to host new and larger events, he added. Destiny USA, meanwhile, is proposing a 255-room, 17-story hotel across Hiawatha Boulevard West from the Destiny USA shopping mall. High-tech sector flourishes — Another critical project receiving REDC funding is the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance. It was awarded $4 million to support the installation of state-of-the-art instrumentation for the tracking of unmanned aircraft systems at Griffiss International Airport in Rome. This testing capability is the first of its kind at any UAS test site in the country, making Griffiss a strategic location for the emerging UAS industry. The federally designated test site is creating a ripple of excitement throughout the region. “This gives us a chance to attract brand-new industry to the region,” Simpson said. Existing companies in CNY that have capabilities in the unmanned aircraft arena are showing support for the project, Simpson noted. “We are also in contact right now with over 200 companies not in the region that have interest in bringing their projects and employment here,” he said. “They wish to use the test range developed in Central New York and the JUNE / JULY 2015
Mohawk Valley as part of their business plans. Those are great opportunities for all of our region.” NUAIR not only involves Griffiss International Airport in Rome, but the entire region around it,” Simpson said. “Large portions of air space in all of Upstate New York are eligible to be used for this test activity,” Simpson said. Businesses from across the state are interested in taking advantage of the project, he added. The latest injection of funding “gives the test range in CNY a distinct advantage over the other five test ranges around the country,” he said. Simpson said the project will feature a fully instrumented range that will allow those on the ground to essentially attract very small UAS platforms — some as small as birds — and know exactly where they are while making sure there is no interference with other aircraft or any other potential conflict in the airspace. This project is one of the first-cross regional projects to receive REDC funding through a joint submission by the CNY and Mohawk Valley regional economic development councils. Simpson said there is a significant amount of interconnectivity already on economic, social and cultural levels among communities throughout the Upstate region. “The competitive process of the regional economic development councils is good being that it forces us to think strategically in terms of where to best deploy resources,” he said. “On the other hand, none of us wants a situation where our communities are pitted against each other from a competitive standpoint,” he said. “There are great opportunities for Central New York to work with the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Fingers Lakes and North Country and we want to capitalize on those. “We have our eye on interesting collaborations and we’ll continue to pursue them whenever they make sense for all parties.” OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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L. Michael Treadwell ooc@oswegocounty.org
New Deadline to Get NYS Economic Development Funding
G Up to $750 million in state economic development resources at stake in this year’s competition
L. MICHAEL TREADWELL, CEcD, is executive director of Operation Oswego County based in Oswego.
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ov. Andrew Cuomo on April 30 launched round five of the Regional Economic Development Councils, officially kicking off the 2015 competition among the 10 regional councils who will once again compete for awards for up to $750 million in state economic development resources.
The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council (CNY REDC) has been very successful in rounds one through four, receiving a total of $344.5 million for 311 projects
The process to compete for funding in round five is through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) which was opened to applicants on May 1 with an application deadline of July 31 at 4 p.m., allotting more time than past years for the regional councils to solicit and identify projects in their areas. This extended To RSVP for the workshop or for more period also provides additional time for information, visit the CNY REDC webpage businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and at http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/ the public to apply for assistance from central-new-york. dozens of state funding programs for job Upstate Revitalization Initiative — creation and community development The Central New York Regional Economic projects. Development Council (CNY REDC) would The Central New York Regional Eco- like to invite you to participate in the Upstate nomic Development Council (CNY REDC) Revitalization Initiative (URI) process that has been very successful in rounds one will impact the CNY region’s application for through four, receiving a total of $344.5 up to $500 million in URI funding. million for 311 projects. The goal of the plan is to create and mainTo continue to motivate investment tain well-paying permanent private-sector opportunities and job creation, the REDCs jobs and private sector investments that will compete for up to $220 million from will contribute to widespread wealth for Empire State Development ($150 million the region. Areas of focus include access to in capital funds and $70 million in Excel- economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, sior Tax Credits) for projects and activities unmanned aerial sysidentified by the countems, financial services, cils as priorities in their Economic Trends information security, regions. Additionally, health and environment, up to $530 million from dozens of state tourism, agribusiness, urban core revitalizaagency programs will also be awarded tion, transportation and freight infrastructhrough the CFA process. ture and manufacturing. The 2015 REDC Guidebook and list of Public participation is one of the main available resources are available at http:// criteria for judging which regions of NYS regionalcouncils.ny.gov/. For applicants, will be awarded one of three $500 million the CFA is available at https://apps.cio. prizes, so your participation is crucial to ny.gov/apps/cfa/. making CNY a better place to live (seven CFA workshops were held on May regions are competing for three prizes). 19 and June 5 at the Cayuga Community The competing regions are Finger Lakes, College Auburn and Fulton campuses, re- Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk spectively, to help applicants understand Valley, North Country, Capital District, and the CFA process. The final workshop will Mid-Hudson. be held at Syracuse University from 9:30 a.m. to noon on June 18. Continued on page 86 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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COVER By Lou Sorendo
Dream Weaver
One-Stop Career Center operator Christine Weaver makes dreams come true for job seekers, employers looking for the right employee
F
or Christine Weaver, operator of the One-Stop Career Center in Fulton, her job description can easily include the phrase, “Helps others realize their dreams.” The center, a program of Oswego County Workforce New York, is a valuable lifeline to both job seekers and employers looking to fill vital gaps in their lives and company workforces, respectively. The center places people at work locations throughout Oswego County and in neighboring counties that are within commuting distance. It also acts as a referral service and recruitment center for employers looking to fill positions. Weaver, 52, is a Fulton native and resident. As the One-Stop operator, Weaver oversees operations at the site located within the county building, 200 N. Second St., Fulton. She gains the greatest job satisfaction on making a difference in people’s lives. “When you help someone obtain training and find a job, it changes the outcome for that individual as well as their children and the next generation,” said Weaver, whose official title is coordinator of client services. The reason the center exists is to
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help job seekers and businesses. “That’s really what we’re here for is to meet their needs,” she said. Onsite recruitment is also available at the One-Stop Career Center. Some employers use the center for their own recruiting purposes. For other employers, the center does the initial recruitment by screening candidates and making referrals. Fourteen county employees staff the Fulton office, and they interact with partner agencies that include the New York State Department of Labor, Oswego Industries, Experience Works and New York State Education Department Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation. “The success of this center comes from the fact that I have dedicated and committed staff who go above and beyond every day,” Weaver said. The One-Stop Career Center is federally funded through the Federal Workforce Investment Act. With the implementation of the FWIA in 1998, the One-Stop Career Center was created. The Workforce Development Board of Oswego County serves as the oversight committee of the center. The WDB directs the activities of OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
the center and requires that the majority of the board consist of private business interests. “The intent behind that is you really want to have employers that are driving the system and they know what the needs are,” Weaver said. Valuable resources — With the FWIA as its primary funding source, the center’s services are targeted toward three job seeker populations: Adults 18 of age and over; dislocated workers or individuals who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, such as a plant closing or downsizing; and youth. Services available under the FWIA include the career center, which is available to anyone who is looking to use resources such as computers. Job seekers can look up job openings or get job referrals from staff. They can also construct resumes and cover letters at the center. A computer lab is available where staff teaches classes in Word, Access, Excel and QuickBooks. The center also offers introduction to computer classes and instruction on Internet job searching. It offers workshops that help job seekers learn how to fill out job applications, master interview techniques, JUNE / JULY 2015
COVER identify transferable skills and understand the civil service system. The center features an array of training services aimed at individuals unable to find employment using basic services. The center will pay tuition for school in the form of an individual training account. It can pay up to $4,000 toward the cost of schooling, and that can be for someone to attend a vocational program such as those offered at the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation in Mexico. “We also offer on-the-job training opportunities for individuals that need to work and if employers hire them and offer on-the-job training, we reimburse up to 50 percent of the wages during that established training period to offset the cost of training,” she added. The center also provides access to its e-learning system and gives individuals a license to use it if they want to enhance their background in a particular field. Powered by grants — The center also operates on a number of smaller grants. It recently finished a wage subsidy grant that offered a subsidy of up to 100 percent of wages for employers willing to hire from certain target populations. The center also operated a transitional jobs grant recently. The grant placed individuals in jobs where they had the opportunity to acquire industry-recognized credentials as part of training. It also operates a transportation program grant. “We assist individuals with travel expenses if it is necessary to maintain or obtain employment,” said Weaver, noting that includes car repairs and insurance payments. For laid-off workers affected by the Free Trade Agreement, a separate set of programs is available under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. When the Birds Eye plant in Fulton closed, displaced workers sought help at the center under the TAA program that it administered. Staff is available to speak with and oftentimes console dislocated workers. “A lot of identity is tied up in what people do, so when they lose a job after 25 years, especially if it is sudden, sometimes they need someone to talk to,” Weaver said. The center also runs a number of JUNE / JULY 2015
youth programs with FWIA as its primary funding source. It also receives two to three other grants that can serve youth. “We serve youth year-round with the intent of making sure they stay in school to graduate,” Weaver said. “If they have dropped out, we work with them to return to school and then to establish employment goals or goals toward post-secondary education.” In the summer, the center offers
a summer employment program for youth buoyed by three different funding sources. It will put approximately 200 youth to work in summer jobs this year. The center also supports initiatives with the county probation office and family court child support unit. “We run programs for individuals who are unemployed and they are dealing with probation or family court for non-payment of child support,”
Christine Weaver, operator of the One-Stop Career Center in Fulton
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Weaver said. “They are referred to us so we can work to assist them to find employment so they can meet child support obligations.” The center also has an individual on staff that serves as a disability resource coordinator. She focuses on individuals with disabilities and assists with services they need. “We’re an employment network under the Social Security Ticket to Work program,” Weaver said. “An individual receiving SSI or SSDI who wants to return to employment can work with us. There are different incentives for them, and we also generate funding based on placing those individuals in employment.” The center also staffs an office in Mexico that handles issues pertaining to public assistance and SNAP — formerly food stamps — employment programs. Weaver serves as the coordinator of those programs. Weaver said one of the most challenging aspects of operating the center is that being that it is grant funded, a lot of contracts are performance based. “There’s uncertainty in grant funding in not knowing what you are going to have year to year,” she said. Because of that, the center has resorted to applying for different grants. This creates more services, but different programs feature distinct eligibility requirements for each program. “It’s a lot of information that people have to know. Sometimes youth that we serve come in and we’re running three or four different programs. One youth may be eligible for two while another may only be eligible for one. It’s a constant balance of understanding all the rules that accompany each grant in order to maximize the number of people that can be served.” 50
Weaver said at any given time, the center runs 10 to 12 grant programs, and has gone as high as 19 at one time. “We have to pay attention to performance outcomes that we have to achieve because our continued funding is dependent on whether or not we achieve those,” she said. ‘Middle skills gap’ — According to the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, the Central New York region is in the throes of a “middle skills gap” crisis. Essentially, this means many job seekers lack the skills necessary to take on available jobs that require post-high school education and advanced certification. Weaver agrees and said data proves this is happening in Oswego and neighboring counties. Last year, the One-Stop Career Center conducted a survey with local employers and asked what type of positions they had available and what positions they were having trouble filling. Employers were also asked to project out over a three-year period. The survey yielded between 400 to 500 openings locally that were available and that employers were having a difficult time filling. “A lot of those jobs were middle skills jobs,” Weaver said. Employers were also asked to identify the training requirements and credentials needed for those jobs as well as any other “soft” skill sets needed. The center is collaborating on another health opportunity grant in coordination with the Oswego County Department of Social Services, Cayuga Community College, the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation and Oswego County Opportunities. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
The updated survey is based on health occupations only. “The results are not final yet, but we’ve already seen a couple hundred job openings,” Weaver noted. Weaver said the center did some targeted initiatives last year and is working on projects with Morningstar Residential Care Center and Oswego Health in Oswego because they both have a need for certified nursing assistants. “We are seeing several employers who are going to need CNAs in the coming year, and that expands into LPNs, RNs and other nursing positions,” she said. Weaver added that employers in the advanced manufacturing sector are also struggling to find candidates to fill positions. For example, the center worked with The Fulton Companies to target welders. The manufacturer brought in representatives to provide orientation to prospective workers and to explain the type of work and working conditions to expect. For people who wanted to pursue the positions, employers conducted interviews and made pre-hire commitments to individuals who had intentions to complete the training. “That was one way on a small scale to begin to address some of those needs,” she said. The center works with Operation Oswego County, the county’s designated economic development agency. Its executive director, L. Michael Treadwell, works closely with companies looking to locate in Oswego County or expand. “At the point they are ready to look at training and workers, we work in coordination with them,” Weaver said. When K&N’s Foods USA launched its business at the former Birds Eye site in Fulton, the center was heavily involved in recruiting its workforce. Weaver earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY-Fredonia and also has a certificate in medical transcription. She is a member of the Oswego County Fair Housing Council and is on the program advisory committees at CCC and CiTi. The agency itself is a member of the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals. Weaver is married to her husband Eric and the couple has two adult children. JUNE / JULY 2015
COVER By Lou Sorendo
Bridging the Gap Despite financial shortfall, One-Stop Career Center in Fulton looks to be economic development catalyst
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he lack of workforce development has been the bane of Oswego County as far as high unemployment rates are concerned. So says Jeff Grimshaw, executive director of the Workforce Development Board of Oswego County. “It’s primarily due to a gap between skills and employability,” he said. Providing the necessary workforce training to help employers in high-need areas will help fill the gap, Grimshaw said. Oswego County’s One-Stop Career Center, part of Oswego County Work-
force New York and overseen by the WDB, is the medium by which to achieve that goal, Grimshaw said. The center is responsible for providing job training and career placement opportunities to county residents, as well as prospective employees to county employers. In the center’s 2013 program year, 5,581 people used the center’s services, while 2,305 were able to find employment as a result. The center works with an average of 140 to 160 businesses each year that are looking to fill positions in skill areas.
The center ’s success, however, has not been accomplished without obstacles. Due to several factors, the center is looking at a deficit of approximately $100,000 when its budget year concludes at the end of June. In response, the Oswego County Human Services Committee recently passed a resolution pledging a onetime dollar-for-dollar match with private donations to the center for up to $50,000 between the current and upcoming budgetary years. Legislators passed a resolution pledging up to $50,000 toward narrowing the shortfall, but only if $50,000 was donated by private industries. In order to go into effect, the measure needs to pass at the full legislature meeting slated for June 11. Dealing with the deficit — Changes in federal funding streams have resulted in a state of transition for the center, Grimshaw said. For years, the WDB operated off
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Andrew Isdell, 24, of Syracuse, has been seeking help through the One-Stop Career Center in Fulton for several years. He is shown with center operator Christine Weaver. “It has always helped me, especially in tight situations when I need money and am not financially stable,” he said. “This place is great. You come here, and they help you out with everything. I do job and address searches so I can send emails and go to places in person. There’s a ton of resources here.” Isdell was seeking employment in the construction field.
the Workforce Investment Act. Last year, lawmakers created the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act, which has yet to be finalized. Regulations of the WIOA are being reviewed by several federal agencies. Grimshaw said the shortfall is partially due to this legislation change as lawmakers reverted to 2010 levels of funding. “When talking about individual funding for workforce development boards, this turned out to be close to a $1 million cut,” he said. Also, a wage subsidy program the county had been participating in allowed the center to be run like a business, Grimshaw said. The center benefitted by getting people employed and coordinating efforts with employers. It also received a return on its investment. As funds were paid out to employers to help people obtain jobs, a portion would be returned to the center and used to cover administrative costs. “In the world of workforce boards, that is a rare occasion. Lots of funding
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does not cover administrative costs. It’s not a real good business model, but it’s the model they had out there,” he said. That program was abolished last year and severely affected the center’s ability to carry over funds to shore up budgetary gaps and cover staff salaries. In addition, Grimshaw said, funding levels have not been the same in general. Grimshaw said “the perfect storm” was made complete by the continuance of sequestration. The budget sequestration in 2013 refers to the automatic spending cuts to the federal government. “That is going to last for eight years, and we’re only in year three,” he said. He said lawmakers stress the importance of the need to put people to work, but don’t put money where their mouths are. Hand-in-hand — Grimshaw said workforce development is integrally tied to economic development. “If you don’t have workers, you can’t run a business. Businesses in our community are really stretching to find skilled workers,” he said. He said it is imperative to have staff at the center available to help job seekers through the process. Grimshaw said historically, lawmakers “don’t really fully understand how a one-stop center works and how the employment side works.” Nonetheless, he said it is encouraging to see the legislature’s recent actions to help financially stabilize the center. Grimshaw said the dollar-for-dollar match formula should work, mainly because of “strong business partners” who understand how the center works and want to realize a return on investment. Also, the board’s nonprofit status allows donors to write off contributions. Grimshaw intends to put together an advisory group of interested businesses to help advise on what their needs are. “The real strength of this is developing a career pathway for people,” he said. “That includes knowing what employers need and providing training and direction so job seekers can increase their likelihood of landing a job.” Grimshaw said it is more than just about money. “We want to make a connection between the workforce and what employers are looking in terms of needed skills. We want to keep workers and businesses here locally. That’s the economic development side of it,” he said.
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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COVER By Lou Sorendo
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uring the first nine months of the 2014 program year, which extends from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, the center helped fund 24 new trainees at seven different busi-
nesses in Oswego County. The on-the-job training program provides funding to assist individuals without the required skills to be hired by an employer and learn the needed
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skills while on the job. Once hired, state and federal training funds are used to offset the costs of training, such as lack of productivity of the trainer and trainee during a designated training period, according to Christine Weaver, operator of the One-Stop Career Center. When training is complete, an employee will have learned marketable skills in an occupation where they can earn a living wage, Weaver added. Felix Schoeller N.A. in Pulaski committed more than $18,000 in matching funds toward the training of nine workers during the 2014 program year. “As a result of being awarded a major customer’s converting business, we increased our workforce significantly over the last two years,” said Steve Evans, human resources manager at Felix Schoeller N.A. “We worked very closely with Oswego County Workforce New York’s office in Fulton, in particular Chad Whelsky, who assisted us with on-the-job training grants that helped with the cost of training our new employees. “Evans said this was a “tremendous benefit” to both Felix Schoeller as a company and its employees. Other local businesses that participated in the on-the-job program include: Pathfinder Bank in Oswego, which received nearly $14,000 in matching funds to train six employees, and Morningstar Residential Care Center in Oswego, which received nearly $15,000 with no match from the center for training six individuals as nursing aides. All told, new enrollments during the 2014 program year received $61,659 in mostly matching dollars from state and federal training funds, administered through the One-Stop Career Center. Carrying over from the previous program year were businesses that also received matching funds for training: K&N’s Foods USA ($20,020), Felix Schoeller N.A. ($15,690) and Huhtamaki ($4,171). Total project costs, including both carryover and new enrollments through March 31 and covered by the center through various government-training programs, totaled nearly $100,000 and helped train 36 workers. JUNE / JULY 2015
real estate SPECIAL REPORT By Ken Little
Real Estate Helped by Nuclear Power Plants, Novelis, SUNY Oswego Expansion in the area of education, healthcare and manufacturing — and change in ownership of Constellation — have helped the market
T
he real estate market in Oswego County is picking up, and forecasters see a good year for home sales in Central New York. “We are having a quite a healthy selling season this year. Inventory has been down and the interest rates continue to stay down as well, so it makes for the perfect real estate selling and buying storm,” said Connie Ryan, president of the Oswego County Board of Realtors. ‘Healthy Activity’ — Realtors are seeing “healthy activity” in both the residential and commercial markets, Ryan said. “We are just beginning the heart of selling waterfront property [season], which is always a great market for Oswego County with all our waterfront,” Ryan said. Cost is a major incentive for buyers, industry analysts said. Prices are attractive throughout the region. The Syracuse area recently claimed the title of the nation’s most affordable housing market, according to the National Association of Homebulders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. Nearly 93 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the fourth quarter of 2014 in the market were affordable to families earning the area’s median income of $67,700, according to the HOI. “This upturn in affordability for the final quarter of 2014 is a positive development and is in line with what we are hearing from builders in the field that more prospective buyers are starting to move forward in the marketplace,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. ‘Very Optimistic’ — The residential housing market froze up during the winJUNE / JULY 2015
ter months, particularly in frigid Oswego County, said Linda J. Thomas-Caster, president of the Greater Syracuse Area Association of Realtors. The organization covers Oswego, Onondaga and Cayuga counties. “We’re very optimistic,” Thomas-Caster said about the outlook for the rest of 2015 into 2016. “Our residential market seems to be healthy, even though in Oswego County, [home] closings in April are less than last year at this time,” said Thomas-Caster, a licensed associated real estate broker affiliated with Fulton-based RealtyUSA. Closings are down 23.7 percent from April 2015 to April 2016 in Oswego County, compared to 14.8 percent in Onondaga County, Thomas-Caster said. “We’ve had a long, hard winter. A lot of the properties are rural, and we had one of the deepest freezes we have had in the county for years,” Thomas-Caster said. “We thaw out slower than a lot of counties, so I do think a lot of that is OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
weather-related.” The harsh winter meant septic testing and other underground work connected to home sales was delayed. But a pent-up demand for housing has bloomed with spring, Thomas-Caster said. If interest rates remain low, prospective home buyers will become more active, and homeowners who kept their properties off the market during the economic downturn of several years ago will realize they can get a fair price for their house. Buyer, Seller Confidence — “A door opened up in May,” she said. “Residentially, we’re on the move. There is more buyer confidence and seller confidence.” The inventory of houses for sale in Oswego County as of April 15 was actually 10 percent lower than it was one year ago, Thomas-Caster said. “A lot of the old inventory did sell,” she said, making way for new inventory. “I think a lot of it will loosen up in all price ranges between now and next year at this time,” Thomas-Caster said. “Sellers who were waiting to sell but were hesitating will realize there are buyers out there.” Current conditions can be favorable to both groups. “I wouldn’t say it’s a buyer’s market but I wouldn’t say it’s a seller’s market,” Thomas-Caster said. “We are in that changing mode right now, convincing buyers it’s the time to buy and convincing sellers there are buyers out there. Now is the time to buy because it’s not going to get better than this.” Affordable Prices — Added NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe: “Affordable home prices, historically low mortgage rates and an improving job 55
real estate SPECIAL REPORT market will release pent-up demand and help keep the housing market moving forward in the year ahead.” In all, 62.8 percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of October and end of December 2014 were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $63,900. That’s up from the 61.8 percent of homes sold that were affordable to median-income earners in the third quarter of 2014, figures that bode well for the local home sales market this year, Crowe said. Ryan anticipates an upturn in real estate sales throughout this year and into 2016. “Yes, with all the positive growth we have in Oswego County our market will continue to stay solid. The harsh winter slowed us a little bit but we have made up for it,” she said in May. Ryan pointed to a number of positive factors that should help boost home sales in the coming months. Novelis Expansion —“We have had the nuclear power plants change
ownership and have had more people come to our county and stay here because of it,” she said. “There has also been an influx with all the expansion at Novelis.” The Novelis expansion, Ryan said, “has also helped our ability to keep our young people staying in the area with good-paying jobs. Steady employment such as we have helps tremendously.” Expansion in the area education and healthcare fields should also help to boost home sales in Oswego County, Ryan said. Don’t forget we have SUNY Oswego and Caygua Community College expanding, and Oswego Health is always recruiting for workers and doctors across the county,” she said. Ryan, who is affiliated with Century 21 Galloway Realty in Oswego, noted that with prevailing low interest rates, “it makes more sense to buy than rent.” An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a government agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Borrowers with FHA loans pay for mortgage insurance, which protects the lender from a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan. Lower Mortgage Premiums — “FHA has lowered the mortgage insurance premiums so that monthly payment is lower, which is also a huge help,” Ryan said. The average listing price of a home in Oswego County was $116,581 for the week ending May 27, according to information gathered by Trulia.com. The median sales price of a house in Oswego County between Feb. 15 and May 15 was $77,000, based on 11 home sales. The most popular Oswego County Zip Codes in terms of houses listed for sale for the week ending on May 27 include 13126, 13069, 13142, 13135 and 13036. Compared to the same period in May 2014, the median home sales price in Oswego County decreased 3.4 percent, or $2,700.
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real estate SPECIAL REPORT By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Oswego County’s Top Real Estate Sellers The Oswego County Board of Realtors recently honored several real estate agents for their performance. We posed three questions to the top ones
Constance Ryan Real estate agent with Century 21 Galloway Realty, Oswego 1. To what do you attribute being one of the top sellers of real estate in the region? “Lots of hard work! From helping sellers get their property ready to sell and helping buyers find the perfect home, your job isn’t over until closing. There are many steps along the way and because it is one of the biggest financial decisions people make, you need to be there for your sellers and buyers every step of the way.” 2. What are your secrets for selling real estate? “Staying on top of new technology that is coming out and to take quality, continuing education classes. All licensees in New York state must take 22.5 hours of continuing education classes to renew their license. I pride myself on taking classes that are taught by the New York State Association of Realtors JUNE / JULY 2015
that are in conjunction with the National Association of Realtors. 3. How do you analyze the real estate market right now? “It is a great time to both sell and buy this year. With the harsh winter, our inventory has been low and sellers are getting their homes sold quickly and for more money. On the buyers’ side of the market, interest rates continue to stay below 4 percent for a 30-year mortgage.
Patrick Haggerty Licensed real estate salesperson with Century 21 Leah’s Signature, Fulton and Baldwinsville 1. To what do you attribute being one of the top sellers of real estate in the region? “I believe it is critical to be good at problem-solving to be successful in real estate. This is likely applicable to almost any field, but I also believe it’s very important to be a very driven individual. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
2. What are your secrets for selling real estate? “I believe it is very important that each client feel as though they are your only client. I want the client to fully understand the process and to feel free to ask questions at any point. A client’s trust is invaluable to me.” 3. How do you analyze the real estate market right now? “Right now, with interest rates as low as they are, I think it presents tremendous opportunity for buyers. Low interest rates also create a great environment for sellers as well, as it expands the pool of available buyers for any given property, increasing its value.”
Teri L. Beckwith Real estate agent with Century 21 Leah’s Signature, Fulton and Baldwinsville 1. To what do you attribute being 57
real estate SPECIAL REPORT one of the top sellers of real estate in the region? “I attribute my success with lots of hard work, many nights and weekends and staying in contact with past real estate clients and customers. Staying in contact with past clients plays a significant role Beckwith in who they choose when they are actually in the need of real estate services and/or simply advice. There are many agents out there competing for a client’s business; you need to stand out and actually offer services that the rest are not.” 2. What are your secrets for selling real estate? “ There isn’t really a secret. Real estate is strictly a commission-based business. You have to be willing to work when the work is there, even if it means nights, weekends and spending countless hours in the busy spring and fall real estate times. Staying on top of how the industry is changing — whether it be with banking or the market in general — will also help you have an edge.” 3. How do you analyze the real estate market right now? “The real estate market currently is very strong with many job transferees entering our local area. We are still a bit low on inventory, which has resulted in a seller’s market. Interest rates remain low and banks are offering excellent programs to assist the first-time buyer market.
Dean D. Cummins
Jeffrey Tonkin
Broker with Sun Harvest Realty, Inc., Cato
Associate broker, Century 21 Galloway Realty, Oswego
1. To what do you attribute being one of the top sellers of real estate in the region? “I’ve been in business for 35 years and I work seven days a week. I’ve held many offices on the real estate boards (Cayuga County and New York state and Oswego and GSAR) and that way I can keep up on the changes that are made.”
1. To what do you attribute being one of the top sellers of real estate in the region? “Time. This career allows an agent to work as much or as little as they would like. I’ve found that agents who do above average in sales simply spend more time at the office or with clients. There is always something that can be done, a call that can be made, an email that can be replied to. Time spent of these things will eventually turn into business. Time spent equals valuable experience.”
2. What are your secrets for selling real estate? “Being available for people and helping them through the process of buying and or selling their homes. Getting back to people that call or email.” 3. How do you analyze the real estate market right now? “The market is active right now. There’s a shortage of country properties right now.”
2. What are your secrets for selling real estate? “Selling has very little to do with it. Each buyer has different circumstances and each seller has different expectations. I think that someone with a deep understanding of the local market, who takes time to listen and who has the ability to communicate will do well in real estate.” 3. How do you analyze the real estate market right now? “I’m sure there are analysts that can offer advice on local trends, projections on interest rates and reports on recent sales. I love our community and feel that others do as well. Families grow in generations here: some may be new to our area because of a job, and others find their way back after moving away. Because of this, I think our market will continue to get stronger as years pass. I’ve always said, ‘Our market is great! — regardless of statistics.’”
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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real estate SPECIAL REPORT
Achievement Awards
for 2014 Production
Platinum award-winning, one-stop real estate service for Cayuga, Oswego and Onondaga counties.
Dean D. Cummins, Broker/Auctioneer sunharvestrealty.com • dcummins@twcny.rr.com
315-626-2277
New Property Owners
PLATINUM Teri Beckwith_______________________________ Century 21 Leah’s Signature Dean Cummins______________________________ Sun Harvest Realty Patrick Haggerty_____________________________ Century 21 Leah’s Signature Constance Ryan_____________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Jeffrey Tonkin_______________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty
GOLD Suzanne Brown______________________________ Tug Hill Real Estate Ed Fayette__________________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Tammy Keding______________________________ Century 21 Leah’s Signature Birgit Kleinschmidt___________________________ 1st Carriage House Realty Russell Partrick______________________________ Land & Trust Realty
Every year thousands of people buy commercial and residential properties in Oswego County. They all receive a one-year complimentary subscription to Oswego County Business. Reaching new property owners. Another good reason to advertise in Oswego County Business.
Constance Ryan
SILVER Brendan Benson_____________________________ Fitzgibbons Real Estate Marilyn Boyzuick____________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Cynthia Caruso______________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Danielle Donhauser__________________________ Century 21 Leah’s Signature David Duskee_______________________________ Century 21 Leah’s Signature Bambi Kalwarovski___________________________ 1st Carriage House Realty Cindy Mears________________________________ Tug Hill Real Estate Patricia Murray______________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Andrea Wisgo_______________________________ Furnia Realty
Congratulations on your
BRONZE James Barbera______________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Rebecca Caswell_____________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Cheryl Cowen_______________________________ Century 21 Leah’s Signature Brian Kenney________________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Kim McPherson______________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty Wendy Patrick_______________________________ Wenwood Realty Lori Stitt___________________________________ Century 21 Galloway Realty
achievements in 2014 Jeffrey Tonkin
QUALIFICATION FOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:
PLATINUM: A minimum of 50 closed units. GOLD: A minimum of 35 closed units or $4 million in sales. SILVER: A minimum of 20 closed units or $2 million in sales. BRONZE: A minimum of $1 million in closed sales but not enough closed units for the SILVER award. Source: Oswego County Board of REALTORS®, Inc.
JUNE / JULY 2015
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
www.century21galloway.com 315-342-2111 59
SPECIAL REPORT
Women in Banking The banking/financial sector in Oswego County features many prominent women in high-ranking positions. These women are anchored on the front line of financial wellness for thousands of individuals and businesses throughout the county. In this edition, Oswego County Business Magazine is presenting profiles of many of the women who manage and operate major banks and credit unions throughout the county. Photos and stories by Lou Sorendo 60
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Barbara Bateman
Vice president, branch manager, NBT Bank “I remember the day when we came out with the debit card. People were asking, ‘Why do I need a debit card when I carry cash?’”
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or many of those in banking, it’s all about numbers. For Barbara Bateman, however, it’s all about community. Bateman, vice president-branch manager at NBT Bank in Oswego, marked her 28th year in banking in May. She has held her current position since March 2013. She has spent her career with virtually one bank under several banners — Oswego County Savings Bank, Oswego County National Bank, Alliance Bank and NBT Bank. She is commonly seen volunteering to support community organizations and activities. “I can’t imagine how people don’t get involved,” she said. “There are so many opportunities for people to find their passion.” “This is the community we live in,” she said. “If there is not enough people out there supporting and helping out, I don’t know how we would get through. There’s a lot of things that need attention,” she said. Bateman has sat on many boards, including being a board member and past president of the Friends of Oswego County Hospice. She recently lost her father following a bout with cancer. “I never had anyone in my life that’s ever had cancer,” she said. After enduring her father’s illness, she again gained a greater appreciation for what hospice does. “That’s why I have a passion for it,” she said. “There are people who work and do these things day in and day out, and you wonder how they can do some of the things they do. There are all kinds of angels out there,” she said. Bateman serves as vice chairwoman of Oswego Health and Operation JUNE / JULY 2015
Oswego County. She is a past board member of the Oswego County Charitable Foundation and past president of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce. She also served as past president of the Alliance Financial Charitable Foundation and is presently on the board of the Oswego Health Foundation. Bateman is also a member of the Zonta Club of Oswego. Expresses gratitude — Bateman began as a teller, and after several months, moved into loan and mortgage originations. She would then evolve into supervisory roles. “From there, everything snowballed,” she said. “I remember when Bill Greene [former president of OCSB] wanted me
to become a branch manager when this branch first opened,” she said. “It was then I went home to my family and said, ‘I won’t do this if it is something that is going to get in the way of family.’” “I had family support right from the get go,” she said. “We always talked as a family as to what was important. This is something that I wanted, so they supported me and that made it easier.” Bateman said one of the foremost challenges in banking is dealing with regulatory compliance. “There are so many things that you have to know. It’s not just a matter of who is standing across from you or who you are waiting on,” she said. “There’s everything behind the scenes that you have to know.”
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“It’s never monotonous. I don’t think any day is the same,” she said. “That’s probably one of the things I really like about it. I’m out in the community, in the bank working with customers and teller staff, coaching — it is very diverse and every day is different.” Competitive challenges abound in the local banking industry, Bateman noted. “There is only so much ‘share of wallet’,” she said. “We certainly look to promote what we have. In terms of products, virtually all banks offer the same products, with some differences in functionality, but it’s the servicing that makes us different.” She said NBT Bank’s edge is its community bank approach. “Its roots are community-oriented and each of the communities we work in, we support on a regular basis,” she said. Technology has certainly changed the face of banking over the years. “There’s a lot of mobile banking happening right now and we’re getting customers using different options to do their banking. It’s even different for us. I remember the day when we came out with the debit card. People were asking, ‘Why do I need a debit card when I carry cash? Now they can’t live without it.” “Technology is something that each and every one of us needs to learn to help customers get into what’s best for them,” she said. “But there are people that don’t necessarily have all the technology. You have to have both high tech and high touch.” “I don’t ever want it to go away,” said Bateman in regards to customer service in real time. The native Oswegonian graduated from Oswego High School in 1975, and went on to attend Cayuga Community College to study secretarial science. She continued her education in finance and banking through the American Bankers Association. She is married to Robert Bateman, who owns and operates Cakes Galore & More in Oswego. The couple has three children: Jolene (Shawn) Liegl of Davenport, Fla., Kristen (Matthew) Kelly of Oswego and Ryan (Meredith Powers) Bateman of Brooklyn. They also have three grandchildren: Leah, 7, Lucas, 4, and Nora Kelly, 2, all of Oswego. 62
Beth Kesler Alfieri
Vice president-business development officer, Pathfinder Bank “Through my job, I have met so many interesting people and I have been a part of very exciting things going on in our community”
F nity.
or Beth Kesler Alfieri, banking is more than just helping customers. It’s about improving the commu-
Alfieri is a vice president-business development officer at Pathfinder Bank in Oswego. The Oswego resident said she takes pride in being part of the economic growth of the Central New York community. “I have participated in projects that restored areas of our cities, created and sustained employment and helped others achieve their dream of business ownership,” she said. She was appointed to vice president-business development officer in December 2013. She has been with Pathfinder Bank for more than eight years. Alfieri’s job involves helping businesses obtain loans for various purposes,
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such as starting a company, expanding a business, purchasing supplies or acquiring property. Alfieri also identifies risk inherent in loan transactions and examines, evaluates, authorizes or recommends approval of requests for commercial loans. Alfieri said she enjoys being part of Pathfinder Bank’s success and believes in the values the staff brings to their communities. “I have a great mentor in Ron Tascarella. He has provided invaluable guidance and direction in my career,” she added. Alfieri said she enjoys helping customers make their vision a reality. “It’s very exciting when the project improves the community, adds jobs and increases the quality of life for everyone,” she said. “Through my job, I have met so many interesting people and I have been a part of very exciting things going on in our community,” Alfieri noted. Alfieri said one of the most challenging and difficult aspects of her job is to turn down a loan. “People don’t like to hear the word ‘no’, but when you are looking out for what is best for them, saying ‘yes’ could actually be detrimental to them,” she said “The deal has to make sense for everyone — the client, the bank and the community.” Alfieri, originally from Carthage, graduated from Mexico Academy & Central School and continued her education at Cazenovia College, where she received an associate’s degree in liberal arts. Alfieri was recognized by Oswego County Business Magazine as a 2008 “Forty Under 40” winner and is a member of the Leadership Oswego County Class of 2009. In terms of her future, Alfieri said she is content with her current role at Pathfinder. “The job definitely keeps me on my toes,” she said. She is a member of the Oswego Lions Club and helps tend to the Leadership Oswego County Project Bloom Garden at East Bridge and 10th streets in the Port City. She is married to Joe Alfieri and the couple has a son, Joey.
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Colleen Penfield
Regional branch director, Empower Federal Credit Union “Each person — employee or member — has a story to tell. Being able to listen and help them achieve something is rewarding”
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olleen Penfield went from working in the fast food industry to a high-level credit union position, two sectors of the economy that demand
prompt and efficient service. “I left fast food after years of service and was looking for something that was different,” she said. “I liked the credit union and the philosophy of people helping people.” Penfield, 50, is originally from Oswego. The Port City resident is a graduate of Oswego High School. She has attended many conferences on compliance and branch operations. Penfield began her banking career as a teller then moved into servicing deposit accounts. She would later become loan officer and then director of operational support before taking on her duties as regional branch director. She has held her current position for the past six years, and has
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been with Empower for 19 years. She is married to Bob Penfield, and the couple has two adult children and four grandchildren. “I enjoy spending time with our families and relaxing,” said Penfield, adding that she and her family are avid racing fans at Oswego Speedway. Penfield is responsible for delivering quality member service at the branch level, branch growth, operational efficiencies, compliance, safety and soundness at the branches while creating a branch team that supports the goals for the credit union. “I mentor and coach branch staff to meet their goals,” she said. “I am involved in projects that affect the branch operations area.” Penfield said she enjoys working with the membership and staff. “Helping them achieve their goals is very rewarding,” she said. Penfield noted she gains the most job satisfaction by helping to make a difference. “Each person — employee or member — has a story to tell,” she said. “Being able to listen and help them achieve something is rewarding.” Being a regional branch director is not without its challenges. “Time constraints can be challenging with the constant change in technology,” she said. “Keeping employees engaged in the goal can also be challenging. “Sometimes the most challenging items can be the most rewarding.” After nearly two decades with Empower, Penfield said she plans on retiring from the financial institution. “Someday I may consider seeking another opportunity within the credit union,” she said. “For now, I am very content and happy with the current role that I have.”
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Debra Davis
District manager, Community Bank N.A. “We are in the people business. Out of everything I do here, the No. 1 thing is delivering excellent customer service”
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hen Hannibal native and resident Debra Davis started her banking career in customer service, a manager told her that she was destined to be branch manager of a bank someday. She said “no way.” “At that time I wasn’t into lending and didn’t understand it. I actually worked to understand all aspects of banking, such as mortgage, commercial and installment lending,” Davis said. She has been in the banking indus-
try for 32 years. She started her career in the North Country in Gouverneur. She spent seven years at St. Lawrence National Bank, which is now part of the Community Bank system. “I actually started just to get to know people” after moving to Gouverneur, she said. She began in customer service before working her way into the loan area. She then relocated back to Hannibal. She noticed that Community Bank had an opening for a head teller, and she went for it. She would later attain the positions of branch assistant, branch manager and then district manager. Besides managing the Hannibal branch, she is district manager of 11 other branches. She has served as district manager for seven years. Davis essentially helps branches develop and achieve their goals. While she gains her greatest job satisfaction by working with customers, Davis also likes taking on new managers with no lending experience and bringing them up to speed on that aspect of the
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business. “I coach and mentor managers in a variety of areas relating to lending, sales and customer service,” Davis said. “I monitor branch results pertaining to established goals to meet our overall objectives. This can be very challenging. “We are always saying we are in the people business, not money business. But we really are. We want more and more people to come to us and feel we have that niche,” she added. “We are in the people business. Out of everything I do here, the No. 1 thing is delivering excellent customer service.” Community Bank’s motto is “Bank Happy.” “I really like to help people satisfy their wants and needs,” she said. “I am happy when customers get the house they dreamed about,” she said. “The best compliment I ever get is when they refer someone back to me.” Davis has seen many trends among consumers. There was a time when customers were primarily rate driven, and if they could get a lower interest rate elsewhere, they would go to another bank despite the possibility of their loan being sold to an out-of-state interest. Now, however, customers are more inclined to be loyal and prefer to bank with people they feel comfortable talking to, she said. Davis noted those in the millennial generation — 35 and under — “are more inclined never to walk into a branch again unless they need a mortgage or loan.” She said there are still those middle-aged consumers who want to be able to go into a bank and make a deposit. This is happening despite living in an age of remote deposit capture and mobile banking where patrons can take a picture of their check and transmit it electronically. Davis does look forward to retirement, and plans to stay in her hometown. “Home is always going to be here in Hannibal,” she said. Davis is a member of the Hannibal Fire Department Auxiliary as well as the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce. She has two grown children. Davis enjoys gardening and sports, and plays volleyball on Tuesday evenings. She played softball up until last year. “I try to keep active,” she said. JUNE / JULY 2015
Denise Grinnell
Assistant manager, Compass Federal Credit Union, Oswego “At a credit union, you wear a lot of hats. When I started, we only had four employees”
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enise Grinnell knows that hard work and sacrifice are necessary in order to be successful. Grinnell is assistant manager at Compass Federal Credit Union in Oswego. Grinnell, 56, is originally from Fulton. She did reside in Oswego for 29 years before returning to her hometown. When she first started looking for
work, she had children at home and wasn’t receptive to working nights and weekends. She has always enjoyed working with numbers, and her husband Thomas was a member of Compass FCU — originally Alcan Employees Credit Union — as an employee at Alcan Rolled Products. “So I thought I would apply,” she said. She was hired as a part-time teller, and after four years, became full-time to help offset some of the costs associated with her son, Thomas Jr., entering college. Grinnell was working at the Alcan office, but relocated once a managerial position was established at Compass’s former branch on East First Street in Oswego. When that location closed and the George Street site opened, Grinnell became assistant manager. “I’ve been here ever since,” she said. This past March, Grinnell began her
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27th year with Compass. She has been in management for 19 of those. “I obviously like my job. The part I like the most is the variety. I don’t like doing the same thing day after day,” she said. “If I want to do accounting work, help out with loans, or work on the teller line, I can.” “There’s a whole gamut of things I can do,” she said. “At a credit union, you wear a lot of hats. When I started, we only had four employees.” “We pretty much had to know everything, from loans to the teller line,” she said. “If a member came in, there was nobody to send them to. You had to answer their questions and help them out,” Grinnell said. Her main responsibilities today include debit and credit cards, payroll, training and supervising staff and filling in for the manager in his absence. She said the most challenging aspect of her job is keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology. “I enjoy when members walk in my office and I’m able to help them with whatever they need.” Grinnell said. “When I have helped someone, I walk out of here feeling really good about it.” Besides having common sense, Grinnell characterizes herself as being very open and “right to the point.” Besides Thomas Jr., who resides in Buffalo, Denise and Tom Grinnell have a daughter Lisa, who lives in Syracuse. They also have a granddaughter, Lilah. The couple plans to stay in Fulton during their retirement years. Denise enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, reading and going to the gym. With retirement only a few years away, Grinnell is looking forward to spending more time in her yard and winters in warmer climates.
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Gina Camardello Assistant VP, branch manager, KeyBank
“In the beginning of my career, branches were packed every day and lines would be out the door. One time I remember I had a total of 15 tellers”
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or Gina Camardello, banking today is a whole new world. Camardello, assistant vice president and branch manager for KeyBank in Fulton, broke into the business in 1979 and had a bird’s eye view of the massive transition in the sector. “In the beginning of my career,
branches were packed every day and lines would be out the door,” she said. “One time I remember I had a total of 15 tellers.” “What has happened with technology is that everyone wants everything quick,” she said. “It’s become a society where they want it quick and they want it fast.” With traffic at branches not as heavy as it used to be, KeyBank is taking a proactive stance and reaching out to clients. “We are in touch with them all the time and they know who we are,” she said. KeyBank uses relationship managers to stay in touch with clients. “We know customers don’t have to come in everyday. That has fallen by the wayside. So now, we are operating more in the mode of reaching out to them and having them come in by way of formal appointments,” she added.
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“We sit down and really try to make sure they are doing everything they should be doing, and we are doing everything we should be doing for them,” she noted. “You can’t have sales without service,” said Camardello, even in an era when people want to make all of their transactions electronically. Besides being manager at the Fulton branch for the past seven years, Camardello is also a licensed investment representative. Camardello grew up in Dolgeville at the foothills of the Adirondacks. She attended Herkimer County Community College following high school. She received a job offer from Herkimer County Trust Company and started that job right before graduating from HCCC. She continued with her accounting curriculum taking night courses at Utica College while evolving in her banking career.” She was with Herkimer County Trust for 22 years. While that bank went through acquisitions, Camardello was in a position to make some career moves as well. She went on to work at other banks prior to employment at KeyBank in Fulton. Multi-faceted role — Camardello does not have the luxury of using 15 tellers anymore, largely because the delivery system has changed. “We really do need to know what we have to be doing every minute,” she said. “It requires a team of people that is up to speed and knowledgeable.” “It really requires everyone to be on the same page, and sometimes that can be a little challenging,” she added. “You can’t do this job alone,” she said. “You have to have a team behind you. I wouldn’t be successful if I didn’t have a successful team.” Camardello said her ability to bring individuals together as a team and help develop their skills has served her well. She heavily relies on her ability to motivate, make quick decisions, provide service to clients and follow through with them. As manager, the Fulton resident helps her team achieve goals. “We are very much retail and like any retail organization, we have to be profitable,” she said. JUNE / JULY 2015
“I am the driver for that and make sure we’re staying on track and doing all the activities that we have to do to meet the objectives of the company and client,” she added. Camardello is a seasoned banker and has evolved into more of a specialist in certain areas. “I really enjoy more of the commercial part of the business and investment side too,” she said. “That’s where I really get to know clients.” “I find that my comfort zone and what I really get fulfillment from is being with clients,” she said. “That is where I excel.” Camardello stresses the importance of being flexible enough to mold a loan according to what is practical for the borrower. “We really try to take more of a holistic approach,” she said. The next chapter — In terms of retirement, Camardello said she plans to take advantage of different opportunities as they present themselves “so I don’t get bored.” That includes selling financial and investment products. “For me, that is the No. 1 way I can help my client and not necessarily have to hand them off to someone else,” she said. “It also keeps me at the top of my game. I feel that it’s another skill and area of knowledge that I have that makes me better at what I do. “If there is an opportunity to learn or do more, I’ll step up.” Camardello sees herself as doing something more entrepreneurial in retirement or perhaps staying in banking on some level. “I probably will always do something,” she said. “I don’t see myself as ever retiring.” Camardello was quite involved in various communities at one point in her life, but changing circumstances have resulted in her taking a step back while tending to her elderly father, who still resides in the Mohawk Valley. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé and has delved into painting after seeing what the CNY Arts Center in Fulton has to offer. “I find the older I get, the more I have this creativity coming out,” she said.
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Jodi Crouse
Branch manager, banking officer, NBT Bank East, Oswego “I pride myself on treating everybody the way I would like to be treated. That’s how I operate every day with employees and customers”
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hen Jodi Crouse was taking store deposits from the H.L. Green department store in Oswego to the bank during her first job, little did she know at the time that one day she would work in banking. “One of the duties of my first job was to take the deposits to the bank daily and get change,” she recalls. “The teller position and atmosphere intrigued me. Soon after, I was hired as a teller and have advanced from there to branch manager over the years.” She worked for Chase Bank for 19 years and has been with Alliance/NBT Bank for eight. Crouse, 49, is originally from Mexico. “I like knowing that I helped someone and made their day, either by making their life easier, saving them money, or helping them achieve something they didn’t think they could achieve,” she said. She enjoys getting to know her customers along with working with staff. “When we succeed, we all succeed, and it’s a good feeling,” she added. Crouse said she likes providing superior customer service and a positive banking experience by getting to know her customers. “This way, I can help to educate them about what products and services NBT Bank offers that will help save them time and money or even help make their dream purchase.” “I pride myself on treating everybody the way I would like to be treated,” she said. “That’s how I operate every day with employees and customers.” Crouse works as a leader and role model in providing customer service while promoting and offering bank 67
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Nancy Kush Ellis
Crouse
Vice president, human resource, marketing, Fulton Savings Bank “I enjoy working with customers, and now my customers are our employees”
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products and services as they coincide with customer needs. “I lead, manage and coach our branch team to achieve sales objectives,” said Crouse, noting she is also responsible for the profitability, growth and successful operation of the branch. Crouse also focuses on cultivating and developing new business while supporting initiatives of other bank business partners. A team builder — “I am here to build a motivated and high-performing branch team through effective recruitment, training and development of staff.” She said skill sets needed to be successful in her position include trust, being comfortable with interacting and reliability. Among the most challenging aspects of her job are staffing and time management, or finding enough time to do everything she needs to do. Technology and the competitive rate environment are also challenging, she said. “People always want new and 68
more, which isn’t always happening in Oswego, so that’s a challenge too,” said Crouse, a town of Oswego resident. Crouse said she enjoys her current position and likes that work is less than a 15-minute car ride from home. “I don’t want to travel to go to work. I just don’t want to spend two to three hours a day in my car,” she said. She and her husband, Steve Crouse, have a daughter, Brittni. The couple has a 14-month-old granddaughter, Braelynn, who has become the “center of our life.” Among her hobbies is working in the yard and traveling to Amish country. She also enjoys New York Yankees baseball, Syracuse University basketball and auto racing. Crouse has earned Series 6 license (limited investment securities) and Series 63 license (uniformed securities agent) credentials, as well as life and health insurance licensing. She is the treasurer for the Oswego County Humane Society and a member of WNET. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
hen Fulton native Nancy Kush Ellis graduated from SUNY Oneonta, her father told her that she needed to get a job. “My dad said, ‘Nancy, you need to find work.’ So I pounded the pavement and came to Fulton Savings Bank and talked to then-president, Jack Wilcox,” she said. Since she had a four-year degree, Wilcox asked her why she wanted to be a bank teller. Ellis told him she needed to work right away to earn money and was planning to just stay at FSB until she found her real job. “Thirty-seven years later, I’m still looking,” Ellis said. Ellis is vice president of human resources and marketing at FSB in Fulton, a position she has held since 1994. She has been with the bank for 37 years and is its longest-termed employee. Ellis, 58, originally went to SUNY Oneonta for fashion design but ended up earning a Bachelor of Science degree in consumer economics from there instead. After graduation, she returned to Fulton. Ellis started at the bank as a teller, and then became manager at the Phoenix branch, a position she held for four years. She then transferred to the main office in Fulton and handled consumer and home equity loans. She also served as secretary to the FSB board of trustees. “I have had several different jobs and responsibilities at the bank during my tenure,” Ellis said. She now focuses on her human resource responsibilities, including coordinating hiring, staffing, employee benefits and adherence to bank policies. Ellis also ensures the bank is in compliance with HR laws. “That’s a large part of HR today,” she said. “You must stay on top of JUNE / JULY 2015
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Rebecca Knox
Kush Ellis
Marketing manager, Pathfinder Bank, Oswego “I love the opportunity I have to build meaningful relationships with the communities we serve”
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Affordable Care Act requirements and discrimination laws. The legal end is the most interesting, but also the most difficult.” Ellis said it is challenging to understand new laws and put policies in place properly. “The fun part is looking at the law, developing procedures that are going to fit your organization and making sure it makes sense,” she said. “After that, it’s all about initiating policies and having employees follow them.” She has support when it comes to dealing with regulations and compliance issues. The bank uses the services of a Syracuse-based consultant, R.F. Toole Associates, and Ellis also networks and compares notes with other HR departments at area banks. “We all call each other and it is very helpful,” said Ellis, adding HR is not a competitive issue among neighboring banks. She also coordinates marketing activities at FSB. A marketing committee consisting of staff from various departments within the bank collaborates to develop advertising and community-relations opportunities. It is the diversity of tasks that Ellis enjoys the most. JUNE / JULY 2015
“I loved being a teller, and loved most of my positions here. I enjoy working with customers, and now my customers are our employees,” she said. The variety of the many different positions she has held have kept her at FSB, from being branch manager, to doing minutes at board meetings, handling loans, being branch administrator for all the branches, and now doing HR and marketing. Career-wise, retirement is Ellis’ next step. Fulton is home for Ellis. She is one of nine children, and most of her siblings are local. “I never really had the desire to move very far,” she said. While she has traveled to places such as the Caribbean, Florida, Alaska and points west, she will always consider Fulton her home. Ellis is a member of the Fulton Rotary Club, and enjoys the flexibility of being able to attend a Rotary function virtually anywhere she travels. Nancy and her husband, Leonard, live in Palermo. They have a son, Christopher, who is an airline pilot. The couple enjoys spending time at their camp on Lake Ontario. Ellis also likes gardening and reading. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
mage is everything, particularly in the ultra-competitive business of banking. Rebecca Knox is the marketing manager at Pathfinder Bank in Oswego. She has held her current position for one year and has been with Pathfinder for 10 years. Knox directs the day-to-day marketing functions of the financial institution, including expenses, budgets, compliance, advertising, promotions and community service activities. She is also responsible for marketing and promoting the bank’s products, services and brand image. Knox’s motivation to get into the world of finance and banking came from finding “great” mentors from both the financial industry and other professionals who were willing to give of their time to share their career experiences, she said. “One influential mentor introduced me to her support network which included a banker and that’s when I realized that I had an interest in the financial industry and how this industry impacts people’s everyday lives,” she said. “For me, it was about making connections and building relationships.” “The simple opportunity of getting exposure early in life to a variety of career options and understanding how important it is to find something you love to do every day was crucial in my career selection,” she said. She added the bonus is finding a career and an organization that is committed to helping others “It makes your daily life that much more fulfilling,” she said. Knox said she is privileged to work for an “incredible” community bank that believes strongly in social responsibility and allowing its employees to become community leaders. 69
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Stephanie Leonard
Knox
Vice president, relationship manager, business banking, Key Bank “I love working with small business owners. I like to see them expand, grow and hire new people”
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“Giving back to the communities we serve is very evident in our daily lives here at Pathfinder Bank,” she said. “I love the opportunity I have to build meaningful relationships with the communities we serve.” Knox said she is honored to be part of a team that specializes in creative thinking, storytelling and branding and simply finding solutions for its customers and communities. She said keeping up with technology and regulations in an ever-changing industry are the most challenging aspects of her profession. Knox said she is open for opportunities for upward mobility in her career. “During performance reviews, I’ve mentioned to my chief financial officer about preparing a place for me next to him,” she said. “I said, ‘Get ready to add another ‘c’ 70
level to our organization.’ I see myself growing with our organization and becoming the first chief marketing officer here at Pathfinder Bank,” Knox said. She earned an Associate of Science degree in computer information systems and is working on a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing at SUNY Oswego. Knox is a graduate of the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing and Management and received the designation of certified financial marketing professional through The Institute of Certified Bankers. She was also named “Airman of the Year” by the United States Air Force. Knox is a member of the ABA’s Marketing Network. She is married to Rick Knox, and the couple has two sons, Christian and Matthew. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
or Stephanie Leonard, one of the most significant challenges facing her as a banker is dealing with economic factors. Leonard said over the past eightto-10 years, there have been many dramatic changes to the Upstate economy, such as companies moving out of New York. She said the key to retaining and attracting business is access to capital. “There are a lot of people who have really good ideas and there are a lot of great programs that will help people get started,” she said. “But really the bottom line is access to capital. There would be a lot of interesting business startups if they had the ability to get that door open, and that can be done through a variety of ways.” In terms of current lending trends, Leonard said the climate is quite different from what it was 10 to 15 years ago. “I do see a nice recovery from clients and they are starting to request funding more, which automatically means sending more money out into the community,” she said. She said besides lenders, there was a time when clients were cautiously holding back as well. “Business owners in our area are very astute,” she said. “They held back quite a bit themselves and that definitely translated into what we were doing.” Today, business people are trying to expand and improve their businesses, but the risk component must be taken into consideration, Leonard noted. From the banker’s standpoint, it’s all about balance. Leonard said there are instances where funding will take a client to the JUNE / JULY 2015
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next level, but his or her ability to repay the loan looks bleak. “Do we do a lesser amount, or do we change the structure of the loan? That can be challenging,” she said. “You have to explain that to a client and they don’t know the ins and outs of banking.” “You have to be able to say, ‘OK, this plan isn’t necessarily going to work, but I think this option will get us to a middle ground so you can accomplish what you want’,” she said. “To get to that middle ground is sometimes challenging,” she said. “That’s truly when you know your craft is when you can make that happen.” Leonard said it is important to have a balance between what is not only good for the bank, but what’s good for the customer. “Sometimes what customers want to do may not actually be the best course of action. We need to have those conversations and be able to help them,” she said. Leonard said one of the most “horrible experiences” is denying a loan to a customer. “For most bankers, especially those who consider this their calling and not just a job, it’s a horrible experience because you want to do it,” she said. All about relationships — Leonard has been with KeyBank for five years, and had the same title at her previous job at the former Wilber National Bank headquartered in Oneonta. She has been involved in banking for over 20 years. Leonard, 46, works within a strategic partnership as a relationship manager. “It’s more than just being a lender and lending money and providing deposit solutions,” she said. “We do everything for our business clients from soup to nuts.” KeyBank takes care of “anything they can envision, including succession planning and wealth management. “We work with internal partners to provide solutions,” she said while referring to the bank’s team of bankers, attorneys and certified public accountants. “We are part of that strategic team to help them grown their business,” said Leonard, who is originally from Endicott. “I love working with small business owners. I like to see them expand, grow and hire new people,” she said. “I’ve worked with very large companies, but truthfully prefer to work with some of JUNE / JULY 2015
the smaller ones because I feel I can make more of an impact.” “The best part of it that makes me go home happy every day is dealing with clients,” she said. “I really love that relationship that I have with them. It becomes a friendship.” Leonard said a successful banker must be an effective communicator as well as adept at accounting, credit and financial analysis. Leonard previously worked in the finance department of a private company. “I went into banking because I felt it was a more stable industry, which in hindsight is kind of funny,” said Leonard, noting at the time there was a flurry of mergers and acquisitions occurring in the banking sector. “I viewed it as a long-time institution and helping the community,” she said. “That’s what motivated me to be part of that world.” She resides in Clay and her territory consists of Oswego and northern Onondaga counties. Leonard started out studying po-
litical science and history at a military college while commissioned in the U.S. Army. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and government at Norwich University in 1990. When she entered the world of finance, “I had to start from scratch,” she said. She took courses through the American Banking Institute and the Institute of Risk Management and became certified in banking sales, financial and credit analysis and risk management. “I did it in a nontraditional manner,” she said. Leonard is the vice president and incoming president for the Empire chapter of the Risk Management Association, which covers all of Upstate New York. She is also on the board of the Prevention Network in Syracuse. She is on the KeyBank Foundation Committee, which provides grant funding to the community. Leonard is an avid gardener and is striving to become a master gardener. She also enjoys being outdoors and biking.
Leonard
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SPECIAL REPORT
Wendy S. Tetro
Senior vice president, controller, Fulton Savings Bank “I like the people part of the job and bringing staff to another level and watching them progress”
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echnology has certainly changed the face of modern-day banking. No one knows that more than Wendy S. Tetro, senior vice president-controller at Fulton Savings Bank. She’s been in that position at FSB for 20 years, and has been with the bank since 1992. Tetro said advancing technology
has certainly streamlined the banking business. “We are doing a lot more with a lot less employees,” she said. “This allows us to serve customers more efficiently without having the need to replace employees that we lose through attrition.” “I think there is always going to be a need for brick-and-mortar banks,” she said. “But our traffic has done way down.” “There used to be lines all the time at the main office and the drive-in was always backed up,” Tetro said. “It’s not like that anymore.” The native of Hazelton, Pa., said as the customer base grows older, “I don’t know what it’s going to look like years from now.” However, “I think a lot of people like the safety of knowing there is someplace they can go,” said Tetro, who grew up on Long Island. She noted her own children “never
Tetro
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go into a bank. Everything is online, even mortgages.” Tetro, a CPA, is in charge of the accounting department. “I’m more of the manager than the doer,” she said. FSB outsources its account information to Connecticut Online, and Tetro serves as a liaison between the two organizations. She also oversees the information technology department at FSB. Tetro supervises many back office and accounting activities, such as debit card processing and management of ATMs. She oversees the Internet and mobile banking department as well. Guiding force — Tetro said she enjoys the diversity of her duties. “I like the people part of the job and bringing staff to another level and watching them progress,” she said. Tetro said she gains the most job satisfaction from bringing new technology to the market and watching her employees grow in their careers. Among her strengths, thinking outside the box, envisioning new products and being persistent serve her well in her job. Tetro did not set out to be in the banking business. She went to college for business, mainly because her mother discouraged her from her real passion, English and reading. “My mother said, ‘You can’t be an English major. You have to make a living.’” With some reluctance, Tetro did pursue a business major. “I didn’t want to be an accountant at that time. It seemed like probably the worst job in the world,” she said. The Granby resident earned a degree in business administration at SUNY Oswego, and her first job was at Miller Brewing Co. She worked there as a quality control technician, and despite high wages, decided to leave after about a year and a half. “No matter what, I did not want to be in a factory,” she said. “All of a sudden, accounting seemed like a really good idea.” She went back to school and became a certified public accountant. Ironically, Michael J. Pollock, president and CEO of FSB, was on the same career path. It was Pollock who called Tetro for a job interview at FSB. JUNE / JULY 2015
SPECIAL REPORT
Congratulations “I didn’t pick banking; banking picked me, and it has been a good fit,” she said. Among her challenges is dealing with cybercrime, which she characterized as constant and getting worse. Tetro said the advent of EMV, which stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa, is designed to alleviate some of the credit and debit card fraud. FSB plans on issuing chip cards in early 2016. She noted FSB data is stored behind a firewall at Connecticut Online, which acts as a filter for FSB in terms of flagging questionable inquiries or transactions. “This gives us a great deal of confidence in the security of our customers’ information,” she noted. Tetro said being local and having a long-term management team gives FSB a competitive advantage. “The majority of customers don’t come into the bank, but they want to know it’s safe and everything works right,” she noted. “When customers call, they are greeted by one of our employees, not an automated phone system. Tetro, 60, said despite being a few years from retirement age, she would explore another career opportunity if it presented itself. She noted once she is retired, she would like to be on a board that needs a financial expert. She foresees staying in the area after retirement, with the exception of the winter months. Tetro and her husband, Bob Tetro, will be celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary this summer. The couple’s daughter Jordan lives in Syracuse and their son Jared resides in northern Virginia. Tetro has been the treasurer for the United Way of Greater Oswego County for 20 years, and served two years as its president. She enjoys reading, traveling and going on cruises. During the summer months, Tetro enjoys boating on the Oswego River and other local waterways. JUNE / JULY 2015
Compass Credit Union would like to congratulate Denise Grinnell for contributing more than 26 years of dedicated service to our credit union and playing a key role in its long-term success.
Thank you, Denise, for all you have done.
Colleen Penfield From your friends at Empower. 800.462.5000 • empowerfcu.com
Federally insured by NCUA.
Membership eligibility required.
Our strength is in our people. KeyBank believes in where we live. That’s why we help local families. Support programs that help children reach their full potential. Promote diversity. Help foster economic inclusion. And celebrate teamwork, cooperation, and respect for others. Because at KeyBank, we also believe that making a difference is what a local business should do. KeyBank helps people and businesses thrive. Learn more. Visit your local branch.
Key.com is federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. ©2015 KeyCorp. KeyBank is a Member FDIC. 48522
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key.com
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SPECIAL REPORT By Matthew Liptak
Femfessionals Networking organization functions as referral, support for women in business
Syracuse Femfessionals President Leisha Tedford Doherty, 46, of Fayetteville heads the groups women group’s networking and business education efforts. She said she hopes to get at least 200 paying members enrolled in the local chapter by the end of the year.
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emfessionals is an online business networking organization for women that includes group-sponsored events and educational opportunities. The Syracuse chapter covers a wide area of Central New York from Watertown to Binghamton, east to Utica and west to Waterloo.
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The chapter’s president for the last year has been Leisha Tedford Doherty, 46, of Fayetteville. “We’re developing a community where we can really support each other, give each other referrals and help people in success,” Doherty said. “It’s more than business. It’s really a support for women OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
to be successful.” Doherty has played a part in growing the local chapter to 169 members. She said Femfessionals may offer opportunities to business women that other networking groups do not. A pillar of Femfessionals is the Femfessionals.com website. It offers members a way to connect to the group and its members. It offers enhanced search engine optimization profiles for paying members so they can get high rankings on search engines queries. The site also promotes local members. The local chapter’s vice president, Sarah Arnold, 31, of Syracuse emphasized that the benefits of joining were multifaceted. “The incentives that come with business membership include discounts, international events, global classes, online profiles, brand recognition just to name a few,” she said. Femfessionals has a two-tiered membership platform. Women can sign up for a free trial for as long as they want to. They can also sign up for a business membership that costs $125 a year. Doherty said 75 percent of women enrolled in the Syracuse chapter are business members. Free membership gives the member a profile without search engine optimization and puts them on the Femfessionals email list. Both officers of the organization said that one of the main benefits of joining is the connection they develop with other women. Women tend to do business a little differently than men and may rely on their relationships with other females more heavily, they said. “We think differently,” Doherty said. “It doesn’t mean one is better or worse. We’re really about relationships. Women are looking for something different. They’re looking for support and a connection and looking for people to help them be successful who understand what they’re going through.” Arnold agreed. “Having that person that you can pick up the phone and you can call, not only are they a Femfessional, but there’s a personal relationship,” she said. “There’s a trust factor where you can just call if you need to talk about something.” Both women are entrepreneurs. JUNE / JULY 2015
SPECIAL REPORT Doherty runs a private consulting business for women called Her Heartbeat. She offers education, coaching and therapy to other business women. Arnold runs two businesses. She plans and provides local events through her firm CNY Show Promoters and also works as an independent insurance agent. They said being part of Femfessionals has given them many referrals and helped them expand their companies. Both have set up business meetings in other cities of the country just by picking up the phone and connecting with other Femfessional chapters. There are 75 chapters across the country. The organization offers educational programming along with networking opportunities. There are happy hours, power talks, luncheons and coffee talks among other events. A recent power talk presentation was titled “What keeps you up at night as a business owner.” It covered a variety of risk management oriented topics including key-employee insurance. Another presentation was done at Pioneer Warehouse in Syracuse by a member of the group. It went over the importance of logistics in business. “We learned a ton,” Doherty said. “We got a tour of the warehouse, got to see how it works, got to see customs. People got to know each other. New people came because those are free events we do for the community. People got business out of that.” Doherty hopes the local chapter of Femfessionals will continue to grow. She doesn’t get paid for being president, but said she loves the work. Her goal is to have at least 200 business members in the Syracuse chapter by the end of the year. Arnold feels there’s good reason for others to join this group of women helping women. “Femfessionals does everything they can to help our members grow their business and grow their revenue,” she said. “By joining Femfessionals you’re joining a community of women that make that Femfessionals commitment to endorse, promote, to help your fellow sisters grow a business.” For more information on Femfessionals go to www.Femfessionals.com.
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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AGRIBUSINESS SPECIAL REPORT By Ken Little
‘Buy Local’ Programs Helping Agribusiness P
roduce and other products manufactured in Central New York are being championed through “buy local” programs aimed at promoting the importance of buying locally grown or produced products. Oswego County has more than 100,000 acres in agricultural production, and is actively involved in “buy local” campaigns on a regional and state basis. Farming businesses provide more than 5,000 jobs in Oswego County, and contribute more than $31 million in annual revenue. A wide variety of agricultural products are grown in Oswego County. The county’s unique soils and climate allow the growth of hay, corn, soybeans, oats, onions, lettuce, potatoes and beans. Oswego County milk is used to make ice cream and cheeses, and the county is well known for its fruit or-
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chards and u-pick berry patches. Oswego County is also home to nurseries, greenhouses and tree farms, in addition to maple syrup and honey producers, organic farming and a fruit winery. The county’s livestock farms raise alpaca, sheep, goats, horses, deer, beef, swine, and poultry. Farmers’ Markets — “One of the best ways to get started is to visit a roadside stand or farmers’ market to buy homegrown produce from our neighbors. Many local growers have farm stands where they sell fruits, vegetables, maple syrup and honey,” according to a news release from the Oswego County Legislature. Oswego County “also has farms that sell organic produce, eggs, elk meat and products, goat cheese, and even goat milk soap,” the release said. At least eight farmers markets are operating every week throughout the county. Farmers’ markets can be found in Oswego, Fulton, Brewerton, Central Square, Mexico, Parish, Pulaski and Volney. For a schedule and locations, go to OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
vww.visitoswegocounty.com. “Many of the villages and cities conduct weekly farmers markets throughout the county. Farmers markets are in essence a grass roots buy-local program, directly from the farmer or producer to the consumer,” said Janet Clerkin, Oswego County tourism and public information coordinator. Clerkin said the county’s buy local campaign is promoted through printed brochures, the events calendar on the tourism website and social media. “Agri-tourism,” which supports buy-local initiatives, is a concept that has taken off in recent years. “In addition to buying locally grown products, you can show your support for our farming community by stopping in for a visit. Come to a maple farm to learn how syrup is made or visit an alpaca farm to meet the animals and learn how wool becomes a sweater or a pair of mittens,” the Legislature’s news release said. “Celebrate our agricultural heritage by bringing the kids to an orchard to pick apples and search for treasure in a corn maze. Enjoy the fall harvest with fresh apple cider and hay wagon or pony rides,” it said. Pride Of New York — The Pride of New York is the state’s branding program for the promotion of agricultural products grown, produced or processed in New York state. It helps participants market their products and informs consumers about the availability and variety of New York-produced products. JUNE / JULY 2015
AGRIBUSINESS SPECIAL REPORT To participate in the Pride of New York program, products must be agriculture-related and grown, produced or processed in New York state. Tourism and agriculture officials of the Central New York region launched a buy local campaign called “CNY Fresh” several years ago. Martin Broccoli, an agriculture economic development specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, is a project partner. “Central New York offers an abundance of fresh, healthy food, and late summer and early fall are a wonderful time to celebrate that. We’re becoming known as a region where people can get back in touch with farming and where their food comes from,” Broccoli said in a news release. “The CNY Fresh branding program is a great help in promoting that identity,” he added. Important To Economy — Agriculture is important to New York state. The value of agricultural production was over $5.70 billion in 2012, according to the state Department of Agriculture & Markets. About 23 percent of the state’s land area, or 7 million acres, is used by about 6,000 farms to produce a diverse array of food products. The state supports buy local campaigns in a number of ways. At this year’s Great New York State Fair in August and September in Syracuse, more than 70 competitions will be held to highlight the state’s agricultural diversity. The $142 billion 2015-16 state budget includes funding for key components of state Sen. Patty Ritchie’s “Grown in New York” plan “to strengthen connections between farmers and consumers who are increasingly looking to buy locally produced foods,” according to a state Senate budget summary. The budget “supports new proJUNE / JULY 2015
grams to connect consumers with locally produced products,” the summary said. It includes more than $1 million to develop a series of new farm-to-market hubs to help farmers in regions like the North Country move their products more easily to markets in New York City and other urban centers across the state. It also includes new programs to bring more locally produced fruits and vegetables to low-income seniors and schools, and funding to support the expansion of the successful “Harvest NY” program. ‘Grown In New York’ — Ritchie, R-48th Dist., is chairwoman of the Senate’s Agriculture Committee. Oswego County is part of the district she represents. Ritchie said in a recent news release that the spending package includes funding for programs “that have proven critical to the success of farmers in Central and Northern New York.” Funding includes money for research and promotion of key farm products, from apples to dairy, maple syrup to onions. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
“New York’s farmers work hard to produce some of the best quality and most delicious foods and food products anywhere, and agriculture is the backbone of our region’s and the state’s economy,” Ritchie said. Agriculture is the state’s most important industry, Ritchie said. “That’s why the state Senate is working just as hard to make agriculture and family farming key priorities in this year’s budget, including support for record agriculture funding and our ambitious new Grown in New York initiative to help farmers grow,” Ritchie said. Grown in New York includes a number of components, from a new model branding program for New York-grown products, to creation of transportation “hubs” to help farmers get their products into new markets, support for increasing export of farm products and more. The program also includes additional funding and support for energy efficiency and other grants and programs that are outside the Agriculture Budget. For more details on Grown in New York, go to www.ritchie.nysenate.gov. 77
HEALTHCARE By Lesley Semel
New Assisted Living Facility to Open in Oswego
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The Gardens by Morningstar features unique and active assisted living space in Port City
he Gardens by Morningstar is a family-owned retirement and assisted living facility coming this fall to Oswego. Atom Avery and Joseph Murabito have formed a partnership to renovate and operate the historic site on Ellen Street in Oswego. The site was formerly used by Loretto, a Syracuse-based nursing home. The Gardens will be a four-story, 41,000-sq.-ft assisted living community featuring 77 Medicaid assisted living
program beds and 29 private-pay adult home beds. The 106-bed project targets low- to moderate-income individuals who may need minimal to moderate assistance with activities of daily living, including medication management and diabetic care. Atom and his wife Falecia own and operate the Beacon Hotel in Oswego, The All Seasons Inn in Scriba and nearly 100 residential properties throughout the area.
Atom Avery and Joseph Murabito formed a partnership to launch The Gardens by Morningstar, retirement and assisted living facility in Oswego. 78
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Murabito is the owner and operator of Morningstar Residential Care Center and works with his wife Ana Maria to operate this 120-bed skilled nursing facility in Oswego. Murabito is also co-owner and managing member of Harding Nursing Home in Waterville. “We are confident the location of this residential community will be of interest to many people needing our services. We are in a lovely residential neighborhood at one of the highest points in the city — you can see the lake from all residential levels of the building,” Murabito said. Avery and Murabito have been working diligently with the state Department of Health for almost two and a half years and said the certificate of need process is going well. DOH final approvals to open are expected by summer’s end. Construction began this January with SJ Thomas Construction from Syracuse managing the project. Oswego County’s Industrial Development Agency and Pathfinder Bank have been instrumental in providing funding support. Avery noted there are only 60 existing assisted living beds in the county now and The Gardens will be filling an important need in the community moving ahead into the future. Need is evident — “There is a handful of private-pay assisted living facilities because it is hard to make the Medicaid model work,” Murabito said. “With this project, we wanted to provide a beautiful but cost-effective residential living space for those who are unable to be home but also not in need of a skilled nursing facility.” The past 10 years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of states JUNE / JULY 2015
HEALTHCARE
Health Care BRIEFS Karen Scaff Named Springside’s chief operating office
whose Medicaid programs provide financial assistance for assisted living residents. “Right now, there are no beds for our loved ones in our community to come to because they’re all full. People who need assisted living are going to other communities and cannot stay in Oswego,” Avery said. “We have people displaced all over Upstate New York that want to come back home.” The Gardens will create between 45-55 new jobs in the healthcare and human services market sector. “Joe and I have complementary backgrounds. He has spent his career in healthcare and I have spent mine in real estate and residential housing. We are merging our strengths to create a healthcare setting that is unique and active,” Avery said. A large wellness center will be featured complete with equipment and classes. It will be accessible to residents, staff as well as the community. The owners have concentrated on building an active and functional facility and getting away from the institutionalized healthcare stereotype. “Healthcare is in significant transition today. We are working hard to stay in front of the changes and focus our serJUNE / JULY 2015
vices on staying well, independent and functional. The Gardens will be a place of integration, community collaboration and wellness,” Murabito said. One key factor that makes the assisted living center unique is that it is owned and operated by local business people who are invested in this community, Avery and Murabito noted. There is no board of directors, or corporate home office — just two local people who are invested in making the community better. “We are always out in the community. We are part of Oswego. Everything we do is so personal and everything about this project has been very personal to us,” Avery added. The Gardens will provide an active living environment and promote independence while offering support services to assist individuals with health care needs. The facility will provide personal care and home health aides as well as round-the-clock nursing services to assure care and support is always available. In addition, residents will benefit as needed by having access to assistance with medication management, therapeutic diets, oxygen and diabetic management support. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Oswego Native Karen Scaff has been named Oswego Health’s vice president and chief operating officer at Springside at Seneca Hill. Scaff arrives with a strong background in finance, property management and interpersonal skills. “It is an honor and privilege to be selected for this position,” Scaff said. “This multi-faceted position allows me to use my human resource, marketing and finance experiences. I have also heard wonderful things about the residents and staff, which of course, is an important aspect of the job.” After living and working in Atlanta, Georgia for nearly 15 years, Scaff returned to Oswego last year. She most recently worked as a practice and property manager at the Lake Ontario Property Associates, in Oswego. Previously, she was a retirement services manager for McCamish Systems, an Infosys Company and a benefits specialist for Aon Consulting, both located in Atlanta. While living and working in Atlanta, Scaff earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia State’s J.M. Robinson College of Business. Scaff obtained her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland.
Oswego County Chiropractors Support Nonprofits Chiropractors practicing in Oswego County raised $3,160 for several area nonprofit organizations during their recent patient appreciation day fundraiser. Sponsored by Oswego County Doctors of Chiropractic representing The New York State Chiropractic Association, and coordinated by chiropractor Richard Tesoriero of Tesoriero 79
Chiropractic, the event brought area chiropractors together to show their appreciation for their patients. Participating chiropractors provided chiropractic treatments at reduced rates for the event with all proceeds from the day being shared with the Oswego YMCA Splash and Dash training program, Oswego Triathlon Club, Hannibal Resource Center and 2nd Chance Wildlife, Oswego Rotary Club, the Fulton Lions Club’s Sight and Hearing Preservation Project, March of Dimes, United Way of Greater Oswego County, and Kiwanis International. “It was great to see my fellow chi-
ropractors come together and offer their time and talent. Patient appreciation day is an opportunity for us to express our appreciation to our patients and give back to the community by supporting some very well-deserving organizations,” said Tesoriero.
Upstate’s Lisa M. Allen Named Distinguished Sonographer of the Year Upstate University Hospital’s Lisa M. Allen, who has been a high-risk obstetrical sonographer at
A bond that lasts a lifetime. Make your childbirth experience special. The day you deliver your baby is a day you’ll never forget. Oswego Health specializes in making childbirth a special experience for all women. Our caring team of healthcare providers combines a state-of-the-art facility with family-centered care to help welcome your baby.
Jeffry Comanici: New Crouse’s Director of Philanthropy
n Attractive private rooms n Patient satisfaction exceeds 99%* n Conveniently located and close to home n Experienced caring staff
For a personal tour and an opportunity to meet our staff, or to learn more about our childbirth and breastfeeding classes, please call 349-5572.
www.oswegohealth.org * Press Ganey Standard Overall Large Peer Group Hospitals 7/1/2014-12/31/2014
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Upstate’s Regional Perinatal Center for more than two decades, has been recognized as the Distinguished Sonographer of the Year by the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM). The award recognizes Allen as one of the top sonographers working today who has significantly contributed to the growth and development of medical ultrasound. The AIUM represents 2,500 working sonographers and retirees. “It is a huge honor to receive the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine’s 2015 Distinguished Sonographer Award,” Allen said. “It is very humbling and rewarding to be recognized for my contributions and accomplishments in the field of diagnostic medical sonography.” Allen, who lives in the town of Onondaga, received her honor March 22 at the AIUM’s annual convention in Orlando. Allen is registered in multiple specialties including obstetrics and gynecology, fetal echocardiography, abdomen, neurosonography, and vascular technology. She holds the credentials of R.D.M.S., R.D.C.S., and R.V.T. She has served on several committees and task forces for multiple professional ultrasound organizations in an effort to promote the best possible training and education for fellow sonographers. Allen was named Upstate’s Employee of the Year (Clinical) in 2011.
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Jeffry Comanici has joined the staff of the Crouse Health Foundation as director of philanthropy. In this position, he will work closely with hospital and foundation administration, board volunteers, physicians and key staff to design, implement and manage a comprehensive major gift fundraising program for Crouse Hospital’s strategic initiatives. Comanici has come to Crouse from Syracuse University, where he had been the assistant dean for advancement for JUNE / JULY 2015
the College of Visual and Performing Arts since April 2006. His prior experience includes serving as executive director of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra; director of development for major gifts for Syracuse University; and associate director of development for SU’s School of Information Studies. A graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse, Comanici and has been very active in local community organizations such as Oakwood Cemetery, DeWitt Community Church, Susan G. Komen Central New York, Vera House Foundation and the Consortium for Children’s Services. He is a resident of Fayetteville.
Child Advocacy Center Honors Frances Lanigan
Elizabeth Fadden, president of the board of directors for the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County (CAC), and Karrie Damm, executive director of the CAC, recently presented retiring board
Health Services Trust Pediatrics
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Child Care & Development Council of Oswego County
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member Frances Lanigan with an award in recognition of her 17 years of service to the CAC. A non-profit organization, the CAC works hand-in-hand with local law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, medical providers, therapy providers, and victim advocacy professionals in Oswego County to protect and serve children that are victims of sexual and physical abuse.
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SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED.
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Oswego Hospital Auxiliary Makes Donation Members of the Oswego Hospital Auxiliary have generously donated $50,000 toward local healthcare needs. Each May, as Oswego Health celebrates May as healthcare month, members of the Auxiliary make a large donation to the health system, which ensures that exceptional healthcare programs and services will remain available locally. The Auxiliary raised the donated
funds from their annual fall bazaar and various other fund raisers, as well as the sales from the Oswego Hospital snack bar and the Fulton Medical Center’s 510 Café. Seated in the photo from the left, Oswego Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Valerie Favata; Oswego Hospital Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Allison A.N. Duggan, MD; Auxiliary President Julia Burns; and Auxiliary Secretary MaryLou Kritzman. Standing from left are Auxiliary Treasurer Mary Borte, along with Auxiliary members Terri Smith, Mary Margaret Restuccio, Barbara Handley-Place, Linda McQueen, Marion Duplessis, Sheila Gurdziel, Mary Roman and Oswego Health Director of Volunteers and Auxiliary Sarah Weigelt. The Auxiliary always welcomes new members. Community members interested in joining the Auxiliary should call Weigelt at 349-5788.
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2015
Success Story
By Lou Sorendo
S
AM North America LLC transcends simply being a research and development center. The facility is quickly skyrocketing en route to becoming a leading developer of solution and extrusion coating machines, as well as advanced printing machines for the converting and flexible packaging market, including printed electronics, according to its principals. SAM N.A. unveiled its 10,000-square-foot, multi-million dollar extrusion technology center — SAMLab 2 — at its new facility in the Oswego County Industrial Park in Schroeppel last year. A combination of activities takes place at SAM N.A.’s Schroeppel location. “We’re here to prove a process, and once we do that, it will lead to machinery sales. That’s the main thrust,” said Donald Teich, Edward Lincoln, left, vice president-extrusion systems, joins Donald Teich, vice presidentvice president-solution solution coating, at SAM N.A.’s multi-million dollar extrusion technology center at the Oswego coating. “We can also run County Industrial Park in Schroeppel. trials for people who supply materials to our customers, and those people are typically resin suppliers.” SamLab 2 features a smaller scale version of what an actual production machine would look like. “In a lab environment, we want to run on a smaller scale where there is less material costs,” Teich said. “Then once we make the desired product, we scale up to a larger production machine.” “This really depicts what the customer has in their production facilities,” said Ed Lincoln, vice president-extrusion systems. “If they did not have access to this tool, they would have to take down a production machine for a half or entire day in order to run these type of trials. It allows them to come here and keep that production machine making them money.” The parent company, Sung An
SAM North America, LLC
Company Located at Oswego County Industrial Park Emerges as Leader in Converting, Flexible Packaging Market JUNE / JULY 2015
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Machinery Co., Ltd. in Korea, designs and manufactures an extensive range of machinery and accessories for the printing and converting industry for the converting of paper, film and foil. SAMLab 2 is a result of the growth that SAM N.A. has experienced over the past several years. The original staff — all with converting industry experience, including with Black Clawson / Davis-Standard in Fulton — formed in 2010 to provide service and support to its partner company for machinery in North and South America. “Since that beginning, the installed base of machines in these markets has increased fourfold,” Teich said. “Since the decision to install SAMLab 2 in 2013, our revenue doubled for 2014 and we are on track for a similar increase for 2015,” he noted. Teich said the keys to making SAMLab 2 a successful venture include listening to clients and responding to their development needs. “Although we are in a mature industry, the pressure on the consumer product companies to reduce costs and provide sustainable yet effective products forces the converter companies to develop novel solutions,” he said. “We will continue to work with these leaders in the industry and if we do, we will be successful.” SAM N.A. is a family-owned business that has focused on technology and solutions for its customers, Teich added. By doing so, the company has expanded its facility in Schroeppel and a similar one in Casale Monferrato, Italy. It recently opened offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Shanghai, China.
Significant growth has been realized in the Pacific Rim, which has been the company’s stronghold for years, said Teich, noting that over 50 percent of SAM’s trials have been international. Europe has been one of SAM N.A.’s best markets, he added. Teich declined to disclose SAM NA’s gross annual revenue for 2014. “We are a privately held company and do not provide our revenue information,” he said. SAM N.A. in Oswego County started with three workers and has grown to feature nine today. “When we get busy, we also bring Andy Christie in contract employis SAM N.A.’s ees that include retirees from the local managing area or displaced, director. middle-aged workers who still have value to add and help out as we need them,” Teich said. Next generation products — SAMLab 2 provides the latest and most complete semi-production facility in the world for developing technology for extrusion-coated or extrusion-laminated flexible or industrial products, whether the substrate is film, paper, paperboard, non-woven or fabric. SAMLab 2’s mission is to provide the machinery tool and process expertise
to partner with customers, material suppliers and sub-suppliers to develop their next generation product, according to Teich. Local Impact — The new facility is having a positive impact on Oswego County from an economic development standpoint. “We made extensive use of local contractors for modifications to our building,” Teich said. “And, we have tripled our workforce.” For ongoing projects, Teich said the company has developed relationships with several local suppliers for support, manufacturing components for special trial needs, logistics for shipping materials, as well as general building maintenance. “We bring customers into the region from anywhere in the world who spend money by staying in local hotels, visiting restaurants and shopping,” he added. Lincoln said SAM N.A. has several competitive edges when stacked up against other manufacturers performing the same processes. Lincoln said having lab capabilities like SAM N.A. “allows us to get in on the ground floor on a new project or new opportunity. The products that are developed here translate directly from this width machine at production speeds to what their width machine would be in a full-production environment. It gets them a little more familiar and comfortable working with us.” Overall, Lincoln said SAM N.A.’s lead times are shorter. “Our time from order to when customers go into production and start paying off that asset is traditionally shorter than what competitors offer just by some of the way we do things,” he said. Lincoln said the company makes custom machines from standard components, but also features an engineering force large enough to be able to accommodate specific needs of customers as well.
SAM N.A. in Schroeppel features SAMLab2, the company’s new extrusion technology center. 84
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2015
J.H. Kim prepares SAM N.A.’s extrusion technology center for an upcoming trial. “Having that flexibility has gotten us a lot of business here over the last two years,” Lincoln said. “Everyone gets the end result the same. There’s going to be a potato chip bag coming off your machine, but how you run it a little faster, wider and have better accuracy and control of it? That is what distinguishes people,” Teich said. Korean roots — Teich said the keys to the company’s longevity are rooted in its ownership. “It really starts with our ownership back in Korea,” he said. “It is a family-run business that is totally focused on customer satisfaction.” Teich said the company’s history has all been about repeat business. “When you make the customer happy, he is going to buy from you again,” Teich noted. “An example is that we have sold certain customers over 30 machines. That’s an impressive number of repeat business from the same customer.” He said Lincoln, managing director Andy Christie and himself all have engineering backgrounds, which helps tremendously when it comes to being JUNE / JULY 2015
able to understand customers’ needs. “Our competitors are everywhere in the world, and every one of our competitors is doing the same thing,” Teich said. “We’re all out chasing business in the far reaches of the world, and we just have to be able to adapt to different markets of the world.” Lincoln said the world outside the U.S. is growing at a faster pace. “There is a lot of technology being developed as big U.S. companies set up operations in China, Thailand, Indonesia and the old Eastern Bloc countries,” Lincoln said. “Everybody is going there; it’s all an opportunity for growth.” “People that live in these countries now have money to spend, more so then before,” Teich noted. “They are able to purchase some of the commodities that they did not buy before. That’s why companies are relocating there and producing for local economies. Instead of making it and shipping it back, they are staying there now.” Lincoln said a large part of the company’s products is used for packaging material, particularly flexible food packaging. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
He said economies in Third World countries are starting to grow and more refrigeration is needed, and there is more need for packaging and food storage. “That creates opportunities for us,” he noted. “If you go through a grocery store 20 years ago, you’d see everything in glass jars and steel cans,” he said. “More of that is going to become flexible as new markets will invest in a flexible converting rather than a rigid can line, which is SAMLab 2’s focus.” Lincoln said although the company is approaching capacity at its manufacturing facility in Korea, as business increases, it will exceed what those capabilities are. “North America would be a logical place to expand to do that,” he said. “Any expansion in North America would be right here.” “I’d like to think that in a couple of years, something will take place,” Teich said. Teich noted the company has an additional acres at the park that would accommodate an expansion. 85
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New Deadline to Get NYS Economic Development Funding Continued from page 46 Your participation will have two major impacts: 1 — Your hopes for the region will be incorporated into the future of Central New York, and 2 — Your participation will help the Central New York region secure $500 million in funding, helping to improve where we all live. An Upstate Revitalization Community Input Event was recently held on April 30 at LeMoyne College. The agenda included an overview of the URI $500 million competition and a presentation by the University of Buffalo Research Institute on regional strengths and weaknesses. Input from community members in attendance was solicited regarding where the Central New York plan should place their focus. If you missed this event and would like to participate in the discussion and planning, visit http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/central-newyork. There is more information on the Regional Opportunity Agenda and you can sign-up to participate in planning, submit an Overarching Idea or submit a Project Intake Form. The strategic plan for the URI must be submitted to the state by Oct. 5. 86
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SUNY Oswego’s Online MBA Program Earns Top 25 National Ranking
S
UNY Oswego’s online MBA program ranks in the top 25 nationally in Princeton Review’s first-ever comprehensive survey of colleges and universities offering such programs. The School of Business’ online master’s in business administration program at Oswego came in at No. 22 in the educational services company’s recent ranking, based on surveys last year of business school administrators and nearly 2,000 students enrolled in programs at 80 business schools. Oswego joined a list that includes larger online-MBA programs at the business schools of University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Indiana University-Bloomington, as well as comparable-size programs at University of Memphis and North Carolina State University. Oswego was the only SUNY school in the top 25, with Hofstra University, Rochester Institute of Technology and
JUNE / JULY 2015
Syracuse University the only other New York state-based schools listed. “Each of our top 25 schools offers a first-rate MBA online as well as on campus,” said Robert Franek, senior vice president-publisher of the Princeton Review. “Like highly successful businesses, these highly respected b-schools are serving their customers with innovative options. For working professionals unable to move to a ‘brick and mortar’ campus for an MBA, these schools offer an opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best b-school professors and earn the degree from anywhere in the world.” The AACSB-accredited SUNY Oswego School of Business offers an online MBA program that competes not only on course-scheduling flexibility, but on curriculum customization, rigorous and top-quality classes, experiential-learning opportunities, small class sizes, a faculty that includes current and former
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
professionals in business and industry, and affordability. It also was one of the pioneering programs in the system-wide Open SUNY educational initiative. ‘Very welcoming’ — The Princeton Review’s survey found that Oswego’s flexibility appeals to midcareer students: The student body in the online MBA program averages 36 years of age with 12 years of professional experience. Online-only students — Oswego’s MBA programs also are available as a hybrid of in-person and online, on the main campus in Oswego or at the SUNY Oswego Metro Center in Syracuse — take an average of 24 months to achieve the MBA degree. “SUNY Oswego is very welcoming to online students and make us feel as though we are still part of campus life,” said one student in the survey. “We are not made to feel left out because we are not on the main campus.”
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Best Business Directory
COPY + PRINT Port City Copy Center. Your one stop for all of your copy + print needs. 184 Water St. Oswego (back of Canal Commons). 216-6163.
COUNTERTOPS & TILES Oswego Soapstone & Tile, a Pauldine company. Quality tilework. See gallery photos at OswegoSoapstoneandTile. com. 315-593-9872.190 5th Ave. Oswego.
CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING Picture Connection 169 W. 1st St. Oswego 343-2908. Quality conservation matting & framing for your photos, prints, original artwork & objects.
DEMOLITION Fisher Companies. Commercial & residential demolition. Great prices. Fully insured. Free estimates. 45 years of experience. Call Fisher Companies at 315-652-3773 or visit www.johnefisherconstruction.com.
ACCOUNTING & TAX Canale Insurance & Accounting Service for all your insurance, Accounting, Payroll and Tax needs. Locally owned and operated. For insurance call 343-4456, Taxes & Accounting 343-0409.
EXCAVATING Manwaring Lawn & Snow-Serving all of Oswego County. Residential / commercial. Fully insured. A+ rating with BBB. Free estimates. Call Dave 315-593-9892.
ANTIQUE BROKERS The Antique Brokers — multi dealer antique shop. Buying & selling antiques & collectables. Gerald A. Petro, 315-5619777, across from the Great Northern Mall, 4180 Rt. 31 Clay, NY. Buyers of gold, silver & coins. Vendors wanted.
APPRAISALS & ESTATES Antiques & Estates Specialists. We buy, sell, appraise, liquidate, auction. Barry L Haynes Co. 5872 Scenic Ave. Mexico, NY 315-963-0922, 41 years experience! :-)
AUTO COLLISION Northside Collision Baldwinsville. Upstate’s largest collision/repair center. Lifetime warranty loaners or rentals. We assist with the insurance claims. 75 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. More information, call 638-4444.
AUTO SALES & SERVICE Bellinger Auto Sales & Service — third generation business! Towing, auto parts & accessories, used car dealers, car batteries, automotive repair, Truck repair. Oil, lube & filter service. 2746 County Route 57 Fulton, NY 13069. Call 593-1332 or fax 598-5286.
AUTO SERVICE & TIRES Northstar Tire & Auto Service. Major/minor repairs. Foreign & domestic. alignments. Tire sales. Call Jim at 315-5988200. 1860 State Route 3W, in Fulton.
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Port City Car Care — Major/minor automotive repair & service. Excellent automotive repairs with small town family values. We take pride in what we do and strive for quality customer service. Call John at 315-207-0500, 20 Ohio St. Oswego.
BATTERIES JD BATTERIES-Oswego’s Battery Specialists. Automotive, marine/RV, snowmobile, motorcycle, jet ski, heavy duty, golf cart, cell phones, laptops. 200 W 4th St, Oswego (across from Stewarts). 315-216-4993 or 315-297-8412.
BEER BEER BEER C’s Farm Market & Beverage Center — where the beverages never end. Domestics, microbrews, imports. Our selection makes us the best! Fruit baskets. Rte. 104 West (behind Fajita Grill) Oswego. 343-1010. www. csfarmmarket.com.
BOTTLED SPRING WATER Bottled spring water and coffee service for home and office. We now have single serve cups for your K-cup brewer. Free delivery. Convenient. Refreshing. Economical. Jay Sea Distributing. 343-3700. Remember: buy local.
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Gilbert Excavating. Septic Systems. Gravel & top soil. Septic and tank pumping. 691 Co. Rt. 3, Fulton 13069. Call 593-2472.
BUILDING SUPPLIES
FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Jerome Fire Equipment Co., Inc. Portable fire extinguisher and kitchen suppression systems sales & service for the home and business. Home safety supplies: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, escape ladders, etc. 8721 Caughdenoy Rd., Clay, NY 13041. 315-699-5288. www.jeromefire.com.
Burke’s Home Center. The complete building and supply center. Two locations: 38 E. Second St. in Oswego (3436147); and 65 North Second St. in Fulton (592-2244). Free deliveries.
Stripping, refinishing, regluing, repairs, restorations. Haynes Restorations. 5872 Scenic Ave., Mexico. 315963-0922. Commercial/residential. 33 yrs. exp.
Deaton’s Ace Building & Home Center. Your one stop home improvement shop 3970 Port St. (Rte 13) Pulaski, 315-298-2644.Web: www.deatonsace.com Store hours: Mon-Sat 7-7, Sunday 8-5.
FURNITURE RESTORATION
CLEAN UPS/CLEANOUTS
GIFT SHOP
Filthbusters weekly house cleaning. Spring-cleaning. Offices & businesses. We clean attics, garages, storage buildings, rental units, foreclosures & estates. We haul debris & unwanted items. Over 24 years in business, fully insured & competitively priced. Free estimate. Call 298-7222.
The Vintage Garden. 315-727-8388. Consignment & gift shoppe-antiques. Furniture, home & garden decor. 3715 St. Rte. 13 Pulaski (next to the Knights Inn). April-May hours W-F 10 - 4, Sat. 10 - 3.
CLEANING
Fulton Glass — Oswego County’s only full service glass shop. Residential. Commercial. Shower enclosures. Auto glass. Window and picture glass. Screen Repair. Window Repair. Beveled Mirrors and Glass. Hrs:M-Th 7-5, Fri 7-noon. FultonGlass.net, 840 Hannibal Street Fulton, NY 13069, 593-7913.
Clean Care Service. One source for all your cleaning needs. Carpets and upholstery, windows, floors, siding, gutters, interior painting, epoxy painting of concrete floors. Fully insured. 2072 Rabbit Lane Phoenix, NY. Call 695-6775 cleancareservice.com.
CLEANOUTS Manwaring Cleanouts. Serving all of Oswego County. Residential/commercial. Fully insured. A+ rating with BBB. Free estimates. Call Dave 315-593-9892.
CLOCK & WATCH REPAIR Brewerton Watch & Jewelry Repair. Watch & jewelry repair. Clock repair. 60 years in business. 9340 Brewerton Rd. Brewerton, NY. Call Orley at 676-7474.
GLASS
GUNS & AMMO Sharpshooters — Full svc gun store. Buy / sell / trade / transfer & storage. Long guns, hand guns. 315-298-5202. 1164 Co. Rt. 28, Pulaski.
HEATING & COOLING JR Comerford & Son-HVAC since 1916. Commercial & Residential Installation, Service & Repair of Heating, Air Conditioning & Air Quality Systems. www.jrcomerfordandson.com, 24 Ohio St. Oswego, NY 315.343.4030.
CLUTTER REMOVAL
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Expert Clutter Removal. We clean out your junk, not your wallet! Attics, basements, garages, yards, almost anything! Free estimates! Call Bruce 315-730-6370. Year round service! www.ExpertClutter.com.
Wet Paint Company. Paint, flooring, blinds & drapes. Free estimates. Call 315-343-1924, www.wetpaintcompany. com.
CONTRACTOR Natoli General Contractors. Residential & commercial. Bath & kitchen tilework. Masonry. Windows. Quality work. 3756 Co. Rte. 45 Oswego. Call 342-8850.
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
INTERIOR REMODELING C.P. Force LLC — Custom interior remodeling. Kitchens, baths, new rooms. Flooring, insulation, roofing, siding. One company does it all. Fully insured. 24 hr emergency svc Snow and Ice removal. Mark Davis 315-341-4949.
JUNE / JULY 2015
JEWELERS
LANDSCAPING
JP Jewelers is your hometown jeweler offering supreme design at wholesale prices. Whether you’re buying or selling, JP Jewelers is here to be your local jeweler. 136 W. Bridge St. Oswego. (315) 342-GOLD. Find us on Facebook.
D&S Landscaping Office. Servicing Oswego & surrounding areas. Quality work, prompt & dependable service. Free estimates. Fully insured. Backhoe services, Lawn mowing, snow plowing, top soil, tree work. Hydro-seeding, & asphalt seal coating. 315-598-6025 (cell 315-591-4303).
JEWELRY BUY /SELL
LUMBER
Bridge Street Jewelers, 137 East Bridge St. 315-342-0022. We sell quality jewelry at affordable prices. Layaway and credit available. Lowest prices on certified diamonds in the area. Always buying gold, silver & platinum.
D & D Logging and Lumber- Producers of high-grade hardwood lumber. Sales, full service sawmill, hardwood lumber, wood chips & bark, Timber cutting. Call us at 315593-2474, 1409 County Route 4 Central Square, NY 13036.
JUNK HAULING
White’s Lumber. Four locations to serve you. Pulaski: State Rte. 13, 298-6575; Watertown: N. Rutland St., 788-6200; Clayton: James St., 686-1892; Gouverneur: Depot St., 287-1892.
Pack Rat Rubbish Removal. Serving Oswego and Onondaga counties. Haul all of your unwanted junk away. Also sheds, fences, swimming pools, decks and more. Gutters cleaned. Prices starting @ $25. Credit cards accepted. Insured. Free estimates. Call 436-8051 or 708-4834.
KILN-DRIED HARDWOODS Lakeshore Hardwoods. We stock kiln-dried cherry, walnut, maple, butternut, ash, oak, basswood, mahogany, cedar figured woods, and exotics. Also hardwood flooring, moldings, stair parts & woodworking supplies. 266 Manwaring Rd. Pulaski. 298-6407 or visit www.lakeshorehardwoods.com.
LAND SURVEYOR Robert M. Burleigh. Licensed land surveyor. Quality land surveying. Residential, subdivision, commercial, boundary surveying. 593-2231.
MOVING C&S Moving- Great customer service. Free estimatesInsured, call Chuck at 315-532-4443.
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT BJ’s Outdoor Power Equipment/Sales & Service. 3649 State Route 3, Fulton, NY. www.bjsoutdoorpower.com. We sell Ferris, Echo, Central Boiler, and Snapper products. 315-598-5636.
PAWN BROKER Pawn Boss. We buy everything from game systems to
gold & silver. Coin collections, guitars, and flat screen TVs, too! Check us out on www.newyorkpawnboss. com.
PET GROOMING & KENNELS K9 Grooming & Pet Motel offers the finest possible loving, gentle care for your dogs & cats. Visit our website at www. k9groomingandpetmotel.com, call 315-343-5158 or stop in to see us at 2452 Co. Rte. 7 Oswego.
PORTABLE TOILETS Blue Bowl Sanitation Inc. Portable toilets, veteran-family-owned since 1952. bluebowlsanitationinc.com, 315593-3258, Fulton, NY 13069.
REMODELING JTS Remodeling. New construction, fiber cement siding, pole barns. All phases of construction & remodeling. Call Judd at 315-591-6959.
ROOFING Over The Top Roofing. Mike Majeski. Commercial & residential roofing. Quality craftsmanship. 50-year manufacturer’s warranty for residential roof. Call- 315-882-5255, 400 Co. Rte. 7 Hannibal, NY 13074.
SELF STORAGE Northway Mini Storage- Conveniently located at 279 Crosby Rd. Parish, NY. Best rates around! Call John or Mark at 315-625-7049. Don’t tow it, stow it.
ADVERTISING BARGAIN HEADING: LISTING:
$149 for 1 Year
Just fill out this form, and send it with a check to: JUNE / JULY 2015
Oswego County Business P.O. Box 276 • Oswego, NY 13126 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Last Page
By Lou Sorendo
Doug Buske Harborfest executive director talks about organizing festival with a third of the budget organization had in the past Q.: How has support been from the community and from corporate sponsors for Harborfest 2015? A.: Economics play a critical role in financial and in-kind support to Harborfest. Our budget is significantly less than it was in past years. However, businesses, organizations and individuals continue to support Harborfest at levels they can afford. Without the support of the city of Oswego, law enforcement agencies, the Port of Oswego Authority, the Oswego City Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and our state representatives, this event would not be possible. Q.: Can you give us an idea of what it costs to put the festival on? A.: As you are well aware, nothing is less expensive — and costs continue to rise. Our total budget is a third of what it used to be. The most expensive item is the entertainment. We have a tremendous committee that selects the talent, but it needs to work within restrictions of the money available. Some of the expenses that might surprise some people include ambulances, barges and a tugboat for the fireworks, sound systems, porta potties, stages, tents, chairs, transportation buttons and more.
egress, that we would take the year off from this venue. However, our plan is to be back there in 2016. Q.: What are some of the more challenging aspects of being executive director of the festival? A.: Finances are what keeps one of the largest admission-free festivals in the nation going. I am involved in so many areas and have to make sure certain certificates and timetables are achieved by deadline, safety is addressed being it is our No. 1 priority, and I must also stay on top of the ever-evolving and changing day-to-day issues that keep me extremely busy. However, we have an outstanding, professional part-time staff of four
people along with our volunteers who are there to assist. Q.: What is the most gratifying aspect of helping to produce the festival? A.: Seeing well over 100,000 people enjoying themselves. They don’t have to worry about anything and the smiles on their faces, the dancing at the concerts, and the thunderous applause after the spectacular Grucci fireworks display are what makes the year of work gratifying, for not only me, but our entire staff, board and volunteers. Editor’s note: The 28th edition of Oswego Harborfest will be presented July 23-26 at several venues throughout the city of Oswego. Firstyear executive director Doug Buske is the former president of the Oswego Harborfest volunteer board.
Q.: Are there any major changes to this year’s Harborfest in terms of venues or programming? A.: The only major shift is that Harborfest will not be using the River Park along the west bank of the Oswego River. With the situation at the former Cahill building, there is a fence along the north side of that venue, while the east and west sides are flanked by the river and a concrete wall. For safety and convenience concerns, we decided that with only one point of entry and
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2015
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Here in Oswego County, we’re guided by a common spirit of giving to neighbors, families and others in need. The millions of megawatts of electricity generated at FitzPatrick powers more than homes. To proud New Yorkers like us — your friends and neighbors at FitzPatrick — it’s equally important to give back to our communities. Here are just a few of the local organizations and initiatives that our people and our company proudly support over the years: • Oswego County Schools • Harborfest • United Way of Greater Oswego County • Oswego County Soil & Water District • Syracuse Rescue Mission • Project Smart • ACR Health • Human Concerns • Operation Oswego County • Oswego Bookmobile • Mexico Public Library • Habitat for Humanity • Friends of Oswego County Hospice
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