Oswego County Business, #181: August - September 2022 by Oswego County Business Magazine

CELEBRATING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY www.cnybusinessmag.com

August / September 2022

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CONTENTS

ounty Oswego C Union it d re C l Federa ening for p o ll fa a eyes h. nix branc new Phoe P. 38

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

ISSUE 181

MAKING A SPLASH IN OSWEGO Though faced with early challenges, Broadwell Hospitality Group plans to open its new $6.7 million indoor waterpark project in Oswego in the fall. It’s expected to boost local tourism and create new jobs.

Features

Writers Steve Yablonski and Bruce Frassinelli look back on 30 years of Oswego County Business; what people are saying about us; famous quotes from 30 years of stories.

Tourism is back as COVID-19 restrictions lift; Revitalization is happening at Fort Ontario; Oswego County Fair set to return after two-year hiatus; and more.

Michael Backus getting ready to lead Oswego Health; ConnextCare is upgrading their Pulaski facility; New York is second-worst place for physicians.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!

OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

TOURISM

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

HEALTHCARE

More Contents 42 48

Stop the Presses!

Post-Standard owner to shutter printing press.

Economic Trends

Manufacturing

Former Novelis boss Buddy Stemple now leads a West Virginia aluminum plant

Community College

Two-year programs have earned their place as respected educational institutions

My Turn

30 years of coming up with interesting columns By Bruce Frassinelli

Tim’s Notes

The blues are alive and well, in a place near you. By Tim Nekritz

Charity

After a drop in fundraising, United Way wants to raise $500,000 this year

Departments 10 12

Publisher’s Note On the Job

How I Got Started

18 20

Interim director o f the NYS Fa ir Sean Hennessey wants this year to be bigger and better tha n ever. P. 18

2022 Operation Oswego County Achievement Awards By L. Michael Treadwell

‘What’s the Best Marketing Tool You Use to Attract More Business?’ Art McLaughlin, owner of Art’s Parts and More

Profile

Sean Hennessey

Where in the World is Sandra Scott?

Basel, Switzerland

24 32

Newsmakers Dining Out Restaurant Guide

36 94

Business Updates Success Story

Be sure to bring your appetite to La Parrilla on the Water

Grace Tyler Estate Winery

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

ADVERTISING INDEX Affordable Business Solutions......19 Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home.........................19 ALPS Professional Services.........31 BarclayDamon..............................37 Bond, Schoeneck & King................8 Buckingham Brothers...................28 Bugs Bee Gone............................27 Builder’s FirstSource....................27 Burke’s Home Center...................31 Burritt Motors................................72 C & S Companies.........................50 Canale’s Insurance & Accounting ....................29, 31 Caster’s Sawmill Inc.....................27 Cayuga Community College.........53 Century 21 - Galloway Realty.......29 Compass Credit Union.................14 ConnextCare................................89 Crouse Hospital..............................2 E J USA........................................11 Empower FCU................................5 Farnham.......................................91 Financial Partners of Upstate (David Mirabito).......................47 Fitzgibbons Agency......................14

Foster Funeral Home....................91 Fulton Savings Bank.....................41 Fulton Taxi....................................17 Fulton Tool Co..............................52 Gartner Equipment.......................99 Gosch Supply...............................28 Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce...........25 Green Planet Grocery...................25 H. Lee White Museum..................23 Harbor Eye Associates.................83 Harbor Hotel.................................79 Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY..................91 Howard’s Hoses...........................31 J P Jewelers.................................23 Johnston Gas...............................29 JTS Remodeling...........................47 Kathy’s Cake & Specialty Treats......................25 La Parrilla.....................................35 Lamb’s Handyman Service...........27 Laser Transit.................................52 Local 43 (NECA EBEW)...............72 Lukacs Pottery..............................23 LW Emporium Co-Op...................23

MACNY.........................................50 Menter Ambulance.......................87 Mimi’s Drive Inn............................35 Murdoch’s Bicycle & Sports .........37 North Country Storage Barns.........4 Northern Ace Home Center..........29 Novelis..........................................11 NYS Office of Parks....................100 OD Greene Lumber......................29 Onondaga Community College....55 Ontario Orchards..........................26 Operation Oswego County...........99 Oswego County Community Foundation..............................79 Oswego County Federal Credit Union.......................................17 Oswego County Mutual Insurance................................14 Oswego County Promotion &Tourism Department...............3 Oswego Health ......................47, 87 Par-K Enterprises, Inc..................26 Plumley.........................................26 Pontiac Care and Rehabilitation Center ....................................38 Port of Oswego Authority..............30

RiverHouse Restaurant................35 Riverside Artisans.........................23 Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In..............35 Salvatore Lanza Law Office..........19 Small Business Development Center (SBDC)........................28 Scriba Electric...............................29 Speedway Press...........................31 Splash Indoor Water Resort.........13 SUNY Upstate..............................14 Sweet-Woods Memorial...............27 Technology Development Organization (TDO).................55 The REV Theatre..........................25 Trimble Services...........................27 United Wire Technology...............81 Valti Graphics...............................52 Vashaw’s Collision........................52 Watertown Industrial Center of Local Development.................30 WD Malone...................................27 Whelan & Curry Construction.......41 White’s Lumber & Building Supply.......................29 WRVO..........................................98

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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

30 YEARS AND COUNTING...

eaders get our very best every time we publish an issue of Oswego County Business Magazine. We try our hardest to produce an interesting, relevant, appealing publication that adds to the overall readers’ experience. We agonize over little details in the stories and headlines, the cover, the photos, the type of stock we use. Can we do it better? This is a concern that’s always on our mind. It has been that way since our very first issue 30 years ago. Yes, this issue marks the 30th anniversary of this publication. This time of the year in 1992 I was launching the very first issue of Oswego County Business Magazine — the August-September edition. It was a tall order. Competition among publishers was fierce. We had not one but two business newspapers in Syracuse (can you imagine that?), we had The Post-Standard, the Syracuse Herald-Journal, the Syracuse Herald-American, the Syracuse New Times, The Palladium-Times, The Valley News, The Fulton Patriot, four or five editions of the Oswego County Weeklies, the Scotsman Press Pennysavers (they were huge at the time) and all the papers published by Eagle Newspapers. It was a lot. We didn’t have one thing: a magazine focusing on small and large business, featuring success stories, discussing trends and profiling local decision makers. I had no money to start the publication. What I had was the knowhow to publish one, a great deal of energy to work countless hours and an absolute focus to make the new publication a success. And I had a credit card, too. At the time, I had left my full-time job as a reporter for The Post-Standard. Thanks to my good relationship with local leaders and a network of people I knew, we got the first issue out. We published it with 28 pages — 2,000 copies. Among our advertisers were Nestle Chocolate, Miller Brewery, the Division of Continuing Education at SUNY Oswego, Oswego County Legislature, Operation Oswego County and

The Morrell Press, which advertised on the back cover for several issues. It was hit. People loved the new publication. Today Oswego County Business Magazine is a premium publication — glossy stock, with nice, large colorful photos and sleek design. It’s 100% local. We focus on the major developments and highlight the news that goes undetected by other publications. We’re averaging about 100 pages with over 20,000 readers (based on 6,000 copies distributed). We’ve become Central New York’s business magazine. We are fortunate to have the support of many businesses and organizations — large and small — who recognize the value of advertising in the magazine. Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to publish. We also have a team of talented writers and contributing writers who always amaze me with their stories. They produce interesting, timely and insightful stories every time. Lastly, we have a great staff — many of them have been here for a long time. That provides stability and continuity. Magazines, like all traditional media, have faced many challenges in the digital age. It has become increasingly difficult for print publications to keep their readers, but, contrary to newspapers, and despite fierce competition from free online outlets, magazines continue to perform comparatively well, according to Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data. According to the group, the number of titles has actually gone up in the last several years. I hope that our recipe for success will continue in the future, which is to publish a quality, visually appealing, relevant, interesting local magazine focusing on local folks and local businesses.

10 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

WAGNER DOTTO is the editor and publisher of Oswego County Business Magazine.

ISSUE 181 • AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Wagner Dotto editor@cnybusinessmag.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Steve Yablonski syablonski@twcny.rr.com WRITERS Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Christopher Malone, Ken Sturtz Steve Yablonski, Mary Beth Roach Norah Machia COLUMNISTS L. Michael Treadwell Bruce Frassinelli, Sandra Scott ADVERTISING Peggy Kain peggylocalnews@gmail.com Richard Annal richlocalnews@gmail.com OFFICE MANAGER Bernadette Driscoll ocalnewsoffice@gmail.com LAYOUT & DESIGN Joey Sweener COVER PHOTO Provided

OSWEGOCOUNTYBUSINESS.COM OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS MAGAZINE is published six times a year by Local News, Inc., publisher of the Business Guide, Upstate Summer, Fall, & Winter guides, College Life Newspaper, In Good Health—The Healthcare Newspaper (across four regions) and 55 Plus Magazine for Active Adults in Rochester and Central New York. Subscription rate is $21.50 a year; $35 for two years. Single-copy price is $4.50. PRSRT STD US Postage PAID, Buffalo, NY, Permit No. 4725. © 2022 Oswego County Business. All rights reserved. No material from this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. HOW TO REACH US: P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126. Phone: 315-342-8020; Fax: 315-342-7776; editor@OswegoCountyBusiness.com

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ON THE JOB

‘What’s the Best Marketing Tool You Use to Attract More Business?’ Interviews by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant “I think the best marketing tool is newsletters and being available. Go to the party. Every time you get a chance to write, write. Or go to a chamber of commerce event. Just go to it. As you write or go places, let people know what you have in your brain and what you’re doing. It allows an opportunity for discussion that might make you even better as an entrepreneur.” Jim Loperfido Owner, JGL Management Consulting, Inc., Auburn “Networking. It’s an excellent opportunity to talk about my business and discuss how my services can benefit their business or organization. It’s a chance to make a personal connection with someone and create top of the mind awareness of my business. The next time that person meets someone in need of my services chances are they will recall our conversation and think of me as a resource to meet that need.” John DeRousie Owner, Custom Marketing Solutions, Oswego “We use the usual advertising and TV, radio and print. We try to do some social media and have a webpage. We have a yearly poster that’s developed by a member of the community distributed to members and sponsors. They can hang them in their place of business. I think it’s a combination of everything. The younger generation is probably more into the social media. The older generation relies on printed media. It’s not one versus the other; each has a piece of the pie. You have to put your ad dollars in each category or you’ll miss one. We want to catch the attention of as many people as we can.” Peter Myles Executive director, Oswego Harbor Festivals, Inc., Oswego “It’s a combination, not any one thing — a well-planned and targeted print, direct mail campaign for us and

most of our accounts. So far, paid social media has not really had a return on investment for us. Yet the best, hands down, is customer referrals by doing an outstanding job.” John M. Henry Owner, Speedway Press / Mitchell Printing & Mailing Inc., Oswego “We get the most return on investment from Constant Contact. The monthly fee is low and we get to articulate our sales and company news with 40%-plus open rates high click rates.” Erica Komoroske Director of public relations, Stewart’s Shops, headquartered in Ballston Spa, with 350-plus shops across New York and Vermont.

12 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

“The best marketing tool The Rooftop Lounge has utilized is word of mouth, both physically and digitally. A positive first-time customer’s experience taking in the views over Lake Ontario paired with enjoying delicious small plates and charcuterie while paired with carefully crafted cocktails lends itself to sharing that experience with others, often resulting in bringing friends and family back to further share in those experiences. Those experiences then get shared on various social media platforms through comments or reviews and help bring others into the space. We put a primary advertising focus on social media platforms with a daily post five to six days per week. When used correctly, these platforms can create consistent and worthwhile marketing

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“Without a doubt, word of mouth. The used-to-be quiet summer months in my business are now pushing seven days a week July through September repairing in-ground swimming pool covers. Print and social media help, but the true source that drives business to my shop is word of mouth. All the pool supply stores in Central New York and beyond have my information and when a customer calls them, I get the referral. So much in fact that I now use the phrase “Call This Guy” for my pool cover repair promos and on my business cards.” Joe Cortini Owner, Cortini Shoe Zipper Canvas Repair, Fulton “In real estate our best marketing tool has been social media. The agents and our company all use social media to market the properties for maximum exposure to every listing.” Bill Galloway Broker/owner, Century 21 Galloway Realty, Oswego “I believe that our website, www. riversendbookstore.com, is our best marketing tool. The reasons are many. We offer access 24/7, you can check our store’s inventory, you can order and pay for books to be shipped or picked up at the bookstore. Our staff recommendations are featured, and our newsletter is available.” Bill Reilly Owner, the river’s end bookstore, Oswego “Facebook has generated more new

clients than any other source.” Brenda Weissenberg Accountant and owner, Affordable Business Solutions, West Monroe “Despite all our advertising dollars spent over 22 years, the best advertising is skilled, courteous, professional customer care. This leads to the word-ofmouth advertising which has kept us in business year-round for many years.” Leslie Corrigan General manager, Winter Harbor Marina, Central Square “The best marketing tool for us this year has been Facebook and Instagram. Chef Sabrina and Front of House Lead Danni are able to post great photos of dinner and drink specials for the day which have the ability to reach over 3,000 people immediately. The photos receive great responses and interactions. Our team members share the Eis House posts. It is a great way for everyone to get involved.” Debbie Trimble Owner, Eis House Lodge, Mexico “Social media, 100%.”

Michele King Physical therapist, FYZICAL, Oswego

“We definitely take advantage of social media as much as possible, like Facebook and Instagram. Beyond that, we’re using emails and email marketing to remind customers who maybe visit once or twice a year in the fall as to what we’re up to in the off season. The concerts have been a great way to introduce Beak & Skiff to new customers who have never been up to our campus before. It brings in new customers who maybe hadn’t had interest in pick-your-own.” Mack Hueber CFO Beak & Skiff Apple Farms Inc., Lafayette.

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HOW I GOT STARTED

By Steve Yablonski

ART McLAUGHLIN Art McLaughlin, owner of Art’s Parts and More, began fixing things in his Minetto garage. As his business grew, he built a larger garage — and now he’s moved to an even larger facility at 193 W. Fourth St., in Oswego Q: How long have you been in business?

A: 10 years. We started in April 1, 2012. Q: Why did you decide to go into this type of business?

A: As a hobby, I was selling used lawn mower and snowblower parts on eBay. People would see me in my garage at home working on lawn mowers, snowblowers. They would stop and ask me if I fixed lawn mowers, snowblowers. Q: Do you have background in this line of work?

A: Yes, when I was younger, I would fix my dad’s mowers. Q: What did you want to be growing up?

A: I did not have any particular occupation that I wanted to be. I just liked fixing things. Q: How much did it cost to get started?

A: When I started the business 10 years ago, it was in my home in a one-stall garage. Then five years later, I built a garage out back of the home since the business was growing and that cost was $20,000 to build the garage. Now it is 2022, five years later, we now have a business in the city of Oswego with the help of the grant from the city of $20,000 and a business loan from the Oswego County Federal Credit Union for $25,000.

Q: What are some of changes you have seen in the profession over the years?

and Zoning Board for approval.

Q: How many employees do you have?

Q: Are you in Minetto and Oswego as well?

A: I currently have one driver for pickup and deliveries, one repair tech and one as the office administrator. I do a little of everything.

A: My wife, Jacquelyn, is my biggest support. My children, Brandon, Brittany and Abigayle have helped with dismantling and working in the office. Without the help of Jim Bell, who is the owner of the building and Mayor Billy Barlow, who saw my vision and felt that the city of Oswego needed Art’s Parts and More, we wouldn’t be here.

Q: Did you have to buy a lot of supplies?

Q: How hard was it to get the business on its feet?

Q: Do you have a presence online?

Q: Did you have to buy a building or renovate one?

A: Art’s Parts and More did not have to buy a building. We are leasing a building that needed to be renovated to my business. A: No, we moved to the city of Oswego as of May 1, 2022. A: Art’s Parts and More has purchased around $6,000 in inventory. Inventory consists of things like blades, belts, tires, oil and spark plugs.

A: Lawn mowers and snowblowers have changed over the years. They now have computers and fuel injections just like automobiles.

A: When we started in our home it was easy. Now being in the city of Oswego, we needed to go in front of the Planning

16 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Q: Who has helped you along the way?

A: Yes, it is www.artspartsnmore.com We also have a Facebook page; Arts Parts and a Google account.

Q: What services do you offer?

A: We offer parts available for all outdoor power equipment including lawn mowers, snowblowers, zero turns, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, pressure washer, generators and now ATV and UTVs. We also do repairs on all your equipment and offer pickup and delivery services just in case you are unable to bring something to Art’s Parts & More. When we have your equipment, we look it over from top to bottom to make sure you have your equipment back in tip-top shape. Q: What is the best and worst part of the job?

A: Best is helping people save money; [instead of] getting new equipment they can have it fixed at a cheaper rate. Worst part is supply and demand — not being able to get the parts to fix the equipment in a timely fashion.

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Q: What is your business philosophy?

A: I am here to help people and do what I enjoy: fixing small engines. Q: What types of things do you work on? A: We service and repair everything from

compact diesel tractors up to 30hp and all the way down to your run-of-the-mill weed eater trimmer at 28cc. Q: Are some jobs more difficult than others?

A: I’d have to say the most difficult jobs are rebuilding the hydrostatic transmission in compact tractors. You literally have to split the machine in two to get the transmission out for rebuild. It’s roughly a 15- to 18-hour job depending on how everything goes. Q: What advice do you give people?

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A: The best thing people can do to avoid repairs is do the maintenance as scheduled and use good oil and parts. Don’t get the cheapest thing out there— spend the little extra cash on the good stuff and the mower will last a lot longer.

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Q: Do you plan any expansion?

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A: At this time there are four of us working here. But, if things go well, then we will hire on as needed. I am looking into expanding more into ATV UTV repair and parts. We do service and repair on ATV and UTV right now but we would like to expand more into that market. We are an authorized Coleman Powersports warranty shop and we are looking to expand more into other brands of ATV and UTV like Polaris, Can-Am and Arctic Cat.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

PROFILE

By Steve Yablonski

SEAN HENNESSEY Queens native is now the interim director of the New York State Fair. ‘This year’s fair will be bigger and better than any fair we’ve had,’ he says

ean Hennessey has been hired as the New York State Fair’s new assistant director. For 2022, he’s taken over as the interim director as former director Troy Waffner moves into a new position. Hennessey was an assistant commissioner of the State Department of Transportation based out of Watertown. “I’m originally from Queens, New York. I came to Upstate; I attended SUNY Canton, which is in St. Lawrence County. I met my lovely bride there, Betsy.

18 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

She is from the Watertown area.” After they graduated college, they relocated to where she was from, he said. “We raised four lovely children there. I joined state government as a building superintendent. I was a construction engineer at SUNY Canton, so I joined state government by becoming a superintendent for the Office of General Services,” he said. “I was promoted to a regional manager in real property management. In that job I covered the Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Buffalo and Northern New York. So there was quite a bit of traveling in that position.” It was a great position, he added. “I loved the people. I loved the project. That went well and I was given the opportunity to come over to the department of transportation as an assistant commissioner with operations.” With that, he “dropped off Buffalo, but I continued to cover the Mohawk Valley, Central and Northern New York.” He worked in emergency response and “was something of an ombudsman with the stakeholders, the elected officials or just residents with concerns.” “I was something of a mitigater. If there was a storm or natural disaster of any type, I was one of the first responders,” he said. “I was there for the big storm in Buffalo. I was one of the folks that set up the Plattsburg vaccine site recently and when it came to flooding in Lodi, I would be stationed with the first responders. I had a lot going on.” When he was with the DOT, he was driving four hours a day. “That wasn’t fun. So, I thank the governor and commissioner for bringing me on board,” he

quipped. “I love the state that we live in. I’ve got a passion for the state of New York, made in New York—especially made in USA products, that’s a passion for me.”

Green roots “I also before coming to this agency and working for the state fair, I was a co-executive director for an Irish festival in Watertown. I was on their board for roughly 17 years,” he added. Booking national acts for that event gave him the booking background and he had a solid management history with Office of General Services … “so they said with my background that I’d be a good fit at the fair.” Someone sent him an advertisement for the fair position on Indeed. “I say as a lark, but obviously serious. I put an application in just to see what came of it. I got a call a short while after that inquiring whether I was actually serious about taking the position. And I was, yeah, so that and a series of inquires afterwards with human resource and other people in Albany it came to be,” he recalled. “I managed the DOT presence here at the fair from a traffic management standpoint. I’ve been coming to the fair for years now and have always been enamored with it. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to work here. We have a great team here.”

On the run “I have a variety pack of things that I do for fun. One of the things I do just for physical fitness is I am a runner. I’ll

Lifelines Name: Sean Hennessey Title: Interim director, NYS Fair Birth Date: July 6, 1969 Birth Place: Manhattan, New York Residence: Black River, New York Education: SUNY Canton Affiliations: Ancient Order of Hibernians Personal: Married to Betsy (25 years), four children Hobbies: Running, gardening, baking

be running in the Boilermaker coming up in July in Utica. It’s a 15-K. In my last line of work, we had a corporate team. We have been doing this for four years so this will be my fifth year running in this race,” he said. And, his four kids “keep me quite active,” he added. He is also a gardener. “Whenever I do something — I do it big. So I pared it down a bit, but I grow 10,000 cloves of garlic a year,” he laughed. “I have a field of garlic to give away to people. I do it all for fun. I give it away to people use. “My mother is actually from Ireland. So you wouldn’t think that an Irish American — first generation Irish American — would be growing garlic. I do a little bit of potatoes, but garlic is really my thing.” He said he has also become a baker. “I bake sourdough bread and bagels. I have a small-scale business, that my wife actually runs,” he said. I’m a fisherman. I’m an outdoorsman. We have 50 acres up in Champion. When I have time, I like to spend my days out there.” Upstate is a big change of pace from living in Queens, New York, he said. “In my apartment complex, there was a sign etched into the brick and it said: “Don’t Walk On The Grass.” It literally stuck in my mind as a child. I said, ‘can’t walk on the grass? I’m going to move somewhere where I can!’ So I spend a lot of time in the back yard or my greenhouse. Yes, I do love the outdoors. This is a beautiful place to live,” he said. Things are very stable at the fair, he said, adding, over the last several years, there has been significant investment in the fairgrounds. “The commissioner and Gov. Hochul recently announced that we are going to be investing more on the agricultural side than we have in the past,” he said. “There’s going to be a greenhouse built right on the grounds, a state-of-the-art greenhouse. Construction starts this year. That’s one change that’s going to happen. A goat barn will also be developed on the ground as well. We’re growing our footprint here” “This year’s fair will be bigger and better than any fair we’ve had. We’re looking forward to a great year,” he added. A search for a new, permanent fair director will get under way later. The fair is scheduled to run for 13 days: Aug. 24 through Sept. 5.

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Where in the World is Sandra Scott?

BASEL, SWITZERLAND The medieval Swiss town borders Germany and France. It features museums, beautiful Renaissance architecture, art galleries and much more The best way to familiarize oneself with the city is on the hop-on bus. A complete circuit takes about two hours but one can get on and off at any stop. One stop is at the ferry that crosses the Rhine River. Unique to most bus tours is the tablet that is located at each seat which shows the site being discussed in

several languages. Every visitor gets a free Basel Card when they check into a hotel. The card allows free use of public transportation and surfing Guest Wi-Fi Basel plus half price at a variety of places including the sightseeing bus, some guided tours, and cruises. The city is home to a plethora of mu-

The city is great for wandering around looking at the beautiful Renaissance architecture. It’s found everywhere from the city’s gates (of which three of the original ones still remain) to this church.

20 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

GETTYIMAGES (OVERHEAD VIEW); SANDRA SCOTT (ALL OTHER PHOTOS)

ometimes when Americans travel to Europe they focus on the capital cities thus missing the charm and allure of the smaller cities. Visitors will find such destinations more relaxing because they are not overrun with tourists and, while some accommodation may seem pricey, they are often less expensive than those in a capital city. Such is the case with Basel, Switzerland. Basel is a city on the Rhine in northwest of the country, close to its borders with France and Germany. Not far from the city there is a monument marking the spot where the three countries meet. It is home to the oldest university in Europe. The medieval old town centers around Marktplatz, dominated by the 16th-century, red sandstone Rathsaus. The ornate red sandstone façade is covered in whimsical frescoes. It is now the seat of government. Nearby is the 12th-century Gothic cathedral with great city views. The cathedral contains the tomb of the 16th-century Dutch scholar Erasmus. The city’s university houses some of Erasmus’ works. Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus was a Dutch philosopher and Catholic theologian who is considered one of the greatest scholars of the northern Renaissance. The city is great for wandering around looking at the beautiful Renaissance architecture. Three of the city’s original seven gates are intact. In places there is even evidence of the old medieval wall, sometimes in the basement of restaurants and hotels.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

seums. The unique Hoosesagg Museum is a tiny museum that features a different themed collection of miniatures each month on loan from collectors. Each collection has its own story. The Tinguely Museum is dedicated to Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, who died in 1991. He is best known for his professional obsession with machines, how they work, sound and move. There are several of his creations on display in Tinguely Fountain right in the Basel city center. Built in 1977, the fountain consists of 10 machine statues made of iron. Since it is located in front of the city theater and where the old theater’s stage once was, the statues are inspired by that form of art. They are in constant movement, almost looking like the actors performing and interacting with each other. There are museums dedicated to cartoons, toys, architecture and, of course, several art museums. Given that Basel is home to several big name pharmaceuticals there is also a museum dedicated to pharmacies. The Rhine River side is alluring and if the water calls to you, swimming in the Rhine is one of Basel’s most popular summertime sports. Get a colorful Wickelfisch, a fish-shaped swim bag invented in Basel to keep your clothes dry while you float down the river. Once a year the city hosts The Basel Rhine Swim, a public sporting event. The participants swim in or float on the Rhine River from the banks at the Munster down to the lower Rhine banks for up to 15 minutes. During their swim they are escorted and watched by watercraft and lifeguards. Private swimming is popular all summer. While summer is the popular time to visit, in November there is a great Christmas market. Residents speak several languages and, in the tourist areas, English is common. The Swiss Franc is the official currency but Euros and credit cards area widely accepted and there are many ATMs. Visitors only need a valid passport to visit.

FROM TOP Marktplatz is the central and main square of Basel and is dominated by the 16th-century, red sandstone Rathsaus; The Tinguely Museum is dedicated to Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, who died in 1991. 22 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Sandra Scott along with her husband, John, traveled the world for over 50 years. With John’s passing, Sandra has moved to Oswego and continues to travel.

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NEWSMAKERS NEWS BRIEFS ON LOCAL BUSINESSES & BUSINESS PEOPLE

MIKE TREADWELL TO RETIRE FROM OPERATION OSWEGO COUNTY National search is underway to select new director for economic development agency

fter nearly 40 years of leading Operation Oswego County, Inc., L. Michael Treadwell plans to retire as of Dec. 31. Treadwell joined Operation Oswego County in 1983 and has served as executive director throughout his tenure. The local, nonprofit economic development corporation has helped to stimulate over $5 billion in investment and helped create and retain more than 29,000 jobs in Oswego County. Treadwell also serves as the CEO of the County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency, a public benefit corporation, established in 1976 by the Oswego County Legislature, and a major economic partnering agency in the county. The agency has the authority to issue private activity bonds, provide tax exemption incentives, as well as financial assistance via revolving economic development financing programs. Throughout his time at Operation Oswego County, Treadwell has been active on numerous boards and with organizations that impact the Oswego County and Central New York economies. Among these groups are Oswego County Workforce Development Board, NYS Economic Development Council, Northeastern Economic Developers Association, International Economic Development Council, Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board, Central New York Regional Economic Development Council and National Association of Development Companies. Among other achievements, Treadwell has received the Exceptional Commitment Award from the Greater Oswego Chamber of Commerce in 1996 and the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the

International Economic Development Council in 1996. He has also received the Economic Developer of the Year for New York State from New York State Economic Development Council in 2004, the Financial Services Champion Award from the US SBA Syracuse District in 2005, the Community Leadership Award from Leadership Oswego County in 2010 and the Northeastern Economic Developers Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. “It is my pleasure to have served on the board of Operation Oswego County and to have worked alongside Mike Treadwell,” said Ellen Holst, president of the Operation Oswego County Board of Directors. “His goal has always been to assist, expand and support economic and business development across Oswego County. The knowledge and experience that he has brought has been invaluable to the growth and development of our county and our business partners. Although Mike will be missed, we wish him well in the next chapter of his life,” Holst said.

24 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Gary Toth, chairman of the County of Oswego IDA and former member of the OOC board of directors said, “Michael has admirably served Oswego County, our business community and the region’s economic development organizations for nearly four decades and his knowledge and experience will be profoundly missed. “Michael’s economic development expertise has assisted hundreds of businesses and created and retained thousands of good-paying jobs for Oswego County. No matter the size of the business Michael deals with, he always gives them his full attention and support. In our mission statement it reads ‘to enhance the economic vitality of Oswego County’s businesses, industries, communities, and citizens, leading to an overall better quality of life.’ During his tenure as CEO of the County of Oswego IDA and executive director of Operation Oswego County, Michael has accomplished our mission to Oswego County and then some.” Prior to joining OOC, Treadwell worked for the South Carolina State Development Board from 1973 to 1983. Treadwell graduated from the University of Georgia in 1970 with a BA in geography, the University of South Carolina in 1973 with a master’s degree in geography, and the University of South Carolina in 1981 with an MBA. He also graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute in 1977. “With the announcement of the retirement of Treadwell, a committee has been formed which includes members of the executive committee of the OOC board, the COIDA, legal representation, and the Oswego County Legislature, collaborating to conduct a nationwide search,” Holst added. “The committee sent out bids to over 25 search firms and subsequently contracted with The Next Move Group (NMG). NMG worked with the committee to establish a comprehensive posting which was released on June 21. We are looking forward to the ‘next steps’ as we eagerly await the review of interested candidates,” Holst said. ❖

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NEWSMAKERS

Spenceley Named Dean of SUNY Oswego School of Education SUNY Oswego has announced the appointment of Laura M. Spenceley, Ph.D., as dean of the School of Education, effective June 1. Reporting to the provost and vice president for academic affairs, Spenceley will serve as an important member of the academic affairs leadership team, including the President’s Council. She will support the recruitment, development and evaluation of faculty and staff in the School of Education; Laura Spenceley oversee the implementation of programs within the

School of Education; and work with department chairs, faculty and staff to develop new programs and improve existing programs. Spenceley, who was appointed interim dean of the School of Education for the 2021-2022 academic year, has served the SUNY Oswego community for the better part of a decade, most recently as associate dean in the division of graduate studies. She has also served as a member of the faculty, teaching as an assistant professor and associate professor in the counseling and psychological services department. Spenceley has served as chairwoman of the School of Education’s faculty council and was a member of the dean’s School of Education administrative advisory council. Prior to her time at SUNY Oswego, Spenceley was a school psychologist with the Fulton City School District, and a school psychologist intern with the LaFayette Central School District in Onondaga County. Spenceley received a Doctor of Philosophy (in school psychology) from Syracuse University, a Master of Arts (in clinical psychology) from Ball State

University and her Bachelor of Science (in psychology) from Western Michigan University.

NYS Society of CPAs Board Includes Tim Hamond of Syracuse The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) recently announced its new board of directors — a 39-member governing body — which includes the positions of president, president-elect, vice presidents, secretary/treasurer, directors-at-large and directors as chapter representatives, who all began their terms of office on June 1. The society’s elected officers are: • Lynne M. Fuentes, president: Fuentes is the managing partner at Fuentes & Angel, CPAs, LLC, in Jericho. Having earned her B.B.A. in accounting at Hofstra University, Fuentes frequently volunteers at her alma mater, Holy Trinity High School, for

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Sarfraz Mian Honored with SUNY Distinguished Professor Rank World-spanning achievements in research, publications and academics have earned Sarfraz Mian of SUNY Oswego’s management and marketing department the rank of SUNY Distinguished Professor. A typical submission for a distinguished rank in the SUNY system — the top levSarfraz Mian el of honor for talented faculty — will feature a nomination letter from one colleague with plenty of supporting letters. In an unusual step, Mian’s nomination letter was signed by 32 faculty members of Oswego’s School of Business, underscoring the esteem in which his colleagues, as well as researchers and teachers around the world, hold Mian and his work. “Dr. Mian has earned a worldwide reputation in the area of business incubation and entrepreneurship,” his

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NEWSMAKERS nominators wrote. “Dr. Mian has published four scholarly books, multiple chapters in scholarly books, and over 50 peer reviewed journal articles. He also has presented his research work at numerous international conferences. He has research collaborations with scholars all over the world.” Mian, who has a fifth book in the works, is exceptional in terms of influence as well as output. “Research published in the Journal of Business Research and Journal of Technology Transfer has identified Professor Mian’s work as the most cited and most influential among international scholars in the area of business incubation,” his nominators wrote. They also noted Mian has more than 4,000 citations for his work, according to Google Scholar. Joining the SUNY Oswego in 1992, Mian has chaired the management and marketing department since 2010, where he supervises more than 25 faculty members and department staff. He previously earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities in 2012.

NBT Bank Names Sastri as Chief Diversity Officer Karen Sastri has been named chief diversity officer at NBT Bank This appointment marks the next milestone for NBT’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, with the designation of the role of chief diversity officer on a full-time basis. “NBT has long viewed our focus on diverKaren Sastri sity, equity and inclusion as a journey—one that we are committed to continually growing and evolving,” said John H. Watt, Jr., president and CEO of NBT Bank. “For several years, we have been fortunate

to have incredible individuals execute the responsibility of this role in a shared capacity. While each left their indelible marks, we know that Karen will continue their work with the passion and dedication she is known for bringing to the table, buoyed by the sole focus of this as her primary function.” “The role of CDO has been a critical one for NBT,” said Watt. “We are committed to giving all of our employees a place to speak up and contribute, provide our customers a place where they feel welcomed, and our communities a place to be supported.” Sastri joined NBT Bank in 1996 and has extensive experience in training and development and employee relations. She earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Albany and holds a strategic human resources business partner certification (sHRBP). Sastri is active in the community, serving as a board member for the Chenango United Way and Dollars for Scholars, as well as a member of the Norwich Boys Soccer Boosters. She also previously served on the board of directors for the United Way of New York State.

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Although Alex’s on the Water vacated its spectacular waterfront location at 24 E. First St. in Oswego, La Parrilla is maximizing on its gain. I enjoy comparing this location to Collision Bend Brewing, which is located in Cleveland, Ohio. Although this Oswego eatery isn’t a brewery and strays away from creative pub fare, this Central New York harbor city boasts that big city vibe, all the while sitting on the river and across from an outdoor stage where music can be clearly heard. There’s a balance of activity and relaxation. Blame it on the water? The concise menu of La Parrilla (translates simply to “the grill”) offers the same balance, but with food options — familiar meets Chef Raymond Jock’s take, blending Spanish and Italian cuisine for the American palate. The spiedini alla Romana ($13) is not your grandparents’ cheesy bread. This loaded, toasted baguette comes topped with mozzarella and pecorino cheeses, garlic, and capers sits around a cheesy white wine sauce. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the slices of bread are bound with stretchy mozzarella, unwilling to let go. To go along with the cheese, the capers, or “mini salty bombs,” kick up the flavor. For those not a fan of capers, there isn’t an egregious amount and complement rather than overwhelm. It seemed like an easy decision to make a dive toward the mussels in tequila ($14). Described as tequila-flamed, the pile of mussels sits in a savory bath of chipotle cream sauce with bits of

OPPOSITE PAGE The pork Milanesa napolitana ($20) at La Parrilla is a very big entree with equally big flavor. This generous helping of tender pork is served over steak fries and topped with ham, tomatoes, herbs, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes and cojita cheese. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP The spiedini alla Romana ($13) is not your grandparents’ cheesy bread; It seemed like an easy decision to make a dive toward the mussels in tequila ($14). AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

clam and celery. This easily shareable antipasti or small plate, boasted two semi-gritty mussels. Although an official tally wasn’t counted, that ratio is really favorable. And the grittiness wasn’t wince-inducing. The mussels come with a baguette, because that sauce shouldn’t be wasted. In my honest opinion, the flavor is pretty unbelievable. The smokiness and confident kick of the chipotle presents itself in style. With the bits of clam and veggie to boot, it could stand alone as a soup. And speaking of soup — the big Mac soup, the special of the day, is something to talk about, too. With each entree, prepare to choose a side soup or salad. With the two entrees, I tried each. Alone, the soup of the day is $6, but this was included with the entree. My awesome, personable server Mara boasted the clam chowder, but something pulled me to try the soup du jour because it’s truly a big Mac in a bowl.

When trying it, I did say an expletive, which won’t be repeated here. However, it did taste like a big Mac. Although the time since I’ve enjoyed a big Mac has been at least 15 years at this point, this soup brought me back. The flavor was unmistakable but this soup, obviously, had better ingredients. And, one other thing to note: this so-called side of soup is a regular bowl of soup. It’s big and easily shareable. Sorry, side salad. Although, its size was as expected (still, a good size) and the veggies were vibrant in color and crispy, it was second chair. Still — lots of love to you. For risotto fans, the familiar and time-consuming dish changes daily. For this sunny Saturday, La Parrilla served up mushroom and roasted red pepper risotto ($18). The cost varies, depending on market price. The heavenly, heavy, and hearty dish was creamy and as light as risotto can be. If it were chocolate,

34 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

La Parrilla on the Water 24 E. First St., Oswego, NY 13126 315-216-4179 | laparrillaoswego.com facebook.com/laparrillaoswego instagram.com/laparrillagrillandwinebar

Sun.: Noon - 9 p.m. Mon. - Tues.: Closed Wed. - Thurs.: Noon - 9 p.m. Fri. - Sat.: Noon - 10 p.m.

LA PARRILLA’S FACEBOOK PAGE (SEATING); CHRIS MALONE (ALL FOOD IMAGES)

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP There’s a balance of activity and relaxation to be found at La Parrilla’s location. Blame it on the water? The big Mac soup was the special of the day, and is something to talk about.

it’d melt in your mouth. The wonderful team of mushroom and roasted reds with cheese harmonized in flavor. Last but not least, the monster entree of the meal: the pork Milanesa napolitana ($20). How this is only that much money is beyond me. This generous-sized breaded, crispy, and tender pork sits on a generous bed of lightly salted steak fries. It’s also topped with ham, tomatoes, herbs, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and cojita cheese. The cheese is a light, crumbly cheese is similar to feta, but the Mexican version. It’s a very big entree with very big flavor. It seemed a lot while reading it, and it met expectations. To see it in person felt extra special in itself. Before tip, the meal, plus one beer, came to just over $78. La Parrilla filled my stomach and my expectations. The restaurant, in its prime location, is something to take note of and visit as many times as you’d like. It’s also speaks for Oswego in itself, a small little city that gets tastier with each visit.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

BUSINESS UPDATE LEFT Kestas Bendinskas shows editor Wagner Dotto a package sent from Colorado State to his lab. Bendinskas has amassed an impressive client list, including University of Denver, a doctor from Puerto Rico, Harvard and others. OPPOSITE PAGE Bendinskas’ SUNY Oswego faculty portrait. He was appointed to the chemistry faculty in 2003.

Chemistry Professor Creates Lab to Analyze Stress He recently set up shop at the Business Expansion Center in Oswego. His client list already includes University of Denver, Colorado State, Harvard and others

howing me around his new lab and explaining the function of all the high-tech equipment, Kestas Bendinskas was as happy as a seagull with a French fry. Bendinskas, a distinguished service professor of SUNY Oswego’s chemistry faculty, has added another title to his list: entrepreneur. Recently, he started Stress Bionalytics, LLC. He hopes to have the company fully staffed and operational by Aug. 1. The facility, located alongside our

offices in the Oswego County Business Expansion Center, 185 E. Seneca St., Oswego, will provide research and development services to private and academic clients predominantly in the sphere of measuring stress biomolecules in “difficult” matrixes, such as hair or nails, he explained. “I got the keys from the Business Expansion Center on June 16 and I’ve moved in all the equipment that I’ve been accumulating in my garage into this newly painted lab since,” he said

36 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

with a wave of his hand indicating the equipment precisely arranged on tables around the walls. “We’ll be able to start working here [later this month],” he said in early July. “I am very thankful to Oswego County for being such supportive hosts of this new venture.” He added that he is excited and “a bit scared” of this new step in his personal development journey. “I’m 100% sure that it is a win-winwin-win for Oswego County — Oswego students’ success, SUNY Oswego’s chemistry department and all of my clients. I’m also sure that the Oswego County Business Expansion Center is happy to get a new and unique tenant,” he said. “Our primary target is cortisol. It increases dramatically in concentration when one experiences short-term or chronic stress,” he said. “The immediate response can be assessed by measuring in saliva, long-term in hair.”

What is cortisol? Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain’s use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues. Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or harmful in a fight-orflight situation. Think of cortisol as nature’s builtin alarm system. It’s your body’s main stress hormone; working with certain parts of your brain to control your mood, motivation and fear. Your adrenal glands — triangle-shaped organs at the top of your kidneys — make cortisol. And how is it measured? “We extract it from milled hair and measure using a well-known antibody-based technique called ELISA,” he said. “It takes three days. The extraction procedure takes three days because we

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Taking the next step “I see this as the next step in my personal development,” he said. “It’s challenging to bring one’s knowledge to become a business venture, especially in the highly-competitive biotech field.” His goal is to establish the company. “It will be run by the manager, a SUNY-Oswego alumnus,” he said. “I plan to have three interns in 2022; they will get a feel for the industry, the internship credit and salary. The students will be able to put something of value on their resume.” Is Bendinskas ready to quit his day job? “I’m not quitting my day job just yet — I love every minute of it!” he said with a smile. He was appointed to the faculty in 2003. When he first arrived at SUNY Oswego, “there were snowbanks four yards tall,” he recalled. “That was during the winter when everything froze; we had icicles everywhere,” he added.

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By Steve Yablonski AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

BUSINESS UPDATE

Construction of the new branch of Oswego County Federal Credit Union in Phoenix was underway in mid-July. The project is expected to be complete in early fall. It will be the credit union’s sixth branch.

OCFCU Eyes Fall Opening for Phoenix Branch

swego County Federal Credit Union will open a full-service branch in Phoenix later this fall. It will be the credit union’s sixth location overall, according to William Carhart, CEO. “We will have lenders there, we will have drive-thru — it will be a fully functional branch for everything that we offer,” he said. “We will likely open in late September, early October. If everything stays on track and we can get everything that we need to build it, definitely opening this fall.” The branch will be located at 101 Volney St. It will have the same hours as the other locations. The 3,000-sq.-ft. building is bigger than Oswego County Federal Credit Union’s Fulton branch, “a bit bigger layout-wise, certainly smaller than our headquarters [90 E. Bridge St., Oswego],” Carhart said. “It is a pretty good size building.” The new site will be two stories, which includes an office for the CEO.

“On those nice snowy days, I won’t have to drive from Baldwinsville all the way up [to Oswego],” he quipped. “We’re very much getting engrained with the Phoenix community,” Carhart added. “We are going to have a rotating art display of works from the school district’s art programs.” The Phoenix site will also include some unique feature, he teased, adding “I will keep it under my hat until we open the building — we will be very much Phoenix! The colors inside, some of the design pieces, the rotating art display; we’re super excited for that to come along.” The new location will employ seven or eight staff. “We have been fortunate in finding staff. Maybe that is due to our community involvement, the reputation that we have. It has worked out very well for us by and large,” he said. “We will offer all the services we have at the other locations, drive-thru service, drive-thru

38 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

ATM, all of our lendings. Really everything that we do in our other locations.” In 2021, the credit union opened a branch at 262 W. Seneca St., Oswego, as well as a student branch at CiTi in Mexico. “The Phoenix branch is number six for us. We are excited to be reopening the CiTi branch this fall as well. We had it open for about two months and then COVID hit. “We are very excited to get down into Phoenix. I think it is a community that largely only has one financial institution; so we are ready to come down to the community and bring all the value that we can bring to them.” Founded in 1975, the credit union serves more than 12,600 members. Besides the two locations in Oswego and one at CiTi, the credit union has locations at Scenic Avenue in Mexico and state Route 418 in Fulton.

By Steve Yablonski

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BUSINESS UPDATE William Dave Wescott, right, and his brother Matthew at the new Wescott’s Village Barbershop in Central Square. The business was started by William Dave in January.

An Accident, Then a New Business

Twist of fate changes owner’s career path leading up to a business in Central Square

rowing up in Mattydale, William Dave Wescott loved going to the barbershop “for a new cut and just loved the atmosphere— it was always sports talk and laid back.” When he graduated from high school, he went into the automotive industry as a mechanic. However, in 2010 his life was changed in the blink of an eye. “I was in a really bad car accident. I was actually leaving the barbershop on my lunch break to head back to my auto mechanics job. Getting on 481 to head back, someone hit me going 70 mph,” he said. “My neck and back were injured. That’s when everything changed. The life I knew was about to look a little different.” Following the accident, he was pulled from work—told he wouldn’t be able to do the job he’d been doing again. “I was married. My wife and I had just bought a new house. It certainly wasn’t the best timing,” he recalled. “Losing your job and income, as a man, it doesn’t make you feel great. I felt lost; didn’t know what I was going to do or want to do.” All of the 9 to 5 great benefit

jobs went through his mind daily. But his wife, Jenna, kept telling him, “You’ll never be happy at those.” “I knew she was right. A desk job just never was for me,” he said. A friend of his wife’s offered help; her father worked through Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities. “Since I was out of work for a year, that program offered assistance, helped in finding a new career path. I’m forever grateful to him,” Wescott said. “My wife was already in the hair industry for seven years and insisted I’d love barbering. I didn’t think I wouldn’t; but I also was nervous to try something totally out of my scope,” he said. “I always loved the atmosphere though and it certainly wasn’t your typical 9 to 5. I didn’t think I would get bored with it. That’s where it all started.” After attending barber school, he knew where he wanted to work. “Nick’s Barbershop where I’d been going to get my cuts—that’s where I wanted to go and learn,” he said. “I learned from some of the best for the last 10 years and value the experience I got as a barber there.”

40 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

“Nick’s has two locations, in Liverpool where I worked for eight years and North Syracuse where I worked for two years. Nick’s son, Dan, is the owner now,” he added. During that time he realized being a barber wasn’t just cutting hair, it’s the interaction, meeting new people—and the atmosphere. Wescott wanted to create his own atmosphere “closer to where my wife and I call home.” His brother, Mathew, had recently started barbering and wanted to help him create this vision, Westcott said. They now work together. “We knew the atmosphere we wanted to create. We just didn’t know exactly how,” he said. “That’s where my wife comes in. She’s the visionary that helped make it come to life. She’s owned MKW Salon in Liverpool for seven years and has an eye for this kind of stuff. So I let her run with it.” Wescott’s Village Barbershop, located at 2187 county Route 12 in Central Square, opened on Jan. 18. “It’s truly family-owned-and-operated, every detail of it. It is currently just me and my brother,” Wescott said. “We knew we wanted to create an atmosphere that brought you back to that old school shop experience. Classic and simple—the nostalgia of going to the barbershop as a kid. “That is where our tagline came from. One football Sunday, my team had just won while my brother and our wives sat trying to figure something that really made sense for the feel we were trying to get across. That is how ‘where vintage American style meets modern and classic cuts’ was born. We’re trying to set a new standard, vintage, comfortable, family-friendly and a place you really look forward to going back to. “There’s a little something for everyone. Our decor is vintage eclectic with a lot of history. It’s fun for our clients to see what we’ve added and our clients have also added stuff for us. We hope to be around for many years to come.”

By Steve Yablonski

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORT

The printing press that has printed the Post-Standard since the early 2000’s is expected to cease production in August. It was once one of the most modern presses in the business, capable of churning out 70,000 copies of The Post-Standard an hour. PHOTO BY ADVANCE MEDIA NEW YORK.

42 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

S!!!

RESSE P E H T P O ST

POST-STANDARD OWNER SHUTTERS PRINTING PRESS The move reflects a growing national trend in the industry. It comes after more than a century of the newspaper being printed locally. BY KEN STURTZ

he steel and concrete building rises six stories above North Salina Street, the gleaming glass façade greeting passing motorists on the elevated highways as they head into downtown. Inside the cavernous press hall sits a 750-ton, $25 million printing press that was once one of the most modern in the business, capable of churning out 70,000 copies of The Post-Standard an hour. Seven days a week trucks hauled away newspapers destined for stores and paper boxes across Central New York. But after more than a century of being printed in Syracuse, the owners of The Post-Standard announced earlier this year that local printing of the newspaper would cease in August with production moving to an affiliated facility 250 miles away in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The newspaper will still be printed seven days a week and home delivery will continue on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Tim Kennedy, a regional president for Advance Local, said at the time of the announcement. The newspaper will be available at retail locations on days when home delivery isn’t available and the look and content won’t change. The 20 full-time and 18 part-time workers who run the press will be offered other jobs. Those who decide to

leave will be offered severance. Advance Media New York, which owns The Post-Standard and operates Syracuse.com and NYup.com, is a legal affiliate of Advance Local. The billionaire Newhouse family owns Advance Local, which is the publisher of nine digital news websites and 24 affiliated local newspapers across the country. The press in Harrisburg is owned by Advance and prints The Patriot-News. The facility underwent a $3.6 million expansion in 2015 to allow it to take on more customers.

Out of the printing business The economics driving the outsourcing and consolidation of newspaper printing operations is not new: advertising revenue and subscription numbers have been shrinking for years as production costs have increased. “This has been brewing for a little bit, but it’s really accelerated a lot in the last couple years,” said Rick Edmonds, a media business analyst at the Poynter Institute, a nonprofit media organization. “It’s an expense that can be drastically pared down if you contract out as opposed to having your own employees do it.” It’s not just the expense of staffing, running and maintaining the presses that have encouraged many newspa-

pers to get out of the printing business. Distribution has also gotten more difficult. As circulation has decreased, fewer newspapers are delivered to any given area, which makes it harder to create routes that one person can cover, Edmonds said. Newspaper delivery jobs have traditionally been difficult to fill, with many people treating them as second jobs. In such a tight labor market the prospect of getting up in the middle of the night for a part-time job is especially unappealing. As newspapers have increasingly focused on expanding their digital operations they’ve faced the decision of whether they want to remain in the printing business or get out, Edmonds said. Those that stay typically take on more printing business. For example, Gannett, the largest newspaper publisher in the U.S. with more than 200 dailies, has remained in the printing business, consolidating printing to hubs located at its largest printing facilities and closing others. The chain has picked up printing work from competitors. While Advance’s decision to scuttle its printing operation in Syracuse isn’t altogether surprising, it is a remarkable turnabout from just two decades ago. In the early 2000s The Post-Standard was still printed on a press in

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

use since the newspaper moved to its Clinton Square building in 1970. The old press had been designed primarily for black ink, but was upgraded to print some color. The new press was shipped from Switzerland and a new press hall was constructed on the existing building. The project cost $40 million. By 2002, printing had switched completely to the new press, which could print 40 color pages and boasted of printing ads, photos and graphics much brighter and sharper. A decade later the company announced it was reducing its workforce, cutting home delivery to three days a week and investing in its digital operations. In 2013, its advertising and news staffs moved into a smaller leased office space. In 2017, Advance sold the building to VIP Structures, which leased back the printing facility. The lease is set to expire at the end of the year, Kennedy said, which was a major factor in the decision to relocate production.

After more than a century of being printed in Syracuse, the owners of The PostStandard announced earlier this year that local printing of the newspaper would cease in August with production moving to an affiliated facility 250 miles away in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

“It’s sad to hear that Advance has made that decision, but it makes perfect business sense,” said Alec Johnson, editor and publisher of The Watertown Daily Times. “Printing presses are extremely expensive to run; it takes talented staff, a lot of maintenance and when things get older it takes a lot more maintenance.” The family-owned Johnson Newspapers Corp. owns The Times as well as newspapers throughout the North Country and in the Hudson Valley and Western New York. Johnson said

that while it’s increasingly common for newspapers of all sizes to outsource printing, his family’s company has doubled down on its printing business. “As a publisher one of the most important things that we can do is remind people that print is not dead,” Johnson said, noting that print products remain popular with a large segment of their readers and offer opportunities for deeper news coverage. The company maintains printing presses in Watertown and in Massena. In the past it had printing facilities in Malone, Ogdensburg, the Hudson Valley and Western New York, but they’ve been consolidated. The Watertown press was installed in 1986 and prints standard newspapers such as The Times and, starting in 2019, the company’s newspapers in the Hudson Valley and Western New York. The Massena press was installed in 2002 and is smaller but

Alec Johnson, editor and publisher of The Watertown Daily Times, says “it’s sad to hear that Advance has made this decision, but it makes perfect business sense.”

Jeff Weigand is the publisher of the Oswego County Media Group. “I know I’m going to have to consider outsourcing my printing at some point.”

‘Print is not dead’

44 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

capable of printing different sizes. “Scale is critical,” Johnson said. “One of the most important things we can do with the printing press is print and keep it running.” That became an issue for Advance, which in 2014 still printed seven publications in Syracuse aside from The Post-Standard. Now the press does printing for just one daily publication and two smaller non-daily publications. Since it’s no longer economically viable for many smaller publications to have their own printing press, Johnson said his family’s company has picked up more outside printing business in recent years. The company has more than 50 customers at its Massena plant, including many community and college newspapers. As the number of commercial printers has decreased, the company has picked up printing contracts from farther away. For example, it now prints the CNY Business Journal, The Catholic Sun and student newspapers for SUNY Oswego and Syracuse University. Local News Inc. — which in addition to Oswego County Business publishes a healthcare newspaper and a senior-themed magazine — contracted its printing with the Scotsman Press in Syracuse until the company closed in 2014. Its magazines are now produced by Dual Print & Mail in Buffalo and its newspapers are printed by Bayard Printing in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. While there are obvious cost-saving advantages to outsourcing printing, it raises other issues that need to be addressed, said Jeff Weigand, publisher of the Oswego County Media Group, which prints The Palladium-Times and The Valley News. “When people outsource it doesn’t

just affect printing,” he said. “There’s a lot to think about if you are going to outsource; you don’t just flip a switch.” Distribution is a possible concern. Newspapers want their print product on doorsteps and at retail outlets early in the morning and when they outsource printing they typically have to push deadlines back to get the papers in time, Edmonds said. Newspaper deadlines have generally gotten earlier over time, which means the content tends not to be quite as new. The fact that The Post-Standard will be trucked to Syracuse could force deadlines to be pushed back earlier during winter, when the threat of inclement weather is significant, Weigand said. “Are they going to be able to hold the sports page for that local high school football game or that local late-night Syracuse basketball game?” he said. “I don’t think they’re going to be able to do that any longer.”

Flexibility to push deadlines The Oswego County Media Group is owned by the Pennsylvania-based Sample News Group, which publishes more than 70 community newspapers in six states. As recently as 2008, The Palladium-Times had outsourced printing. When Sample bought the newspaper, it refurbished the existing 1974 press that was on site and began printing in Oswego. In addition to The Palladium-Times and The Valley News, the company also prints the Oswego County Advertiser. One full-time employee and one parttime worker run the press five days a week. Four or five people do all the advertising inserts by hand. Weigand said printing in-house gives him the flexibility to push deadlines back for important stories. On Election Day, for example, they’ll hold the front page of the newspaper hours longer than usual so there’s time to include key election results. But with a printing press that’s a half-century old, breakdowns become harder and harder to repair. A couple months ago a part broke. The part had been discontinued in 1993, so Weigand scoured the internet for a replacement. He found the part on eBay in Germany and bought two. “So, there is going to be a time where I’m not going to be able to get something,” he said. “I know I’m going to have to consider outsourcing my printing at some point.” ❖

In 2017 the owners of The Post-Standard sold their Clinton Square building to VIP Structures, which leased back the printing facility. The lease is set to expire at the end of the year, which was a major factor in the decision to relocate production.

For Former Employees, Memories of Printing Press Run Deep

By Ken Sturtz

an Valenti doesn’t imagine future generations will have the opportunity to stop the presses late for breaking news. But he did, even if he didn’t actually get to push a button that brought the presses to a screeching halt. Valenti worked at The Post-Standard starting in 1975. He left in 1979, went on to a career as a writer and editor and now lives in Massachusetts. He worked on the copy desk and wire desk. In those days the Post-Standard and Herald-Journal shared a wire room. Machines churned out stories from the wire services on continuous sheets of paper. One night in August 1977, Valenti was nearing the end of his shift, which was supposed to wrap up at 2 a.m. The newsroom was deserted save for him and the late-night city editor. Suddenly bells began ringing in the wire room. Valenti walked in and saw a flash coming about the NYPD catching the Son of Sam killer. The initial story was short on informa-

tion, but established that police had arrested a suspect and were confident he was the serial killer. “And there was an incredible atmosphere of apprehension and tension,” Valenti said. “So, when the police got the guy that was a huge story.” He tore the story off the machine and called to the other editor. He’d already made up his mind that they were going to stop whatever edition that was running and add the Son of Sam news. But the other editor had more experience and Valenti wanted to consult him. He agreed. “I’m thinking about the newspaper films that I’ve seen and the dramatic scene comes where some incredible story happens and the grizzled editor picks up the phone and he says ‘Stop the presses,’” Valenti said. “I remember thinking ‘This might be the only time I get to say that.’” He called the composing room and told them to stop the presses. “And of course, that really went over big because their

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

Jenn Yackel worked as a production manager and helped the newspaper transition to its new press in the early 2000s. The new press was faster and printed better quality images.

job is to get the physical papers out on time,” he said. “The trucks are backed into the garage; their motors are running and they’re ready to be loaded and all of a sudden they’ve got to interrupt the run.” Valenti typed the story up as fast as he could. The production supervisor, visibly angry, came into the newsroom and stood nearby with his arms folded, glowering at Valenti. Finally, the story was sent. A new plate was made for the front page and clamped onto the press rollers. The next day the Aug. 11, 1977, edition of The Post-Standard featured a story on the front page under the headline “Cops Say Suspect is Son of Sam.” Bob Baker didn’t get to stop the presses during his career, but he had the distinction of actually starting at the newspaper as a copy boy, delivering copy back and forth to the composing room. He worked his way up to the obituary desk, then the copy desk and eventually a reporting job. Baker remembers that when the old printing press was still in use he could feel the vibrations up in the newsroom, which wasn’t the case with the new press. Back then the first edition, known as the bulldog, went out around 8 p.m. Afterward the pressmen crossed the street to a bar and restaurant called N&H, Baker said. The workers would have a quick “lunch,” slugging down a couple beers before heading back to work, he said.

Bob Baker started his career with The Post-Standard as a newspaper copy boy and worked his way up to a reporting job. He remembers when the old printing press was still in use that it was possible to feel the vibration from the machine in the newsroom.

But it was an incident that happened when he was still fairly new that stands out in his memory and showed him the inherent tensions in the newspaper business. Ronald Reagan was running for president in 1980 and at the Republican National Convention that summer there was widespread speculation that former president Gerald Ford would be Reagan’s running mate. Discussions fell apart at the last minute and news broke that George H.W. Bush was chosen as Reagan’s running mate. An editor in the newsroom wanted to hold the first edition for the story. But the foreman of the composing room was determined not to hold the press, Baker said. Tensions quickly rose. “They got ready to fight,” he said. “They were literally going to go to blows.” Cooler heads prevailed and the story made it into the newspaper. “It was something I had never seen,” Baker said. “That kind of standoff, one side saying we’re duty bound to get the paper off on time, the other saying we have to get it right.” By the time Jenn Yackel came along technology was changing. She landed a digital imaging internship while at RIT. She went to work full time for the newspaper in 1995. She started as a digital imaging technician, then became an editor and finally an assistant production manager until leaving in 2002. Yackel, of Marcellus, remembers

46 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

the newspaper was switching to digital technology when she worked there, but the photographers still shot with film that had to be processed and scanned into the computer. The first digital camera, which cost $30,000, changed everything. The last edition of the Herald-Journal used to be put to bed at 1 p.m. Once there was a small fire in Syracuse at 12:30 p.m., but Yackel and the assistant photo editor jumped in his car and sped off. They rushed back with photos in time for the 1 p.m. deadline. “Before the digital camera we wouldn’t have made the deadline,” she said. Toward the end of Yackel’s time at the newspaper she was responsible for quality control and was involved in transitioning from the old press. The new press ended up being faster and the quality much better. But the transition was a bit of a nightmare because the two presses used vastly different technologies, different size paper and different inks. Things were complicated by the fact that for a while both presses needed to be operational. When the kinks were all worked out the new press began printing the entire newspaper. “You can imagine how elated we were as we started to put ink on paper on that new press,” she said. “The press foreman operated this massive monster from a control panel that seemed like a scene from ‘Star Trek.’” ❖

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L. Michael Treadwell ooc@oswegocounty.org

OOC Presents 2022 Achievement Awards

O Operation Oswego County presented five awards at its 70th annual meeting on June 16.

L. MICHAEL TREADWELL, CEcD, is executive director of Operation Oswego County based in Oswego. To contact him call 315-343-1545 or visit www.oswegocounty.org.

peration Oswego County (OOC) held its 70th annual meeting June 16 at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego. Ellen Holst, president of the OOC board of directors, welcomed approximately 130 representatives of businesses, government, education, labor and other ally organizations to the meeting. Key note presenter Kristen Nelson, plant manager at Novelis Oswego, spoke of Novelis’ current expansion project, as well as its involvement with community partners for educational purposes in order to create a pipeline of eligible candidates for future employment. L. Michael Treadwell, executive director of OOC, reported that in 2021, projects assisted by OOC and the County of Oswego IDA (COIDA) resulted in the creation or retention of 289 jobs with over $167 million in capital investment associated with 32 new, expanded or retained facilities.

Brandon Schwerdt, Oswego County Airport manager (center) receives the Ally Award. Next to him are L. Michael Treadwell, OOC executive director, and Ellen Holst, OOC board president.

48 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Treadwell also outlined select future projects and initiatives in progress including the opening of the Cayuga Community College Advanced Manufacturing Institute at the Fulton Campus; potential funding opportunities in Round 12 CFA funding with the CNY REDC; the development of the COIDA Manufacturing Start-up Facility at the former Nestle site in the city of Fulton; the COIDA buildout of the Oswego County Industrial Park as a finalist in the EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge; and the expansion of Giroux Aeronautical, R&D Design and Associates, Eir Healing & Wellness, Highland Animal Hospital, Healthway Home Products and the startup Phat Guys Burgers. Three business organizations, a successful entrepreneur and a long-standing economic development advocate were also honored for significant contributions to economic development and job creation in Oswego County. ➼ The Ally Award for 2022 was presented to the Oswego County Airport in recognition and appreciation of the vision, commitment and leadership exhibited by the Oswego County Legislature to support and operate an outstanding general aviation transportation asset; for significant investments and improvements that have been made since 2018 or are in process, including an 8,000-sq.-ft. terminal building, apron construction, 8-bay Thanger, rehab of 4,000-sq.-ft. runway 6-24, among other projects, representing a $6.7 million investment of which $4.9 million (73%) was secured via NYS DOT and FAA grants; for playing an integral role in helping to bring water and sewer infrastructure to the area and to the Oswego County Airport Industrial Park; and for being a vital and essential partner in economic development and tourism in Oswego County. ➼ The Business Excellence Award for 2022 was presented to Menter Ambulance in recognition and appreciation for demonstrating outstanding leadership, adaptation and commitment in operating and expanding Menter Ambulance as a private ambulance service for Oswego County since 1952; for operating 16 ad-

Economic Trends

Business Excellence Award: Zachary Menter, Menter Ambulance president and CEO (center). Next to him are L. Michael Treadwell, OOC executive director, and Ellen Holst, OOC board president.

Jobs Award: Kristen Nelson, Novelis Oswego plant manager (center). Next to her are L. Michael Treadwell, OOC executive director, and Ellen Holst, OOC board president.

Martin Rose Economic Developer Merit Award: Michael Pollock, retired president of Fulton Savings Bank (center). Next to him are L. Michael Treadwell, OOC executive director, and Ellen Holst, OOC board president.

Dee Heckethorn Entrepreneur Award: Richard and Elizabeth Hamilton, co-owners of Grace Tyler Estate Winery (center). Next to them are L. Michael Treadwell, OOC executive director, and Ellen Holst, OOC board president.

vance life support ambulances; for being the primary EMS provider for nine towns, three villages and two cities in Oswego County; for employing over 140; for establishing a new 5,600-sq.-ft. station in Oswego and doubling its station in Fulton to 14,000-sq.-ft.; for establishing an EMT academy to grow their workforce directly; and for being a vital and integral part of the county’s healthcare system. ➼ The 2022 Jobs Award was presented to Novelis in recognition and appreciation of the significant contribution and economic impact of Novelis on the Oswego County and Central New York economies by investing $130 million to upgrade its Oswego operations; for increasing its hot mill capacity by 124,000 metric tons; for being the largest manufacturing employer in the county with 1,150 employees; for being the world’s premier producer of rolled aluminum and the global leader in aluminum recycling; and for its 60 year history of aluminum products manufacturing in Oswego County. ➼ Elizabeth and Richard Hamilton received OOC’s 2022 Dee Heckethorn Entrepreneur Award in recognition and appreciation of exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and dedication for embarking on their dream of

opening a winery; for establishing the Grace Tyler Estate Winery in Constantia, and having its first harvest in 2017; for being the recipient of 15 awards at 10 wine competitions between 2017-2021 including four bronze, seven silver and four gold medals; and for enhancing the growing tourism industry on the north shore of Oneida Lake and in Oswego County. ➼ Michael Pollock was honored with the 2022 Martin Rose Economic Developer Merit Award in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding record of exhibiting leadership, expertise, support and cooperation in advancing economic and community development efforts that have enhanced the business climate and quality of life in Oswego County and in Central New York; for his dedication and commitment to the financial services industry for 41 years; for serving as president and chief executive officer for 28 years and being the longest serving president in Fulton Saving Bank’s 150 year history; for serving on numerous boards and organizations that are vital to economic development and the quality of life such as the United Way, Oswego Harborfest, Fulton Jazz Festival, CNY Art Center, Fulton Public Library, Oswego County Catholic Charities, Fulton YMCA, Ca-

yuga Community College Foundation, Oswego County Goals 2000, Fulton DRI Planning Committee and serving for 20 years on the board of Operation Oswego County Inc. The OOC board of directors re-elected board members Eric Behling, Behling Orchards; Thomas Greco, Fulton Savings Bank; Timothy Hardy, retired, Attis Ethanol Fulton; Joseph McConnell, Huhtamaki; and, Abby Weaver, The Alberts Group. Retiring from the OOC board of directors are Barbara Bateman, after 15 years of service; Michael Egan, after six years of service; and, Edward Mervine, after 21 years of service. The OOC board of directors also elected James Mason of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Richard Weber of Bond, Schoeneck & King and Bill Carhart of the Oswego County Federal Credit Union for three-year terms to fill vacancies. A new slate of officers was also elected including Ellen Holst, retired, Oswego County Opportunities, as president; Eric Behling, Behling Orchards, as vice president; Tricia Peter-Clark, ConnextCare, as treasurer; and Peter Cullinan, retired, Exelon, as secretary. ❖

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

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SPECIAL REPORT

This past fall, Buddy Stemple was elected chairman on the US Aluminum Association, an industry association representing the North American Aluminum Industry Producers and Associate Members.

FORMER NOVELIS BOSS LEADS WEST VIRGINIA ALUMINUM PLANT Buddy Stemple managed the local plant for nearly 10 years. He is still an Oswego homeowner but he serves as CEO of Constellium Rolled Products in Ravenswood By Steve Yablonski

fter more than four decades, Buddy Stemple, former works manager at Novelis, is still going strong in the aluminum business. The family is fine, he said. His children, Stephen and Krisi, both reside in Burlington, Vermont. Stephen is a process engineer for Hazelett Strip Casting who make continuous casting machines for aluminum, zinc and copper. Krisi is a doctor of pharmacy at the University of Vermont Medical Center in the emergency department. He and his wife, Carol, are “doing fine” and will celebrate their 40th anniversary this June. They still own a home in Oswego and Buddy is on the board of directors of Pathfinder Bank.

A fortunate career “I have been very fortunate throughout my career. I have worked for great companies — and with great people,” he said.

He added he’s had “amazing mentors” along the way. “Early on, I asked one of my mentors what his keys to success were. He told me that there are three things that will lead you to success. First, hire people who are smarter than you in their discipline. Second, provide them a clear strategy of where the business is headed so that they can make decisions on their own and know how to behave. Third, remember the first point; they are smarter than you,” he said. “I have worked with some amazing teams in my 40-plus years in the industry!” Stemple started with what was called Alcan in 1983. “I came to Oswego as works manager in 2000 under Alcan,” he said. “Novelis was founded in 2005 and it’s still Novelis today, as you know.” He left Novelis in 2009 and spent the next four years in the Sultanate of Oman in the Persian Gulf. “I was the CEO of Oman Aluminum

Rolling Company. It was a rolling mill which we built and commissioned for Takamul, an investment arm of the Omani government,” he explained. Oman was selected as the country because it already had an aluminum smelter, which was the source of the aluminum inputs for the plant, Stemple said. He left Oman in 2014 and went to work as the CEO of Constellium Rolled Products in Ravenswood, West Virginia. “We have more than 1,100 employees at Constellium Ravenswood. We support the aerospace, transportation and defense markets,” he said. Constellium has headquarters in Zurich and Paris. “Both are amazing cities to visit,” he said. “I occasionally get to do some site seeing when I visit — but the food and wine are always amazing.” Stemple was born and raised in Ravenswood. “My father worked for the compa-

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ny [Constellium Ravenswood] for 37 years and I actually worked there for three summers as a college student. It was under different ownership at the time by Kaiser Aluminum,” he said. “Carol and I both went to high school in Ravenswood and we still have close family in the area.” This past fall, he was elected chairman on the US Aluminum Association, an industry association representing the North American Aluminum Industry Producers and Associate Members. “I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in Washington with Congress on behalf of the industry and I have testified in front of the International Trade Commission several times on trade issues for the industry,” he said.

Oswego connections They still have many connections to Oswego and get back often. “We still have our house in Oswego and I am still on the board of directors of Pathfinder Bank, since 2004. I attend as many board meetings in person as I can and then usually spend the following weekend in town,” he said. “It’s great to see Oswego today. The city is so vibrant and has many more opportunities. During COVID, we made many trips to Oswego as our only chance to get away.” His job still requires a lot of travel and now many trips to Europe, as that is where Constellium is headquartered. “I will admit that I enjoyed not traveling during the pandemic and since I have returned to travel, it’s nowhere near being the fun it was,” he said. “I have worked more than 40 years in the aluminum industry and think I still have a few more left,” he added. “Although, I am thinking about other things I want to do and getting closer to the kids.” His daughter-in-law, Amanda, “is due any day” with Stemple’s first grandchild (Hattie Stemple arrived on April 10). “[Amanda] is originally from Burlington. They have been married for three years. So, definitely a lot of time in Burlington is in our near futures,” he said. He spends his free time golfing, spending time for family and traveling to the family’s cottage in Canada. ❖

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Brian Durant, president of Cayuga Community College.

The Community College Advantage By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

nce sneered at as “just community college,” local, two-year programs have earned their place among any other respected educational institution. Whether students attend for an associate degree alone or as a steppingstone to a bachelor’s degree, attending community college can make a lot of sense for students. “Our alumni report no problem in transferring and they’ve had success in finding jobs,” said Casey Crabill, president of Onondaga Community College. The derogatory view of community colleges “is an old view held by people less informed than they might be. For now, many employers are more interested in skills than degrees. We’re hearing a lot of interest from employers about what’s in your degree.” Community colleges tend to offer a lower teacher to student ratio at 1:40 or fewer rather than 1:250 or 1:300 as with many four-year schools. This allows greater student-teacher interaction and attention. Struggling students will get

more help and talented students more opportunity to excel. Crabill said that the OCC instructors are well-qualified, fully credentialed professors, not graduate students. Most community college students live locally, so they save money on room and board. The tuition is lower as well, which enables more students access to a college education. “We have a program that allows students to access books at about half the cost,” Crabill said. “We want to help students afford the program they want to get the career they imagined.” Generating greater access to a college education creates a student body comprised of students who really want to be there and will work to improve their situation. “We have alumni who started here and are now cardiac surgeons,” Crabill said. “It’s a pathway designed to help you get started at a reasonable price.” Students uncertain of what they want to study can try out a degree at

54 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

lower cost and risk at community college. Most of the first four semesters are comprised of general education core or basic electives that would transfer to other majors anyway. Community colleges tend to be more vested in their communities with high school early entry programs, continuing education classes and enrichment opportunities for all ages. Partnering with local employers helps community colleges craft programs that teach the skills they want for specific positions. That builds employability into the education. “We can prepare students for great jobs at home,” Crabill said. “They start in ninth grade and when they graduate, they have an associate degree and get snapped up by those local employers.” Cayuga Community College also works with area employers who provide employment services. “There’s an increased understanding that community colleges offer career-based learning avenues, and that our students are ready to join the workforce,” said Brian Durant, president. “These career paths may lead to a degree, a credential or a micro-credential, but our focus is to ensure students have the training and confidence they need to succeed after they leave Cayuga. “Businesses are key sources of information to make sure these programs are emphasizing cutting-edge techniques and trainings to provide students what they need to know when they join the workforce.” One example is the Advanced

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Manufacturing Institute that Cayuga opened on the Fulton Campus in spring 2022. Novelis, Huhtamaki and the Oswego County Manufacturers’ Consortium offered input and support that helped design the curriculum. This collaboration helped develop workers ready to assume roles at these organizations upon graduation. Like community colleges, online education has also improved in its public perception. In early 2020, colleges shifted to online courses. Many schools, including Cayuga, ramped up the format and improved the student experience so that students accustomed to an in-person class would feel they could access online classes just as easily. “Students adapted to these changes and succeeded with greater and greater frequency,” Durant said, “and as more people took online courses, there was a greater realization that while the courses are presented differently, the content and opportunities were largely the same.” In general, most people turned to online resources for many aspects of life over the past two years, from shopping to entertainment to socializing. Education represents one more example. “In our experience, businesses have appreciated this fact and recognized that students who took classes during the pandemic have demonstrated an undeniable ability to adjust to new and unexpected challenges,” Durant said. “That’s an indispensable trait that appeals to employers and should serve our students well in the years ahead.” AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD A Retrospective By Steve Yablonski

hirty years ago a new publi-

to serve as a linkage between different

cation hit the newsstands in

businesses … to work with you and grow

Central New York.

with you.”

In the August-Septem-

The first edition—$2.95 and 26 pages.

ber 1992 issue, with then-director of Os-

“Is it a crazy idea to start a magazine

wego’s community development office

during a recession and in a media-satu-

Eugene Saloga featured on the inaugural

rated market?” Dotto mused.

cover, the headline proclaimed: “The

The magazine, over the decades, has

Wal-Mart era begins in Oswego” — and

featured several articles regarding the

so Oswego County Business Magazine

closure of major businesses (Fulton is

was born.

among those hit the hardest with the loss

“This is the first and only publication

of Miller and Nestle), the recessions and,

about business and economic devel-

most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

opment in Oswego County.” publisher

But look closely and you’ll see that the

Wagner Dotto publisher wrote. “Want

region is undergoing a renaissance.

OSWEGO COUNTY

BUSINESS August / September 2011

$4.50

OswegoCountyBusiness.com

Building a New

CONFERENCE CENTER

The Broadwell family is investing $6 million to expand its business in Oswego. The project includes a new conference center that will accommodate 500 people

This inaugural cover of Oswego County Business is dated August/ September 1992. The cover features Eugene Saloga and ushers in the Walmart era to Oswego. This cover, framed, currently hangs in Oswego County Business’ production office.

Eleven years ago in Oswego, the Broadwells began an expansion project of a new restaurant, 18 additional hotel rooms and a conference center that would accommodate up to 500 people. Their belief in the area hasn’t waned — they have embarked on a new project to create a year-round waterpark in the Port City. The magazine has not only introduced readers to the powerful women in CNY, the “Forty Under 40,” and a plethora of other movers-and-shakers — it has presented advice from top experts on how to start (and succeed) in business. Fairs and festivals are highlighted. New and long-time businesses are spotlighted. OCBM has featured a plethora of articles recently highlighting the works of area entrepreneurs. Established entrepreneurs like Ed Alberts (WIRED Telcom, Rehab Resources and others) and Atom Avery (Litatro, 5 Points Wine and Liquor and others) and the next generation like Jenna Behling and Denyel Busch (6 Acres

In this 2011 edition of Oswego County Business, writer Lou Sorendo covered the Broadwell family’s $6 million conference center construction project. That same conference center, a decade later, just hosted Operation Oswego County’s 70th annual meeting in June 2022.

Farm Brewery) aren’t slowing down. An excellent example: In 1992, Terry Leroy (owner of LeRoi) was a pizza delivery boy. By 1998, he was the owner of a $1.4 million company. When he was looking to expand his jewelry business, he not only did—but a few years later, he along with partner, Tammy Wilkinson, opened Aqua Spa Float Center & Wellness Boutique in Oswego.

More success stories • Teamwork saved Sealright. Sealright in December of 2005 announced it would remain in Fulton (instead of moving to Desoto, Kansas). It was “a Christmas present to our community,” said L. Michael Treadwell executive director of Operation Oswego County. • In 2003, Global Buffet was opening in Oswego in a former dollar store in the former Green’s department store location. The building was razed a couple years ago to make way for the Litatro building. • The Pinarama bowling alley was demolished to make room for a Staples.

58 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

The site is now a Harbor Freight Tools. Bowlers enjoy their sport at Lighthouse Lanes, which opened in 2003 on Shampine Drive in Oswego. • In early 2002, Pinky’s was replacing the Arby’s in Oswego. The site is now becoming a Popeye’s. • In 2002, Gosch Supply and Lighting Centre celebrated 30 years in Fulton. “It’s a lot of work being self-employed, but it’s worth it,” owner Garry Standard said at the time. This year, Gosch Supply is celebrating 50 years in business. • A Walmart ‘superstore’ was going to open in July 2002 in Central Square. A short while later, the Oswego store became a ‘superstore.’ It was reported that a year after Walmart opened in Oswego, more business sprouted up along the Route 104 east corridor in Oswego. • The former Holiday Harbor Hotel in Oswego was transformed into Steamers after being purchased by the Broadwell family for $725,000. • The Fulton and Oswego chambers merged. Officials said the chambers’ members as well as the community at large would be the big winners. The

Oswego Could Be Central Hub for Proposed Lake Ontario Marine Sanctuary

OSWEGO COUNTY

BUSINESS $4.50

August / September 2016

OswegoCountyBusiness.com

Getting Oswego Health in Shape CEO Chuck Gijanto recognizes that Oswego Health is losing money. Find out what he plans to do to change that trend

Officials to Gov. Cuomo

$4.50

On the Global Map An event created by a SUNY Oswego chemistry professor brings students from more than 60 countries to Oswego

Newspapers Dying? Buffett, Bezos and other high-powered businessmen are snatching up newspapers everywhere. Do they know something we don’t?

Restaurant Review Writer: Oswego’s Bistro 197 offers some of the best fine dining and cocktails in all of Central New York

The Fight to Build a Holiday Inn Express in Oswego Find Out How Kim Doyle of Fulton Grew Her Hair Salon

Chuck Gijanto took over as CEO of Oswego Health, replacing long-time CEO Ann Gilpin, at the end of 2015. And we covered it. Since then, Michael Harlovic has entered as CEO and Oswego Health continues to grow, having just completed a new behavioral center at the end of 2021.

chamber is currently part of CenterState CEO. • In 2005, it was noted that Cicero had been ‘rediscovered’ and was ‘growing fast.’ • In 2011, Buttolph Lumber planned to grow in the former Wickes site in Schroeppel. They relocated from Jamesville. • Also, a more than $13 million project more than doubled the square footage of the Fulton Companies in Pulaski. And Healthway continued to expand in Pulaski as well. • In 2012, the $16 million expansion of Cayuga Community College into Fulton was set to stimulate economy and create jobs. Work at former P&C site at River Glen Plaza was getting underway.

One site’s story ing.

The CNY business scene is evolv-

For example: In 2003, the former Admiral Woolsey’s restaurant in Oswego became Herring’s Landing. The new owner planned to expand the

August / September 2016

December 15 / January 16

Help Us Keep FitzPatrick Working

OswegoCountyBusiness.com

Questions to the New NYS Fair Director

$4.50

CNY’s Hotel Construction Boom A New Holiday Inn Express just opened in Oswego. At least 10 other hotels in Syracuse are being built or just became operational. Understanding the reasons for this boom

The hospitality industry was highlighted in the AugustSeptember 2016 issue when the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Oswego became the first major hotel built in the city after more than a decade. At the time, at least 10 other hotels were being built in Syracuse.

kitchen and add a second floor. However, Herring’s Landing closed, citing slow business. In May 2007, Patrick and Patricia Jones opened Patz restaurant in the site. It didn’t survive. Chef Ray Jock returned home to Oswego to open his own restaurant, La Parrilla on Oswego’s west side. It recently moved into the site and is now La Parrilla On The Water. While some long-time companies have fallen by the wayside, others continue to thrive. Ontario Orchards in the town of Oswego has been providing food from the farm to the consumer since 1952. They’re still going strong in 2022. In 2004, The Oswego County Weeklies in Mexico celebrated 80 years under the Backus family. The paper exists today under the direction of the Johnson family, owners of the Watertown Daily Times. Both the Oswego and Fulton speedways have roared back to life. New ventures in CNY seem to be starting all the time. The Syracuse area has seen a surge in new, renovated hotels.

The Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse has also been a hugely popular venue. The Amazon fulfillment center in Clay has been a shot in the arm for the local economy. The names may have changed for several businesses but they’re still here. For example: Niagara Mohawk is now National Grid BOCES is now CiTi. Alcan is now Novelis. Sealright is now Huhtamaki. Oswego County Business Magazine has grown and evolved with the times. It is now 100 pages an issue and has been the recipient of numerous awards from the Syracuse and Oswego County press clubs and others. The magazine continues to provide information that isn’t found elsewhere for businesses all in one place with each new issue. Let’s look forward to another 30 years of covering business and economic development in Central New York! ■

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

Bruce Frassinelli bfrassinelli@ptd.net

Coming Up With Thought-Provoking Columns

I ‘I have tried to enlighten readers on the challenges journalists have in crafting a readable and interesting story’.

BRUCE FRASSINELLI is the former publisher of The Palladium-Times. He served as a governor of the Rotary Club District 7150 (Central NY) from July 2001 to June 2002.

My Turn

n this 30th anniversary edition of Oswego County Business Magazine, I have been able to reflect on my more than 20 years of column-writing for the magazine. After I retired as publisher of The Palladium-Times in Oswego in 1998, Wagner Dotto, OCBM’s editor and publisher, asked whether I would be interested in writing a column for each edition of the magazine. As I have told readers, we should never retire to nothing; we need creative outlets to keep our mind sharp and stimulated and to provide some worth to the world. While I never was a very good golf player, I suspect that retiring to playing golf would get old mighty fast. I am very grateful that at age 83, readers believe I have worthwhile observations to make and information to dispense. At least letters, emails and phone calls from readers lead me to this conclusion. Dotto will give me column suggestions from time to time, but he has largely allowed me to pick my own topics, and this, of course, is a writer’s dream. Since I was a manager of the two newspapers at which I spent my entire professional life — The Express-Times in Easton, Pennsylvania, and The Palladium-Times in Oswego — I have dispensed opinions and information about the cataclysmic changes going on within the newspaper industry. I also have given business executives tips on how to conduct themselves and their businesses for more effective results. There has been a sea change in the business world, and I have prided myself on keeping up with many of those important changes, which allows me to discuss current issues affecting managers and their operations. I weighed Dotto’s column-writing invitation with the many other opportunities and responsibilities I had in retirement. Since OCBM is published six times a year, I considered writing an every-other-month column to be something to which I could give sufficient time, enjoy and share my experience with its readers. It would not

60 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

be so time-consuming that it might impinge on some of the perks of retirement. I want to have some days where I have nothing to do and all day to do it. As I have often said, “If I knew retirement was going to be so much fun, I might have done it first.’’ In my reflection about my time writing for OCBM, I thought I would use some excerpts from some of my earlier columns. For example, we might think that Fox News is a more recent phenomenon, but I was writing about it 16 years ago in 2006, long before the Donald Trump era: “Much of the mistrust of the news media today centers around their political tone — or, more accurately, their perceived tone. Are they liberal or conservative? The flashpoint of this raging debate generally centers on Fox News, which, despite being angrily targeted by liberals for what they believe is a conservative skew in reporting national and international news, has gained legions of new viewers.’’ I have tried to enlighten readers on the challenges journalists have in crafting a readable and interesting story as I did in another 2006 column: “The ability to synthesize thousands of words — sometimes screamed or spewed in emotional torrents — into a coherent report is an art form requiring skill, patience and talent. That is precisely what is expected of journalists each time they report and write.’’ Believe me, I have never been a Pollyanna or apologist for some of the horrible mistakes those in our industry have made. For example, in 2003, I joined the chorus of other journalists who criticized The New York Times, one of the pre-eminent newspapers of our time, for how it completely and utterly mishandled the case of one of its reporters who, among other things, lied about his on-the-spot reporting when he was thousands of miles away: “In an era when the public sees unethical and uncaring news media, the media practitioners are, once again, staring in the mirror and soul-searching their performance. In the wake of the Jayson Blair betrayal at The

Bruce Frassinelli’s first column in Oswego County Business appeared in April-May 2003 and offered a discussion about sources who are “unavailable for comment.” His column has run in the magazine ever since.

New York Times and the revelations of how the Times’ gate-keepers failed to heed sign after sign and how they were willing to give Blair second, third and more chances, the media are reeling in the searing white-hot spotlight this unsavory situation has brought them.’’ From time to time, I tried to educate readers on what journalists and journalism really are vs. the sometimes bogus picture that TV and the movies make it out to be. In a 2004, column, I made this observation: “As in all walks of life, journalism spawns myths and misconceptions. In meeting with thousands of people during my years as a journalist, I have found most of them to be fascinated by journalism but also wary of it and its practitioners. We don’t do a very good job of letting the public know how we operate.’’ I then showed a number of these misconceptions and tried to answer them. Often the public believes that we journalists are unscrupulous and unethical when pursuing a story and will do anything to get the information. They believe we sensationalize to sell newspapers and boost the number of viewers and listeners. I then explained that most media have rigid codes of ethics which forbid journalists from engaging in these questionable tactics. This includes pursuing personal vendettas, taking gifts and profiting from advance information. That said, when I was a young reporter, I was expected to follow the dictates of my seasoned editor whom I affectionately referred to as the “bull-

dog’’ because he looked like one. One of a reporter’s most uncomfortable assignments is covering tragedy. The more deeply personal the tragedy, the more discomfort. As a rookie on the job for about two weeks, I learned of a motor vehicle fatality. Three teen-agers were in a car coming home from a Friday night of fun when their speeding car became airborne and impaled a tree. The car broke in two. The three youngsters were killed instantly. After getting my information from police and the coroner (medical examiner), I went back to my office to file my story. I called the “bulldog’’ and told him the steps I took. He questioned me about whether I spoke to police, the coroner, eyewitnesses. Yes, yes, yes. “Did you talk to the parents?’’ he asked matter of factly. “You want me to talk to the parents?’’ I asked. “That’s right,’’ he replied. “Find the parents and talk to them.’’ I thought the “bulldog’’ was unsympathetic and uncaring, I figured the parents would never talk to me. I learned the identity of one boy’s mother and went to her home. I was shocked when she answered the door. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying. I introduced myself, apologized for the intrusion and told her why I was there. “Come in,’’ she said. I was dumbfounded but tried not to show it. “Jimmy was a good boy,’’ she began. “Can you tell me about him?’’ I asked. For an hour she did, painting a poignant picture of her son, recalling

family anecdotes, frequently breaking into tears. Afterwards, she thanked me. Her words stunned me, because, after all, it was I who was eternally grateful to her. She told me it was cathartic and therapeutic to be able to tell someone about the wonderful qualities and characteristics of her most cherished possession — her son. Later that day, she called me at home to thank me for the sensitivity I had shown both during the interview and in the story, which appeared in that afternoon’s newspaper. This episode taught me an important lesson: Don’t assume anything when it comes to situations such as these. What I had assumed would be an intrusion into this woman’s life at a time of anguish and suffering turned out to be just what she needed to help her deal with her grief. We helped each other. I also tried to explain in a 2008 column how we journalists agonize over important issues that wind up in print. Shortly after I had begun as a cub reporter, I covered a court case in which a witness said, “I didn’t do nothing.’’ When the newspaper came out, the quote had been changed to, “I didn’t do anything.’’ I called the city editor who handled my story to ask about the change. “Because we don’t want to make people appear to be illiterate,’’ he said. I objected, saying that a quotation is supposed to be person’s exact words, not the words we give him or her. This issue rages on among journalists until this day. In 2007, I told the incredible story of Pedro J. Colon of 227 Duer St., Oswego, a paraplegic who scoured the streets, bushes and dumpsters and relieved them of nearly 4,000 returnable cans and bottles a week, about 208,000 a year. That’s right — about $10,000 a year through collecting recyclables through New York State’s 5-cent returnable law. I had not thought that the state’s recycling law could provide a job for the Pedro Colons of the state and, in the process, help clean up the environment of these unsightly containers. The purpose of us journalists is to provide you with information — the important and the interesting — to make you an informed citizen. In the process, we hope that we are giving you a toolkit of power to make the best possible decisions for you to navigate the many potholes of life. We also are giving you insights on your community, your government and many other facets of your lives.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING... “Happy anniversary Oswego County Business Magazine. Congratulations on 30 years of keeping our business community at the forefront and sharing important updates that keep us connected. For all you do, we celebrate and thank you.”

DEANA M. MICHAELS Mayor, Fulton

The bi-monthly publication shines a spotlight on a variety of small businesses, nonprofits and larger corporations that increases their visibility and can serve as an inspiration to individuals who are considering entrepreneurship. We are grateful to have this resource available and be a part or their journey.”

PATRICK DEWINE Executive director, United Way of Greater Oswego County

“I gotta say the Oswego County Business Magazine content is very relevant and well-written. You cover a range of issues that our county faces and celebrate the many successes. I always look forward to the next edition.” TIM McKERNAN Facility manager, of EJ, Oswego County Industrial Park, Phoenix.

“The Oswego County Business Magazine has done an excellent job over the years highlighting our strong business community and promoting many of the hard working small to large businesses throughout our region. The magazine has been a real asset to showcasing the Oswego County area and is a tool the city of Oswego routinely uses for promotional purposes. I thank Wagner Dotto and all the hardworking staff and writers for the magazine and wish them many more years of continued success.” WILLIAM J. BARLOW Mayor, Oswego

“[...] I feel that Oswego County Business Magazine has its finger on the pulse of Oswego County and represents all aspects of our business community. The balance is fair between our largest industries and our smallest shops. I will miss being a part of it after I retire. I know that Oswego County Business Magazine will continue the good work.” JOHN R. HALLERON Advanced certified senior business adviser, Small Business Development Center, Oswego

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“For the past 30 years the Oswego County Business Magazine has played an important role in sharing the growth and investments that make Oswego County an exceptional community. We congratulate the Oswego County Business Magazine on this important milestone.” KATIE TOOMEY Executive director or the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce

...ABOUT OUR 30 ANNIVERSARY TH

“For the past 30 years, Oswego County Business Magazine has done an excellent job covering the diverse business community of Oswego County in the business magazine and annual business guide. Wagner Dotto and his staff have developed an invaluable informational resource and been a promoter of local companies, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and support organizations. We are lucky as a community of our size to have a media company dedicated to covering local business and industry. As Oswego County’s economic development arm, Operation Oswego County is proud to call Oswego County Business Magazine a partner.” MICHAEL TREADWELL Executive director, Operation Oswego County, Inc.

“For nearly 25 years, I have followed the Oswego County Business Magazine to keep aware of what is happening in Oswego County area and local businesses. The magazine does a great job of combining what occurs in the business environment with many personal stories of the people behind them. I always look forward to the next edition and the learning it provides.”

BUDDY STEMPLE CEO of Constellium Rolled Products I, Ravenswood, West Virginia.

“We congratulate the Oswego County Business Magazine on this important milestone. We have seen a tremendous amount of growth in investment made by Oswego business leaders in recent years and the Oswego County Business Magazine plays a critical role in ensuring those investments are highlighted and recognized by the community.”

“[...] I still read Oswego County Business Magazine to stay on top of what is going on—and we still do a number of landscapes in Oswego County. My accountant, Art Pearson’s office is there. I always find time to visit my fishing buddy, Jason Livesey at Rudy’s, after meeting with Art. I also stock up on the freshest produce on the planet at Ontario Orchards with my fishing partner, Dennis Ouellette. We’ve set two IGFA World records together, from Mexico to the Arctic. There’s really no other publication for business news that would even qualify for second place. If you want to grow, then you need to know.”

JIM SOLLECITO Owner of Sollecito Landscaping Nursery, Syracuse

ROBERT SIMPSON President of CenterState CEO

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

QUOTES FROM BUSINESS MAGAZINE HISTORY “We have to fully optimize everything we’ve got and the way to do it is employee involvement.” Jack Morrison Plant manager, Alcan “We’ve done more than right-size this brewery. We’ve changed the way we do business.” Ken MichaelChuck Plant manager, Miller Brewery “I pray for the day that a company calls up and says, ‘I have some money, do you want it?’” Charlotte Sullivan Harborfest fundraiser, on the challenge of raising $300,000 every year. “The economy is improving; we seem to be seeing tangible improvement. Business is going up every month. Sales are increasing—I have no idea why this is occurring. Our local chamber is promoting local buying and more interplay between its member.” Gerald Cole Owner of PIP Printing of North Syracuse. “I don’t see any recovery in the economy. New York state government must do something to help small businesses stay here. The tax structure and workers’ comp rules are driving people away. Our business is affected because our business depends on other businesses.” William Patterson Owner, Patterson Warehousing, Fulton. “I have high expectations this year. We’re a company of 80 stores in five states and our goal this year is 125 stores in seven states. If you don’t have high expectations, you don’t have a chance of success. I’m a firm believer in supporting yourself. If you have high expectations, you have a better chance of success.” Bob Natoli Owner of Rentavision, Oswego. “I’m starting this business because I like the idea of hanging around a used book store and actually getting paid for it, instead of the other way around.” Deb Engelke Owner of Time and Again Books & tea, Oswego.

“The next time you are sitting at a stop light and notice the car in front of you is from out of town, wave when you drive by, because Oswego County loves tourists!” Oswego County legislator (from Volney), chairman of the economic development and tourism committee. “We have to attract growth businesses to Oswego County… that’s why we are trying to forge all these community relationships.” Bill Shannon President of the Oswego County Building and Trades Council. “We need to put more emphasis on tourism, economic development and revitalization of the downtown. We need to put more people to work so that they can afford to pay the bills, taxes and support the local economy.” Frank Hale Executive director of the Greater Oswego Chamber of Commerce. “Our competitive position, in terms of SUNY and New York state, is very strong. I believe we can put ourselves in the forefront of higher education not only in the state but in the nation, in the next 10 years.” Stephen Weber President of SUNY Oswego “Economic development is a mix of several things. Attracting and promoting business and industry, along with enhancing the quality of life.” Eugene Saloga Oswego community development director “I don’t consider myself a powerful woman. Everything I’ve accomplished, I’ve accomplished as a volunteer.” Sara “DeeDee” Barclay Community supporter “That many women in Oswego County are already reshaping the workplace through their interactions and contributions is without question.” Deborah Stanley President of SUNY Oswego

COVER STORY

PREPARING TO

MAKE A SPLASH Though faced with early challenges, Broadwell Hospitality Group plans to open its new $6.7 million indoor waterpark project in Oswego in the fall. It’s expected to boost local tourism, create new jobs BY STEVE YABLONSKI

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

magine it’s your birthday party, Jan. 30. It’s 25 degrees, snowing and blowing. But you and your party guests don’t care: you’re

splashing around in 84 degrees — in Oswego. Huh? Oswego, the snow capital of Central New York? That’s right; the Splash Indoor Waterpark and Resort

on East First Street will offer year-round climate controlled fun. The waterpark is about to make a big splash in Central New York. Currently still under construction, this $6.7 million facility is located on the campus of Broadwell Hospitality Group, LLC. “What it’s doing is actually transforming our entire city portfolio,” said Shane Broadwell of the Broadwell Hospitality Group. The state-of-the-art indoor waterpark will cater to locals and tourists alike. It includes two signature high-energy looping slides, a splash pad with all sorts of water action, topped by a 500-gallon tilt bucket and a signature retail center.

EARLY CHALLENGES This project, like other construction projects, faced some challenges due to COVID-19. “In 2020, as we were in the ground …we hit COVID. We’ve had some setbacks. We lost 12 months in construction time; there was a drastic increase in material and labor costs – anybody building, doing anything is suffering today,” Broadwell said. “Our delay in opening was disappointing and frustrating, but we knew we were not in the boat alone. Every business and person has felt the impact of COVID-19, so we rolled with the punches and did our best to keep things moving,” he added with a shake of the head. Back in 2016 the total cost of this project was $4.9 million. Then, in 2017, the DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) was $500,000—which helped kick start things, Broadwell said. “And then COVID hit and the project was considered non-essential by the health department and we were delayed until March of ’21,” he added. That caused drastic increases in labor costs and material costs; all the

architectural and engineering costs were also increased. “We have, at this point, $1.5 million of our own money invested. With the increase in interest on loans and financing and the timeframe has added an additional $1.7 million to the cost of the project,” he explained. “The total cost of the project is $6.7 million.” The idea is what you’d call a family entertainment center, an FEC, Broadwell explained. “It’s something that my father (George “Buddy” Broadwell) actually thought up, the water park concept. It’s been hard keeping up with him as he has overseen every aspect of its construction 12 hours a day and seven days a week,” he added. “We couldn’t be more excited about introducing our latest project to the market. My father had a vision and it’s culminated into a product that will seal his legacy as one of Oswego’s most committed developers.” Historically, the whole community goes into a complete slowdown from mid-November all the way until March, Broadwell noted. The most active season is all May to October. “For us that is six months and then we have six months to survive. So when you go from November all the way

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until March there are not many events in the community,” he added. “What we are really doing all the way from November until April in all the hotels is sharing the same business travelers. That’s Sunday through Thursday. It’s a small pool of travelers and it’s even worse now after COVID.”

A BOOST DURING THE OFF-SEASON When discussing the positives of the project, Broadwell spoke to the seasonality of the market and how the new park can assist in driving off-season demand. Everyone in the community understands the challenges faced December through March — “as the snow flies, so do the tourists,” he said. He described the park as a “welcomed oasis” in the heart of winter. “The waterpark will be 12 months a year — 84 degrees every day, 44% humidity. In the worst of winter, you’ll be able to slap on your swimming trunks and be able to enjoy yourself. Birthday parties are going to be a significant impact on the waterpark and a huge, huge gain for the community. We could have from 800 to 1,200 private birthday parties a year inside that space. We’re not saying it will cure all of our business level pains in the off-season but, hey, it’s certainly not going to hurt,” Broadwell added. “We even converted three of our guestrooms in our attached Clarion Hotel in anticipation of the heavy demand. We could even convert a couple more if the demand is there.” “Where are you going to have that special birthday party like this? When we look at the map, we know we will have the premier location for birthday parties for kids,” he continued. “And what is important is — they can stay. It’s not like you have to come in with all your gear in the middle of winter, get inside, get the biggest locker rental possible, change, go do your thing for a few hours, then pack it all up and get back out to the car and have to drive.” Family packages will be offered for those who want to overnight. The Broadwells also anticipate a lot of different corporate events. It’s going to open up the door for a lot of companies in this area. In the worst of winter, “you can come in here and have your luau; have your own corporate party, your own private splash. This will create a lot of opportunities for those corporations to say ‘hey let’s do

PHOTOS The state-of-the-art indoor waterpark will cater to locals and tourists alike. It includes two signature high-energy looping slides, a splash pad with all sorts of water action, topped by a 500-gallon tilt bucket and a signature retail center.

something different,’” Broadwell said. “We already spend a significant amount of marketing dollars in enticing various meeting and event segments to Oswego; and in particular our two hotel products and meeting space housed in the Best Western Plus. This will add one more reason to select Oswego to be host to future events and drive the entirety of Oswego’s economic prosperity.”

MULTIPLE LEVELS OF FUN The Splash Indoor Waterpark and Resort will feature three levels. The entire facility is going to be a bit less than 20,000 square foot total. The main floor, the waterpark floor, is about 12,500 square feet. There will be a water bucket that holds 500 gallons to douse kids, a pool with other activities, a 30-person hot tub and a large pool, complete with multiple basketball hoops. The second tier will be a fully-enclosed air-controlled video arcade. So 1,500 square feet are the arcade, which will feature all the new, most exciting top games that are out there today; as well as a full-service bar, concessions and four private party locations, Broadwell noted. On the third tier, “Our Steamers restaurant will flow right on through; it is right on the same level,” he explained. A full-service bar will serve trendy tropical libations and a full concession menu. The food offerings in the park itself will be family-friendly (just not your traditional sit-down meal). “When you look at family entertainment center food, it is smaller individual pizzas, baskets of burgers and fries, chicken tenders; a lot of things like that,” Broadwell said. There will be at least, at minimum, six life guards on duty at all times. Some times, there will be more than that during the peak season. “We’ll be doing our own lifeguard training,” he added. “This is shallow water; it’s not the same as your deep-water lifeguarding. Our deepest water is 4 foot 6 [inches].”

JOBS CREATED & RETAINED

FROM TOP Shane Broadwell of the Broadwell Hospitality Group has been supervising construction of The Splash Indoor Waterpark and Resort: “In 2020, as we were in the ground …we hit COVID. We’ve had some setbacks. We lost 12 months in construction time; there was a drastic increase in material and labor costs,” he says. Below is an overview of lower floor of the park. 70 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

The project has not only put local private contractors to work but will also create up to 80 new jobs, Broadwell said. “We’re working with a team that’s called ARM, American Resort Management, because they are waterpark specialists,” Broadwell said. “They have been instrumental throughout the project from design, construction, staffing

… everything that goes into making it a successful campus.” “It’s a game-changer. It makes the footprint of Oswego, as a whole, bigger and more exciting. It represents collaboration between public and private sectors,” said Geoffrey Reeds, ARM’s corporate vice president of sales. “It puts new jobs in the market and creates additional tax revenue for the city, county and state. We predict a substantial increase in tourism as the facility is introduced to the market. “It’s just not the Broadwell family that benefits from this addition to their campus. People who may not have been coming to Oswego were it not for the waterpark will visit. When that family drives in, they’re going to fill up their car with gas, stop at local stores to get something they forgot, explore local restaurants, the Children’s Museum all the various attractions. When you bring in an attraction like this, it benefits everybody. It’s a perfect example of a win-win scenario, where not just the developer, but the community at large all reap the benefits of such a premium attraction.” “ARM is very excited to have been engaged by the Broadwell family for this new and very exciting project,” Reeds

continued. “We think that it will help in broadening the level of excitement of the community at large and create jobs and a substantial increase into tourism into the marketplace.” Reeds added that in other similar projects his company manages, the trickle-down positive impact is also felt by area restaurants, retail businesses and local attractions. The facility will increase the level of tourism in Oswego, help create new jobs and maintain existing jobs at both hotels, both restaurants from that October–March time frame where things typically slow right down. Broadwell said, “What this will do is completely flip things on our head and help us to maintain all of the staff that we have in our hotels.” When you look at a waterpark of this scale, when is its busiest time frame? It’s in the middle of winter — Christmas breaks all the way through spring break — when everybody in the region doesn’t want to travel far, he said. This is an indoor, climate-controlled facility that can be enjoyed no matter the weather. ——— “An important part of this equation that is important is how many jobs that

we’ll maintain all winter long. Historically, we’d hit October and we had housekeepers [and other personnel] who’d take a layoff because we get so slow. We’d call them back when we need them. But now, this is going to flip that right on its head,” Broadwell said. “Now those people will be full time all the way through winter, which is when the waterpark will be at peak.”

KEEPING IT FRESH “The HVAC system will be such as to keep things fresh. It’s a top priority. It’s not just the smells and irritations that the chemicals can have on people — it also has to do with all your equipment. The system will turn over that air and keep fresher air coming in. So it doesn’t eat through everything else you’ve got going on. Every piece of steel in that building has multiple coats of protective paint on it just for that reason,” Broadwell said. So, how much water will this facility actually use? “You know, I think that’s actually been calculated. I don’t know right off the top of my head,” Broadwell smiled. “It’s a lot.” ❖

AMERICAN RESORT MANAGEMENT TO MANAGE OSWEGO PARK

merican Resort Management, a company based in Erie, Pennsylvania, will manage Oswego’s Splash Indoor Waterpark and Resort. ARM is a very well-known hospitality management company, according to Geoffrey Reeds, corporate vice president of sales for ARM. “We specialize in the management of hotels and waterparks and attractions. We also manage several large-scale arcades. We’re multi-faceted in the management of those things.” ARM is involved with businesses all over the country. “We don’t work necessarily within just a given region,” Reeds said. “We have many projects that are in different stages of development.” Size-wise, the waterpark the the Broadwell family is constructing in Oswego “is somewhere in the middle of the pack.” “We have some places as small

as a 20-room high-end boutique hotel in Long Island. We have other hotels that are up to 300 rooms,” Reeds said. As far as the attractions piece, ARM’s two premium accounts — they manage Epic Waters in Grand Prairie Texas. “That’s a big one for us. It’s a high-volume facility — it performs extremely well,” he said. “We also have recently taken on a major project in Texas City, Texas. (LagoonFest – Texas City). There’s a manmade lagoon (with 44 million gallons of water), so it’s massive. It’s the size of nine football fields.” ARM is “very excited” to be a part of the Oswego project. “It’s a smaller market, but we think it will be very impactful — not only as a successful project for the Broadwells, but in addition, it will drive additional tourism dollars into the Oswego marketplace,” Reeds said.

The benefit will go well beyond just what’s consumed on the campus itself, he added. “People will come in; they’re coming because they want to spend time at the waterpark and complex,” he said. “Other restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, the Children’s Museum—all those other things will benefit.” They will be included in ARM’s marketing. “We will be marketing all of the attractions in Oswego, because obviously, it will generate a lot of tax revenue for the community. It will help make Oswego’s footprint a little more exciting and will encourage more people to visit the city,” he said. “The Broadwells are deeply rooted in the community. They are good operators and take a lot of pride in their product. They are civic citizens and we’re excited to be a part of this project.”

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

TOURISM

The popular Harborfest in Oswego will take place July 28–31. It’s the first time in two years the festival is taking place. “There are so many people delighted to see it’s returning,” says Peter Miles, the festival’s executive director.

Tourism Is Back As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, more people are traveling, more events are taking place in CNY

fter two rough years of COVID-induced cancellations and trepidation, tourism is back. Through a combination of lifted restrictions and restored consumer confidence, local and nonlocal tourists have returned to recreating in Central New York. “We’ve seen a significant increase in occupancy rate year-to-date over last year for our hotel rooms,” said Debbie Trimble, owner The Eis House in Mexico. “People seem genuinely happy to be traveling again. Travelers come from across the country and as far away as Germany and they all have such interesting stories to tell. We are also seeing more guests returning to the restaurant from the local camps and campgrounds in the area.” The facility also hosts events, a sector of the hospitality and tourism industry that has struggled during the

past two years. Dave Turner, director of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism, and Planning, hopes that the effect of the economy, including scarcity of goods, high gas prices, overall inflation, are not detrimental to hospitality businesses that have been struggling. “Everyone is taking different approaches, depending on what their market is for visitors and different impacts of the current economy,” Turner said. His department’s target market for visitors is a seven-hour drive time. However, soaring gas prices may mean fewer visitors may be interested in traversing the region to visit CNY. He added that with energy prices up 35% and food costs up an average of 10% pre-pandemic, some people may feel more inclined to stay at home. “The stock market has not been

72 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

great lately,” Turner said. “That impacts a lot of the disposable income for some folks, especially retired visitors. It’s a wait-and-see scenario.” For some people, “cutting back” may mean a regional vacation instead of an international trip, which may draw some people to CNY and keep locals here instead of abroad. “We have adjusted our marketing to get more staycation folks to come from other parts of New York to come to Oswego County,” Turner said. “We will continue with those investments.” While spending in general has declined in areas like retail, tourism-related spending has been somewhat stronger than retail spending. Turner attributes that to locals’ desire to get out and do something. The repeal of pre-departure COVID-19 testing may help improve the rate of inbound foreign travelers

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compared with last season. “We have a good number of folks who come for our world-class sport fishing,” Turner said. “We’ve had visitors from every state in US and 30-plus countries in the world. Hopefully, the removal of this requirement for our foreign visitors will help inspire folks and encourage them to try to address the pent-up desire they have to be here.” Turner thinks that the slightly lower hotel occupancy reflects the wariness of travelers regarding COVID-19. Many turned to short-term rentals such as Airbnb. These rates have not rebounded back to pre-pandemic levels.

Big Events Are Back The New York State Fairgrounds, a facility in Syracuse with 50 buildings spread out through 350 acres, often hosts events such as car races, horse shows, RV exhibitions, food truck rodeos and large trade expos. “The space is used year-round by various groups,” said Sean Henessey, interim fair director. “Many of these great events are free events. They can take part in those horse shows and other events. One thing that’s a real benefit is the Empire State Trail that runs through

Dave Turner is director of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism, and Planning. “We have adjusted our marketing to get more staycation folks to come from other parts of New York to come to Oswego County,” he says. “We will continue with those investments.”

the fair. I like to stop people while I’m on the grounds to say hello and ask why they’re there. I recently met people biking through the fairgrounds and they

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use the local hotels and restaurants. The effects on mom-and-pop shops is positive.” BluesFest represents a recent event at the fairgrounds. Henessey said hundreds of people attended as “people are desperate for something to do and to have it in an open space helps,” he said. “The fairgrounds is for food, fun, family and farming and not just for the 13 days of the fair.” Another big event that draws local and regional attention is Oswego Harborfest. The four-day music and food festival has been canceled the past two years. To Peter Miles, executive director, Harborfest’s revival signals tourism’s return to CNY. “There are so many people delighted to see it’s returning,” he said. “A lot of people felt as frustrated as we were that we couldn’t have the festival, but they understood. There was a general feeling is that they’re glad it’s returning and they’re looking forward to it.” People like Myles, Henessey and Trimble are hoping for a banner year, as shutting down for nearly two years has been tough on many organizations and businesses. In addition to lost revenue, they may face lost interest from what were loyal guests.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

TOURISM

Several Oswego County Campgrounds Up for Sale A confluence of factors, including labor and a desire to retire, is pushing many mom and pop campground owners to consider selling their businesses By Ken Sturtz

f you’ve ever daydreamed about tapping into the lucrative $5 billion outdoor camping industry by owning your own campground, one of these opportunities could be for you. Three separate campgrounds in Oswego County have come up for sale this year. While commercial campgrounds do occasionally come on the market, it’s common for independent owners to start relatively small and grow their business over years or decades. The properties came up for sale at a time of growth for the campground business. Camping has seen a dramatic increase over the last two years due to the pandemic. An annual report commissioned by the Kampgrounds of America found that in 2021 camping accounted for 40% of all leisure trips with more than half of travelers including camping in part of their travel. RV use is also at an all-time high, with more than 11 million owners camping last year. The largest of the properties is the 199-acre Carterville Acres Family Campground near Panther Lake in Amboy. A former Girl Scout camp, the current owners purchased the property about 15 years ago. It includes 10 cabins, 17 RV sites with and without hookups, and 15 tent sites. Camping areas have bathhouses and indoor gathering halls. There’s also access to a pond with a beach and swimming area and a spot to launch canoes and kayaks as well as numerous trails. The campground includes a three-bedroom, 2 ½ bath house. The finished basement has a bar, sitting room, woodstove and outside entrance. The property hasn’t been fully operational as a campground for a couple years, said Peter Martino, a broker with NY Outdoor Realty. The owners are at a point in their lives where they need to sell the campground, he said. In the past they typically only opened on weekends because they live out of town.

Cannon Fishing Lodge near the Salmon River in Altmar is one local campground for sale. The property is just shy of six acres and includes a 15-unit lodge, 29 RV sites and a house and apartment. The asking price is $999,900.

“So, they would come in on the weekends and open it up for family and friends and people that they found on Facebook and things like that,” Martino said. That’s part of its charm. He said there would typically be about a dozen campers at a time and plenty of space between sites, which meant the campground offered a quiet, relaxing experience. At the same time, the size of the property and the amenities mean a new owner could expand the campground if they wanted. “It’s got the potential for it,” he said. “It wouldn’t take much to get operational.” The Cannon Fishing Lodge is located in Albion, about three miles outside

74 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Altmar and near the Salmon River. The property is just less than six acres but includes a 15-unit lodge, 29 RV sites and a house and apartment. The rooms include private baths and the lodge has a recreation room and lounge, kitchen and housekeeping laundry facility (linens and laundry equipment come with the property). The RV sites come with bath house, shower and laundry access. Most of the sites have water hookups and some have septic hookups. There is also a dumping station in the RV park. A two-bedroom, two-bath furnished house with attached two-car garage would allow the new owners or a manager to live on the property. An additional two-bedroom, two-bath

Carterville Acres Family Campground in the Amboy area sits on 199 acres near Panther Lake. A former Girl Scout camp, the current owners purchased the property about 15 years ago. It includes 10 cabins, 17 RV sites with and without hookups, and 15 tent sites. The asking price is $898,900.

furnished apartment is available for rent. There is also a 30-by-56 foot pole barn on site that’s used for storage. The current owners have operated the lodge and campground for 17 years and are relocating to a home in Texas, said Robert Foster, a broker with CNY Select Realty. The property is being sold with all the furnishings and equipment needed to run the business. The RV park is fully rented and the lodge is typically fully booked a year in advance. “It’s like turnkey, move in and start your business,” Foster said. “It’s already running and you already have bookings.” The current owners have built

MORE FOR SALE Carterville Acres Family Campground

79 Birmingham Drive, Camden (Amboy) asking price: $898,900 agent: Peter Martino, NY Outdoor Realty

Cannon Fishing Lodge

614 County Route 48, Altmar (Albion) asking price: $999,900 agent: Robert Foster, CNY Select Realty

Yesterday’s RV Park

7669 State Route 104, Oswego asking price: Sale Pending agent: David Baron, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties

“an extremely loyal clientele,” he said, and most of the RV campers have been coming there for years. And there are opportunities to expand the business, he said. The campground is currently only open seasonally, closing after salmon season in the fall and reopening in the spring. The lodge could be open year-round, Foster, said, serving late fall and early spring guests as well as winter enthusiasts such as snowmobilers. “So, there’s a lot of places for increasing your revenue,” he said. The third campground is in the more populated town of Oswego, about five miles southwest of the city of Oswego. Yesterday’s RV Park opened in 2006. The 9-acre property includes four cabins, 28 RV sites and a 1,750-squarefoot restaurant. The cabins include queen beds and come with sinks, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves and TVs as well as heat and air-conditioning. The RV area includes a covered pavilion, bathhouses and dumping station. There’s also an area for tent camping. The restaurant is not currently operating but comes fully equipped and with storage. David Baron, of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, said a sale is pending on the property. A confluence of factors is pushing many mom and pop campground owners to consider selling their businesses. For one thing, there are new opportunities to cash in. “What we’re seeing is a large group of corporations are coming in and offering pretty good pricing for some of the campgrounds,” said Donald Bennett Jr., president of the Campground Owners of New York.

Corporations buying up campgrounds isn’t new. Brennan Beach in Richland —the largest campground in the state with more than 1,300 sites — was owned by the same family for decades before being sold to corporate interests. The pace of buying, however, has picked up. Bennett said corporations are drawn to existing campgrounds because their owners have worked the kinks out. They typically look for larger properties with a lot of campsites. For example, last year the 300-site, 65-acre Association Island campground on Lake Ontario in Jefferson County was sold to a publicly traded company after being owned by the same family for decades. Willing buyers aren’t the only thing enticing campground owners to sell. “The pandemic has stretched the independent business owner really thin,” Bennett said. The influx of business has been a double-edged sword. New campers tend to need more attention and help from owners with things like backing in and setting up their RVs. Other factors predate the pandemic, Bennett said. The campground business in New York is seasonal and demanding. Many mom and pop owners and their staff work seven days a week for five months during camping season. Campground owners are also aging and have been thinking about retirement. There might not be a second generation in the family that is willing or able to take over the business. “It’s kind of been the perfect storm for some of those folks to get out of the business, retire and sell the property and be able to move on to the next chapter of their lives,” Bennett said.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

TOURISM

View of Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego.

Revitalization Underway at Fort Ontario After struggling with funding for years, the popular Oswego historic site has more staff and is working on new research and programming By Ken Sturtz

he gates of the stone fort were closed and locked and the lawn outside resembled an un-mowed hay field. It was 2010 and the state, facing a multi-billion-dollar budget gap, had closed more than 50 parks and historic sites. At Fort Ontario State Historic Site money for staff, programming and repairs disappeared. The heat was even turned off in one of the historic buildings. Public outcry led the state to reopen the closed sites, but many continued operating on shoestring budgets. Buildings remained closed and exhibits dismantled. Positions went unfilled and historical research and interpretation took a backseat. Simply maintaining the buildings at Fort Ontario proved daunting because the elements extract a heavy toll at the site, which sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Ontario. “We kept it stable, we did limited programming,” said Paul Lear, the long-

time site manager. “It was a struggle to keep the facilities going.” Today, however, Fort Ontario is in the midst of a revitalization. New staff have been busy increasing the fort’s social media presence, expanding programming and processing a backlog of donated artifacts. Rooms that had been left empty are being furnished and exhibits and displays updated. Workers are digitizing troves of research and conducting new research. In the decade since it was closed, the state has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the fort’s infrastructure, from replacing roofs and renovating bathrooms, to fixing drainage problems and installing new furnaces and lighting. But Lear said that more recently the biggest change has been Gov. Kathy Hochul’s efforts to increase funding for the state’s parks and historic sites. In addition to money for capital projects, many long unfilled positions have been filled.

76 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

“The governor has breathed new life into our historic sites and parks,” he said. “We’re able to provide better services for years to come.” The first fort on the site was built by the British in 1755. It saw action during the French and Indian War and the War of 1812 and was repeatedly destroyed. The present-day fort was built in the 1840s. Major improvements ceased after 1872. The fort was eventually abandoned, but an Army post sprung up, serving as a hospital in World War I. It continued to be used during World War II and served as the only refugee camp in the U.S. for Holocaust victims. Staffing shortages were especially acute at the fort, which attracted more than 108,000 visitors in 2021. Previously there were just two full-time, yearround employees besides Lear. The rest work seasonally from May to October. In December Lear was finally able to fill the fort’s site assistant position, which the state had left vacant for 11 years. He said that alone has made an

Paul Lear, longtime manager of Fort Ontario State Historic Site: “The governor has breathed new life into our historic sites and parks,” he says. “We’re able to provide better services for years to come.”

incredible difference. Danielle Funiciello is an experienced curator who has worked at the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site and the New York State Museum in Albany. She is handling projects such as improving care and organization of the fort’s stored collections, digitizing documents, updating period furnishings in rooms, and expanding exhibits. Lear said she’s also increasing the use of social media and video in the fort’s programming. Other duties include organizing, maintaining and making interpretive clothing and equipment. Funiciello, a seamstress, is making many of the authentic uniforms and dresses visitors see interpreters wearing. And the fake bread in the fort kitchen display? She’s making that too. The fort is in the middle of digitizing its massive collection of research files. The state is digitizing the fort’s museum collections but not the research files, which consist of thousands of manila folders in more than 40 file drawers and are difficult to organize because they cover multiple wars and several hundred years. The Friends of Fort Ontario helped acquire and install a computer, scanners and software and obtained a grant to hire a former intern to work on the digitization project. When completed the files will be searchable by keyword and enable staff to easily locate information on everything from the mundane (what kind of socks were issued to the troops) to the tragic (soldier injuries). “It’s really going to help us out in the future,” Lear said. The friends group also funded two

AmeriCorps positions earlier this year. One researched and produced a public program and guide to military memorial monuments in Oswego. Another did research for a guided walking tour called “Murder, Mysteries, Mishaps, and Mayhem at Fort Ontario, 1755 to Yesterday.” In the past staff have researched the fort and the people who lived there using traditional sources, such as the fort’s own archives of historic documents. But with vast amounts of documents being digitized and made easily accessible online, it’s possible to find new information. For example, a staff member is in the process of researching the lives of the soldiers stationed at Fort Ontario in 1868 (the fort today appears much as it did during that period). Most were Civil War veterans and the researcher has dug up interviews with the men, photographs of some and details of their lives after leaving the military. “We have far more research than we did years ago,” Lear said. “This is what humanizes these people.” Disciplinary records, for example, provide accounts of what happened when men were charged with drunkenness or insubordination. In one case, a researcher found documents regarding a laundress who wasn’t paid by a soldier for her work. “She wanted her money so she filed charges and took him to court,” Lear said. With the addition of more staff the fort is working through a sizable backlog of artifact donations. The fort was able to establish a collections work area in an unused portion of a building

to process and store artifacts. Each donation has to be photographed and catalogued before a curator can assess its condition and research the object. Eventually they decide whether the object is part of the fort’s history or not. Over the last two years donated artifacts have flooded in faster than the fort could process them, though Lear said they’re almost through the backlog. Donations have included a wide range of items from uniforms to documents. “With COVID everyone was home and seemed to be cleaning their attics and garages and finding scrapbooks and other items,” Lear said. “It’s just a real boost to our collections.” New artifacts and research have a subtle, but significant impact on visitor experience. Decades ago most of the buildings and casemates at the fort weren’t open to the public. Lear has overseen their gradual opening. Research helped ensure rooms were furnished with authentic items and looked as they would have historically. Today artifacts and research are giving staff more insight into what life was like for the people who lived at Fort Ontario, which in turn affects how exhibits and programs are designed. That’s especially important at a place like Fort Ontario. The historic site encompasses so many different periods of history — many visitors, for example, are unaware of the site’s role in sheltering Holocaust survivors — that it is a challenge to interpret it all, Lear said. “Here at the fort we don’t ask what time it is when we roll out of bed,” he said. “It’s more like what war are we interpreting today.”

In the past budget cuts forced fort officials to curtail their educational programming. Now, however, they are expanding their programming and updating exhibits. AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

TOURISM

Crew of Tug Hill Outfitters heading out on west branch of Fish Creek. PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY HART

Groups Join Forces to Highlight Tug Hill’s ‘Untouched Wildernesses’ By Norah Machia

he Tug Hill region has been described as one of the “last of the untouched wildernesses” in New York state, covering 2,100 square miles of land, including parts of Oswego, Oneida, Jefferson and Lewis counties. During the past year, the owners of Tug Hill Outfitters in Williamstown have formed a partnership with the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (THTLT) to highlight the region’s beautiful and valuable natural resources through outdoor recreational activities. “Their mission is akin to ours,” said Emily Hart, who owns Tug Hill Outfitters with her husband, Chris Legard. “We’re both trying to get people outside and appreciate what Tug Hill has to offer.” At the same time, “we are all strong believers in conserving land for future generations,” said Hart. The couple is the caretakers of 140 acres of land, part of which falls along the west branch of Fish Creek, that has been passed down through generations of family members. Tug Hill Outfitters offers kayak and canoe paddling excursions at different

sites in Oswego and Oneida counties (ranging from a couple of hours to a half-day trip), kayak lessons for beginners to advanced paddlers (including those interested in racing), along with guided snowshoeing and cross-country ski outings during the winter months. Programs are also available for those interested in learning more about trekking and orienteering in the wilderness. All excursions and programs are offered to individuals, families and small groups, but specialized corporate outings may be planned as well. Advance registration is required. THTLT has joined with the business to help sponsor two paddling excursions in July, one at Kasoag Lake in Oswego County and the other through the west branch of Fish Creek to Gifford Lake in Oneida County. A portion of the proceeds from any kayak rentals will be donated to the THTLT. The business is hoping to work with the nonprofit land trust on other programs in the future, including the Tug Hill Extreme Adventure, an eight-hour race which includes mountain biking, trekking and paddling at various loca-

78 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

tions throughout the Tug Hill region. “We’re really impressed and excited about the work the land trust is doing in our area,” said Hart, who works full time as a librarian at Syracuse University. She and her husband, a fisheries biologist, opened their part-time business last year to share their passion for the outdoors and the Tug Hill region. THTLT was incorporated in 1991 to protect the open spaces, the working forests and farms of the Tug Hill region, along with promoting a greater appreciation of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. “The land trust’s partnership with Tug Hill Outfitters combines our organizations’ common passion for helping people experience Tug Hill as a unique place to explore,” said Linda Gibbs, THTLT community programs director. “Our partnership helps both organizations not only spread the enjoyment of the outdoors to a larger audience, but also the message that Tug Hill is a gem worth protecting.” THTLT primarily uses conservation easements as the tool to accomplish its land protection goals. As of this year, the land trust has protected more than 21,000 acres of land with conservation easements throughout Central and Northern New York. Most conservation easements held by the THTLT have been donated, and as a result, the landowners have qualified for tax benefits. Conservation easements range from designating land “forever wild” to keeping the working lands for farming and logging operations. Some lands are also held in conservation easements to create public recreational opportunities, including hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. In 2011, the THTLT achieved national accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, making it one of approximately 300 of the nation’s 1,700 land trusts to hold the distinction that year. “The land trust wants to provide opportunities for all people to learn about the Tug Hill region and experience the outdoors,” said Gibbs. “Tug Hill Outfitters is a great partner to help us achieve that goal.” For more information about THTLT, visit www.tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org. For more information about Tug Hill Outfitters, visit www.tughilladventures.com.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

TOURISM

This year, the Oswego County Fair will bring back the demolition derby, a popular attraction, which attracts many fairgoers.

Oswego County Fair Set to Return After 2-Year Hiatus With few opportunities to raise money, county fairs across New York have struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic By Ken Sturtz

n the nearly three years since the gates closed on the last county fair, the fairgrounds in Sandy Creek have remained mostly unused. Volunteers waged an endless war with weeds and worked to address a long list of needed repairs from wornout roofs and power poles to leaky water lines and crumbling blacktop. But the things that make a fair a fair have remained largely absent. There’ve been no horses, cows or goats kicking sawdust in the showring. No harness races, truck pulls or demolition derbies. And no children squealing for rides, carnival games and funnel cakes. That’ll change this summer. After enduring a hiatus and financial hardship caused by the pandemic, the Agricultural Society of Oswego County is preparing to stage the Oswego

County Fair once again. The fair opens Aug. 17 and typically attracts about 30,000 people over its five-day run. This year fair officials are hoping that after two years without a fair, and with the public eager to regain a sense of normalcy, even larger crowds will turn out. “I want that place packed elbow to elbow, I want to be running out of parking,” said Harold Smith Jr., fair president. “That’s what I want.” The agricultural society’s board and members are all volunteers and canceling the fair two years in a row was hard on the organization’s morale, Smith said. A larger challenge was the fact that the fair had to continue paying its regular bills for things such as water, electricity and insurance despite not having

80 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

many of its usual revenue streams from vendors, events and sponsors. “It’s been really tough because we haven’t been able to do much fundraising,” said Timothy Ridgeway, the fair’s senior vice president. The year before the pandemic began the fair reported revenue of about $239,000 and expenses of $155,000, according to tax filings. In 2020, the fair’s revenue plunged to $53,000 and expenses totaled $63,000, for a $10,000 deficit. With the pandemic limiting fundraising options, the fair considered having food trucks come to the fairgrounds for an event, but it didn’t come together. Ridgeway said they decided against doing chicken barbecues because they’re so plentiful as fundraisers. In the end they settled on several smaller fund-

raisers, including a fall festival at the fair. That helped a little, he said. They were also able to continue renting the barns on the fairgrounds out for winter boat storage. That brings the fair about $50,000 annually. Smith said the fair tries to keep things affordable for families and doesn’t charge for admission or parking as some other fairs do, which forces them to rely more on other revenue streams such as sponsorships. But during the pandemic it was particularly difficult to ask businesses for support when many were struggling themselves, he said.

Widespread problem The problems of the Oswego County Fair were not unique. Each of the state’s 55 fairs have suffered tremendously because of the pandemic, said Edward Rossley, president of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs. All but a handful of the fairs rely entirely on volunteers and many had to invent new ways to stay afloat financially.

“Some fairs weren’t set up to be able to not have any income,” Rossley said. “It’s been a challenge.” He said some fairs couldn’t have any events on their grounds, although about 20 managed to hold food truck events to raise money. Other fairs turned to any ideas they could to bring in money such as raffles and motorcycle runs. Some fairs had virtual animal shows and other events to keep the public’s interest. Rossley, who is also president of the Delaware County Fair, said that once fairs were able to reopen people came streaming back. In 2021, six or seven fairs remained shuttered because they didn’t receive the OK to move forward soon enough. That was the case with Oswego. By the time they received clearance to go ahead with the fair they had just three months to prepare, which wasn’t possible, Smith said. Entertainment and ride operators typically book closer to a year in advance for county fairs. As disappointing as it was to cancel the fair a second year in a row, Smith said there was a silver lining. “That extra year that we could not have a fair gave us time to raise the

money to have the fair,” he said. The first order of business was picking a date for this year. Usually the fair would be the second weekend in August, but Smith said another fair picked that date and in order to secure a ride company Oswego had to pick a different date. With a ride company booked, Smith said volunteers are working on getting the fairgrounds ready. They’ve refreshed the fair website, changed some of the buildings around to give them a new look and hired several new family-friendly entertainment acts as well as a walk-through butterfly display. Other highlights include giveaways of more than 50 bicycles and 250 backpacks as well as a quilt show featuring more than 100 quilts. They’ve also set the grandstand lineup; this year it will include a horse show, demolition derbies, barrel racing and truck pulls. Smith said they’re already publicizing the fair so everyone will know the annual event is indeed happening this year.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

Tim Nekritz nekritz@gmail.com

So the next time you see a blues act playing locally, think about checking them out. In addition to catching a powerful performance, you also can help pay homage to an art form that has greatly influenced the past century of music — with more to come.

TIM NEKRITZ is director of news and media for SUNY Oswego, where he spearheads telling the stories of the campus community.

The Blues Are Alive and Well, in a Place Near You

f you made it to the resurgent New York State Blues Festival in Syracuse the past couple of years, you would have seen a large, happy crowd spanning the generations. You would have seen many performers from the region, in addition to national headliners, and plenty of fans singing along with blues songs you’ll never hear on the radio. Although it flies a bit under the radar, Central New York has long been a blues hotspot. It especially peaked during the last big revival in the 1990s, but you can still find it everywhere. Larry Kyle from Hannibal, who plays solo, leads various jams and fronts his family band Dam Dog, said a blues act could fairly easily book three nights a week in Syracuse in the 1990s. You could find blues performers and fans regularly filling venues throughout the region. Part of the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s recipe for taking off in the Salt City and later expanding was having blues music in its backbone. Over on Franklin Street, every Wednesday was a big show as George Rossi led a band of top-rate musicians in an act that was both a live spectacle and a blend of New Orleans blues and R&B. Little Georgie and the Shuffling Hungarians created must-see entertainment on a weekly basis at Styleen’s Rhythm Palace throughout the mid-1990s. And even Oswego had its own blues

82 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

and barbecue joint back then in Mojo’s (where Maria’s Family Restaurant is now on West Second Street) and I remember many a smoking set and spicy meal in that place.

Tim’s Notes

Finding the blues Yet the blues are far from a mainstream genre these days. Or are they? In the words of the great Buddy Guy, the blues is alive and well. Kyle continues to play more than 200 shows per year around Central New York, noting recently that he was even taking Tuesday gigs, which is usually an off night for performers. And it would be easy to call him Oswego County’s greatest blues export … but it turns out he’s not even the most famous blues performer living in the Hannibal area. That would be Kim Simmonds, who was born in Wales and in 1965 started fronting Savoy Brown, which gained an international reputation bolstered by hit records and critical acclaim. But Savoy Brown is no museum piece, topping the Billboard Blues Chart as recently as 2017 with “Witchy Feeling” and continuing to tour the world. The Kingsnakes, who played a reunion gig for this year’s 30th edition of the New York State Blues Festival in June, served as the backing band for the great John Lee Hooker in the late 1980s. With him, they got

to headline the 1990 Chicago Blues Fest. The Kingsnakes lineup at the festival included Mark Doyle, who performed and arranged for national and international acts. Doyle moved to Syracuse in the 1990s and now performs blues-heavy rock fronting Mark Doyle and The Maniacs. One of the CNY music scene’s biggest names, Joe Whiting, joined the Ron Spencer Band on stage earlier that day and looked amazing in his 70s. He’s toured with national acts, including Savoy Brown (those folks again), but remains a Syracuse icon. You could also feel how genuine and kind these blues performers are. After leading the Carolyn Kelly Blues Band on a hot set, Kelly was in such a great mood she came over and gave me a hug on her way off the stage. Whiting offered me tips on where to buy rockabilly shirts. Phil Petroff, after playing a smoking session leading his band Natural Fact, seemed just as delighted hanging out with his granddaughters. And the headliners, including rising star Vanessa Collier — who was so popular in 2021 that the fest broke with tradition and invited her back to the New York State Fairgrounds this year — are so gracious and grateful for the audience. They all keep the blues alive and well.

The blues had a baby (well, several) You might say you don’t listen to the blues. But you almost certainly listen to music informed and influenced by the blues. The blues had a baby, the old song

goes, and they called it rock’n’roll. Early blues patterns and styles influenced country pioneers from Jimmie Rodgers to Hank Williams, and then blues and country came together to create rock — which through Elvis Presley and others became the pre-eminent genre. In addition, the blues either directly launched or greatly influenced styles such as jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, rockabilly and Western swing. In the 2020s, it’s hard to easily explain how much the blues of the 1920s changed the musical landscape, but without the success of groundbreaking blues queens, our music would sound a lot different. But perhaps the best story involves the most famous band ever finding blues at the root of their family tree. Folk blues performer Lead Belly popularized “Rock Island Line,” which inspired Lonnie Donegan (who took his stage name from blues guitarist Lonnie Johnson) to cover that song. In 1955, Donegan’s version became a smash hit in the United Kingdom, which started the “skiffle” craze, a folk-blues hybrid that launched many bands. These included The Quarrymen, founded by John Lennon in 1956. Paul McCartney joined a year later, followed the next year by George Harrison. By 1960, they had become The Beatles and a few years later would change the music industry, pop culture and the world at large. But Harrison never shied away from the band’s origin story. “No Lead Belly, no Lonnie Donegan,” he explained. “Therefore no Lead Belly, no Beatles.” Without the blues, you don’t have

Elvis, The Rolling Stones or The Beatles. Even as the genre struggles for respect, let alone airplay, that’s a heck of a legacy.

Still got the blues That legacy continues today. Harborfest has long had blues headliners on its main stage — including The Fabulous Thunderbirds in 2022 — as well as top regional performers playing blues or blues-rock hybrids on other stages. In addition to the big show in Syracuse, you can find smaller gems like the Newark Blues Fest, which packs bands and fans of all ages into the Wayne County village’s Elks Lodge. In addition to the aforementioned performers, you’ll find blues revivalists including Tas Cru, The Shylocks, Nate Gross, The Movers, Brian Francis and many more serving up some flavor of blues around the region. Visit any open mic and you’ll almost certainly hear blues. Visit The Night Drop on Westcott Street in Syracuse on Sunday nights and you can catch or even sit in on a blues open jam. The Mohawk Valley Blues Society also keeps the flame burning. This local affiliate of the national Blues Foundation hosts monthly blues open jams every second Wednesday (location varies) and annual events like its blues picnic in Sylvan Beach. So the next time you see a blues act playing locally, think about checking them out. In addition to catching a powerful performance, you also can help pay homage to an art form that has greatly influenced the past century of music — with more to come.

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Michael Backus will be the new president and CEO of Oswego Health on Jan. 1, 2023, as Michael Harlovic (right), current president and CEO, retires.

84 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

HEALTHCARE

Michael Backus Getting Ready to Lead Oswego Health New CEO slated to take over position starting Jan. 1 By Steve Yablonski

ichael Backus will be the new president and CEO of Oswego Health on Jan. 1, 2023, as Michael Harlovic, current president and CEO, retires. Backus, currently the chief operating officer and executive vice president, worked alongside Harlovic and other members of the senior leadership team to stabilize the health system during the pandemic. Harlovic and Backus will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition throughout the remainder of 2022. “I’ve been working collaboratively with Mike for the past two years as we’ve been preparing for my retirement and this transition,” Harlovic said. “I have no big plans yet. However, I do hope to spend more time with my new granddaughter and two sons.” Harlovic said he is confident in Mike’s ability to lead the organization. “He’s very much a people person and connected. My advice would simply be to empower your staff and leaders to help them take Oswego Health to the next level.” “When I officially become president and CEO on Jan. 1, I will already be directing the mission and vision of Oswego Health which is to provide accessible, high-quality care that improves the health of the residents in our community,” Backus said. “Building on that by expanding services in Fulton, Oswego and other parts of our community will help bring that care even closer to our patients.” He said he wants to improve the overall health and well-being of the community. “We’ll do that by recruiting the next generation of caregivers that will build upon our 141-year foundation of care in this community,” he explained.

Unique background “Uniquely my background in government helps here as healthcare, especially in our community, is heavily reliant on Medicare and Medicaid from a payer source. Advocating for further investment in healthcare at the state and federal level is sadly where we are right now as the challenges healthcare nationally face is directly tied to escalating costs and reduction in reimbursement rates,” said Backus, formerly the Oswego County clerk. “We as a country have to level-set the cost of care, which has exploded during the pandemic and payment mechanisms that are very flat and stagnant. Thankfully I have good relationships at the state and national level, which I have already utilized to ensure healthcare systems like Oswego Health that provide care in rural, underserved areas are not lost in the shuffle. Ensuring our voice is heard is a daily responsibility and one that I plan to expand upon as president and CEO of Oswego Health.” His role is structured around ensuring the caregivers have what they need to provide the care that patients require, he continued. “Ensuring they have the infrastructure in place, the teammates around them and the work-life balance that is so critical in today’s world is my job,” he said. “I also must make sure the business plan makes sense and all the other metrics are moving in the right direction. However, patient care comes first at Oswego Health. That’s always going to be our priority. And, throughout the pandemic, I believe that was evident.” Oswego Health stepped up not only inside its walls at the hospital, Seneca Hill Manor, Springside, Lakeview Center for Mental Health and

everywhere else—but also externally through support in area congregate living locations that needed assistance with infection control management, according to Backus. “Our team rallied when called upon to provide the care this community needed when it needed it the most. We were able to do that because of the commitment of our caregivers. Ensuring I had their back throughout the pandemic and now as our community begins to reopen, is always top of mind. Building that trust and communication with the front-line teams providing the care was job number one and it’s something we continue to build upon,” he said.

Challenges “The entire healthcare industry is challenged right now managing the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting impacts. From controlling the cost of care and working with payers to ensure hospitals and health systems are justly paid for the critical care they provide; to recruitment and retention of labor and the rising costs associated; with determining how to safely reopen services,” Harlovic pointed out. “I have to say that though the industry continues to be faced with challenges, I am beyond proud of our team at Oswego Health. This community will continue to be our greatest priority.”

Harlovic memories Since 2017, Harlovic has overseen the strategic, executive, and operational guidance for Oswego Health and his leadership has been pivotal in the expansion of services and has made access to local healthcare a priority of the organization. “I remember when I first inter-

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

viewed and visited the community back in early 2017, how taken back I was by all it had to offer,” Harlovic recalled. “Every great community, in my opinion, consists of key pillars — a strong educational system such as SUNY Oswego, industrial powerhouses such as Exelon Generation and Novelis, and access to affordable healthcare. These pillars must all work together to benefit the overall community. I honestly believe right here in Oswego County we have those key pillars. We’ve worked together in unison to support one another; attract and retain the best talent; improving the quality of life and overall safety.” “As I retire, I will miss this community I’ve called ‘home’ for the past six years—but more importantly the people I’ve met along the way and our incredibly dedicated employees. Our employees are our number one asset and it’s been an honor working alongside each one of them to assure this community has the quality care it needs and deserves,” he added. “Overseeing the strategic, executive and operational guidance for the health system my priority was always to uphold our mission and commitment to this community by providing access to quality care.” Working collaboratively with the senior leadership team and the Oswego Health board of directors, Harlovic said he’s proud of the progressive growth the health system has had in such a short period, including the expansion and addition of 10 new specialty services, the investments made not only in the modernization of its facilities but in technology and most importantly staff. “This community is our priority and I know Oswego Health’s best days are ahead,” he said. Backus agreed. “Our leadership team at Oswego Health has never been stronger and I am blessed to be able to provide consistency to our frontline caregivers through every member of our leadership team. Right now, Michael Harlovic and I are focused on reopening our system and navigating the challenging healthcare environment in which we find ourselves. More news on the leadership team will be announced as we align for future growth.” Backus holds a master’s degree in public administration, along with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Le Moyne College, where he is also a member of the board of regents and was accepted into the American Hospital Association NextGen Fellowship Program.

“When I officially become president and CEO on Jan. 1, I will already be directing the mission and vision of Oswego Health which is to provide accessible, high-quality care that improves the health of the residents in our community.” MICHAEL BACKUS, chief operating officer at Oswego Health. He will become CEO on Jan. 1.

View of Oswego Health’s headquarter on the west side of Oswego.

OSWEGO HEALTH: SECOND LARGEST EMPLOYER IN OSWEGO COUNTY

swego Health is a nonprofit healthcare system providing accessible, quality care throughout its 17 locations in Oswego County. According to the 2022 Business Guide, the organization is the the second largest employer in Oswego County with more than 1,200 employees. The health system includes the 164-bed Oswego Hospital, a 28-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care,

86 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the county as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy and occupational health services; and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, Oswego Health includes the Oswego Health captive professional corporation, Physician Care P.C., providing physician services in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, urology, gastroenterology, breast care, audiology, general surgery, bariatrics, and primary care.

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

HEALTHCARE

Officials and guests during the break ground event of a new expansion of ConnextCare in Pulaski.

ConnextCare Upgrading Pulaski Facility Project includes the construction of drive-thru, additional parking space and clinical space. By Steve Yablonski

onstruction began in June on a dures have continued to be an extremely project to enhance ConnextCare’s effective method of healthcare delivery. ConnextCare providers continue facility in Pulaski. This project will bring much-need- to allow patient access to hybrid visits ed updates to the property and addition- which include parking lot assessments, al amenities for the staff and community telehealth and telephonic healthcare. “ConnextCare’s medical leadership to enjoy, said Tricia Peters-Clark, presistrives to operate a progressive model dent and chief executive officer. “The pandemic has advanced the of care in Oswego County. When we reway that we deliver outpatient primary ceived notice of the availability of some care services. Patients no longer need additional American Rescue Plan dolto physically come into the office for lars through the Health Resources and Services Administration, the leadership health care,” she said. Early on, through executive orders elected to request the use of these dollars from the New York State Department toward building a sustainable model of of Health, the delivery of health care care for the future,” Peters-Clark said. expanded beyond the bricks and mor- “In addition, ConnextCare included a tar of facilities and in to nontraditional large focus on staff retention and positive mental health with the inclusion of settings like adjacent parking lots. “This has allowed our healthcare a walking trail around the property so providers to continue to serve the the staff and community members could most at-risk community members in escape their busy days for a quick, safe a safe setting outside of an emergency walk, allowing some time to clear their room or urgent care, where demand far heads and prepare for what’s to come.” New additions to the site will outweighed the capacity,” she added. ConnextCare developed proce- include: • Addition of 800 square feet of dures that allowed for the greatest segregation of sick and well patients, to clinical space including three negative avoid any unnecessary risks, especially pressure rooms, a lab, patient bathroom for the most vulnerable populations and small waiting area, where patients who are immunocompromised, elderly can be brought directly from under the covered canopy into the clinical space or brand new to this world. Over the last two years, these proce- for evaluation and care. 88 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

• A walking trail with a gazebo and overlook on the west side. • Four electric car charging stations in the parking lot. • A new covered drive-thru area to do in-car wab tests (flu, COVID-19, etc). • Additional parking space. A portion of allowable costs for this project are being funded through the HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) American Rescue Plan dollars, with the rest of the project being funded by ConnextCare’s personal investment of operating dollars. “Patients of all ages will have access to the most efficient and convenient model of care, provided by a medical team who knows their complete health history,” Peters-Clark said. Throughout the pandemic, through testing and then with the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, the ConnextCare staff witnessed first-hand the challenges patients faced in just coming in to the office for services that could not be provided remotely. “The clinical model we are building, will address barriers that have been around for years,” she said. “However, they’re more exacerbated now, with the added fear of contracting COVID-19.” The project is slated to be completed in November.

OVER 70 HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN ONE NETWORK!

SAY HELLO TO HEALTHY! Say hello to a more convenient way to stay healthy in Oswego County. ConnextCare offers a comprehensive set of services; family and internal medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, psychiatry, and social work under one medical group. Patients within our network can visit any of our seven locations at any time. ConnextCare also offers medical and mental health services at eight school-based health centers in five Oswego County school districts.

HEALTHCARE

New York: Second Worst Place for Doctors New York at ‘a competitive disadvantage in competing for the next generation of physicians’ By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ersonal finance site WalletHub recently released its annual report on “Best & Worst States for Doctors.” The report uses 19 key metrics to compare the states, including average annual wage, number of hospitals per capita and the cost of liability insurance. New York ranked second to last. Joseph Sellers, president of the Medical Society of the State of New York, has practiced with the Bassett Medical Group in Cooperstown for the past three decades. A lifelong New Yorker, Sellers grew up in Buffalo and attended college in Rochester. Though he attended medical school in Washington, DC, he returned to New York to complete his internal medicine and pediatrics residencies in Albany. He believes that the physician shortage underscores many of the problems the state’s doctors face. “Family, patient and community ties have kept me here, but across the state we are facing shortages of physicians as baby boomer doctors retire and newly trained physicians choose to locate to practice in friendlier states,” Sellers said. “The result of the wellearned reputation as a difficult state in which to practice medicine is putting New York at a competitive disadvantage in competing for the next generation of physicians.” He lists as issues in New York: • Regulations. New York has “a highly regulated practice environment with government and insurers interfering in the physician-patient partnership as we work together to get folks the best health outcomes possible,” he said. “For example, there are more than 20 unique physician medical practice mandates in the law, each of which carry the risk of severe civil penalties and license sanction for failure to document compliance.” • Some antiquated mandates and regulations. These “remain on the books despite advances in medical knowledge. Business regulations and

costs have made it nearly impossible for a new physician to start their own independent practice.” • High malpractice risk and insurance expenses. In New York, these are “far higher than any other state. Collectively, we pay twice the dollars but only have half the population of California here in New York.” He estimates that about two-thirds of the states have worked to mitigate these expenses, unlike New York. • Merging health insurance companies. These business mergers cause companies to monopolize their areas of the state and “limit needed care for patients with prior authorizations, deductibles, co-pays, narrow practitioner networks and other hassles impacting both physician and patient,” Sellers said. He added that providers must hire more staff just to process required paperwork for insurers. • Lower payments in Upstate. Sellers said this includes private and government payors. “The reimbursement from the state Medicaid program in New York is the fourth lowest in the USA as a percentage of federal Medicare payments,” Sellers said. • Closing hospitals. The effect limits “physicians’ and patients’ access to timely and local care and is likely contributing to the increasing disparities in health status and outcomes,” he said. • High taxes. “Taxes on income, property, purchases and anything else the government can think of to tax are much higher in New York than other states. When recruiting new physicians to join us in practice, we cannot compete with lower tax states.” While just one metric of quality of life, high taxes presents a financial challenge to newly minted doctors facing mountains of school loan debt. For the full report, visit: wallethub.com/edu/ best-and-worst-states-for-doctors/11376

90 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

HOW NEW YORK RANKS

16th

Avg. Monthly Starting Salary of Physicians*

28th

Projected % of Population Aged 65 & Older by 2030

47th

Avg. Annual Wage of Physicians*

48th

Projected Physicians per Capita by 2028

50th

Hospitals per Capita

50th

Annual Malpractice Liability Insurance Rate

51st

Malpractice Award Payout Amount per Capita

* Wages and salaries adjusted for cost of living.

Source: WalletHub

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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORT

United Way Looks to Return to Normal After a substantial drop in fundraising, United Way has a new goal: to raise $500,00 this year By Steve Yablonski

ach year, the United Way of Greater Oswego County collects donations from corporations, businesses and individuals. It puts those funds to use by financially augmenting several organizations around Oswego County. They’ve faced some tough challenges the past few years. Issues such as the overall local economy, company closing or downsizing, changes in corporate philanthropy practices and more have made things difficult. The last two years, COVID-19 brought just about everything to a screeching halt. Fundraising events everywhere were canceled. Nonprofits sought to sustain themselves through virtual events and other creative means. “We are hoping to rebound from COVID. That’s the biggest thing that has impacted us the last two years,” said Kate Davis Pitsley, United Way’s

resource development director. “For us it presented the issue of not being able to do our workplace campaigns in the traditional way — going into Novelis and into Exelon and all those large manufacturing companies and having face-to-face contact with the employees.” The fundraisers many companies held to benefit the United Way were impacted as well, but not exactly in the same way, Pitsley noted. Some things were held outdoors, like golf tournaments. However, some people didn’t come and golf because they were concerned over COVID-19 restrictions. The United Way has implemented staggered start times. There used to be a big sit-down dinner at the end of the day. Participants had had a good round of golf and were feeling good about the United Way; so that when asked to donate more for the

92 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

50/50 raffle or some of the silent auction things, they are more than willing to do so. But the pandemic brought funding down. Instead of the dinner, the United Way switched to boxed dinners and everyone took it to go. But the sponsors have really stepped up to help, Pitsley pointed out. This year, they were back to normal (July 11 at the Oswego Country Club). They did a morning and an afternoon flight. With so many golfers, they held a shotgun start at 8 o’clock and then another one at 2 o’clock. “That fit people’s schedules. We had a big group that goes at 8 and then we have a smaller group that goes at 2. There are people who really need to be in their office on a weekday morning. So this accommodated them,” she noted. “They got in there and got their stuff all done and then came out to golf in

the afternoon.” “Our campaign cabinet typically sets our goal every year. This year it is $500,000,” she said. “Last year and the year before that were anomalies. So our fundraising went down. We know that we have the capabilities and the resources now to get to the goal. We have done it before in a normal quote unquote year. We’re trying to get back to normal and make up some of what we have lost over the past couple of years.” “We haven’t lost any companies (due to closure, relocation etc) in the last couple of years. It has been relatively steady; even with some of the ownership changes that have taken place at some companies, they still, the employees, have a strong commitment to the United Way. They continue to make strong donations,” Pitsley noted. It impacts the campaign when any of the large businesses close. “The loss of places like Nestles and Miller years ago—that was a huge drop. Thankfully we haven’t experienced that in a long time,” she added. “The nice thing is there are always new companies that are willing to step up. Sometimes you lose one – but then you gain one.” For instance, she said, “We have developed a very good relationship with Burritt Motors over the past couple of years. They do our Day of Caring event and they always sponsor our golf event. Just this year, they decided to become a workplace campaign location.” Why are the small donations from individuals important? “That $10 or $20 might be something that is intrinsic to a program or a campaign. Yes, a $1,000 donation goes a long way; but even a $10 donation, they really add up person to person to person,” Pitsley explained. The United Way’s allocation committee is getting started, she said. The allocations is a process where United Way of Oswego County determines how to allocate the funds that are collected during the annual employer campaigns and local fundraising efforts, explained Patrick Dewine, executive director UWGOC. “The funding cycle is over a twoyear period. As a reputable steward of donor dollars, we wanted to ensure that our member agencies and their various programs can count on a certain level of funding over a longer period, so that they could better plan their budgets,” he said. “During the allocation process volunteers in our community are recruited

and assigned to one of our four panels.” • Children and Family Services • Health and Special Needs • Emergency Services • Youth Development It’s an accountability process; agencies explain how they used the last year’s money, how they plan to use this year’s money, how many people they’re serving and the results—the impact those dollars have in the community. As part of the vetting process, the volunteers are provided copies of the funding request applications and program budgets to review and then visit many of these agencies and hear presentation on the various programs. “At the end, the volunteers are able to ask questions and many times complete tours and see the programs in action. Once the volunteers have

FUNDS RAISED BY UNITED WAY OF GREATER OSWEGO COUNTY

511,333

2016 – 2017

453,970

2017 – 2018

443,354

2018 – 2019

443,197

2019 – 2020

374,493

2020 – 2021

completed all their assigned visits, they reconvene one final time as a panel to discuss each program and vote on funding for the programs. Each panel is allocated a dollar amount to be spread over the various programs in their panel. Once each panel decides on the funding amounts, they will submit their recommendations to the board for review and a vote,” Dewine said. “The volunteers go into the workplace to see what the agency actually does. It has a stronger impact on the committee. They go to different agencies, get a tour and see someone, an individual who has been impacted by the program and they talk with the committee members,” Pitsley explained. “So it is nice to go to the locations where the services are, the programs are and interact with the people who benefit from the programs. It’s easier for committee members to understand what is going on by going into the building where the services are taking place and meeting an individual. It is better than having someone from the agency come to the United Way and give a presentation. We really get immersed in it when we go and visit them.” The allocations process is overseen by United Way’s Allocation Committee, which is comprised of local community leaders and stakeholders. Members include (chair) Shawn Seale of Key Bank, Wally Dengos from National Grid, John Ferry from DSS and Mark Mirabito from SUNY Oswego. “We are very excited to be able to start this allocations process again, as COVID has caused a delay in being able to get out and visit the agencies and programs,” Dewine said. “The board continued to meet uninterrupted the past two years and funding wasn’t disrupted during COVID. But, we certainly felt it was imperative to get our community involved in the process again.” There are 29 programs right now and there are fewer agencies (because some have consolidated). Funds raised by UWGOC stay local (99%), according to Pitsley. “Really almost everything raised from our campaign stays local,” she said. “There are some funds that are used elsewhere—if it’s ‘donor selected.’ And, some of the funded programs do reach beyond the county’s borders. We pay very nominal dues to United Way Worldwide just to be a part, to be a chapter under their umbrella.” ❖

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

SUCCESS STORY

By Steve Yablonski

GRACE TYLER ESTATE WINERY Winery business in Constantia recently recognized for entrepreneurial effort, award-winning wines

n 2012, Rick and Elizabeth Hamilton embarked on their dream of opening a winery— Grace Tyler Estate Winery—when they purchased 15 acres of land in Constantia. “Our name is from our middle names, Grace and Tyler,” Rick said. He is the owner and winemaker and is in charge of vineyard operations. Elizabeth is co-owner and the vineyard manager. He works full time at the business; Elizabeth, his wife, also owns and operates her own insurance business in the area. The winery was built between 2015 through 2018. The building features upcycled wood from aspen poplar trees grown on the property. The bar is made from a neighbor’s maple tree that had to be cut down, as it was a hazard to the house. Total annual production at winery varies from 1,800 to 2,000 cases of wine. “Central New York has challenges in weather. But we grow cold-hardy grapes and we have done well with the

94 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

cold weather,” Rick said. Marquette, Diamond and Brianna are grape varieties that the Hamiltons grow. “We just recently won a double gold for our Marquette Rosé and that was in the international rosé competition American Fine Wine,” Rick added. Rick has been making wine for more than 12 years now and is self-taught. He went to Syracuse University for chemical engineering and Elizabeth graduated with a biology and chemistry degree from Le Moyne College. Both backgrounds offer a lot of insight into the technical details of growing grapes and wine making. He was a member of the former Northern New York Grape Growers Association. “We were involved in a grape growing organization in Northern New York and took interest in grape growing—we wanted to grow grapevines. And so we planted our first acre sometime around 2011-ish,” Elizabeth said.

Within the first year of ownership, they planted their first acre of grapevines, which were Marquette and Diamond, both hybrid grapes. In 2013, they planted more Marquette as well as another cold weather hybrid, Brianna. Having grown their vines for five growing seasons, the Hamiltons had their first harvest in 2017. “We decided to sell the wine and open a winery in 2017, since we had our first harvest in 2017,” she said. Their largest harvest was their Marquette grapes, which contributed to the production of the couple’s Marquette Rosé. Having produced 30 cases of Marquette Rosé, this award-winning wine “sold out in three months and continues to please.” In 2018, the Hamiltons harvested Marquette, Brianna and Diamond grapes. It was an exceptional growing year and “one of the best vintages thus far,” they said. The Marquette grapes were once again used to produce a rosé that the couple currently enters in competitions. “We have won the most awards for our Estate Grown Marquette Rosé,” she said. “However, I would say that all of our wines are high quality and produced in small batches in order to ensure the highest quality.” The winery has been the recipient of 15 awards at 10 wine competitions between 2017-21. The awards included four bronze, seven silver and four gold medals. They were also cited by Operation Oswego County, Oswego County’s designate economic development agency, in June. They received the 2022 Dee Heckethorn Entrepreneur Award for establishing the winery (making award-winning wines) and enhancing the growing tourism industry on the north shore of Oneida Lake in Oswego County. The number of employees at the business varies; but currently they have around 10. One unique feature of the winery is that it is accessible by the Vanderbilt Snowmobile Trail. “The trail runs through the back of our property,” Rick said. The Vanderbilt Snowmobile Club maintains 20 miles of the main corridor trails in Oswego County. The trails connect east/west from Cleveland to West Monroe and north up to Panther Lake providing easy access to the Tug Hill region from

Rick and Elizabeth Hamilton are co-owners of Grace Tyler Estate Winery in Constantia. Wine produced by the company has received several awards. In June they received the Operation Oswego County’s Dee Heckethorn Entrepreneur Award for establishing the winery and enhancing the growing tourism industry on the north shore of Oneida Lake in Oswego County.

Marquette is one of the grapes grown at Grace Tyler Estate Winery. “Central New York has challenges in weather. But we grow cold-hardy grapes and we’ve done well with the cold,” Rick Hamilton says.

Marquette Rosé wine produced by Grace Tyler Estate Winery has won two competitions: Silver Medal International Cold Climate Competition and Double Gold American Fine Wine Rosé Competition.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS

Oneida Lake. The winery not only sells its own wine, but also offers locally produced hard cider and craft beer as well as cheese, popcorn and dipping sauces. “We take a lot of pride in our wines and operations,” Rick said. On Friday evenings through the summer they offer live music performed by Central New York’s most talented musicians. Dogs are welcomed at Grace Tyler Estate Winery. In fact, the Hamiltons raise money for a senior dog rescue every fall. “We take pictures of the dogs that enter the premises over the year and showcase them in our dog calendar,” Elizabeth said. “All proceeds are donated and it raises money for a great local cause.” The Hamiltons employ passionate wine experts from various backgrounds. “From picking the grapes to bottling the wine, our team of professionals is committed to bringing out the greatest flavors available in nature and turning them into fine wine for our guests to enjoy,” according to their website. ❖

“AND THE AWARD GOES TO...” • Marquette Rosé wine produced by Grace Tyler Estate Winery has won two competitions: Silver Medal International Cold Climate Competition and Double Gold American Fine Wine Rosé Competition. • Marquette 19 Barrel Fermented has won the Bronze International Cold Climate Competition.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Grace Tyler Estate Winery offers a private tent for those who want to sample wines produced by the company; a gift basked available at the winery; Grace Tyler Estate Winery is a dog-friendly site. In fact, the winery owners raise money for a senior dog rescue every fall. “We take pictures of the dogs that enter the premises over the year and showcase them in our dog calendar,” Elizabeth Hamilton says. “All proceeds are donated and it raises money for a great local cause.” 96 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

• In late June at the Fingerlakes International Wine Competition recognized three types of wines produced by Grace Tyler Estate Winery: LaCrescent 21’, which won bronze; Marquette Rosé, silver, and Diamond 21’, silver.

BEST BUSINESS DIRECTORY 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Vail Tree Service. Complete tree and limb removal-100-foot crane reach. Free estimates-fully insured-Senior discounts available. Contact Derrick Bartlett 315-806-0147.

AUTO SALES & SERVICE Bellinger Auto Sales & Service. Third generation business. Used cars, towing, general auto repair & accessories, truck repair. Oil, lube & filter service. 2746 County Route 57 Fulton. Call 315-593-1332. Jake’s Automotive of Oswego, Inc. Auto repair and service of brakes, steering, suspension, diagnostics, oil change, tires & more. We also sell performance parts. 801 E. Seneca St. Phone: 315-342-6871. Port City Car Care, 315-207-0500 www.portcitycarcare.com Oil, lube, NYSI, alignments, tires, brakes, electrical, air conditioning, suspension, tune-ups & timing belts, complete car care. We do it all! Over 28 years’ experience, 20 Ohio St., Oswego.

CAR WRAP + VEHICLE & WINDOW GRAPHICS Upward Graphics. 21 S. 2nd St., Fulton. Visit upwardgfx.com or 315-402-2099.

DEMOLITION Fisher Companies. Commercial and residential demolition. Great prices. Fully insured. Free estimates. 50 years of experience. Call Fisher Companies at 315652-3773 or visit www.johnefisherconstruction.com.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING Scriba Electric. Offering residential-commercial-and industrial services. 3 Creamery Road, Oswego, NY 13126, www.scribaelectric.com, 315-342-7681

EXCAVATING Gilbert Excavating. Septic systems. Gravel & top soil. Septic tank pumping. 685 County Route 3, Fulton, 13069. Call 593-2472.

FLOORING & CARPET With over 40 years’ experience House Works Carpet offers high quality and affordable waterproof luxury flooring, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile and carpet

for all your residential and commercial flooring needs. Family owned and operated since 1984 our dedicated and knowledgeable staff are here to assist you. We do it all from design to installation. 315-593-2113, 318 W. Broadway, Fulton, Houseworksfulton.com, or email us at the houseworks@windstream.net.

FLORIST/TUX RENTAL Everything you’re looking for in a local florist. Full service w/del. 36 years experience. Tux/suit rentals-holiday and sympathy designs available. DeVine Designs, 200 E. Broadway, Fulton. 315-592-4245 dvinedesign. com.

POOL COVER REPAIR Trust the experts! Let us repair your in-ground pool cover. Free estimates. Everybody says “call this guy”. Cortini shoe zipper canvas repair. Fulton. 315-593-8914.

ROOFING, DECKS PORCH Enright Roofing has over 40 years’ experience providing high quality affordable new roof, deck and porch construction. We also offer roof, soffit and fascia repair in addition to gutter clean-outs and blown insulation service. We accept all types of insurance claims and are a locally owned and operated company. Contact Enright Roofing at 315-374-2805 for service and estimates.

KILN-DRIED HARDWOODS

SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERY

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.

Valti Graphics — Creating garment graphics on customized apparel in screen printing, embroidery, Greek apparel & custom lettering. Phone: 315-342-4912, 152 W. Bridge St., Oswego. Valtigraphics.com

LUMBER White’s Lumber. Four locations to serve you. Pulaski: 3707 State Route 13, 315-298-6575; Watertown: 231 N. Rutland Street, 315-788-6200; Clayton: 945 James Street, 315-686-1892; Gouverneur: 71 Depot Street, 315-287-1892.

PICTURE FRAMING Picture Connection offers custom matting & framing for photos, posters, prints, oils and more. Shadow boxes, object framing, art print source. 169 W. 1st St., Oswego. 315-343-2908.

PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLY AHR Mechanical. Providing plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical services for all your residential and commercial needs. Call 315-668-6569 or contact ahrmechanical@gmail.com for more information. Pullen’s Plumbing & Heating Supply has a large variety of plumbing & heating repair parts & fixtures. Water heater, furnace, boiler & all plumbing installations available. We do our own excavating for water service & sewer replacement. 22 Ohio St., Oswego, 315-3431906.

SHIPPING SERVICES One-stop-shop for unique gifts for that hard to buy for person. We are an authorized FedEx, UPS and USPS shipping and drop-off location. Ship-It/The Village Shops. 2 W. 1st St. N, Fulton. 315-592-9357.

STUMP GRINDING, REMOVAL CB Stump Removal. Free estimates, fully licensed and insured. Contact Candy Vail 13 Denesha Place, Fulton NY 13069, 315-297-5160, candybartlett@yahoo.com

TRACTOR / LAWN EQUIPMENT RanMar Tractor Supply, sales and service of new and used tractors and farm equipment. 5219 US Rte, 11 Pulaski. 315-298-5109.

THE PLACE TO ADVERTISE FOR RESULTS! CONTACT RICHARD ANNAL: 315-342-8020

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