OSWEGO COUNTY
BUSINESS June-July 2020
$4.50
cnybusinessmag.com
COVID-19: Doing business in CNY may never be the same. What will the new normal be like? Special issue focuses on changes likely in the workplace and local economy Covering Oswego, Onondaga counties
How Long Will It Take for the Economy to Recover?
Had a Stroke. Back on Stage.
Musician Todd Hobin KNOW THE SIGNS • CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
Central New York music legend Todd Hobin knew nothing about stroke — but he does now. That’s why he’s raising awareness about stroke risk factors and its signs and symptoms.
F.
FACE DROOPING
A. S.
ARM WEAKNESS
SPEECH DIFFICULTY
Fact: Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Important to know: Stroke can happen to both men and women — at any age. Good news: Stroke is preventable by managing medical risk factors and healthy lifestyle choices. What to do: Time lost is brain lost. So it’s vital to know the signs of a stroke — F.A.S.T. Four words to live by: Call 911 and say, “Take me to Crouse.“ When it comes to stroke, every moment matters. As one of just 10 hospitals in New York State tohave earned Comprehensive Stroke Center status, and with the region’s newest ER and hybrid ORs, Crouse offers the most advanced technology for rapid stroke diagnosis and treatment
Read Todd’s story and learn more: crouse.org/toddhobin.
T.
TIME TO CALL 911
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84 PAGES OF FUN THINGS TO DO AND SEE • VISIT ONLINE CNYSUMMER.COM To receive the Summer Guide and three other seasonal guides at your home or office, subscribe to this business magazine. Only $21.50 a year. See coupon on page 73 JUNE / JULY 2020
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Y O SW EG O C O U N T
BUSINESS $4.50
June-July 2020
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JUNE/JULY 2020 • Issue 168
PROFILE CATHLEEN PALMITESSO
COVID-19: Doing business in CNY may never be the same.
al be like? What will the new norm Special issue focuses on lace changes likely in the workp and local economy ga counties Covering Oswego, Ononda
How Long Will It Take for the
Economy to Recover?
COVER STORY
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Despite the specter of COVID-19, she didn’t blink while diving headfirst into her new position as the leader of Oswego County Emergency Management Office. Helping her are many years of experience, including a stint at James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant .............................16
SPECIAL FEATURES
The Impact on the CNY Economy. Stories on the aftermath of the COVID-19 epidemic and how it’s affecting all aspects of our lives — how we work, have fun and conduct business
Rebound Soon? We’ve asked 15 business people when the economy will rebound to pre-COVID-19 levels .........................................11
Tourism Industry
New Compass Credit Union Branch Compass is ready to open a new branch in Fulton, its eighth location........................................71
66
• Tourism takes tumble: COVID-19 takes toll on Oswego County’s tourism industry • Tourism lost summer
Healthcare
84
• Q&A with Arlyn Mallo, administrator at Pontiac Care and Rehabilitation Center • ‘New Normal’ For Two Senior Facilities in Oswego • Sara Sunday, Oswego County Office for the Aging director, navigates area seniors through the uncertainty of global pandemic
Dining out
26
Rise of the Renter America is becoming a land of renters. Region reflects national trend of shifting demographics........................69
Banking Industry & COVID Some trends — increased use of drive-thrus and e-banking — likely to continue........................................72 Exponential Growth Since 2004, OCFCU has grown from $19 million to $100 million in assets, from six to 44 employees, and from 5,400 to 14,400 members.......................................................................................74 Family Business Succession Experts: Starting conversations early is important......................................................................................77 Personal Finances Investment adviser provides advice on how to navigate through tricky waters...................................................................78
SUCCESS STORY Oswego YMCA Buoyed by past success, CEO Kerrie Ann Webb navigates organization through still another threatening crisis.....................................................90
DEPARTMENTS How I Got Started Malbert Dela Pena, owner of Upward Graphics ....14
Where is Sandra Scott The Philippines......................................................20
Newsmakers / Business Updates.....................................................................22
Fried ravioli at Canale’s: Lightly breaded and seasoned ravioli did 28 not survive as leftovers. 4
Economic Trends Aid to businesses during COVID-19............................58 My Turn Advice I’d give to my younger self.........................................82 Last Page
Sara Sunday, Oswego Co. Office for the Aging..................98
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2020
Your Health is as Important as Ever!
60 dedicated physicians and healthcare providers across our network.
Meet Our Fulton and Oswego Providers
Beverly Aubin, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner Oswego
Anne Filipski, MD Family Practice Physician Fulton
Michael Miller, MD Family Practice Physician Fulton
Katie Beebe, FNP
Patricia Bendura, DH
Farzana Chaudhary, MD
Marie Desravines, MD
Shannon Dwyer, FNP
Alex Filipski, DO
Rosanne Foster, ANP
Ashley Gilbert, LCSW
Anna Gofman, DDS
Julie Hogle, LCSW-R Clinical Social Worker Oswego, Mexico, Pulaski
Joy Dolorico Magsino, MD
Lori Marshall, FNP
Diane Plumadore, NPP
Anthony Rotella, DO
Gerald Simmons, MD
Linda Troia, PA-C, LCSW-R
Scott VanGorder, DO
Family Nurse Practitioner Oswego
Dental Hygienist Fulton
Adult Nurse Practitioner Oswego
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Fulton, Pulaski
Clinical Social Worker Fulton, Pulaski
Family Practice Physician Fulton, Phoenix
Pediatrician Fulton
Dentist Fulton
Family Practice Physician Oswego
Family Practice Physician Fulton
Faith Slade, FNP Family Nurse Practitioner Fulton
Family Nurse Practitioner Oswego
Internal Medicine Physician Oswego
Physician Assistant, Psychiatry Phoenix, Fulton, Pulaski
Family Practice Physician Oswego, Fulton
Family Nurse Practitioner Fulton
Family Practice Physician Oswego
ConnextCare is still here for you! Offering highly qualified and accessible providers at several locations nearby. Services available include family and internal medicine, pediatrics, dental, psychiatry and behavioral health. Keep yourself and your family healthy, safe, and happy! Learn more at connextcare.org.
ConnextCare Oswego 10 George Street Oswego, NY 13126 (315) 342-0880 ConnextCare Fulton 510 S. 4th Street, suite 600 Fulton, NY 13069 (315) 598-4790
JUNE / JULY 2020
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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We’ll help you get there.® Because your goals matter. You have goals. Ours is helping you achieve them. To learn more, contact:
David D. Mirabito
CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, MSFS, RICP Senior Financial Services Executive Investment Advisor Representative
2809 State Route 3 Fulton, NY 13069 (315) 592-3145 dmirabito@financialguide.com www.financialpartnersustateny.com
Your Chevy, Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM Megastore in Oswego! We Service All Makes and Models too!
LIFE INSURANCE + RETIREMENT/401K PLAN SERVICES + DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE + LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE + ANNUITIES
See our entire inventory at BURRITTMOTORS.COM (315) 343-8948 | Rt. 104 East & 140 W. 1st St. | Oswego
481 Liquor & Wines..............19 Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home...................17 ALPS Professional Services..............................26 ARISE......................................87 BarclayDamon.......................39 Bond, Schoeneck & King, Attorneys at Law................9 Buckingham Brothers...........43 Bugs Bee Gone.......................23 Builder’s FirstSource............24 Burke’s Home Center...........23 Burritt Motors..........................6 C & S Companies..................99 Canale’s Italian Cuisine........27 Canale’s Insurance & Accounting .......................17 Century 21 Galloway Realty...............25 Century 21 Leah Signature..................61 Chase Enterprises..................13 Christy’s Motel......................19 CNY Electric...........................25 Compass Credit Union.........45 ConnextCare............................5 Crouse Hospital.......................2 Dental Health Associates.....85 Dusting Divas..........................9 Eis House................................27 6
Safe Haven.............................19 Salmon River Realty.............43 SBDC – Small Business Development Center........51 Scriba Electric.........................24 Mimi’s Drive Inn...................27 SRC Inc...................................13 SUNY Oswego, Office of Mitchell Speedway Business and Community Printing..............................24 Development....................18 Mr. Sub ...................................27 Sustainable Office Northern Ace Home Center.....................23 Solutions............................31 North Bay Campground......61 Sweet-Woods Memorial.......24 Novelis..................................100 Tavern on the Lock................27 NYS Parks................................8 Technology Development Organization (TDO).........39 Operation Oswego County..99 The Gardens Oswego County Emergency Management.....................65 at Morningstar .................89 The Medicine Place...............85 Oswego County Federal Credit Union.....................49 Uniforms Etc..........................25 United Wire Technology......10 Oswego County Mutual Insurance...........................45 Universal Metal Works.........59 Oswego County Opportunities Vashaw’s Collision................43 OCO...................................34 Watertown Industrial Center of Local Development.....13 Oswego Health......................65 WD Malone............................25 Oswego Speedway................19 Oswego YMCA......................51 Whelan & Curry Construction.....................31 Port of Oswego Authority....59 White’s Lumber & Building RanMar Tractor......................17 Supply................................26 RiverHouse Restaurant........27 Riverside Artisans.................19 Wiltsie Construction.............18 Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In....27 WRVO.....................................96
Advertisers Emergent................................31 Exelon Generation ................61 Eye Consultants of Syracuse.............................87 Financial Partners of Upstate.................................6 Foster Funeral Home..............9 Fulton Community Development Agency......26 Fulton Savings Bank...............7 Fulton Taxi..............................43 Fulton Tool Co.......................51 Gartner Equipment...............10 Halsey Machinery.................26 Hammerback Media...............7 Harbor Lights Chem Dependency......................87 Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY............85 Humana..................................85 Johnston Gas..........................25 JTS Remodeling.....................25 Laser Transit...........................51 Local 43 (NECA EBEW).......10 LW Emporium Co-Op..........19 MACNY..................................55
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2020
HOME MORTGAGE LOANS with PERSONAL SERVICE
MADE The loan specialists at Fulton Savings Bank have built a reputation providing personal services to growing small businesses in our area. If you need a mortgage loan or financial help to Interest fund growth business, can help. • Second/Seasonal Home Loans • Low Ratesof your small • Purchase or Refiwe nance • Local Credit Decisions • Local Servicing
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(1) Just call one of our Mortgage Loan Originators today:
For answers to all your questions call or email: Tom Greco Tom Greco
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Greg Rodgers Greg Rodgers
315-515-6784 315-515-6784 grodgers@fultonsavings.com grodgers@fultonsavings.com NMLS #58588 NMLS #58588
Rita Loperfido Rita Loperfido
315-295-5291 315-295-5291 rloperfido@fultonsavings.com rloperfido@fultonsavings.com NMLS #17079 #17079 NMLS
(2) Start the application process online at www.fultonsavings.com
• Canal Landing, Fulton - (315) 592-4201 • Village Green, Baldwinsville - (315) 638-0293 • Three Rivers Shopping Plaza, Phoenix - (315) 695-7214 • Route 49 & Green Acres Drive, Central Square - (315) 676-2065 • Brewerton Centre, Brewerton - (315) 668-7903 • Redfield St., Constania - (315) 623-9447
www.fultonsavings.com
JUNE / JULY 2020 NMLS #415840
Loan Operations Office
41 So.COUNTY First Street Fulton, N.Y. 13069 OSWEGO BUSINESS
Member FDIC FSB 5/19
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CNY’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE OswegoCountyBusiness.com Editor and Publisher Wagner Dotto
Associate Editor Lou Sorendo
Columnists
L. Michael Treadwell Bruce Frassinelli, Sandra Scott Jim Terwilliger, Tim Nekritz Melissa Gardner, Jim Terwilliger
Writers
Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Christopher Malone Payne Horning
Advertising
Peggy Kain Ashley Slattery, Richard Annal
Office Manager Nancy Nitz
Layout and Design Dylon Clew-Thomas
Cover Illustration JillianMeizenzahl
Oswego County Business is published by Local News, Inc., which also publishes CNY Summer Guide, Business Guide, CNY Winter Guide, College Life, In Good Health– The Healthcare Newspaper (four editions), CNY Healthcare Guide and 55PLUS, a Magazine for Active Adults (two editions) Published bimonthly (6 issues a year) at 185 E. Seneca Street PO Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126. Subscription: $21.50 a year; $35 for two years © 2020 by Oswego County Business. All rights reserved. PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Buffalo, NY Permit No. 4725
How to Reach Us
P.O. Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-342-8020 Fax: 315-342-7776 Email: Editor@OswegoCountyBusiness.com 8
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2020
As the nation plans for reopening, Bond points the way back to business. Bond has assembled a multidisciplinary COVID-19 Recovery for Business group supporting Oswego County businesses and organizations as they prepare to resume their operations in the weeks and months ahead. To learn more about the group or talk to an attorney about developing a plan for getting back to work, please contact Rick Weber at rweber@bsk.com or Sunny Tice at stice@bsk.com.
One Lincoln Center, Syracuse, NY 13202 • 315.218.8000 • BSK.COM
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JUNE / JULY 2020
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2020
ON THE JOB How long will it take for the economy to rebound to pre-COVID-19 levels? Interviews by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant “There’s been a lot of conversations we’ve had on Zoom meetings with our board of directors who represents various industries. For the economy to come back and to have full recovery, we think it will be an extended period of time, 18 to 36 months. The sooner we get back to normal business operations, the sooner we can get back to that.” Jim Dowd CEO at Pathfinder Bank, Oswego “Partly because we’re such a diverse country and we have a very passionate, hardworking population, I feel like that we will come out of it and it will probably happen sooner than what it seems like now. There could be some more dark spots before we get there but I’m confident because we’re very resilient people. People who own their own businesses inspire me. I’m optimistic
JUNE / JULY 2020
that it will happen maybe sooner than we anticipate.” Christine Allen Ph.D. and president of Insight Business Works, Syracuse “While there are still so many variables and unknowns at this point, I believe the economy will recover slowly and cautiously through 2021 as business reopens with new measures in the face of a possible resurgence of COVID in the fall. Over the past several months while New York has been on pause, consumers’ behavior and psychology has changed. Thirty-six million people are unemployed. And if federal relief does not come to cover COVID costs, then state and local governments will begin to furlough employees such as teachers and first responders. Will consumers choose — or have the means — to rush to restaurants
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
and stores, or will they continue to conserve cash and avoid exposure to COVID as they wait to see how reopening plays out? I believe we will see a lot of caution all around for the remainder of this year.” Kimberly Townsend President and CEO of Loretto, Syracuse “I think if we get opened back up, recovery will happen relatively fast. People have money to spend but they’re scared to spend. Humans are very social and that’s been taken away from us. We all need contact and we thrive better when we have it. It’s tough. I think people want to get moving and are tired of being in lockdown. I’ve been all over the world when I was in the Navy and the U.S. is totally different. We’ve been told what to do and why to do it and that hasn’t happened so far in our history.” Dave Benton Owner of Hall Island Distillery in Cicero “I’m sure this is going to take a while for the economy to recover. With what’s happening in Central New York, we’ve seen some of our businesses in our community more or less reinvent themselves so they can stay open and operate. Good things are happening in the local economy. Opening of the Amazon plant
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hopefully in the near future, that should employ 1,000 people. That should help the local economy.” Laurie Ucher Senior vice president of retail banking at Seneca Savings, Baldwinsville “It’s such a difficult situation we’re facing. There aren’t any rules and we’re all playing it by ear. The stock market seems to be holding up well. If we can reopen businesses, we could recover by the end of this year or early next year. Reopening businesses is very important to achieving economic recovery.” Alice Hoatland Partner and CPA at Buffington & Hoatland CPAs, PLLC, Auburn “I think it’s going to be 12 to 18 months, at least. I think that it’s contrary to what the politicians think and what the president thinks will happen. We have 30 million people out of work and we haven’t seen the layoffs in the public sector. Schools will see devastating budget cuts and 20% to 30% of teachers and administrators laid off within six months. When you throw 5 million out on the street, you won’t recover quickly. People will be hesitant to go out for a while to restaurants and bars. In the southern states, there’s an experiment going on. Alabama is seeing a huge spike in COVID cases because of the governor’s decision to not force people to stay home. That’s going to scare people, seniors in particular. The economy is going to slowly recover.” Jeffrey M. Fetter President at Scolaro Fetter Grizanti & McGough, P.C., Syracuse
“I do not think that the US economy will fully recover for at least two or three years. I expect many companies to reduce their employment levels over the next few months as the negative impact of the two and one-half month shutdown becomes clearer for them. I expect an upturn in corporate bankruptcies and am concerned that many local small businesses will never reopen. These issues will all slow and lengthen the economic recovery period.” Randy L. Zeigler Certified financial planner with Ameriprise Financial Services, Oswego
recover. I know of companies who borrowed from the Small Business Administration to make payroll.” Brian Parkers Co-owner of Harbour Hall, Oswego
“It will take two years. Next year will be a recovery mode, I’m assuming. I’m not a large retail facility or a large business that has a bunch of employees and can easily recover. Even when our economy opens up and I can work again, all those dates that I could have worked, I can’t resell them. Things book a year in advance. It’s a tough situation. It’s a matter of rolling with it.” Dava Needle Owner of AlterImage Fine Art Wedding Photography, Syracuse
“I think it’s going to take a while, mostly because of the basic fear of the people. Some will be very cautious about going out. A lot of them will probably be out of work and it will take time for them to recover their money. I have the kind of business where people come in to socialize, which isn’t really possible. I’m not open. These aren’t expensive type of items. Even before I closed, I noticed things had slowed down. I closed March 19. I’m hoping to open by July. We’ve taken a large hit. It might take a year or two before things come back. I’m sure people will be cautious for at least the rest of this year.” Paul Fauler Owner of The Coffee Connection, Oswego
“I think on the outside, the economy will look like it’s recovering quickly, but it will take a couple years for small businesses to
“As far as real estate goes, we’re crazy busy at this time. Real estate will recover very fast. We’re hoping
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
sellers realize that this is a good time to put a home on the market as we’re getting multiple offers. As far as other businesses, I think we’ll transition back to being pretty steady by the end of the year.” William Galloway NYS licensed real estate broker with Century 21 Galloway Realty, Oswego “I don’t have a prediction on how long it will take for the economy to recover because we don’t fully understand yet how badly it’s been affected. Complicating matters is the new societal unrest which is leading to more uncertainty and economic woes for businesses being broken into across our nation. I’m afraid recovery is a long way off.” Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham President of Women TIES, LLC, Syracuse “I don’t know, of course. But I would think the entertainment and food industry will get a rush immediately. The question remains if it will be enough to bring them back considering distancing limitations. Overall, the cooperative economy has a shot at recovering by this time next year if trade balances can be worked out.” Jim Loperfido CEO of JGL Management Consulting Inc. in Auburn “I think that anyone who tells you what the economy is going to do is lying. Markets remain somewhat, almost inexplicably, stable despite record unemployment. We’re still in the midst of a global pandemic, while we as a country are also on the precipice of what may turn out to be the most impactful civil rights movement in many of our lifetimes and all of this is leading up to what most believe will be one of the most vitriolic presidential elections in history. Leaders need to strategically plan for multiple potential futures, invest in transformative technologies that allow their businesses the flexibility to handle whatever may come, while also reducing other spending to better insulate against potential slowdowns in the economy.” Derek Vargas Co-founder and managing partner at SparkOrange, Syracuse JUNE / JULY 2020
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JUNE / JULY 2020
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Started How I Got By Payne Horning
Malbert Dela Pena Entrepreneur opens Upward Graphics in Fulton two years after immigrating to the U.S. from the Philippines
M
albert Dela Pena has been operating Upward Graphics, a screen-printing and embroidery business in Fulton, for the past year. He opened it just two years after immigrating with his family to the U.S. from the Philippines.
Q. Tell us about your business. Why did you name it ‘Upward’ Graphics? A. I have nothing but high hopes for this business and from the beginning it has always been about what God wants us to do to serve the people around us with what we have. The name “Upward” is a reminder for myself and my family to always look upward to God from whom all things come from and to whom all things belong. “Graphics” is the heart of all the services we offer in our business, from screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, etc. Q. Tell us a little bit about your journey from the Philippines and how you came to Central New York. A. My wife Hazel’s mother is originally from Fulton and is currently a missionary living in the Philippines, where my wife was born and raised as well. We had the same screen-printing business in the Philippines, but the economy over there wasn’t doing well enough for us to raise a family of four and a little one on the way. We have been considering relocating to the U.S. for a couple of years already, but when we learned that we had a third baby on the way, we finally decided to take the leap and immigrate to the U.S. Q. How did you handle immigration paperwork to come and work here? A. It was a tough and long journey. Since my wife is the only one of us who is a U.S. citizen, she had to go ahead there to file a petition for me and our two daughters, Jae Red and Avril. It was a long 16 months of separation from my wife and a very challenging one. She had our baby boy Charles during this time of separation. I didn’t meet my son until we finally arrived in the U.S. when he was 7 months old. Since our arrival in the U.S. in January 2016, we have lived in Fulton and have been loved and welcome by beloved friends and family in Oswego County. Q. How did Upward Graphics begin? A. I have always had a business-
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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man mindset and had been itching and praying to start my own business since I got here. However, we had to wait for the perfect time since I was new to the country and needed to learn how entrepreneurship works on this side of the world. So, I worked diligently as a screen printer and production manager for about two years, learning as I went and developing my skills. Q. When did you feel you were ready to start the business? In 2017, the company I was working for went bankrupt and had to let go of all the employees. We were in the middle of purchasing our first home at the time. All we had was our belief in God that all things will work out well for those who trust in him. To make the long story short, it did work out well: my wife smoothly transitioned from working as a part-timer into full-time without issue at her job, and my former employer took me in again to help them out. It was a struggle, but we managed, closed on the house, and decided as a family that we would use the garage to start up our own screen printing business. We started off as CNY Cheap Custom Tees in 2018 in our garage with a four-color, two-station silk screen press and a heat press. A few months into operation, we were reported to the mayor and forced to move into a commercial facility. Advertising online, we built our customer base little by little, added necessary equipment, and learned from mistakes. Having strong local competitors in Fulton, we got most our customers from other surrounding cities and Onondaga County. After a year, we decided we were ready for a brand to establish our business and register it officially as an LLC; that’s when we officially changed the name into Upward Graphics LLC. Q. How was the transition? A. We knew it was time when every time we faced a hurdle, we were able to overcome it by God’s grace; and the customers just keep coming, especially during times when we were ready to give up. Seeing things unfold before our eyes, meeting the right people at the right time, we knew the God was telling us it was time and we can overcome whatever lies ahead. Q. What was key to your success in launching the business? A. A lot of prayers and support from friends and family, especially my very supportive wife and children. Also, JUNE / JULY 2020
‘I have always had a businessman mindset and had been itching and praying to start my own business since I got here [in the U.S.]’ self-educating myself through reading books and listening to various speakers on various topics to improve myself as a businessman and strategies in building the business itself. Q. Where did you get the funding to make this dream possible? How much did you have to invest yourself? A. My wife and I set aside $4,000 initially from our personal tax refund to invest in CNY Cheap Custom Tees. We used it to purchase our first screen printing press, a heat press, and for advertisement online. After that, we just used every profit from projects to purchase whatever else we needed from then on. I didn’t start paying myself weekly until late last year when we felt comfortable enough that we will have enough to keep the business rolling. Q. What was the most difficult part of making this a reality? How did you overcome those obstacles? A. I think the most difficult problem we had was when we were reported to the mayor for operating in our garage. We were stuck in a dilemma: will we dive into the “real” world and open a commercial facility or are we not ready yet due to limited finances? Through faith, we took a chance and found the lowest-rate commercial space we could and started there. In the long run it worked out for our own good, we got a little more exposure and looked more professional to customers as well. More customers trickled in and we became more productive. We have since then believed that if God closes one door, he opens another one that is better for us — we just need to trust him. Like life in general, problems and difficulties that arise in the process of growth is the most difficult part of making it a reality. However, having the right mindset, surrounded by the right people, and constantly relying on God for strength OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
and wisdom has helped me overcome these obstacles. Q. In the process of starting your own business, what did you learn that you wished you had known from the start — a piece of advice for those who are at the beginning of this process? A. I think what I learned that I wished I knew is all the regulations and processes that need to be done to be in accordance with the law. Ignorance of the law excuses no one — some of the basic things we had to learn the hard way. One example is we needed to register the business to the Department of Labor even though I didn’t have any employees at that time. Q. The coronavirus pandemic has changed life for everyone, especially small businesses. How has it impacted your company? A. It is a very sad situation we all are in right now. I cannot deny that we are also affected by it. Huge projects that were booked at the beginning of the year for March, April and May have all been canceled. However, we know we are not the only ones struggling and we cannot really complain. I always keep in mind a quote I got from the book “A Tale of Two Cities,” that says “It’s the best of times, it’s the worst of times.” Having these words in mind, my wife and I discussed how we can make this situation into the best of times for us and everyone around us. One of our ink suppliers abroad happened to start producing face masks and knowing the need here, we tried getting some to donate to our first responders and health care workers. The response from the public was amazing and heartwarming. We were able to successfully involve the community in raising funds to get more personal protective equipment for our local heroes. This is the least we could do to help in this kind of situation we are all facing right now. Q. Is there any silver lining from this experience that you think has made your business better? A. The silver lining from this experience is it has kept me busy helping the people around me and at the same time gave exposure to Upward Graphics — more than we could ever imagine. We did have some projects canceled, but we also have had new customers. Because of this, we are very hopeful of what is to come for Upward Graphics LLC in the future. 15
PROFILE By Lou Sorendo
Cathleen Palmitesso Appointed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, new leader of Oswego County Emergency Management Office dives right in
C
athleen Palmitesso has experience when it comes to solving issues in a decisive manner. As a celebrated member of the SUNY Oswego women’s volleyball team, she compiled 537 kills in her career that rank her among the top 10 in that statistic in school history. A kill is an offensive attack that is un-returnable by the opponent and scores a point or earns a side out for the receiving team. An Oswego native, Palmitesso starred for the SUNY Oswego volleyball team and is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame Class of 2016. The ’94 grad was the first volleyball player ever selected to the Hall of Fame at SUNY Oswego. Professionally, Palmitesso is now looking to quickly dispatch of another opponent: any manmade or natural disaster threat that may imperil Oswego County residents. Palmitesso was recently named director of the Oswego County Emergency Management Office (EMO) in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She previously served as a radiological specialist with EMO, having joined in 2016. Prior to that, she worked at the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) in Scriba, leaving its emergency-planning department to join the county’s EMO. Despite the specter of COVID-19, she didn’t blink while diving headfirst into her new position. “We have a very knowledgeable and dedicated emergency management staff that has made the transition seamless,” she said. “With the past experience as a radiological specialist and having a good working relationship with many agencies, there is tremendous support available. “The county, city, town and 16
state agencies have been great in supporting a team-like approach to the emergency and I can’t thank them enough,” she added. The EMO has distributed more than 70,000 pieces of personal protective equipment and works with the Oswego County COVID-19 Emergency Response Team to address issues across Oswego County. The health department’s COVID-19 hotline recently hit a milestone with more than 3,000 calls. Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang announced there were no new positive cases COVID-19 on May 9, with the total number of positive cases remaining at 72. Fifty-eight people have recovered and are no longer in mandatory isolation. There are
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
three confirmed COVID-19 related deaths in Oswego County.
Translatable skills When Entergy, the former owner of the JAFplant in Scriba, announced it was going to be closing the facility permanently in late 2015, Palmitesso responded by seeking out a new job opportunity. There was a vacancy at the Oswego County EMO for a radiological specialist, and equipped with knowledge about JAF’s radiological program as a member of the plant’s emergency planning group, she began her
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new job in 2016. “It seemed like a great opportunity at the right time,” she said. “My co-workers at JAF had all worked in the position with the county in the past and encouraged me to apply.” Radiological specialists provide radiological plan training to emergency response personnel at agencies in both Oswego and Onondaga counties, city agencies and some state and federal response agencies. They also manage the inventory and maintenance of all the radiological instruments and equipment that the agencies use during exercises and real events should they occur. “During an exercise or real event, radiological specialists have the responsibility to assess emergency conditions at a given plant, including the potential radiological impact to members of the public,” Palmitesso said. They then make recommendations to the chairman of the legislature as to the proper course of action to protect the public.
Nuclear planning background Palmitesso said her time spent at JAF was invaluable to her in stepping into both the radiological specialist job and her current position. “It gave me an understanding of the radiological program as well as the necessary interactions required to help maintain the high level of success of the program,” she said. Palmitesso also said her experience at JAF gave her a solid understanding of the onsite aspects of the emergency plan, lines of communications with the plants and actions that plant operators may take that affect offsite response actions given the situation. The county EMO works closely with its nuclear partners at both Exelon’s Nine Mile Point and the JAF plants to implement its emergency plans if needed. “Our ultimate goal is to protect the health and safety of the public residing within the 10-mile emergency planning zone surrounding the nuclear power plants,” she said. Palmitesso said community outreach programs are conducted to keep the public aware of the emergency plan, provide them with information and give them the opportunity to ask questions. A public information brochure is developed jointly between Exelon, Oswego County and New York state and is mailed annually to provide members JUNE / JULY 2020
Lifelines
Birth date: April 1972 Birthplace: Oswego Current address: Oswego Education: Oswego High School, (1990); SUNY Oswego, (1994) Personal: In a relationship and have a 6-year-old German shepherd and a calico cat Hobbies: Hiking, camping, traveling, gardening, attending sporting events and beginner golfer of the public living within the 10-mile EPZ planning information. Topics include basic radiation principles, notification through siren activation, use of potassium iodide during an emergency, designated evacuation and bus routes, as well as what to do, how to prepare and where to go during a radiological incident. There is also an access and functional needs card for those residents who may require special assistance in the event of an emergency. She said the private sector joins city, county, state and federal agencies in training and exercising with the power plant owners in case of an incident at the nuclear plants. Palmitesso said members of the public should be aware the nuclear power plants have a host of emergency response procedures in place. There is also a prompt notification system to alert county and state emergency management groups if an emergency is declared, she added. Also, she said there are redundant safety systems in place at the plants to enable them to respond during emergency conditions.
Oswego’s incredible weather Weather alerts and informing the public about the possibility of natural disasters are also among the top priority areas for the EMO. Palmitesso said weather-related emergencies in Oswego County have included lake-effect snowstorms, blizzard warnings, ice storms, flash flooding from heavy lake-effect rain, severe thunderstorms, high wind events, as well as Lake Ontario shoreline flooding. Oswego County became a StormReady community under the National Weather Service (NWS) program
continued on page 94 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Publisher’s note By Wagner Dotto
I
t’s time to rebuild the economy — with purpose and determination. After more than two months on pause, we couldn’t be more relieved that this coronavirus pandemic is gradually becoming part of history. One additional month like April and May would be catastrophic for most small business owners and economy in general — no matter how much stimulus money offered. We can see now a new vibe on the streets of downtown Oswego, Syracuse and elsewhere. Things are picking up, there is a renewed sense of optimism, a sense the economy can rebound — finally. As an essential business, we worked through the pandemic, interviewing sources, putting stories together, doing design work and selling advertising — mostly remotely. It was a tough, depressing time. Coming to a nearly empty office daily, week after week, with dead phones and empty desks was something we don’t experience very often. We
are dependent on a thriving, vibrant economy that continues to grow and innovate. The more growth, the more business activity, the better. That’s what keeps this publication alive and well. Like nearly all small businesses, we had our losses. New York state hit “pause” on March 22, as we embarked on our largest project of the year, the 2020 CNY Summer Guide. Needless to say, the pandemic dealt a blow to most of our Summer Guide advertisers. As a result, our sales took a nose dive. We were down more than 50%. Not pretty. What do we do? We just move on and work hard on a new issue. And that’s what we did. We hope readers will enjoy the stories in this issue of Oswego County Business. We believe they are pertinent, interesting and insightful. Readers should specially check out the “What’s New” package, starting with a story by writer Deborah Jeanne Sergeant about “15 Changes You’re
Likely to See in Post-COVID-19 in Business Life.” We discuss just about everything: how three large manufacturing firms have handled the crisis, what happened to local musicians, a review of a new book by “Miss Manners” on the new COVID-19 etiquette and much more. We want to thank our advertisers who have stuck with us during the last two issues and kept their ads in. These advertisers provide the financial means that allows us to publish. We’re grateful for their support and urge readers to patronize those who advertise here.
WAGNER DOTTO is the publisher of Oswego County Business Magazine.
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Where in the World is Sandra Scott? By Sandra Scott
The Philippines
Once an American colony, country consists of over 7,000 islands — it has mountains, caves, white waters and many great beaches
T
he Philippines were colonized in 1521 by the Spanish, who left their mark on the culture of the country. As a result of the 1898 Treaty of Paris ending the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. The Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States, which left its mark on the society. The Republic of the Philippines was granted full independence by the United State on July 4, 1946. There are many ethnic groups on the islands creating many dialects but the two official languages are Filipino and English. It is the third largest En-
glish speaking country in the world. The Republic of the Philippines is blessed with mountains, caves and white waters. You name it, the Philippines has it. The Philippines offer all sorts of adventures and activities, including sky diving, mountain biking, caving, hot air ballooning, trekking, white water rafting, birding and more. The Philippines consists of over 7,000 islands with many beaches, making it a popular destination. The country has the fourth longest coastline in the world and a tropical climate that draws sun worshippers worldwide with the beaches of Boracay and Palawan especially popular. Reservations for holiday
weeks, especially Easter week, should be made well ahead of time. There are resorts in all categories from five-star resorts to huts on the beach. The beach resorts offer all the normal fun-in-the-sun activities from jet skis to snorkeling to sail boating. One of these resorts, outside the southern city of Davao, was once a pearl farm as its name suggests. Guests at Pearl Farm Beach Resort can dive on a sunken WW II Japanese cargo ship teaming with fish several feet off shore. Folkloric shows, mainly in hotels and resorts, celebrate the diversity of the country. Most people arrive in the Philippines in the capital city of Manila on the island of Luzon, where one of the
The Philipines has the fourth longest coastline in the world and a tropical climate that draws sun worshippers worldwide to the beaches. Boracay beach is one of most popular. 20
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major battles of World War II took place. The city was decimated but today is a densely populated city. The best place to get a feeling of the Philippines under Spanish control is by touring Intramuros, a walled city in the heart of Old Manila. Tours include the baroque 16th century San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. There are many tours offered to explore the city and area including one dealing with the life and times of Imelda Marcos, the famous, or infamous, first lady of the Philippines. Many battles were fought in and around the Philippines during WW II, including the fierce battle of Corregidor. One of must-do tours while in Manila is to the island of Corregidor, strategically located in Manila Bay. There is a tour of the entire island, including bombed ruins of barracks, with the most impressive part of tour is the Malinta Tunnel. The bomb-proof tunnel was used for storage and as a personnel bunker and later as a 1000-bed hospital. The tunnel has a main branch 831 feet long with 13 lateral tunnels averaging 150 feet. It was the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur until General Wainwright took over. The Japanese laid siege to the island. With troops starving and injured, Wainwright surrendered after sending a message to President Roosevelt, “There is a limit of human endurance, and the point has long been passed.” There are many features unique to the Philippines. The Banaue Rice Terraces on the island of Luzon were carved about 2,000 years ago by the ancestors of the present Filipinos. Another is in the province of Bohol. The island is famed for its coral reefs and the unusual geological formation called the Chocolate Hills. Over 1,200 symmetrical mound turn chocolate brown in the dry season while the surrounding jungle remains a verdant green. While on Bohal Island don’t miss the Tarsier Sanctuary. The endangered tarsier is considered the world’s smallest primate. The big-eyed, nocturnal tarsier is only 4 to 5 inches and weighs about 4 Sandra Scott, a retired history teacher and the co-author of two local history books, has been traveling worldwide with her husband, John, since the 1980s. The Scotts live in the village of Mexico. JUNE / JULY 2020
Folkloric shows, mainly in hotels and resorts, celebrate the diversity of the country.
The Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation.
Statue of General Douglas MacArthur, who led American troops in the Philippines during World War II.
Cabins on the water available to guests at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, near Davao. or 5 ounces. They are mammals, giving live birth, are monogamous, and the females take care of the young. The diversity of ethnic groups along with the influence of the Spanish makes the Philippines a culinary delight. The mangos from Cebu are considered the best in the world. Many consider adobo, pork or chicken stewed in a special sauce, the national dish. No celebration is complete without lechon, suckling pig roasted all day over an open fire. Halo-halo, “mix mix” in Tagalog, is a unique Filipino cold desert. It is a concoction of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and a mélange of other ingredients such as ube (purple yam), sweetened beans, coconut, sago (tapioca), seaweed gelatin, fruit slices and whatever topped with a scoop of ice cream. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Visitors only need a valid passport and no visa is necessary for stays under 30 days. The Philippine peso is the official currency which is easily available at ATMs, banks and hotels. The Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation. The brightly colored Jeepneys, adorned with elaborate decorations, have become a symbol of the art and culture of the country. The best way to get from island to island is by airplane but some islands are connected by some form of water transportation. November to February are the coolest months and a good time to visit the Philippines as far as weather is concerned. March to May are the summer months in the country and are classified as hot and dry. June to October is rainy, with the months between July and September characterized by hurricanes. 21
NEWSMAKERS NEWS BRIEFS ON LOCAL BUSINESSES & BUSINESS PEOPLE SBA Has New Branch Manager in Syracuse Jeffrey A. Boyce has joined the U.S. SBA Syracuse district office as its new branchmanager. He joins SBA District Director Bernard J. Paprocki and Deputy District Director Dan Rickman on the district’s leadership team. He was sworn into his new federal service position Boyce
March 16. “We are happy to welcome Jeffrey Boyce to the SBA Syracuse District Office team during this vital time,” said SBA Syracuse District Director Bernard J. Paprocki. “Jeff will be one of our agency’s main points of contact for the small business community. His strong leadership qualities and familiarity with Upstate New York and its main streets will assist small businesses in their COVID-19 recovery,” Paprocki added. As branch manager, Boyce will help manage parts of the 34-county district office’s Capital region, Hudson Valley, North Country and Southern Tier coverage areas. He will collaborate with public and private sector
agencies, organizations, and individuals to promote SBA capital access programs in addition to other SBA federal resources that assist small business owners and entrepreneurs. These responsibilities include SBA’s array of contracting and small business counseling services, in addition to providing coronavirus/ COVID-19 aid through the CARES Act. “I am excited to have hit the ground running with the SBA,” Boyce said in a news release. “Small businesses create two out of every three jobs in this country and I’m looking forward to supporting their development and growth, as well as their continued recovery from the impacts of coronavirus.” Boyce is a New York native with extensive experience in economic de-
ConnextCare Thanks the Community The ConnextCare board of directors and staff recently expressed their appreciation for the many contributions that the nonprofit has received during the coronavirus pandemic. It received donations of food, gift cards, personal protective equipment and mementos. The contributions have come from all corners of the community — vendors, patients and staff. One heartwarming moment included arriving to work to a colorful message in chalk from anonymous pavement artists recognizing ConnexCare health care heroes. “It is with immense pride that I can represent such a compassionate and dedicated group of individuals”, said Daniel Dey, ConnextCare’s president and chief executive officer. “Despite individual and family challenges associated with the pandemic, ConnextCare staff has selflessly focused their efforts on finding creative and effective ways to continue vital care to patients.” ConnextCare staff was able to implement telemedicine and telephonic patient visits, instituting enhanced sanitation, screening and triage procedures, and complying with a variety of regulatory and social mandates.
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Tricia Peter Clark, ConnextCare’ chief operating officer; Alexander Pond; Brian Pond; and physician Patrick Carguello, chief medical officer. Photo provided While ConnextCare confidentially conveys its thanks to all its patients and staff making contributions, it would like to publically recognize the following community supporters for boosting its spirits: Hill and Markes, Stefano’s, Richland Hotel, Jovial Photography, David Mirabito, CFP, North Country STEM Learning Network, K&C Custom Engraving and Woodworking, Happy Valley Inn, Operation Oswego County, Oswego County Federal Credit Union, Oswego County Health Department, Oswego County Emergency ManageOSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
ment, Oswego Health, Little Ceasars, Edward Jones, Altmar Hotel, Damaino’s Eatery, Kindred at Home, Lock I Distilling Company, Lush Representatives, Oswego Valley Mill Work andSongbird Sewing Company Established in 1969, ConnextCare is a patient-centered network of health care practices providing Oswego and surrounding county residents with a variety of comprehensive health care and related services. The center is operated by a private, partially federally funded nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. JUNE / JULY 2020
velopment. Most recently he served as director of economic development at the SUNY Research Foundation, leading programs including SUNY’s system-wide START-UP NY tax-free zone program. This initiative launched hundreds small business partnerships with SUNY’s 64 campuses, creating new jobs, investment and experiential learning opportunities for students. Previously, Boyce also worked for NYS Empire State Development, including as director of ESD’s division for small business, assistant deputy commissioner for manufacturing services and deputy commissioner for small business services. Boyce began his career as senior staff assistant to the Monroe County executive, supporting the management of a diverse county government with more than 5,000 employees and a budget of nearly $1 billion. He then went on to helped to create and lead the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform, directing a team that implemented regulatory and permitting reforms that saved New York more than $500M. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from SUNY Geneseo and a Master of Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at SUNY Albany. He has served on numerous boards, commissions and groups advancing New York’s innovation economy. Boyce and his wife Deborah reside in Albany with their two daughters.
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news and public affairs for WRVO. The award, he added, is highly competitive, “because you’re being judged against stations from all of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. And this is where everyone submits their top material.” From the NYSBA, WRVO won Outstanding Podcast for “The Heidi Allen Case: Central New York’s Most Enduring Mystery.” From the NYAPA, Horning earned Best Continuing Coverage for his stories on Lake Ontario Flooding. “The Heidi Allen Case: Central New York’s Most Enduring Mystery” also won Best Podcast. In addition, the SPC announced the following awards to WRVO stories: • For spot news, Ellen Abbott’s piece “SU students walk out of forum to address racism, chancellor agrees to majority of demands.” • For news feature or series, Tom Magnarelli’s piece “For struggling farmers out of options, FarmNet offers help.” • For human interest feature, Horning’s “The legacy of Oswego’s Safe Haven is its lessons” • For special program, Mark Lavonier, Leah Landry, Jason Smith and Catherine Loper’s “Take Care: Legalizing recreational use of marijuana, revisiting medical use.” Like most public media outlets, WRVO’s “job is to go beyond the headlines and try and bring a deeper understanding to the issues,” Smith said. Thus WRVO stories often involve a longer approach that looks at various sides and aspects of issues and ongoing stories, the station’s news director said.
TDO Has New Business Development Leader Mike Metzgar has recently joined Syracuse-based TDO – Train, Develop, Optimize as the organization’s new business development manager. In this role, he will be responsible for promoting the vision, mission, core values and capabilities of TDO, while also growing its Metzgar presence within the five-county Central New York region. Metzgar comes to TDO from OnJUNE / JULY 2020
ondaga Community College where he served as associate vice president of economic and workforce development. Prior to that, he served as executive director of workforce development at Raritan Valley Community College. His experience in workforce development as well as his intimate knowledge of TDO as former chairman of the board of directors will be invaluable in helping TDO rise to an even greater level, according to a news release from the organization.
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Operation Oswego County Elects New Officers, Members Operation Oswego County (OOC), the county designated economic development agency, held June 5 the business portion of its 68th annual meeting Teamvia Apparel Business and Corporate Apparel Customs Shirts Team Apparel Business Apparel Customs Shirts Team Apparel Businessand andCorporate Corporate Apparel Customs Shirts Team Apparel Business and Corporate Apparel Customs Shirts Dependable video conference. Team Apparel Business and Corporate Apparel Customs Shirts Propane Specializing in Specializing The OOC board of directors Call Us For Specializing in in Specializing in CallCallUsUsForFor Call Us For Gas Service re-elected board members PeterPromotional Culli- Specializing Team Apparel Shirts Items Promotional A Quote Today! Promotional ItemsBusiness Promotional Itemsand Corporate Apparel AACustoms Quote Today! Quote Today! in Items Quote Today! Call UsAFor nan, Exelon; William Galloway, Century Since 1937 Specializing 21 Galloway Realty; Daniel Murphy, Promotional Items in Call Us ForA Quote Today! For... ✔HOME ✔FARM ✔INDUSTRY Constellation; Tricia Peter-Clark, Promotional Items A Quote Today! 913 Phillip St. Fulton • 315-592-5450 ConnextCare; James Ransom, United www.johnstonpropane.com Wire Technologies; and Chena Tucker, 129 Cayuga StCayuga Fulton, NY NY 129 St Fulton, 129 Cayuga St Fulton, NY 129 Cayuga St Fulton, NY Oswego County Workforce Development Board. W.D. The OOC board of directors also 129129 Cayuga St Fulton, NY Cayuga St Fulton, NY elected Michelle Shatrau, president Years Experience 30 Over 30 Years Years Experience Over 30 Experience Years Experience and chief executive officer at N.E.T. & Over 30 Over Die, Inc.; Shane Broadwell, partner at Broadwell Hospitality Group; and Joe McConnell, controller and operations Over 30 Years Experience support manager at Huhtamaki, to the board. A new slate of officers was also Residential, Commercial, elected: Ellen Holst, retired, Oswego Municipal & Industrial County Opportunities, as president; Eric Behling, Behling Orchards, as vice Telephone: (315) 564-6784 president; George Joyce, Laser Transit, Fax: (315) 564-7050 as treasurer; and Tricia Peter-Clark, GALLOWAY REALTY www.wdmalone.com ConnextCare, as secretary. Operation Oswego County anticipates holding its full annual meeting, Oswego County’s #1 complete with presentations and awards, later this summer. Real Estate Agency.
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notches in this nationwide ranking of leading design firms. According to President and CEO John F. Brusa, Jr., “The firm’s continued advancement in the ENR rankings is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our talented employees. In addition, 2019 saw the acquisition of Maryland-based Advanced Land & Water, Inc. and New Jersey-based Cummings & Smith, Inc., together with the opening of offices in Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland, and Fairfield, New Jersey, as well as the expansion of our Watertown office.” Brusa added, “Thanks also goes to all of our clients and industry partners for making 2019 a success.” The ENR Top 500 design firms list, published annually, ranks the 500 largest U.S.-based engineering, architectural, and environmental design firms, both publicly and privately held, based on design-specific revenue.
AmeriCU’s Announce New Chief Executive Ronald Belle has been selected as AmeriCU’s new chief experience officer. He will succeed CEO Mark Pfisterer, who last year announced his plans to retire in 2020. “Since joining the credit union in 2017, Ron has made an impact,” said John Stevenson, chairman of the Belle board of directors. “His focus on member and employee experience is relentless, and has been transformative to our organization. He has been instrumental in making AmeriCU a better place to work, a better place to bank, and a stronger credit union overall. We could not be happier to have him at the helm, and are looking forward to the coming years.” Prior to joining AmeriCU, Belle held roles at Fifth Third Private Bank, Bank of America and KeyBank. In addition, Belle holds an accredited asset management specialist (AAMS) certification from the College of Financial Planning, has attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, and is an alum of both Syracuse University and Utica College. JUNE / JULY 2020
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DiningOut By Christopher Malone
Restaurant
Guide
Fried ravioli at Canale’s: Lightly breaded and seasoned ravioli did not survive as leftovers.
Canale’s Carnival of Food Oswego can’t fail with Italian food — it’s on par with Syracuse, Utica
W
hen it comes to Central New York Italian cuisine, Oswego holds its own with Utica and Syracuse. Whether it’s better or not is definitely subjective and hometown favoritism is a huge factor. However, there is a noticeable difference between good and bad efforts when it comes to this notable nationality’s cuisine. Since writing for Oswego County Business Magazine: Vona’s knocked it out of the park, Bridie Manor didn’t fail, and now the notable Canale’s Restaurant, 156 W Utica St., was put up to the test. 28
As of early June, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Canale’s is offering only takeaway meals. Order by phone or online, drive up to the restaurant, let them know you’ve arrived, and they’ll bring out the food to you. I brought a thermal bag with me and the food temperature was great by the time I got home to Syracuse. The aroma of the food did get the best of me. By the time I got to the light at the corner of North Second and Utica streets in Fulton — I cracked the thermal bag and needed to eat something. This reminded me of a family tradition of mine, originating on my maternal OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
side of the family. When getting bread from Columbus Baking Co. in Syracuse, we’d always order two sandwich loaves. One of those would be consumed on the nearly 20-minute ride home (10 minutes if going to my Nana’s). I wanted the fried ravioli ($8.50) but it was buried in the bag. Eating the veal parmigiana ($14) would be silly. Opting for either side of pasta — penne with rosé sauce or linguini with alfredo ($2.50 upcharge each) — would be impossible without a fork. Opening the box to get a look at the individual-sized chicken riggie pizza ($13), it was too fresh and needed to cool down. JUNE / JULY 2020
The linguini with alfredo was as simple as can be — al dente noodles with creamy, flavorful white sauce. The slices of Italian bread (four slices, complimentary) were just right. It’s no Columbus bread — cue hometown bias — but it’s good, light and airy Italian bread. After enjoying some of this carb-heavy meal, the remaining two slices were toasted and buttered the following morning to complement breakfast. I tapped into the fried ravioli immediately after photos. The lightly breaded and seasoned ravioli survived the trip home but did not survive as leftovers. Sometimes ravioli as-is or fried can get hard and these were not. The marinara sauce was really flavorful. The Italian seasonings of combining both were not overwhelming because, no matter a love for Italian seasonings, it is easy to overdo it. The veal parmigiana also did not survive to be enjoyed another day. The flattened meat was tenderized to perfection and was lightly breaded; some of the breading did want to exfoliate with some knife cuts. Along with the marinara sauce, this added up to a notable veal parm. The veal came as-is and not on top of pasta or greens. However, two sides came with the entrée. Instead of opting for the familiar fries, onion rings or potato for no additional charge, I wanted to try Canale’s sauces. As stated, the $2.50 upcharge for each pasta side wasn’t intimidating. I did not opt for a salad either. Canale’s greenery bowls didn’t stand out from typical iceberg lettuce-based creations. The amount of each pasta side were suitable servings as themselves. The linguini with alfredo was as simple as can be — al dente noodles with creamy, flavorful white sauce. Although alfredo sauce isn’t my go-to, I’d opt for this again in a heartbeat. Teetering on the edge of JUNE / JULY 2020
The penne with rosé sauce is also a great option at Canale’s
Chicken riggie pizza: chicken riggies, thick sauce, hearty pieces of chicken, peppers, and not overly spicy. carb coma, I saved much of this side for a second meal and added chicken, spinach and cherry tomatoes. The penne with rosé sauce also survived to be another meal, served over sautéed spinach. The penne was cooked very well and the rosé sauce is very noteworthy, like the favorite child of the sauce family. The sauce parents use the rosé as an example to the rest of the crew, much to the ire of riggie and other vodka sauces. You should really aspire to this, they would say. The puttanesca, Bolognese and alfredo sauces are the eye-rolling rebels. Meanwhile, marinara and aglio e olio sit back as unaffected people pleasers. Chicken riggie pizza is also something noteworthy. Although I wasn’t a fan of the airy crust, the topping of the pizza was everything you can ask for with chicken riggies: thicker sauce, hearty pieces of chicken, peppers, and it wasn’t overly spicy. For a nine-inch pizza it’s on the pricier side but there are essentially four toppings with a specialty sauce. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
As for the crust, since this was the first time I’ve had their pizza, I’d request Canale’s to crisp it up a bit. It physically, not “flavorly” flopped (eating it in the car would have been an issue). Before tip the total came to $43.74. After restrictions are lifted, I anticipate experiencing Canale’s in its full form. In the meantime, please keep supporting your local businesses.
Canale’s Restaurant Address 156 W Utica St, Oswego, NY 13126 Phone 315-343-3540 Website/Social canalesrestaurantmenu.com facebook.com/ CanalesRestaurantOswego Hours (Temporary) Daily: 4-8 p.m. 29
Gary Miller Sr. is the owner and operator of Super Dave’s Roadside Grill, a food truck set up at the forks of the road in Oswego.
Super Dave’s Roadside Grill on the Road Again
W
hile restaurants nationwide have been affected negatively by the coronavirus pandemic, the food truck business is flourishing. With restaurants either closed or limited in operation, there are limited options for folks to choose who are itching to not cook at home. Also, coronavirus guidelines are easier to follow with a food truck because there aren’t things such as dining areas or capacity limits. This has been good news for Gary Miller Sr., owner and operator of Super Dave’s Roadside Grill. His food truck is set up at the forks of the road in Oswego, site of the former Barilla’s Service Station, 211 W. Bridge St.
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The native and resident of Oswego adopted the name from the late Dave Agnes, who was a longtime friend and avid racing fan. Miller, 55, has worked as a jack of all trades most of his life, and decided now is the time to establish a business and work for himself. He launched the business last October, and has never looked back. “My satisfaction comes when people enjoy my food and realize it’s all about quality,” he said. Miller knows the importance of treating every customer well knowing that word of mouth can make or break a businessperson. Super ’s Dave’s features fresh OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
hamburgers and sausage, Philly cheese steaks, French fries and chicken fingers at competitive prices. All his ingredients are homemade to add a personal touch, such as his Texas hot sauce. The cancelation of the annual Harborfest celebration has dimmed the prospects of many vendors such as Miller, but he refuses to let COVID-19 and its ramifications steer him off course. In the fall, he will trek to Florida to set up stakes in the Sunshine State. “Everything is a risk. It’s all about how far you want to push yourself,” he said. The forks-of-the-road location means a wealth of lunch activity. “There’s really nothing else at this end of town other than McDonalds,” Miller said. While he is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., he spends a good portion of time preparing for the next day.
By Lou Sorendo JUNE / JULY 2020
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JUNE / JULY 2020
The Impact on the CNY Economy 15 Changes You’re Likely to See in Post-COVID-19 Manufacturing’s Rebound CNY People Helping Out During the Pandemic Pandemic Changes How America Shops Contact Tracers Key to New York’s Battle with COVID-19 New Life at the Office Working from Home. Will the Trend Continue? Where Have All the Local Musicians Gone? Return of the Drive-In OOC’s and COIDA’s Aid to Businesses During COVID-19 Riding Out the Storm: How Three Manufacturing Firms Have Handled It Etiquette in the Age of COVID ALSO How COVID-19 has affected the tourism industry JUNE / JULY 2020
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Still here for you. Do we even have to say it? A lot has changed! But at OCO, our mission remains the same: to provide services that empower people, support communities and change lives. That means more cleaning and disinfecting, extra precautions to protect clients and employees, and new technologies to connect online. We’re proud of the ways our communities have pulled together. We’re very proud of our employees who come to work every day because many of our services never close. For now we may all have to be a bit more distant, but we’re never far away!
#OCOHere4You Transportation. Addiction recovery. Job readiness. Sexual health. Cancer Screenings.
Homes for the developmentally disabled. Head Start. WIC. Meals on Wheels. Housing for homeless youth, adults and families. Mental health services. Reproductive health. Outreach. Crisis Hotlines. After-School programs. Literacy.
Help OCO Stay Strong! Donate. Volunteer. Call 315.598.4717 ext. 1082 315.598.4717 | www.oco.org | 1.877.342.7618 crisis hotline 34
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JUNE / JULY 2020
15 Changes You’re Likely to See in Post-COVID-19 Business Life By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
A
s companies begin to get back to business, some aspects of how they work will be different from before the onset of the pandemic. Here are 15 changes we may see:
1.
Less in-person shopping
“I imagine the convenience will spark an increase in curbside pick-up and Instacart,” said Marcie Rivera, media relations specialist with Wegmans. “We expect demand will continue to grow.” Because shoppers have become more adept at ordering their groceries ahead of time, it’s likely many will continue with this means of obtaining groceries, even after the threat of COVID-19 has diminished and consumers are comfortable shopping inside stores. “I order more online than I used to,” said Paul Fauler, owner of The Coffee Connection in Oswego. “There is going to be a huge impact on malls. Individual stores might do better. People might still use stores for shopping for clothing or other items they want to see first.”
2.
Increased personal space — No hand shaking
JUNE / JULY 2020
“I think awareness of the proximity to other people and how diseases spread will increase,” said Alice Hoatland, CPA and partner at Buffington & Hoatland, CPAs, PLLC, Auburn. Just as with online shopping, many will continue with their habit of greater personal space long after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. It’s not likely people will be shaking hands, conversing closely together or working from side by side desks for a long time.
3.
More awareness of hygiene
4.
More red tape for companies
“People will want to keep their hands washed and use sanitizer,” Hoatland added. “It’s going to depend upon whether the virus comes back and whether they’ll develop a vaccine that works.” Force of habit may continue those two-minute handwashing sessions, use of alcohol gel and extra sanitizing measures, even as risk of COVID-19 dwindles.
“I see a lot more business regulations coming down the line about supplies in place and more policies,” OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Hoatland said. “It will be more cost to operate because of these things.” Already, companies have put in place Plexiglas shields, tape on the floor to space shoppers and other measures to prevent spread of COVID-19. But stocking more supplies such as masks will likely become policies to keep organizations ready for another pandemic.
5.
Increased preparedness and infrastructure
“We’ll come out of this better, like the Great Depression, 9/11 and the recession,” said John Timmerman, CEO of Good Monster and Jaxon Jovie in Clay. “The changes in policy of healthcare and crisis management will be so much better prepared. There’s a real opportunity for businesses everywhere to make change and improve efficiencies and really ride a rocket ship out of this if they’re aware, and open minded. Businesses may realize they’re losing their business in-house, but if they can use marketing to entertain people and add extra services or gifts, they can offer surprise and delight. They can improve their businesses if they invest money in growing their brand.” It’s hard to deny that the pandemic 35
blindsided many organizations in many ways. COVID-19 may prove a wake-up call for remaining in good communication with customers, developing greater efficiency, and improving cooperation internally and externally.
6.
Less business travel
“A portion of companies may go back to traveling, but a lot of companies will keep up through technology,” Timmermand said. “Chatting services like Flak and Whatsapp allow us to send a quick message faster than email to a team member halfway around the world. Instant messaging services allow us to communicate in a split second. It reduces the need to fly to get something done.” Virtual meetings will help companies save money and reduce the time employees would spend away from their families while traveling. Both will benefit.
7.
More use of social media and online advertising
“Even with some of the bigger brands, they’ve upped their online presence,” Timmerman said. “You’re starting to see more ads local and global. Those are the ones that are going to thrive when we go back to somewhat the way they were before. It does take effort, staff, and some cost. When done the right way, it can bring a business to a whole new level.” When times are tough, it may seem a good time to save money on advertising; however, digital advertising is cost-effective and reaches many demographics. It also makes sense to go digital since more people are shopping online than ever.
8.
Improved websites
“It’s a great time for people to see if their website matches their in-person presence,” said Deb Coman, owner at Deb Coman Copywriting in Syracuse. “What does their website look like and what kind of emotion goes through? Does the website reflect what they do today or is it old?” A refreshed website can help a company attract more customers and renew the interest of existing customers. Just the act of redoing a website can create buzz, as in posting, “Come visit our new website.”
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9.
More business philanthropy
“We’re seeing more goodwill and companies are elevating their brand into that level of service,” said Coman. “It does a lot for their brand. It’s well deserved. There’s no reason they can’t also sell, but they’re also getting recognized for the service component.” The positive PR from philanthropy is golden. Companies that gave back to their communities during the pandemic may realize that their kind actions will pay them back with consumer loyalty. “People want to help their neighbors and their community,” said Elizabeth Fallon Quilter, certified fund raising executive, owner Elizabeth Fallon Quilter, CFRE in Syracuse.
10.
Smaller business meetings
“We used to be able to do conventions of 600 people,” said Jim Stocker, general manager at Holiday Inn, Liverpool. “We’re not sure if people will want to do conventions. These groups will be getting smaller.” Just as with virtual business meetings, conventions may not be the way to go for many industries anymore. They may not see the benefit versus the risk of gathering that many people, and participants may remain leery of gathering.
11.
Work from home. Greater flexibility in work arrangements. “Businesses have to be prepared for future COVID-19 and other health-related quarantines and other challenges,” said Derek Vargas, co-founder and managing partner at Spark Orange in Syracuse. “This means digitally transforming your business, creating appropriate remote-work policies and procedures, and preparing your employees to be able to fully function from remote locations at any time. This can help to reduce overhead, keep your employees safe, and significantly reduce gaps in coverage by ensuring your teams are properly prepared.” As companies realize that during the pandemic, working at home proved beneficial for employees and their bottom line, it makes sense that they may consider some sort of flex arrangement afterwards.
12.
More local interest
“We’ll see increased shopping at
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
local shops and sense of community support,” said John Halleron, senior business adviser at SUNY Oswego Small Business Development Center in Oswego. Smaller, more familiar shops seem less threatening to consumers concerned about COVID-19 since they experience less foot traffic and the owner is often present, managing the business. These shops also offer the built-in positive aspect of keeping dollars in shoppers’ own community, as they realize more than ever the importance of supporting local businesses.
13.
Increased gratitude
14.
Business improvement
15.
Improved safety
“People want to be healthy and have a better understanding and respect for the things we cannot enjoy today,” said Jim Loperfido, CEO at JGL Management Consulting Inc. in Auburn. “Once things calm down, we just may be a more patient society.” When the usual sources of entertainment and many of the accustomed services and goods aren’t as available, thankfulness for them may ensue.
“I hate to use the expression, but we have been in a ‘paradigm shift’ for quite a while now,” Loperfido said. “The better business professionals have adapted, sometimes kicking and fighting. Those that refuse to see the change in habit our customers have been experiencing are not doing well. I can go on and on about this one. The best business people have some time in their life hit a wall. The jolt hurt so badly they made changes and survived. This pandemic is a wall and a half!” Finding a way over, through, under or around is what’s important at this point.
“Greater attention to — and procedures for — ensuring employee and customer safety,” said Steve Chirello, owner of Chirello Advertising in Fulton. No employers want to see their employees or customers in any danger. The next big thing may not be a pandemic; however, COVID-19 has drawn business professionals’ attention to their surroundings and any lapses in their policies and infrastructure.
JUNE / JULY 2020
Manufacturing’s Rebound Manufacturing sector in CNY poised to lead economic comeback By Lou Sorendo
Y
ou can’t keep a good manufacturer down. The manufacturing sector in Central New York and throughout the entire state has been temporarily paralyzed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, with relief finally in sight, manufacturing is among the first sectors to get back online as the first phase of a fourphase statewide recovery plan. Manufacturing activity in New York has fallen to its lowest level on record as factories across the state have been forced to shut down because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Randy Wolken is the president and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and president of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York. The alliance has representatives statewide and continues to grow annually. Collectively, it represents more than 5,400 manufacturers and businesses and about 181,300 manufacturing jobs. “As everyone knows, this is a historical event and has had a significant impact not only in Central New York, but throughout the nation,” Wolken said. JUNE / JULY 2020
He said unemployment and business activity have changed in highly dramatic ways, but many manufacturers are open in some capacity, he added. In New York state, the unemployment rate in April stood at 15%, compared to 4.2% in March. Industries that were deemed nonessential throughout the nation have been forced to change operations or reduce production capacity, Wolken said. “They did and have responded effectively. A significant amount of manufacturing activity has occurred, OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
and the sector has adapted in this new environment,” he said. Some manufacturers had already shifted production or capacity by early May. MACNY did a recent survey in the throes of the pandemic with about 100 manufacturers responding, and 80 percent were open on some level, Wolken said. The average capacity was 75% and that number varied from 20% to 100%. Some manufacturers didn’t have to make a transition and operated at full capacity. Food-processing companies, for example, were actually hiring. “The reality is depending on the industry, clearly this was a step backwards for all manufacturers,” he said. Manufacturing firms in New York reported that general business activity plunged dramatically in early April, according to the Federal Reserve of New York’s Empire State Manufacturing Survey.
Silver lining At the same time, however, there 37
will be new opportunities as the region goes forward. Making and providing personal protective equipment, for instance, is in high demand. In April, Tessy Plastics announced that it was planning to hire 200 people and turn a warehouse in Auburn into a high-tech manufacturing center for the production of 5-minute coronavirus test kits, a measure designed to help get the nation back to work. Tessy, which is headquartered in Skaneateles and has large manufacturing facilities in Elbridge and Van Buren, reportedly said the contract to produce the test kits is the largest in the company’s history. Tessy is a global contract manufacturer that specializes in injection molding and custom automated assembly solutions. Wolken said the amount of tests that are going to be needed will be in the tens of thousands. Most estimates call for a COVID-19 vaccine to be developed in a year or two, which further enhances the need for testing. “When you think about producing a vaccine for the world, that’s a lot of production,” said Wolken, noting that New York state may regain its status as being a home for pharmaceutical production. He said the area will also explore opportunities within the ventilator and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) realm, as well as software and hardware associated with tracing and tracking technology that is going to be in high demand. Breweries, such as Anheuser-Busch in Baldwinsville, are also shifting gears and producing hand sanitizer, which in turn is bottled by area plastic manufacturers. The Anheuser-Busch plant in Baldwinsville is producing and distributing hand sanitizer to accommodate the growing need across the U.S. in the face of COVID-19. JMA, a wireless technology company based in Syracuse, recently designed an emergency-use ventilator it said could be used to keep critically ill coronavirus patients alive. “This shows the versatility and innovativeness of our manufacturing sector to come back to find a way to make a difference,” he said. Wolken said to expect more companies, both large and small, to jump into these opportunities as the nation reshores and creates new opportunities at home. 38
Randy Wolken is the president and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and president of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York. “I’m convinced New York-based manufacturers are well positioned to do that, mainly because they have done it before.” “Having these big technology companies deciding to have their tech supply chains so far flung, especially in Asia which was initially hit the hardest, is going to be hard to justify in the future,” he said. Another significant resource for CNY is SUNY Upstate Medical University, which is a leader in the fight against COVID-19. “There will be some upsides. No one would wish this tragedy on anybody, but there will be some opportunities that come from this very tragic situation,” he said. “It is likely that we will see at least a quarter or two of challenges ahead. We are hoping it comes back as quickly as possible,” he added.
Making adjustments Wolken said regional manufacturers have changed their operations to be open safely. He said now being required is a series of steps to ensure social distancing, and when there can’t be proper social distancing, there are guidelines on wearing masks and face-covering apparel and equipment. Manufacturing facilities have also developed response plans to make OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
sure someone who is infected with COVID-19 does not gain entry into the facilities. Many MACNY members are now mandating temperature checks and also enforcing travel restrictions. “They’ve responded to the new norm, and that has become the case for anyone who has stayed open as an essential business,” he said. Furthermore, businesses are sharing lessons learned with other manufacturers. “In the future, other businesses will need to learn from the manufacturing experience,” he said. Wolken said while some business models have been changed, it is mostly processes that have been altered. However, he did foresee models being changed down the line. Meanwhile, the automotive industry and its supply chains have taken a pause being that it was not deemed essential. Wolken said the rebound will be in increments, and Novelis — which partially shut down its Scriba operations in mid-March — is expected to be back on line early this summer. The aluminum producer employs 1,150 people, making it the largest manufacturer in Oswego County. It processes rolled aluminum for use as vehicle body panels. Its largest customer, Ford, uses the aluminum in its popular F-Series pickup trucks.
Keys to comeback Wolken addressed what needs to happen in order for the manufacturing sector in Central New York to rebound from COVID-19 on a successful level. “The key is to do it smartly and safely, and that’s been demonstrated by those who are open. You have to change operations or business models to make sure you are profitable and viable going forward,” he said. “I’m convinced New York-based manufacturers are well positioned to do that, mainly because they have done it before.” Wolken said this is not the first challenge New York manufacturers has had placed upon it. “We have a lot of high-tech businesses that have figured it out, and I’m convinced they will do it again,” he said. Wolken has been with MACNY since 2001 and has viewed manufacturers survive some severe tests, such as the recession that struck in 2008-2010. “By the time we came out of that, unemployment was at 4.5%,” he said. “I think we have the vitality and resilience to make our way back through JUNE / JULY 2020
and out the other side using those same skills” that prove successful 10 years ago, he said. Wolken said there will be new opportunities and he anticipates reshoring of manufacturing to occur. “I don’t think you are going to find facemasks, other personal protective equipment and many other things made exclusively overseas anymore,” he said. In the health care sector, he foresees that pharmaceutical products won’t be made internationally in the same way, as well as facemasks and ventilators that are now being produced in other parts of the world. “I think we are going to relook at what are essential businesses, and it is going to be well beyond national defense related items like military equipment. I think you are going to find a resourcing of both health, tech and agriculture,” he said. “We want our food, tech, health care and national defense made here,” he said. “In the past, we were probably a little too lenient as to where our supply chains can come from. So I think we are going to need to relook at all that and I think you are going to see a surge of manufacturing in the future.” Upon the outbreak of COVID-19, MACNY went strictly digital in terms of its products and services and staff was fully deployed from home. “We are now doing more digital learning, training and networking then ever before,” Wolken said. The staff at MACNY has also been inundated with calls from across the nation from those interested in finding out the organization’s take on best workplace safety practices as businesses deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. “This isn’t the last we’re going to hear from this. There is going to be a resurgence in a variety of places across the country, and we know that until there is a vaccine, there is not likely to be an ending to the COVID-19 threat,” he said. Wolken and his staff post daily updates on MACNY’s website for members, is constantly updating information relating to every federal and state program associated with COVID-19, and help companies make necessary adjustments. “It’s not by chance manufacturing is one of the first sectors to be slated to be phased in first,” Wolken said. “They have worked hard to be ready for the moment. “Manufacturers have worked hard to be in this position,” he added. JUNE / JULY 2020
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Ann and her husband Dave Benton, the owners of Hall Island Distillery in Cicero, shifted from making vodka to making hand sanitizer.
Helping Out During the Pandemic Businesses like Cortini Shoe Store, Lock 1 Distilling Co. and Hayner Hoyt Corporation play role in fighting the pandemic By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
D
uring the pandemic, some businesses have shut down, shifted where they work or changed how they work, but some have been able to change what they do to help their community. Joe Cortini, owner of Cortini Shoe Store in Fulton, usually fixes footwear, upholstery, tarps and leather goods. During the height of the pandemic, he 40
began sewing masks. “It all started when I heard about a shortage of masks for frontline workers, specifically hospital employees and EMTs,” Cortini said. “We have the machinery and material, so I thought why not try to help out?” He fashioned his first mask March 14. It took about four hours to make that prototype. Many of the patterns OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
available on social media were intended for a home sewer who might make a dozen or so masks. “I had to figure out how to make a large quantity in as little time as possible while remaining the integrity of the product,” Cortini said. He and his employees came up with a proprietary design that enabled them to produce about 100 masks daily. JUNE / JULY 2020
While the demand began to taper off by mid-May, the shop was able to donate 1,500 to organizations like Oswego County Opportunities, Oswego Health, Fulton Police Department, Syracuse VA and also to anyone who came through the shop. “If they wanted to make a donation, it would be accepted,” Cortini said. He bought a few hundred yards of fabric, either 100% cotton or a cotton/ polyester blend, depending upon the application. Cortini had family members helping and one employee. Since his shop was deemed an essential business, he remained open. That has helped his shop survive during the shut-down. “It’s created a lot of awareness,” Cortini said. “Many of my regular customers came in to pick up masks and I’ve seen a lot of new people. It created a lot of awareness that this type of shop exists.” Cortini said that even though his business was deemed essential, that didn’t necessarily bring customers through the doors. Making an item they need — masks — brought customers. “I’m surprised that a lot of businesses didn’t pivot to be able to serve the public, given the restraints placed upon us,” he said. “You need to figure out how to make it work.” Dave Benton, owner of Hall Island Distillery in Cicero, shifted from making vodka to making hand sanitizer. In addition to creating a replacement revenue stream for the spirits — sales dropped off during the height of the pandemic — making sanitizer also created a lot of positive public relations for the young company. It began when Haun Welding Supply in Syracuse contracted Benton to make a sprayable sanitizer to clean medical equipment in hospitals and nursing homes. That led to Hall Island making 70% alcohol sanitizer for general use. The distillery obtained licensure and began making sanitizer to World Health Organization standards. “We made vodka and turned it into hand sanitizer,” Benton said. Hall Island used all local ingredients the company already had inhouse. The company donated sanitizer to numerous local fire departments, healthcare providers and municipal organizations. Though demand for both liquor and sanitizer have decreased now, Benton said that the experience has been good for Hall Island. “It’s hard to start a new company and bring a product to market, as there’s a million kinds of vodka on the market,” JUNE / JULY 2020
Joe Cortini, owner of Cortini Shoe Store in Fulton, spent time during the pandemic by sewing masks. His shop was able to donate 1,500 masks to organizations like Oswego County Opportunities, Oswego Health, Fulton Police Department and Syracuse VA.
Jeremy Thurston, president of The Hayner Hoyt Corporation, donated 1,200 masks it had in stock to St. Joseph’s and Crouse hospitals. “It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “It was heartbreaking the number of people who needed masks, he said.
Benton said. “We can’t do tastings now, and people like to taste spirits before they buy. I think that making the sanitizer will help since it’s good PR.” Lock 1 Distilling Co. in Phoenix also switched production — from making vodka to making hand sanitizers. “It’s great how every one seems to be looking for a way to get involved, to help out,” Jason Hatch, general manager at Lock 1, told the Post-Standard in mid March. “This is our way, by using what we know how to do to help out.” For some companies, it’s not what they can do, but supplies they have on hand to give during a crisis that makes a difference. The Hayner Hoyt Corporation, a construction firm in Syracuse, has performed substantial work for St. Joseph’s Health and Crouse Hospital. That gave president Jeremy Thurston an idea: why not donate masks to healthcare providers? The N95 face masks protect Hayner Hoyt workers while they perform jobs involving dust. “We buy personal protective equipment at the beginning of the year, so we were happy to share,” Thurston said. The company donated 1,200 masks to St. Joseph’s, and the same number to Crouse. “We gave them as much as we thought we could and kept a small
supply for ourselves for the next few months,” Thurston said. The company ran short on masks and had to restock through a supplier that cost more than normal; however, Thurston is still glad that the company gave the masks. “It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “It was heartbreaking the number of people who needed masks. The company benefited through positive press about their generosity. “Even though we suffered shortages, I still wouldn’t have changed what we did,” Thurston said. “If we could’ve given more, I would have. The frontline workers potentially put their lives on the line. It’s the least we could do. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. It’s a time we have to rally together.” “When we run out of things we’d typically do, it allows us to be more creative, to tap into new ways to serve people,” said Deb Coman, owner of Deb Coman Copywriting in Syracuse. “What we will create will catapult us further. I think that’s possible for almost everyone.” Comen added that a company that pivots and adapts its goods or services will not only keep the doors open, but also garner some really good public relations from their efforts.
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Grocery Industry: Pandemic Changes How America Shops By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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emember meandering through grocery aisles to discover new meal ideas, hunt for your favorite snacks or find an interesting spice? Today’s means of obtaining groceries has become far different compared with the experience of mere months ago. In light of the pandemic, many consumers have turned to grocery delivery. Among grocers selling online, sales shot up 210.1% between March 12 and 15, 2020 compared with March 12 to 15, 2019, according to Rakuten Intelligence. Modifications at Save A Lot in Fulton has helped increase customer comfort levels. Installation of Plexiglas shields at each register and wearing masks has helped, according to Tricia Woodward, store manager. “About 99.9% of people coming in are wearing masks,” she said. Store personnel also wipe down carts, registers shelves, tags and other surfaces. The extra work requires the store to close an hour earlier each evening; however, sales are still strong. Price Chopper, as with many other grocery stores, has offered Instacart for grocery delivery for years. Mona Golub, 42
vice president of public relations and consumer services, said that Instacart has increased dramatically since the pandemic started. Instacart’s business has increased more than 400% companywide. Price Chopper also provides curbside service. Golub said that employees at the store shop for the customer’s orders and customers call from the curb once they’ve arrived. In general, grocery store sales have shot up. “At this point with schools closed and restaurants open for take-out only, people are enjoying more meals at home than they usually do and recognizing the economics of buying food at the supermarket to buy at home,” Golub said. “It reminds us as to how economical it is to do that.” Golub thinks that grocery delivery and curbside pick-up may continue as popular options, “but not as much as at the peak of the pandemic.” Instacart delivery has become more popular at ALDI. The chain added Instacart in September, 2018 and it’s currently available at nearly all ALDI stores. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
“Customer response to grocery delivery has been overwhelmingly positive, and through this online offering, we have been able to reach new customers who weren’t previously shopping at ALDI, while offering added convenience to our existing customers,” said Aaron Sumida, ALDI Tully division vice president. ALDI recently began expanding its curbside pick-up service to about 600 stores nationwide, including the stores in Camillus, Cicero, Clay and East Syracuse. Changes have also come to Tops Friendly Markets. “This has been an unprecedented time for everyone and especially for the grocery industry,” said Kathy Sautter, Tops’ public and media relations manager. “As you can imagine, the demand for grocery services like pickup and delivery have escalated causing longer wait times than usual over the course of this pandemic but throughout, we have greatly improved upon these concerns by working closely with our partner Instacart to closely monitor the situation and increase the number of options for JUNE / JULY 2020
our customers.” Strategies like expanding the hours in which Instacart shoppers can look for customers’ goods has helped meet customers’ expectations. Tops also started a pilot program in which it supplements the Instacart workforce with their own store associates. At Wegmans, online shopping “has definitely been increasing,” said Marcie Rivera, media relations specialist at Wegmans. The store has offered Instacart for a few years. “We’ve had people who have had problems placing orders because the demand is so high,” Rivera said. “We’re letting our shoppers know that even though demands are high, we’re encouraging them to keep checking.” She added requests for curbside service have also increased and likely will continue after the pandemic subsides.
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Curbside Service Helps a Camillus Shop Stores offering curbside service and delivery have seen increases in these services. Witty Wicks Candles and Gift Shop in Camillus sells food items, which enabled the store to become approved as an essential retail business. Owner Aubry Panek said that online sales have increased. Promoting sales through Facebook has proven helpful. “We have live shopping events,” Panek said. “We call it ‘Wacky Wednesday.’ We feature certain items or sections of the store. Saturdays, we have ‘Cocktails with Cathy’ and she introduces the new candle for the week. We also have virtual shopping, an hour where we shop the entire store and they can direct message us.” She said that the store has always maintained a strong social media presence and that’s been helpful to boosting its online sales. Zany personalities don’t hurt, either. “Our customers are used to us doing live unboxings,” Panek said. “Cathy and I do silly online stuff all the time. It was a natural progression for us. We will continue to do that. I don’t know that it will be necessary to do live shopping events, though. “What’s been nice is customers are home and they still want to give gifts to people and have something new in their house. They want some comfort items. It’s been fun to sit at home and feel like they’re in the store shopping.” JUNE / JULY 2020
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Contact Tracers Key to New York’s Battle with COVID-19 Job of contact tracers compared to old-fashioned detective work By Payne Horning
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Tina Bourgeois (seated), a senior LPN and communicable disease nurse at the Oswego County Health Department, and Jodi Martin, the supervising public health nurse for preventive services at the Oswego County Health Department. They both work as contact tracers in Oswego County. 44
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
esearchers at Columbia University recently released a study indicating how effective measures to enforce social distancing and restrict individual contact have been in the United States’ battle with COVID-19. The analysis suggests that these steps reduced transmission rates and thus the overall death rate. In fact, the model used in the study showed that had the country’s leaders implemented these social distancing measures just one week earlier — on March 8 rather than March 15 — as many as 36,000 deaths could have been avoided, which is more than one-third of total deaths related to the virus in the U.S. to date. Key to the success of the social distancing initiative is a group known as contact tracers. Contact tracing is the practice of tracking down people who have either tested positive for the virus or those who have come into contact with someone who is infected. Like the roots of a plant, the contacts one person has can spread far and wide in the community. It’s the job of contact tracers to find out about each and every one of these interactions and contact those people so they can be told about their potential exposure to the virus, the need to get tested, and then advised JUNE / JULY 2020
to quarantine so as not to continue the spread of the virus. Contact tracers say in many ways, they are like old-fashioned detectives. “This really is an investigation,” said Wendy Kurlowicz, director of community environmental health at the Onondaga County Health Department. “It’s not just about gathering some information. It’s about thinking on your feet and asking the questions to make people really think honestly about where they’ve been and whom they have put at risk for exposure.” Once someone tests positive, contact tracers need to inquire about all of the contacts the individual has had within a time period that is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Kurlowicz said usually, that means a few days before they started experiencing symptoms or were tested for the virus. This investigatory work requires patience according to Tina Bourgeois, a senior licensed practical nurse and communicable disease nurse at the Oswego County Health Department. “You can’t rush them,” Bourgeois said. “I always tell them take your time and think through this; let’s figure this out and protect everybody you’ve come in contact with — right down to the mailman.” That said, Bourgeois said it’s more of a conversation than an interrogation. Her colleague Jodi Martin, the supervising public health nurse for preventive services at the Oswego County Health Department, agrees. “You have to build a bond and a relationship in a short period of time or they will not be open with you,” Martin said. That begins and ends, she says, with displaying empathy. Sometimes, the contact tracer is the first person to inform the individual that their test for COVID-19 came back positive, which can evoke an emotional response. Martin says it’s their responsibility to not only console these people but also walk them through what happens next and what to do if they become seriously ill. It also means ensuring they feel supported by asking if they have the resources necessary to last them through the period of quarantine, which is supposed to be observed for 14 days. One time, Martin and her colleagues actually delivered toilet paper and aspirin to someone who lived alone. Bourgeois and Martin, who have spent years working in contact tracing for the Oswego County Health DepartJUNE / JULY 2020
ment, say that COVID-19 is in some ways easier to investigate than other communicable diseases. Everyone is familiar with what the disease is, so there isn’t as much to teach as with other diseases, and the number of potential contacts per person are somewhat limited since most people have been quarantining since mid-March. But the sheer volume of people who have contracted the disease multiplied by the number of contacts each one has had is overwhelming county health departments across the country. Onondaga, Oswego, and other counties have had to pull employees from different divisions of their health departments just to help make these calls. As a result, many contact tracers like Kurlowicz are doing this for the first time ever. “From nurses to the environmental health team to early intervention to public health coordinators — this is a completely different role and we jumped right into this,” Kurlowicz said. “It’s all hands on deck here.” Even more people will be joining the team in the coming months thanks to a new state initiative. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state plans to build an ‘army’ of contact tracers — anywhere from 6,400-17,000 depending on the projected number of cases of COVID-19. The effort is being funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the curriculum to train and certify individuals to become contact tracers is being developed by the Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. Gov. Cuomo says ramping up the number of contact tracers is vital as the state attempts to end the statewide quarantine. Martin said she was skeptical at first about adding people who are not public health employees to the team of contact tracers. But she does not see another way for New York’s existing staff to stop the massive amount of known people who are positive or have come into contact with someone who is positive from inadvertently infecting others, which is key to reopening safely. In fact, she encourages people to apply because the work is so vital and fulfilling. “Sometimes, you don’t always see the benefit right there of a contact tracer, but there is a benefit,” Martin said. “You’re not going to see it because the whole purpose of that is to stop more cases, so even though sometimes you may feel like why am I doing this they are doing a lot of good. It is rewarding.” OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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How COVID Could Permanently Change the Office as We Know It Employees returning to work are likely to find a different workplace — everything from new cleaning procedures to amending the way they deliver services By Payne Horning
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ew Yorkers across the state are headed back to the office after months of quarantining, but it’s not exactly business as usual. Employers had to create safety plans in order to reopen that have made major changes to their operations — everything from new cleaning procedures to amending the way they deliver services to their customers. Even their customers are being asked to help by wearing facemasks and practicing social distancing when visiting. And the way some professionals see it, there won’t be a return to normal — this is the new normal. Nellie Brown, the director of Work-
46
place Health and Safety Programs for the Worker Institute at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, said the workforce is entering a new phase. “We are looking at the workplace through the lens of communicable diseases and we hadn’t really done that before,” Brown said. “We tend to look at the workplace in terms of what is safe occupancy to get good egress in an emergency like a fire or how do we size our ventilation system for this number of occupants — that kind of thing, but we haven’t really looked at disease prevention quite the same way before.” Brown, a certified industrial hyOSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
gienist, has been advising businesses on how to reopen safely. She said there are some changes that can be made immediately, like having employees work at the office on different days to reduce how many people are sharing the same space at once, or at the very least staggering arrival and departure times to reduce congregating in elevators and stairways. Another quick fix is improving the office’s cleaning and disinfecting practices. Then there are the bigger, long-term modifications. Brown said in the near future, it’s possible that offices may be outfitted with communicable diseases in mind. That means installing ventilation JUNE / JULY 2020
systems with better air filtration and replacing commonly touched surfaces where possible, such as putting in automatic faucets in the restroom. Even the design of offices themselves could be amended. “I think this is going to really spell the end of the open office idea,” Brown said. “If you’re going to have high cubicle walls or put people into private offices then that’s different because you’ll have barriers, but if you’re going to have little bitty cubicle walls or desks just scattered all over the place, that’s not going to work unless you drop your density so enormously and that may not be practical for some.” Companies that already adapted to the modern open office are now wrestling with how to safely reintroduce their employees into that environment. One such business is The Digital Hyve, a digital advertising and marketing agency based in downtown Syracuse. CEO Jeff Knauss is delaying when his employees have to return to the office until later this summer and even then, things will not be the same. Only a certain amount of people will be allowed in the building at any one time, shared spaces like the office kitchen will be off limits, and each employee will need to wear a facemask. Although some of those rules may be amended to meet the present circumstances, Knauss said there are some adjustments that will be permanent. He plans to add more opportunities for remote work on an ongoing basis. The Digital Hyve already allowed employees to work from home one day per week before the pandemic, so it was an easy transition when the state shut down in mid-March. And the lockdown since then has given the company the chance to work out the bugs. “We miss the ability to collaborate with our team members and just walk over to the desk and have a quick conversation,” Knauss said. “But we have different communication tools set in place so no matter what your preference is, you can still have those conversations. We have one-on-one Slack [instant messaging] communication that can happen regularly and Zoom [video conferencing] if you need more of a formalized meeting or if it’s a larger group setting.” Knauss said in conversations with his peers in the digital and tech industry in Syracuse, they have collectively come to realize that a physical presence in the office isn’t necessary to effectively run their companies. JUNE / JULY 2020
Nellie Brown, the director of Workplace Health and Safety Programs for the Worker Institute at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. “We are looking at the workplace through the lens of communicable diseases and we hadn’t really done that before. We tend to look at the workplace in terms of what is safe occupancy to get good egress in an emergency like a fire or how do we size our ventilation system for this number of occupants — that kind of thing, but we haven’t really looked at disease prevention quite the same way before.” One of those peers is Jeffrey Rubin, CEO of Sidearm Sports, a Syracuse-based company that builds website and apps for college athletic programs. Not only has his staff acclimated to this new environment, it’s also changing the way they plan to operate moving forward. Whereas in the past the objective was to hire mainly within Syracuse or those who were willing to relocate to the Salt City, Rubin said that’s no longer viewed as necessary. “I think our mentality has changed,” Rubin said. “Maybe it doesn’t really matter that we’re here in Syracuse. We could hire a developer that’s from Buffalo or Rochester or Albany or downstate and maybe they can come to the office every once in awhile to have that social interaction, but that we can do this OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
remotely. We’ve been tested over the past nine weeks and we have come to realize we can use technology to be as collaborative.” While Rubin acknowledges that it’s easier for the tech industry to embrace remote and other digital work given the services they provide are all done online anyway, he believes these changes will spread to other areas of the workforce too just like how every office has come to implement technology in some capacity. Knauss says it could have broader, cultural effects as well. “I think the interesting paradigm shift that will happen is that before all of this broke out, it was almost kind of a disrespect if you’re not willing to meet in person with a client. The question always was why would we meet online when we can meet in person,” Knauss said. “I think what’s going to happen moving forward is going to be the opposite: why should we meet in person when we can meet virtually?” Culture changes are perhaps one of the most important adjustments employers and employees need to make to avoid another major outbreak according to Brown, the Cornell expert. At the top of her list is encouraging people to discourage presenteeism – the opposite of absenteeism. She said too many people think going to work when you are sick is an act of loyalty or courage, but it is actually more expensive and counterproductive in the long run because of how that illness can infect others. Instead, Brown said employees should collectively bargain for better sick policies and employers should stop putting their efforts into punishing sick leave and focus on cross-training employees so that when one person is out sick, the office can function in their absence. Brown said no single change is going to make the difference necessary to avoid another contagion, but taken together they can reduce that risk. It may take a while, however, we’re the only ones standing in the way. “This means a lot of change and change is difficult for humans,” she said. “Oscar Wilde said when faced with the need to change or to prove they don’t need to change, most people get busy on the proof. And you could see that on Memorial Day when so many people behaved as though they were Kindergarteners on recess — they just immediately ran out, going right back to their old ways of doing things. And, unfortunately, we can’t do that. We’re creatures of habit and we have to build new habits.” 47
SPECIAL REPORT
Working from Home. Will the Trend Continue? Business owners say better technology has enable their workforce work from home efficiently By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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uring the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies figured out ways for their employees to work from home. Could this shift kick off a growing trend of working at home? John Timmerman, CEO of Good Monster, a digital marketing company in Clay, thinks it could. His company had worked in a traditional office setting for its first four years, and then three years ago went all remote. “We found it’s more efficient and our team members are happier because they don’t have to commute to an office,” Timmerman said. Timmerman is also co-founder of the No Bull business conference and CEO of Jaxon Jovie, a company making 48
athletic cut jeans. He said that employees in each company liked having more time to spend with their family and doing whatever else they want. While a happier workforce can help companies reduce costly turnover and boost productivity and morale, the biggest reason many companies will stay remote is that they can dramatically reduce overhead in ways they had never thought possible before. “We will come out of this current situation with a large number of businesses realizing they can save $50,000 on rent without having an office,” Timmerman said. Of course, texting, phone calls and emails help; however, Timmerman said that video technology helps remote OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
workers “maintain a level of social interaction and have meetings to make decisions. Companies are signing million-dollar deals via video chat instead of flying across the world.” Working at home may seem like a license for slacking off; however, that’s another area in which technology makes all the difference. Timmerman said that using Hubstaff software allows employees to track their work by project, time and client. The software also takes screen shots of the work in progress and can use GPS tracking for companies that operates job sites, though that’s not relevant to Good Monster. “All of this tech did exist before; it’s just making it easier for business to make the transition to remote working,” Timmerman said. He added that at the beginning of the COVID-19 quarantine, so many people working at home and streaming for non-work purposes strained the internet. He believes that internet providers will continue to expand their capacity to handle the workload as people continue to work at home. Timmerman said that people who work remotely usually are much more willing to sacrifice to get a task done since they have more freedom and flexibility. Work a holiday? No problem. Work late? Not a big deal. “That’s because they can take off a random Tuesday at other times,” Timmerman said. “It’s changing the way that the normal 9 to 5 goes. It’s erasing it. JUNE / JULY 2020
They’ll work on a Sunday because they have Tuesday off.” Another effect he has noticed about the surge in remote work is reduction in the stigma of working with one’s children around. “I’m literally feeding my newborn son with a bottle as we’re talking,” he said during the interview. “I had a call where we were signing a mid-six figure deal and the CEO had her young children running around. I had my kid in the carrier and hers are asking her to play a game with her. Times are changing. Whether forced or the pandemic, it’s becoming real. And people realize it’s OK to have a family and a child crying in the background. It’s human. We’ll have remote work and babysitting kids while juggling work. It’s not viewed as negative that you had to leave to pick up your child.” He added that instead of viewing parenting and work life as incompatible, business professionals are beginning to view parents are more relatable, accessible and trustworthy. Timmerman also believes that working at home will equalize childrearing and housekeeping tasks between the genders, away from the more social norm of women taking on the majority of those tasks — partly because more men are present at home and more aware of how much work women do at home. “The guys are getting it,” Timmerman said. “I am all for giving her as much time as she needs to be productive. Women have just as much human need to be productive as men do. The opportunities for parents to do things in this day and age with this internet-driven society is just going to be a greater collective family work mash-up.” Timmerman said that he has enjoyed staying home with his wife, Lindsay, after she delivered their child, both to help her and to get to know his son better than he would have if he had worked away from home. As another advantage for businesses, remote working can help reduce missed work days because of a childhood illness that keep kids home from daycare or school. The societal shift to a virtual office hasn’t affected Deb Coman, owner of Deb Coman Writing, Editing & Coaching in Syracuse. Everything she does is online. “There’s a lot of benefits and flexibility,” Coman said about working at home. “In some ways, it may lead to better customer service. That will be another interesting thing to see. “I think it’s been the trend but something like this pandemic pushed it along.” She views the improvements in business as some of the good that has come from the pandemic, such as enabling employees to work at home, improving business processes and increasing efficiency. Coman thinks that more companies are working to improve their online presence as consumers turn to online shopping, delivery and entertainment more than ever. “In order to get those clients, you have to have an online presence that attracts your clients,” she said. “You have to find that audience online and nurture them.” Coman And of course, many of those creating content such as that are working at home, like Coman. JUNE / JULY 2020
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Melissa Gardner
Working at Home This Summer? Here Are Some Tips ‘When you share a photo or attend a call on video, stop worrying about your appearance. You are not alone to be unshaven, wearing glasses, without makeup or with a messy mop of hair. Be comfortable with who you are, no apologies!’
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any employers have made it official: Their employees will be working from home this summer. Now that you know the plan for the next couple of months, here are some things to think about. • Take time off: With quarantine, it may feel as though you don’t need vacation days, but you do. Enjoy a long weekend or take a Wednesday to break up the week. You need to do this. • Set up your work space: Sure, you have been home since March and have somewhere you’ve been working. But with at a couple of months ahead of you, do you have what you really need? Do you have a wireless key board and mouse, a large enough monitor, a comfortable chair? Don’t put this off. Make your setup work for you! • Get outside: You are home for the summer: Take advantage of that. Work outside if you can or sit near an open window. Schedule breaks to sit outside in the sun for five minutes to get some Vitamin D. • Take a walk or run: Nobody will know if you login to a meeting sweating. Get some fresh air and stretch your legs by walking around the yard or neighborhood. Take a walk for meetings where you don’t need to be on screen. It will help you focus on
GUEST COLUMNIST
Melissa Gardner is senior vice president for Strategic Business Programs at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. 50
the meeting and let you get some physical activity. • Assess your work day: Be mindful about taking breaks, stepping away from the computer and getting up to move about during the day. If you find this hard to do, schedule it. • Stop working: Set an end to your work day. Being home, it is easy to get caught up and work well past when you intended. While this might happen occasionally, make sure you are working a reasonable number of hours in a day. Just because you are home, it doesn’t mean you have to be on call 24/7. • Talk about what you need: Talk to your leader, colleagues or anyone else to share what you are feeling, ask questions, and to find what is working for others and see if it will work for you. We are all struggling with something. Don’t be afraid to talk about what is happening and ask for help. • Find replacements: Ask yourself, “When things go back to normal, what is the first thing I want to do?” Based on the answer, find a new way to meet that want. Don’t wait! For example, if the first thing you want to do is go out for a nice dinner, find a great restaurant that is offering takeout, set your table, light a candle and make it an experience. • Stop apologizing: When you share a photo or attend a call on video, stop worrying about your appearance. You are not alone to be unshaven, wearing glasses, without makeup or with a messy mop of hair. Be comfortable with who you are, no apologies! • Share what’s working for you: Let your colleagues know about your at home success and failures and listen carefully to theirs. We’re all in this together.
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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People With Intellectual Disabilities Are Being Hit Hard by COVID-19
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ew research is shining a light on a group particularly vulnerable to the new coronavirus: People with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), cared for either by family at home or in group homes. People with these types of disabilities include those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other conditions, and the data shows they’re significantly more likely to die after contracting COVID-19 than the general public. According to the database used in the study, the virus claimed the lives of just under 3% of COVID-19 patients between the ages of 18 and 74 who did not have an IDD. But among COVID-19 patients who do have an IDD, that figure rose by half, to 4.5%. IDD patients under the age of 18 are also more likely to die from COVID-19 than their young non-IDD peers, the study found. Group homes may be especially hazardous, said one expert unconnected to the new study. “People with IDD living in residential settings experienced what I would qualify as the ‘perfect storm’ for COVID-19,” said Michelle Ballan. She’s associate dean of research in the school of social welfare at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook. “People with IDD frequently rely on hands-on assistance from other people with daily self-care tasks, making social distancing particularly challenging and further increasing risk of disease transmission,” Ballan explained. “Not only are people with IDD who do not live independently at risk,” she added, “but their caregivers may also find themselves facing competing obligations: To stay home if they are feeling sick, and to help the individuals who rely on them for daily functioning.” Higher risk in young The new study was led by Margaret Turk, a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Her team tracked the experience of more than 30,000 COVID-19 patients, including just under 500 who were characterized as having an IDD.
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Tim Nekritz nekritz@gmail.com
Where Have All the Local Musicians Gone? Stayin’ alive? Musicians go on in the time of pandemic
‘When music is your lifeblood and your livelihood, the show must go on. That’s what performers and the places that host them are learning, and adapting to.’
Tim Nekritz is director of news and media for SUNY Oswego, where he spearheads telling the stories of the campus community. 52
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n normal times, Tuesday nights are a highlight for John McConnell and what has become a local musical family. For decades, Old City Hall (OCH) on Water Street in the Port City has held Open Mic Night, hosted for the past decade by the amiable McConnell and featuring musicians of all types, skill levels and walks of life. But the sudden shift caused by COVID-19 has disrupted life for every participant. “I’ve formed countless relationships at that gig and OCH will forever be one of my homes away from home,” McConnell said. “I miss performing in the space next to the wood stove and I miss listening to my friends and fellow open mikers perform there too.” But when music is your lifeblood and your livelihood, the show must go on. That’s what performers and the places that host them are learning and adapting to. Now McConnell’s Tuesday night involves a live Facebook performance with an opportunity for viewers to tip if they so choose — it’s “accepted but not expected,” he says at every show. Cam Caruso, normally a Tuesday open mic fixture, performs similarly on Mondays. Also on Monday nights, McConnell provides music while his partner leads weekly Yoga With Becky sessions. Many local musicians and others have gone online to make up for lost revenue, while some of the open mic’s amateurs — this writer included — perform regularly online to keep their creativity and connections flowing. For musicians like McConnell, the sense of community is something they miss as much as the income from the gigs. “I miss gently encouraging newbies to sign up and play a few tunes,” he said. “I miss getting humbled and blown away by a random performance from someone passing through town for work who heard that Old City was the spot on Tuesdays. I miss grabbing a pint after I’m all set up for the evening and I miss walking around from table to table to give and receive hugs, handshakes and weekly updates.” Juliet Forshaw — who teaches in the SUNY Oswego music department and per-
forms with musical and life partner Michael Judge in the theatrical duo Avalon — said the pandemic has accelerated trends in the industry and society. “More and more of commerce, entertainment and social life has migrated online in the last 20 years,” Forshaw said. “The primary way that a lot of people consume music is by themselves with earbuds. This mandatory break from live music gives all of us, performers and listeners, a chance to ask ourselves if this is a trend we wish to continue when our society goes back to ‘normal.’ My hope is that we will all come out of this with a renewed appreciation for in-person interaction and physical presence.” Avalon had just released a new album, “My Evil Plan,” this spring, but had to postpone performances and promotional activities. During the pandemic, the duo has taken the time to write new material. While disruptive, this stretch provides an opportunity for musicians to reflect and reconsider their activities. “In the short term, for many musicians, this break will be a chance to pioneer new ways of collaborating, performing and promoting their music,” Forshaw said. “I have great faith in their inventiveness. This will also be a quiet time for musicians to think deeply about why they have chosen to pursue music. We might ask ourselves, ‘What am I trying to accomplish with my music? Am I still willing to do it even though it just got a lot harder? What does the world need right now?’” McConnell also has found silver linings to how his life has changed under the COVID-19 dark cloud. “First off, my body and voice have been enjoying a period of rest and recuperation,” he said. “Playing music for a living can be a lot of fun but it’s tougher on the body than many folks think; especially at this level where I’m a one-man-business who’s responsible for setting up, tearing down and performing as many as seven three-hour to four-hour gigs in a week.” McConnell said this has provided more time and energy to write new material and
Tim’s Notes
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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‘My advice to fellow musicians and to myself at this time is to keep the faith and to keep learning more about all of the ins and outs of performing online because that’s the future and the future is here.’ Musician John McConnell learn new cover songs, and concentrate on other aspects of his business. But it’s also allowed a more rewarding personal life. “My typical work hours usually interfere with family time so we have been enjoying many more opportunities to hang out together,” he said. “I’ve been cooking more than ever and I can’t remember a time since the 1990s that I’ve sat down so frequently to dine as a family.” While Marc Warner is retired and doesn’t worry as much about the bottom line of the 20-plus gigs he’s missed, the bigger impact might be on events like the regular evening he hosts at the Hannibal American Legion the past few years. “It grew into something I never expected,” said Warner, who along with bassist Tim Stone, regularly welcomes guest artists for a Wednesday highlight that helps fund the legion’s activities. “We had a neat space going, and a room where people try to be quiet and listen. The legion series is a community-driven thing.” Warner performs solo gigs, as a duo called The Hokum Brothers with Kevin Barringer and in a combo called The Cool Kids with Stone and rotating players. He misses the camaraderie and the joy of making music, but still finds ways to scratch his musical itch. “This situation has brought forth a new dynamic where when I have an urge to present something, I turn on my tablet and put it out there,” he said.
‘In the short term, for many musicians, this break will be a chance to pioneer new ways of collaborating, performing and promoting their music.’ Musician Juliet Forshaw JUNE / JULY 2020
“It puts the distribution in everybody’s hands that way. Guys I would pay money to go see, I can see them during the week, almost any week.” Warner’s Cool Kids, McConnell and Caruso are also among those featured in one venue still promoting local music — GS Steamers in Oswego. Steamers has presented a live broadcast every Thursday with a different performer via their Facebook page. Like many other eateries, Steamers has adjusted to crafting a take-out menu, and this series provides a platform to local artists — who can post their virtual tip jars — while promoting their dinner offerings. While some local venues have been able to get creative to keep serving patrons, McConnell is worried about the small businesses as well as his fellow musicians. “I’ve watched nightlife numbers and gig-attendance numbers decline steadily year after year. I’ve watched that trend worsen even more dramatically in the past seven years,” he noted. “A lot of privately-owned businesses in this region were barely hanging on by a thread in 2020 and now after all this I fear we may see many close their doors for good,” McConnell said. “One aspect of this situation that I have a hard time with is that when I’m playing virtual gigs, I’m not directly helping any of the local businesses that have been hiring me and supporting my music for years.” So what can musicians and music fans do to weather the storm? “My advice to fellow musicians and to myself at this time is to keep the faith and to keep learning more about all of the ins and outs of performing online because that’s the future and the future is here,” McConnell said. “Folks can support in many ways online: by sharing musicians’ content and events on social media, by watching and engaging in their events, by leaving a virtual tip if you’re in a position to do so, or by ordering takeout from a local restaurant/bar that hosts live music.” Forshaw advised her music students to focus on their own mental health first and foremost, as they can often be sensitive to what is happening in the world. “Keep up your chops, and create an environment at home that’s conducive to your work. Beyond that, be patient and don’t try to do too much. Let ideas emerge. Don’t force them,” Forshaw suggested. “The kindest thing fans can do right now is make an effort to support OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Musician John McConnell has hosted Open Mic Night at Old City Hall bar in Oswego. Now, his Tuesday night events involve a live Facebook performance. musicians,” Forshaw added. “Buy their merch. Like and share their videos. Consider contributing to someone’s Patreon or Kickstarter. Thinking more broadly, live music will only survive if fans support the ecosystem that makes it possible.” In the post-pandemic world, music fans will have a choice to make, and Forshaw hopes they remember what they’ve been missing. “So, on some night in the future after restrictions have been lifted, and all those local venues are really hurting from having been closed for months,” she mused, “consider whether it would be better, in the grand scheme of things, to spend the evening on your couch with Netflix or go out and be a part of something that others are building.” 53
Events Industry One of Most Affected During Pandemic Most of the revenue lost during pandemic won’t be recouped, say those involved in the events’ industry
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ven during the height of the pandemic, restaurants could still offer to-go service. Grocery stores could provide curbside service, delivery or limit foot traffic. Churches could stream services online. But event industry businesses shut down without many alternative means of doing business. Holiday Inn in Liverpool usually receives 60% of its income through its conference center, hosting numerous events and meetings throughout the year.
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By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant “When we host statewide conventions, we get a lot of business from that,” said Jim Stocker, general manager. “When coronavirus hit, we elected to shut down and consolidated all our reservations to our sister hotel right behind us.” Though that has helped Holiday Inn, booking 40 rooms is a sizable drop from booking 200. But Stocker remains hopeful that the facility will reopen soon. That optimism spurred a major deep-cleaning to the entire facility and the addition installation of sanitizing stations that will help safeguard emOSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
ployees and guests. “We’re keeping everyone employed,” Stocker said. “Now we have to get the economy going. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.” Upon reopening, the facility’s meeting space will function differently. Stocker said that meeting tables will be set up with chairs spaced more widely and the rooms will have a lower maximum capacity to enable social distancing. That may limit the size of some of the large events held at Holiday Inn, he said. At Harbour Hall in Oswego, co-owner Brian Parkers has the capacity JUNE / JULY 2020
to host sit-down weddings and events of up to 120 at tables and more guests at events not requiring tables and chairs. “We had to cancel all our events through the quarantine and then the quarantine continued so those events canceled, too,” Parkers said. “We’ve been working with our customer base and refunding their deposits. I know a lot of venues that have not been refunding their deposits. Everyone has been really understanding. It’s a really tough time.” So far, couples have been marrying via the justice of the peace and trying to book wedding celebrations for next year. Parkers noted that their budgets are lower because some have lost their jobs or have experienced reduced hours at work. In addition to the lost bookings, the downscaled events will also hurt Harbour Hall. Still, he remains hopeful about Harbour Hall. “I think we’ll have a massive influx as soon as things open up,” he said. “Most venues are booked years in advance and we have openings next year.” But he said that some of the revenue won’t be recovered. A high school graduation party, for example, takes place before or right after graduation, not a year later. Venues without openings in 2021 won’t be able to accommodate clients who want to postpone their events. Parkers also rents part of his building to a coffee shop, The Coffee Connection. The shop’s owner, Paul Fauler, decided to close during the quarantine since he doesn’t have a drive-through window and the nature of his shop is for people to linger awhile and enjoy their cup of coffee. Wedding photographers have also struggled during the pandemic. Just as Dava Needle, owner of AlterImage Fine Art Wedding Photography in Syracuse. Normally, she would be photographing weddings and offering photo booth services for large events. Instead of working in what’s normally her busy season, she’s been receiving many postponements. Like Harbour Hall, those delayed bookings mean lost revenue through August. “It’s a wait-and-see scenario,” Needle said. “I’ve spoken with other wedding vendors in different aspects and we’re all waiting to see how the phases go to see if events can go ahead. I haven’t been able to do anything.” She’s been in business for 20 years and hopes to wait out the shut-down and then continue photographing weddings. Needle has no employees, so meeting payroll isn’t a concern. But any bookings she delays means lost income since that future date could have gone to a different client. “Hopefully, it will be only a matter of months,” she said. “If it doesn’t restart soon enough, I’ll have to figure out something. In life, it’s a season and this is a bad season. We’ll weather through it the best we can and hopefully that good season is right around the corner. I’m trying to keep a positive attitude. My heart goes out to anyone planning a wedding this year.”
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Return of the Drive-In With cinemas closed, business booms for drive-in movie theaters
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By Payne Horning
rlington Acres has been unusually quiet this summer. The 100acre farm in the town of Fabius is a venue site that accommodates up to 200 people and its wide-open spaces and 2,500 sq. ft. barn are popular during wedding season. In fact, the business started as a wedding venue in 2016 when the owner Katie Hatch Jerome converted her grandparents’ old dairy farm for her own ceremony. In recent weeks, though, Jerome has been readying the farm for a different kind of event: a drive-in movie theater. The idea was to generate some revenue and exposure for the business as well as give the local community something to do. Little did Jerome know how much that was needed. Arlington 56
Arlington Acres, a 100-acre farm in the town of Fabius, has been converted into a drive-in theater. Owner Katie Hatch Jerome says tickets forthe movies usually sell out within 30 minutes. Photo courtesy of Lisa Rossi.
only had 100 spots available for the first show, but the business received more than 5,000 interested responses on Facebook. Tickets sold out in 30 minutes. “Based on the overwhelming response, it quickly became clear that this was something the community was looking forward to and something that we should make happen,” Jerome said. Arlington Acres is just one of many drive-ins that have sprung up in recent weeks in Central New York and across the country, attempting to fill the gap left behind by the closure of movie theaters. Some studios have tried to keep their audiences entertained by releasing films direct to consumers, but it didn’t quench the thirst for the collective moviegoing experience. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Enter the drive-in. Paul Meyer, owner of the Finger Lakes Drive-In, said it’s like these theaters are uniquely poised for this moment. Not only do drive-ins have massive screens and a unique atmosphere, they are also able to bring people together with fewer risks than enclosed, crowded cinemas. “Drive-ins are pretty well set up for this social distancing by their very design,” Meyer said. “You’re kind of with people, but you’re not.” Drive-in proprietors have taken some precautionary measures to protect their audiences, such as spacing the vehicles out and mandating that face masks be worn when customers are in common areas like restrooms, but local JUNE / JULY 2020
audiences don’t seem to mind. Meyer and Jerome have added more showings to their lineups in recent weeks to meet the demand. Graziano Zazzara, owner of Villa Pizza Fritte, said this is about more than movies. His family recently set up a drive-in theater in the parking lot of the New York State Fairgrounds after people came out in droves for two drive-thru events to buy the food that Villa Pizza Fritte normally serves at the fair, which has been canceled this year by state officials. Some people waited in line four hours for the food, which backed up traffic in Syracuse so much that the city asked Zazzara to find another location. “The whole thing we’re doing is getting people out of their house,” Zazzara said. “Everybody feels like they’re in prison right now and they just want to get out. They want to socialize again. They want to feel like they’re alive.” At its first show, Villa Pizza Fritte screened “Top Gun,” a popular film with a strong following. Yet Zazzara posits that it didn’t matter what they showed, it could have been a silent film or — jokingly he says — videos from his family’s vacation to Italy. Those who are attending these drive-ins don’t just miss going to the movie theater, they miss seeing other people. “You’re outside. You’re in the fresh air. You can look next to you and there are some other people on both sides of you waving and beeping their horn,” He said. “I don’t think the movie has anything to do with it.” Jerome said that opportunity to get out of the house after months of quarantine can be beneficial in more than one way for those who struggle with mental health issues. Just having something to look forward to can make a difference for their state of mind. “We’re in a very small community and there are very few options things for people to do,” Jerome said. “It sounds like something fun for the community, and it definitely is, but it’s more than that for some.” With this renewed interest in driveins, these owners plan to capitalize as long as they can and are even expand beyond just showing movies. These sites are now being used to host graduation ceremonies and other community events, perhaps signifying that driveins are not just experiencing a comeback but instead are evolving to become a new gathering place in a world that desperately wants to be together after months of separation. JUNE / JULY 2020
COVID a Catalyst for Growth to Certain Industries
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By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
hile many companies have shut down during the pandemic and may struggle to reopen, others have experienced an uptick in business. While it’s not a happy reason to do more business, these business owners have enjoyed more sales in the past few months. “We’re seeing more people come in during this time than ever,” said Tricia Woodward, store manager at Save A Lot in Fulton. Stockpiling caused some stores’ sales to jump initially. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index Summary released May 12, “food indexes rose in April, with the index for food at home posting its largest monthly increase since February 1974.” Though that kind of panic-induced buying has since waned, sales are still up since before the pandemic. Part of the increase involves restaurants remaining closed except for takeout. Wary consumers have been dining — and cooking — more at home to seek the familiar comfort of favorite foods. Those still not back to work have extra time to try new recipes. Though that’s great for grocery stores, management has implemented numerous changes and many of those increase their overhead. Woodward said that Save A Lot employees began to wear masks and do business at registers with Plexiglas shields between themselves and customers. Signs posted at the entrance request customers to wear masks and the store has ramped up its normal cleaning protocol to sanitize with bleach the carts, shelves and tags twice a day. As stores and other companies have to adjust how they do business, they may need to change how they use technology. That benefits companies like Good Monster, a digital marketing firm in Clay. “There’s tech changing every day in response to this,” said John Timmerman, CEO of Good Monster. “E-commerce is exploding. People are ordering food online. Delivery services are seeing a huge spike. They’re making services better and more seamless. The work we do at Good Monster, we’re handling increased sales and traffic and trying to OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
John Timmerman is the CEO of Good Monster, a tech company based in Clay. “There’s tech changing every day in response to this [pandemic].Ecommerce is exploding,” he says. make the customer experience better.” By improving the customer experience, businesses can help smooth over snags such as when they run low on items buyers want or cannot provide services they expect. A big aspect of helping consumers adjust is sharing the right message in the right way. That stems from creating an effective strategy. That’s a big part of what Deb Coman does. She owns Deb Coman Copywriting in Syracuse. “Strategy is needed now more than ever,” she said. Once business owners realized how the pandemic would affect businesses, they were more capable of working on how they would relate to the buying public. After that initial pause, Coman saw her business become busier. “I have had more work during this time, both writing and the strategy behind content, because it’s more important now than ever to have an online presence that is clear, aligned, and consistent,” Coman said. “I’ve gotten some new clients as a result.” Some of her new clients have never built an online presence and are now starting from scratch. Coman believes that the need for companies to keep current with their customers has helped her business not only survive but to thrive during the crisis. She added that many companies are pivoting to different revenue streams since quarantine has limited their regular means of doing business. 57
L. Michael Treadwell ooc@oswegocounty.org
OOC’s and COIDA’s Aid to Businesses During COVID-19
O ‘As we look to the future, we must remain flexible in how we do business. It will not be business as usual. However, with creativity, perseverance and commitment to our community, we will support Oswego County businesses at the same level we always have.’
peration Oswego County (OOC) has businesses throughout Oswego County and been focused over the last several 36 loans had been funded. One business was weeks on assisting the small busi- waiting a bit before being funded and the four nesses of Oswego County that are struggling recently approved loans were scheduled for closing and funding. It is anticipated that the due to COVID-19. On March 23, OOC, with funding from entire loan fund of $500,000 will have been the County of Oswego Industrial Develop- lent by early June. To date, businesses across 19 municipalment Agency (COIDA), and support from the County of Oswego Department of Commu- ities in Oswego County were approved for nity Development, Tourism and Planning, funding representing both cities as well as launched the COVID-19 Emergency Relief towns and villages. Not only do these businesses span the breadth of the county, the Program. This program is an emergency loan fund services they provide are also quite diverse. of $500,000 to provide zero-interest, 180-day Industries that have participated in the proloans to small businesses (50 employees gram cross all spectrums of the economy from or less) with a maximum loan amount of manufacturing to retail, professional services $10,000 to support operations and employ- to tourism and hospitality, and agriculture to health care. A portion ment directly impacted of the businesses assisted Economic Trends by COVID-19. There is include: JP Jewelers in no cost to apply. There the city of Oswego, Green Light Courier in the are no closing costs, no filing fees and no attorney fees (if you hire an attorney you town of Schroeppel, Amedio’s Auto Repair in the town of Scriba, Mental Health Counseling are responsible for that cost). After six rounds, as of May 12, OOC of Oswego County in the city of Fulton, Salmon had approved 41 loans totaling $358,300 to River Pines in the town of Albion, Take Charge
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. 58
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Strength Studio in the village of Mexico, NY STATES ONLY PORT ON LAKE ONTARIO Focused Fiscal Force in the city of Fulton, CNY INTERMODAL CENTER Pople Ridge Farm in the town of Mexico, CME Electrical Supply in the town of Hannibal, EDM Tool Repair in the town of Granby, Greene Point Marina in the village of Sandy Creek, All-Source Fire Supply in the town of Parish and Port Lodge Motel in the town of Richland. Additionally, in response to the hardship faced by businesses during the For More Information COVID-19 pandemic, COIDA and OOC Visit Our Website have deferred existing loan payments at the request of their clients. 1 East Second Street Oswego NY 13126 Twenty-four loans through the www.portoswego.com • (315) 343-4503 COIDA, from four different loan programs, have been deferred. The businesses benefiting from the deferrals are located in the towns of Williamstown, NEW Mazak Scriba, Oswego, Hastings, Hannibal and Volney, the village of Mexico, as well as METAL WORKS 4.0 CO2 Laser the cities of Fulton and Oswego. Capable of Cutting: Two loans through OOC have been deferred. The businesses benefiting from these deferrals are in the town of Hastings and the city of Fulton. These 26 loans have a cumulative outstanding balance of over $2.1 million and represent a deferral of over $33,000 E-mail: JFSHARKIV@gmail.com in monthly payments. OOC is also a certified development corporation for the U.S. Small Business Administration and administers SBANYS only port on Lake Ontario • CNY Intermodal & Grain Export Center 504 loans for its clients. These clients have been notified that the SBA will be paying their loan payments for them from April through September. The businesses benefitting from having their loan payments covered by the SBA are located in the towns of Sandy Creek, Palermo, Albion, Schroeppel, Williamstown, Hastings and Granby, the villages of Central Square, Mexico OS W EG O CO U N TY and Pulaski, as well as the cities of Fulton and Oswego. For these 25 businesses, the SBA is paying over $55,000 monthly to cover their loan payments. Like many others, the staff of OOC has been working from home. Despite that, the staff and legal counsel have worked collaboratively to provide outreach for these programs, collect the necessary documentation, and scheduled closings to get these loans funded quickly for our small businesses. As we look to the future, we must remain flexible in how we do business. It will not be business as usual. However, with creativity, perseverance and Economy rebound coming soon? Busin commitment to our community, we will ess people weigh in support Oswego County businesses at the same level we always have.
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‘Riding Out the Storm’ SRC, Inc., a hightech Syracuse-based nonprofit research and development corporation, continues essential mission in midst of COVID-19 By Lou Sorendo
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or SRC, Inc., a nonprofit research and development corporation headquartered in North Syracuse, a successful response to COVID-19 is not only good for the economy, but it’s also critical for national security. Its research and development in radars and electronic warfare systems — including developing state-of-theart counter unmanned aerial systems program — help to defend the nation’s military and security. SRC’s major customers include all four major branches of the U.S. military, as well as the intelligence community. “We are fortunate that SRC is considered essential for our country’s security and we have been able to keep everyone employed,” said Kevin Hair, president and CEO of SRC. In Onondaga County, SRC has more than 1,000 employees and more than 1,600 nationally. The business, which produces high-level technological solutions to solve challenging threats to the nation’s defense and intelligence communities, was able to have more than 70% of staff work from home and kept its facilities open in order to provide vital products and services to its customers. Hair noted the company invited back its first wave of employees that had been working from home on May 18, in conjunction with phase one of the New York state business re-entry plan. “We are requiring that all employees must fill out health screening forms, wear face masks and follow CDC-recommended precautions when in SRC facilities,” Hair said. “Based on local directives and our employee opinions related to returning to work, 60
SRCTec employees in its manufacturing facility in North Syracuse demonstrate the use of facemasks as well as social distancing due to the COVID-19 threat. we will assess the next steps for safely reintegrating additional employees.” About 80% of manufacturers expect that the pandemic will have a financial impact on their business, according to a recent survey of the National Association of Manufacturers. Hair said that SRC is a nonprofit company and that the bottom line is not its primary concern. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
“Providing the highest-quality products and services to help keep America and our allies safe and strong is our driver,” he said. “We have been able to continue delivering our systems so far and as a result, our projected revenue is on track, barring any changes in our supply chain.” The majority of those in the manufacturing sector — 53% — expect JUNE / JULY 2020
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‘Riding Out the Storm’ COVID-19 to impact their operations, the NAM survey also reported.
Adhering to protocol Hair said SRC employees have been working over staggered shifts, adhering to social distancing guidelines and wearing personal protection equipment due to challenges posed by COVID-19. “The team has been working diligently to mitigate material challenges due to temporary facility COVID-related shut downs in our supply chain,” he said. “Even with all these challenges, we have been able to get our life-saving products to our customers,” he said. “We have been creative, partnering with government agencies to conduct acceptance tests and product inspections via videoconferencing rather than in-person to keep operations moving forward.” Hair noted among all the concerns that COVID-19 raises on a business level, SRC’s priority is providing a safe
work environment for its employees and delivering upon promises to customers. “We have been able to invest in our employees and the infrastructure to do this,” he said. “We continue to focus on the importance of practicing proper precautions and staying in communication with our employees, suppliers and customers.” Hair touched on SRC’s business continuity plans and what the business’ priorities are in the first phases of recovery. “Our crisis management team was created years ago and practices for various scenarios, including business continuity during a crisis and how to best recover afterwards,” he said. “While no one could have predicted that the current situation would impact so much for so long, we believe our previous work in business continuity planning will help us be effective in the ‘new normal.’” He noted SRC continues to follow CDC and local authority guidance as it brings back more employees to work in
Despite Pandemic, Novelis in Growth Mode Global leader in aluminum production acquires Aleris Corp. By Lou Sorendo
N
ot even a global pandemic can stop Novelis Inc., the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, from continuing to grow. Novelis is the leading producer of flat-rolled aluminum products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminum. It primarily serves the automotive, beverage can and specialty markets. Novelis Inc. recently acquired Aleris Corporation, a manufacturer and global supplier of rolled aluminum products, for $2.8 billion.
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Aleris serves a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, building and construction, transportation, packaging, and consumer goods. Its revenue in 2019 was $3.4 billion. The acquisition occurred despite manufacturing activity in New York falling to its lowest level on record. Factories across the state have been forced to shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, Novelis is poised OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
the facilities and also allows extended working from home. “We will also continue to make it a priority to have ongoing communication with employees, customers and suppliers,” he said. Hair became CEO and president of SRC, Inc. on Feb. 1, succeeding retiring Paul Tremont. In January, the U.S. Army awarded SRC a $22 million contract for technology that counters small, low-flying drones on the battlefield. The contract extends a previous Army agreement with SRC for this technology worth $108 million. SRC’s mobile systems use radar, cameras, jamming technology and other sensors to help the Army detect, track, identify and defeat hostile drones. S R C re c e n t l y c o m p l e t e d a 61,000-square-foot addition to its SRCTec Cicero location.
to more efficiently serve the growing Asia market by integrating complementary assets in the region including recycling, casting, rolling and finishing capabilities, company officials say. The company will also add aerospace to its portfolio. Aleris provides entry into the aerospace market, an operation in China that can be fully optimized, and a profitable building and construction business, said Leila Giancone, communications lead at Novelis Inc. in Oswego. “The cultures and commitment to safety are very much aligned, paving the way for a successful integration of businesses and employees and longterm growth for Novelis.” “We believe strongly that aluminum is a material in demand across a number of industries, many of which we operate in today such as automotive, beverage can, aerospace and others,” she said. “This gives us the confidence to make this acquisition.” Giancone said Novelis purchased a company that is showing positive financials and increasingly efficient operations while maintaining a focus on safety. JUNE / JULY 2020
“We are confident in our integration process, some of which will be done virtually at first to accommodate this period of temporary disruption due to COVID-19,” she noted. Novelis is now better positioned to meet customer demand for aluminum by expanding its innovative product portfolio, creating a more diverse workforce, and deepening its commitment to safety, sustainability, quality and partnership, she added. “While combining Aleris with Novelis expands our footprint and our ability to deliver rapid, adaptive and sustainable solutions, it will not directly alter production and operations in the Oswego facility,” Giancone said. “Oswego Works will continue to serve its valued customers in the automotive, beverage can and specialty markets.” As a result of the transaction, Novelis has acquired Aleris’ 13 plants across North America, Europe and Asia. To satisfy regulatory conditions, the company was required to divest Aleris’ plants in Lewisport, Kentucky, and Duffel, Belgium. Only Exelon Generation has more workers than Novelis in Oswego Coun-
“As we navigate this unprecedented and evolving situation, Novelis remains committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of our people, customers and communities.” Leila Giancone, communications lead at Novelis Inc. in Oswego. ty among private employers. Novelis employs 1,150 workers, ranking it first in Oswego County among manufacturers.
Headquarters of Novelis on the shores of Lake Ontario in Oswego.
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OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Slowed by COVID-19 While COVID-19 did not stop the acquisition of Aleris, it did alter production at Novelis Oswego Works on a temporary basis. In late March, Novelis partially closed its Oswego Works’ facility after some of its largest customers, including automakers, announced they would shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. Giancone said the company is experiencing disruption to its aluminum production and supply chain in Oswego and globally as a result of challenges presented by COVID-19. She noted some of its customers also temporarily shut down their own manufacturing operations due to the pandemic. In late April, Ford Motor Co. began recalling a skeleton crew of workers to start preparing its factories for reopening. Its plants, along with all Detroit Three assembly lines, have been shut down since late March to protect workers from exposure to COVID-19. Novelis is a major supplier to the auto industry and Ford Motor Co. is its second-largest overall customer, generating about 10 percent of its annual revenue, according to its 2019 annual report. Oswego Works makes aluminum used in the body panels of Ford’s F-Series trucks. In addition to Ford, the plant provides aluminum to GM, Fiat Chrysler, Honda, BMW and Mercedes. “As we navigate this unprecedented and evolving situation, Novelis remains committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of our people, customers and communities,” Giancone said. “We continue to monitor the situation and will plan to safely ramp up to full production when the customer demand is there. We do not have an exact date at this time.” Reports indicate that less than 300 workers are active at Oswego Works. While Novelis has temporarily ramped down aluminum supply for the automotive market, the Scriba-based plant continues to produce aluminum for the beverage can and specialty markets, Giancone said. “We have made adaptive changes to our operations schedules to ensure limited onsite staff to support our safety measures such as social distancing. We do not currently have any Oswego employees on layoff,” she noted. 63
‘Riding Out the Storm’ and a return to normal levels of capital spending on new buildings and equipment upgrades.”
Waiting for total impact
Headquarters of Fulton Companies in Pulaski.
Fulton Companies Major Pulaski-based fourth-generation family owned manufacturer places safety as priority By Lou Sorendo
I
t’s going to take more than a global pandemic to cool down a local company known as the heat transfer innovators. Fulton Companies represents a global group of companies primarily involved in sales, service, and manufacturing of commercial and industrial heat transfer equipment. That includes steam and hot water-hydronic boilers, thermal fluid (hot oil) heaters, and a full range of ancillary equipment. The company employs 300 workers, 275 of which are full time. It is Oswego County’s third largest private employer behind only Novelis and Huhtamaki. During the first phases of recovery from COVID-19, Fulton Companies is focused on “keeping everyone safe and fulfilling orders to our customers, especially those in essential businesses,” according to Bram Palm, president and CEO of Fulton Companies. “We will continue to invest in new products, making manufacturing improvements and come out of this as a stronger team and company.” Fulton Companies’ headquarters remain in Pulaski, where the fourth generation of the Palm family has begun 64
making its impression on the family business. Palm’s daughter, Allison Brown, represents the fourth generation at the business. After working for a large management-consulting firm in New York City, she is now on board at Fulton Companies and is playing a key role in implementing business strategy. “We are fortunate that we have not had any layoffs,” Palm said. “More than 75% of our business is in support of essential businesses, and we take that role very seriously.” Palm said to protect employees, Fulton Companies has implemented all of the recommended adjustments such as staggering shifts, remote working and implementing new safety procedures in all of its facilities. “We cannot predict the future economic impact of this crisis, but we are hopeful and do not expect permanent job losses at this time,” Palm said. “We believe the economy will rebound at some point, and Fulton will need to meet the demand for boilers when that point returns.” Palm said for the business to return to full strength, “we would need to see a rebound in the hospitality industry OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
About 80% of manufacturers expect that the pandemic will have a financial impact on their business, according to a recent survey of the National Association of Manufacturers. “We do expect COVID-19 to impact the bottom line, though we are not yet sure to what degree it will be affected,” Brown said. “Some areas remain strong, like sales for essential businesses such as food production and hospitals while other areas have seen a decline, such as hospitality and new building construction.” The majority of those in the manufacturing sector (53%) expect COVID-19 to impact their operations, the NAM survey reported. “We have had to quickly adapt to an entirely new way of working — one with social distancing, a focus on hand washing and disinfecting and wearing masks,” Brown said. Palm said the factory floor layout and ample square footage gives ample space for production employees to be spread apart. “Our production teams have handled these difficult and stressful changes with strength and great leadership,” Palm said. “Our whole company is very proud of the way they have handled the situation.” The primary concern for leadership at Fulton Companies during the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping employees safe. “We have done everything we can to make our facilities a safe place to be,” Palm said. “We also have general business concerns caused by the pandemic: a global recession and uncertainty in general. “Fulton Companies has made it through many economic cycles since 1949 and will get through this one.” Fulton Boiler Works, Inc. was founded in 1949 by Lewis Palm to provide vertical tubeless boilers for dry cleaners. Since then, other companies such as Fulton Thermal Corporation and Fulton Heating Solutions, Inc. have been formed, offering products to many other industries including food processing, health care, and building heat. JUNE / JULY 2020
OUR COMMUNITY. OUR PRIORITY. We’re OPEN. We’re SAFE.
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Harborfest fireworks. File photo
hard to financially put on the festival that everyone would have expected.”
Right call
Lost Summer Tourism’s crown jewel dulled in Oswego County as Harborfest 2020 falls victim to global pandemic By Lou Sorendo
S
cratch the 2020 version of Harborfest off the must-do list this summer. The four-day annual event, which was to take place July 23-26, has been canceled due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 as well as logistical issues associated with major construction in the city. Peter Myles is the executive director of Harborfest, and recently reflected on how COVID-19 has canceled the 2020 version. “Really it was the concern over the health and safety of everyone involved in Harborfest, whether it be staff, vendors or people coming to the festival,” he said. “We just knew that it was going to be nearly impossible
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to practice safe and healthy practices.” He said having to incorporate social distancing, use of facemasks and having concerns over food handling was too great of an obstacle. Myles noted that festival organizers were still waiting on permitting approval from the New York State Department of Health in early June. “They were not accepting applications,” he said. Myles said Harborfest offices have been empty during the pandemic, which limited the staff’s ability to reach out to businesses, sponsors and members. “It was just not a good time during the pandemic, especially with so many people laid off or not working and businesses closed,” he said. “It was OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Myles said he believes it was the right and responsible thing for the board of directors to cancel the event. While he was disappointed, Myles said he also felt a sense of relief. “I was getting worried about having to try to rush and put together a quality festival,” said Myles, noting it would have been extremely difficult to make the necessary connections to raise money needed to present a quality festival. Myles said his staff missed out on the prime months of fundraising during the height of the pandemic. “Whether you are talking about contacting members, sponsors or lining up vendors, we just didn’t have that in place,” Myles said. The festival’s board of directors held a virtual meeting to discuss the fate of the festival, and after much consternation, decided it was in the best interest of all to cancel the event. There were other options on the table, such as scaling down the festival to feature activity just at Breitbeck Park or postponing the event until the fall. However, Myles said other options were not fully supported, and that it has become a tradition for the past 32 years to present a high-level festival during the last full weekend in July. Harborfest’s performance committee had essentially all musical acts lined up and ready to go before the plug was pulled. “One of the first things we want to do is reach out to see if those musical performers are interested in coming back in 2021,” said Myles, noting that would circumvent having to go through the whole application process again and having to reconvene the performance committee. In terms of vendors, Myles said typically 90% are the same year in and year out, particularly food vendors. “We will be reaching out to them and our sponsors,” said Myles, noting plans call for launching the fest’s sponsorship drive this fall as opposed to late winter. Lined up for this year were headliners The Motowners as well as The Spin Doctors. “I can see the majority of them being available and wanting to participate in 2021,” he said. JUNE / JULY 2020
vendors. It is a significant loss.” From an overall county standpoint, Clerkin said bed and sales tax will likely see significant declines “but maybe more important is the revenue and job lost associated with employers and employees who work in our various tourism-related businesses. “Most of these are seasonal in nature and even a short break in their typical fiscal year can be devastating.”
Sales tax revenues to dip
Janet Clerkin, tourism and public information coordinator for Oswego County. “It is hard to predict anything relative to an economic environment that none of us have ever experienced,” she says.
Tourism Takes Tumble COVID-19 takes toll on Oswego County’s tourism industry
T
By Lou Sorendo
he tourism sector is one of the hardest-hit in the nation by the outbreak of COVID-19, and Oswego County is no exception. The sector is one of the most lucrative in the county, generating in excess of $300 million per year. Janet Clerkin, tourism and public information coordinator for the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism & Planning, said of the typical revenue streams that Oswego County relies on in terms of its tourism industry — the “bed” or occupancy tax — will be significantly lower this year as a result of COVID-19. The occupancy tax paid by visitors is the main revenue stream for the county’s tourism marketing program, Clerkin said. She said the county does not have occupancy tax numbers yet for the threemonth period of March through May. However, the New York State Association of Counties estimates a loss in occupancy tax of between $97,316 and $162,237 depending on the length and severity of the COVID-19 recession, she noted. JUNE / JULY 2020
“This would have a serious impact on the county’s tourism marketing program. We are also concerned about the status of our New York state tourism matching funds grant,” she said. The New York State Department of Economic Development has been provided with funds to award to tourism promotion agencies for the 2020 tourism matching funds program year. The purpose of the program is to provide funding to TPAs to market their destination in order to increase the number of visitors and the level of spending across New York state. Meanwhile, Clerkin noted the cancellation of Harborfest is an unfortunate but inevitable consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Harborfest is one of the few admission-free music festivals in the country. “We don’t have recent economic impact data for Harborfest, but the event attracts up to 75,000 visitors and is an important draw for residents across the Central New York area,” she said. “The festival is a quality event for the community, and also serves as a revenue generator in terms of sales tax and OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
For obvious reasons, sales tax revenues also plunged during the pandemic threat. Oswego County collected $6.7 million in sales tax during the first half of 2019. “It is hard to predict anything relative to an economic environment that none of us have ever experienced,” Clerkin said. “However, so far we are seeing about a 30% reduction in sales tax revenue for the weeks correlating to the pandemic and NY-PAUSE.” Clerkin said it is a period of transition for the county’s Community Development, Tourism & Planning department as a result of COVID-19. “Some of our spring advertising had already been placed when the pandemic hit, but we put most of our spring and summer campaign on hold,” she said. “We are waiting for guidance on when we can resume marketing to visitors from outside of the area.” In the meantime, Clerkin said her office is using social media to encourage outdoor recreation and working internally on new materials to be ready when staff can resume marketing. “We’re developing a regional social media campaign, and partnering with the Syracuse Hancock International Airport for a national campaign to promote the region when travel opens back up,” she said. Her office also created a “Guess the Location!” Facebook campaign to get people to think about visiting unique places in Oswego County, including historic sites, waterfront, beaches and fishing and hiking spots. The tourism office is also working with Operation Oswego County, the Oswego County Industrial Development Agency, SUNY Oswego and Oswego Health on a series of community videos “that draw on qualities such as perseverance, strength and collaboration as we come through the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. 67
Judith Martin, author of the famous Miss Manners advice column, published a new book on good manners in the COVID-19 era.
Etiquette in the Age of COVID ‘Miss Manners’ talks good contagion behavior in new book
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By Payne Horning
ven as quarantine orders in all parts of the country are being eased, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention remains steadfast in its recommendation that people wear face coverings when in public. But that message clearly is not getting through to everyone. On a recent trip to the store, I noticed several individuals cavalierly shopping without any kind of face mask. Even some of those who were wearing coverings had them on below their nose and mouth. I suppressed the urge to say something to them after having seen several outrageous videos on social media where people who were confronted for not wearing masks lashed out at those around them. How to address these and other awkward situations that arise in a contagion is the subject of a new book “Miss Manners’ Guide to Contagious Etiquette.” Judith Martin, author of the famous Miss Manners advice column on etiquette that is published in more than 200 newspapers around the world, said she decided to write the book after being flooded with letters from readers. “People seem to be thrown, understandably, by a world that we’re totally
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unfamiliar with,” Martin said. In the book, Martin offers readers creative and refined ways to navigate social interactions in a time of social distancing. For example, how does one confront those who are being careless about safety guidelines? Rather than telling someone to back off when they are standing closer than six feet from you, express your concern about ‘our’ ability to follow the CDC guidelines on social distancing. Rather than telling someone to sneeze into their elbow, offer them a tissue. The key, Martin says, is to avoid shaming people publicly. “Basic law of diplomacy: if you want to persuade someone to do something, you give them a face-saving way to do it,” She said. “You don’t just vilify them.” Martin’s contagion dos and don’ts guide also addresses how to properly inform guests about a postponed wedding, whether handwritten thank-you notes are still acceptable, how to politely get out of social interactions in a time when you cannot use the excuse that you’re not at home, even how much toilet paper one can display in their bathroom before it becomes gauche due OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
to the product’s limited supply. Martin, who has been writing about etiquette for nearly 40 years, said this isn’t the first time she’s had to adapt her advice to fit new terrains. There have been other significant cultural changes, like the advent of technology, that put her skills to the test. Regardless of the circumstances, though, the principles Miss Manners espouses remain the same. “It comes down to how you treat other people and how you wish to be treated,” Martin said. “Decency, good manners, consideration.” Although good manners may not be something people think they have much time to pay attention to nowadays, Martin said minding one’s manners may actually be more important now than ever. The past few months of quarantine have forced families and roommates to spend more time with each other than ever before. And perhaps more importantly, Martin said kindness and consideration are all the more important in times of stress. Miss Manner’s Guide to Contagious Etiquette is available as an ebook. And for those hungry for more, “Minding Miss Manners in an Era of Fake Etiquette” is also now available in audio, ebook, and hardcover.
Miss Manner’s Quick Tips n Don’t shame someone who isn’t following public health safety guidelines. “Reforming strangers only works when it assumes mistaken goodwill and allows them to comply without enduring public embarrassment, even if they deserve to be ashamed of themselves.” n Lead by example. For example, when others are walking toward you on a narrow sidewalk and you hope to keep six feet apart, “First, move as far as you safely can. Then smile and perform the gesture that a theatrical headwaiter would have to accompany his saying, ‘This way, please, Madam/ Sir.’” n Make the most with the many tools we have at our disposal. For example, if you want to thank neighbors and friends who dropped off food and supplies when you were ill, get creative. “Miss Manners is no more suggesting that you scare people by popping up at their doors than she is that you thank them in French. But you can propose to arrange a virtual visit.” JUNE / JULY 2020
SPECIAL REPORT
Rise of the Renter Region reflects national trend of shifting demographics of renters By Lou Sorendo
M
any of those looking for a roof over their heads are getting a new lease on life. In 2010, the average renter was a single person with a high school education who made less than $30,000 a year, according to a recent CBS News report. By 2018, the renter profile had shifted to more college-educated, married couples, CBS noted. Florence Farley, a sales associate with Berkshire Hathaway CNY Realty in Oswego, said this trend is evident “to some degree” in Central New York as well. “We have a number of tenants who come from unique backgrounds,” she said. “For example, young people coming to Oswego for work at the U.S. Coast Guard Station or U.S. Border Patrol know they may be transferred to another part of the country in a relatively short period of time.” As a result, they often rent because it relieves them of the stress of having to sell a home when they leave, Farley noted. She recalled one young serviceman who was stationed in Arizona who
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was transferred in the wake of the 2008 recession that gripped the United States. “He was faced with being saddled with two mortgages,” she said. “Because Arizona had a major downturn in property values, he took a major financial loss.” Farley said workers associated with SUNY Oswego or the local health care industry sometimes rent for a year or so in order to get acquainted with the community. As of 2018, 62% of renters, or 27.1 million people, earned middle-class incomes of between $30,000 and $75,000, according to a study by Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. The study discovered that at least 10.3 million families with annual income of at least $75,000 were renting the roof over their head, a jump over previous years. Farley said this trend is apparent in certain areas of Upstate New York. She noted Upstate New York includes rural areas like Oswego, Madison, Jefferson and Lewis counties, some of which have a high poverty level. “That is demonstrated by the numOSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
ber of students who qualify for free and reduced school lunches or the ‘Blessings in a Backpack’ program that provides food over the weekend to children in low-income homes,” she said.
Determining factors According to the New York State Department of Education, 57% of the students in Oswego County are considered economically disadvantaged. “As a result, their parents rent because they might not qualify for a mortgage or out of necessity,” Farley said. On the other hand, those living in Fayetteville, Manlius or Skaneateles are much more likely to fall into the Harvard study demographic, she added. “They may be renting because of the availability of luxury apartments or because of an expressed desire to spend their money on lifestyle comforts like overseas travel,” Farley said. In 2013, households needed to earn at least $53,300 a year to afford buying a home — a number that jumped to $67,300 in 2018, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). 69
Farley said this trend is being realized in Central New York when examining conventional mortgages. “However, our young people are often able to buy their first home because they qualify for loans that provide assistance with expenses associated with down payments and closing costs,” he said. New York state offers financing through federally subsidized housing funds that provide buyers with up to a 17% grant that does not have to be repaid if they meet certain criteria, such as income eligibility and opting to live in the home for at least 10 years. Resources offered through organizations such as the Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Administration, United States Department of Agriculture and local community development offices “allow these homebuyers to actually unlock the door to their first home and gain the tax deductions and psychological pride of knowing that this is their house,” Farley said. She said researchers have found a positive correlation between home ownership and academic achievement. While there is a decline in new home construction across the U.S., there are other more prominent factors that are steering the middle class into rental housing. These include the income-to-debt ratio experienced by young people who come out of college with major student loans as well as credit card debt. “It could also be simply the desire of a younger generation to simplify life and not have to worry about mowing the lawn, repairing the water heater or plowing the snow at their own home,” Farley said. “The immediate appeal of a highend apartment overlooking water with a lease that includes amenities from technology to fitness centers to even cleaning or restaurant and coffee shop accessibility on the first floor is significant, especially in larger cities for people with incomes exceeding $60,000,” she said. Farley said the decline in new home construction impacts the middle-aged buyer who is looking for their second home and intends on using proceeds from the sale of their first home to build the house that they get to design from the ground up.
Sizing up rent
As of 2018, 62% of renters, or 27.1 million people, earned middleclass incomes of between $30,000 and $75,000, according to a study by Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. The study discovered that at least 10.3 million families with annual income of at least $75,000 were renting the roof over their head, a jump over previous years. more than 30% of their household income on rent, they are considered cost burdened, Farley noted. According to recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey, which provides five-year estimates, median gross rent was $1,226 per month in New York state. In Oswego County, the median gross rent was $748, or 31.7% of household income. “There are all kinds of additional numbers that are sometimes less reliable, Farley said. “Many are based upon national surveys that don’t always factor in tax deductions, number of years that a person intends to stay in that housing, the incredibly low fixed interest rates or the equity that one is building,” she added. Rent versus buy calculators can also offer a starting point, she said, such as www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/ rent-vs-buy-calculator. The CBS News report also noted real estate developers have built and filled plenty of upscale apartments but haven’t offered enough cheaper units for low-income Americans. Farley said area developers are
For those families that are paying 70
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realizing the need for low-income rental properties that are being government subsidized. “New York also has very strong tenants’ rights that were made even stronger recently,” Farley said. She cited as an example the recent construction of Champlain Commons in Scriba, a 56-unit affordable housing development. Seventeen of the apartments are set aside for qualified individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and who will receive services and support to help them live independently, Farley said. The Oswego Housing Development Council and community development offices can all help Section 8 qualified tenants, she added. Section 8 authorizes the payment of rental housing assistance to private landlords on behalf of low-income households in the U.S. Examples of subsidized housing being incorporated into conventional housing units include Hamilton Homes and Seaway Lofts in the Port City. Also, some of the new units under construction at the Harborview Square project — which includes 11 apartments reserved for people with physical disabilities or traumatic brain injuries — are also reserved for subsidized housing. When gauging whether the rental housing trend will continue as the generation behind millennials leaves their parents’ home in search for affordable housing, Farley said given recent worldwide health events, “that would require a crystal ball.” However, the NAR refers to them and others as “aspiring buyers” because all surveys point to the fact that even if young people are renting, 75% of them still see home ownership as part of the “American Dream” and 81% want to own a home in the future, Farley noted. She said some options are beginning to become apparent, such as multi-generational homes where members of more than two generations live under the same roof. Other upcoming trends may involve homes that have been inherited or given as a gift; the “tiny house” movement where people are opting for living space less than 400 square feet; VA loans for returning military personnel; pet-friendly housing community living; themed condos and homeowner associations, Farley noted.
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Construction of the new 3,400-square-foot branch of Compass in Fulton was nearly complete on June 9.
Compass Credit Union to Feature New Fulton Branch By Lou Sorendo
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ompass Federal Credit Union is readying to open its new branch in Fulton, beginning a new chapter for the financial institution that was established in 1966. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of June at the new branch site, located at 208 N. Second St., according to Dan Kapuscinski, marketing administrator for Compass. The new 3,400-square-foot building is at the corner of Shaw and Hubbard streets, near Davis-Standard. Staff will then need to set up shop, and no official opening date has been established yet. However, Kapuscinski said the opening should occur in July. COVID-19 has not impeded the construction project, but staff was separated during the height of the pandemic for several months, which slowed down other processes. Kapuscinski said Hayner Hoyt Construction Company of Syracuse, which is handling construction, is doing an admirable job in adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, such as practicing proper social distancing. “They are doing what they need to do to keep working out there,” he said. This will be the eighth location for Compass. Its main office is located at 131 JUNE / JULY 2020
George St., Oswego, and it also has locations in the Port City at Novelis, 448 county Route 1A; Oswego Hospital, 110 W. Sixth St.; SUNY Oswego, 150 Marano Campus Center, and at Hillside Plaza, 7 Fourth Ave. The new branch will replace the current Fulton branch location located in the Canalview Mall. Compass also has a location at Davis-Standard in Fulton but is open there on a limited basis. “The new branch is going to be pretty much identical to our George Street location,” Kapuscinski said. “It will have a full drive-thru lane, an ATM and a boardroom. It is basically going to be a mirror image with the exception of an updated appearance. It will offer the same products and services as the George Street location has.” Kapuscinski said the new location of North Second Street is ideal as it features a heavily trafficked area. “I think it will work out not only for us but our members as well,” he said. He also noted the present Canalview Mall location “isn’t the most out-front location. It can be hard to find and is not very visibly appealing for people trying to find it.” Schopfer Architects of Syracuse handled the design of the new building, which features a blend of modern eleOSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
ments with optimal flow for members. “We wanted to better our presence in the Fulton area, even before all these improvements were going on,” said Kapuscinski while referring to the revitalization occurring in a city that received $10 million in state Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding in 2019. “Obviously, everyone can feel the growth in Fulton and where the city is moving in the future,” he said. “That was an even better reason to invest in Fulton and put this location right in the forefront of the city.” Kapuscinski said Compass enjoys a significant flow of traffic at its current location at Canalview Mall. “We anticipate to ramp up even more with a much more visible location,” he said. Kapuscinski noted new staff will be added at the new Fulton location, although that number is unknown. Compass plans on supporting a Bank at School program and intends on being active in the Fulton community. Running each year from October to May, the Compass Federal Credit Union Bank at School program offers Oswego City School District students an opportunity to deposit money into their own account.
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SPECIAL REPORT
Banking Industry Meets COVID Challenges Experts: Some trends — increased use of drive-thrus and e-banking — likely to continue By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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s with any other industry, banking changed significantly to adjust to life during the pandemic. For banks, that has meant closing their lobbies. Some have offered lobby use only by appointment. Overall, banks have ramped up support at the drive-thru window and, for those new to online banking, their customer service lines. The effects of these changes may continue indefinitely after the lobby doors open. At Pathfinder Bank, Jim Dowd, chief operating officer, has seen much more use of drive-through and electronic banking. The pandemic has affected banking 72
policies. As most banks, Pathfinder has a limit on ATM withdrawals and remote deposits. “We’ve made some slight changes to the amount you can withdraw from the ATM and the amount you can deposit remotely,” Dowd said. “I think it will continue to move that way.” Customers who become accustomed to using mobile banking for remote deposits, transferring funds among accounts and checking balances will likely want to continue with it even after lobbies open up in pre-pandemic fashion. The night deposit box has also become more popular — even while the sun shines. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Jim Dowd Dowd said that customers sometimes call to make bank personnel aware they have planned to make a large deposit during the daytime in the night deposit box. Bank personnel process those deposits right away instead of waiting until the normal time those deposits are typically processed. Those who normally come on foot to the bank — such as those who live nearby or don’t use vehicles — may make an appointment and wear a mask to enter, rather than walk through the drive-thru. Pathfinder has been following CDC protocols to protect customers and employees with additional sanitation and shields at teller windows. “I think that this has changed cusJUNE / JULY 2020
tomer activities and I think that we will see more drive-through traffic,” Dowd said. “I don’t know what’s to come, but during these uncertain times, we anticipate greater use of electronic banking and the drive through as people have become more comfortable. The longer we’re in this new norm, the more will use these means.” Early in the pandemic, NBT Bank decided to restrict lobby access and divert customers to the drive-thru and walk-up windows and online banking. “While our teams have missed seeing their customers face to face, we’ve seen the use of both of these avenues skyrocket,” said Lori Teifke, NBT Bank Central New York territory manager. She anticipates that many customers will continue to use online banking, though that won’t negate the necessity for physical locations. “The relationships we have established are so very important,” Teifke said. For some banking customers, the face-to-face interaction is important for daily transactions; for others, mundane deposits are fine online but obtaining a loan and other complex banking needs are best handled in person. At Seneca Savings in Baldwinsville, Laurie Ucher, senior vice president of retail banking, has also observed an uptick in mobile banking transactions, as well as debit card use. She thinks that’s likely because homebound customers have been ordering more online. Since these “convenience channels are easier to use, we’ve had some customers previously resistant to them now using them for banking,” Ucher said. “I think it could be a new trend with banking.” Another service the bank offers, Zelle, allows customers to transfer money easily from account to account, even if one of the parties doesn’t use Zelle. The service makes paying back someone easier and less germy, since no physical money transfers between the two. Some customers have still used the lobby by appointment because they prefer face-to-face transactions. For others, their business receives coins, which cannot go through the drive-thru tubes. But Ucher said that many more customers have used the drive-thruthan ever. “In some cases, we’ve opened accounts in the drive-through,” Ucher said. “We’ve had to separate people who are doing transactions from those who need to take longer.” JUNE / JULY 2020
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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SPECIAL REPORT
CEO Bill Carhart at his office at 90 E. Bridge St. in Oswego.
Taking Credit Where Credit Is Due Oswego County Federal Credit Union, under the leadership of CEO Bill Carhart, celebrates success while adjusting to pandemic By Lou Sorendo
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andemic pandemonium leaves no stone unturned. In the wake of COVID-19, credit unions across the nation are adjusting to widespread economic disruption while bracing for a possible recession. Oswego County Federal Credit Union is using both adaptability and empathy in response to these challenging circumstances. OCFCU is a member-owned, nonprofit financial cooperative association. Through its community charter, it welcomes those who live, work or worship in Oswego County.
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OCFCU has been providing loan assistance and deferrals for applicants who have lost their jobs or have not been able to work during the public health crisis. It also waived fees due to the crisis. Clearly, the COVID-19 pandemic has touched every possible aspect of everyone’s lives, said Bill Carhart, longtime CEO of OCFCU. “We have been able to meet all of our members’ needs via our drive-thru windows, our online banking and mobile platforms, and our text concierge product,” he said. All of its loans are being securely OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
signed electronically and notarizations are being done via the drive-thru. “We have tried to communicate with our members that we are here to help today, tomorrow and in the countless days ahead with any challenges they may have meeting their financial obligations,” he said. A positive that has occurred during this unprecedented time is OCFCU becoming a Small Business Administration (SBA) lender to help grant Payroll Protection Program loans for small business owners. “They are the lifeblood of this community and the economy as a whole,” he said. OCFCU was expected to allow members to reenter branches at the eastside Oswego location as well as Fulton and Mexico offices in a limited fashion beginning on June 8. Reopening plans are a function of the community maintaining a low level of infection. The west side Oswego branch will not be immediately reopening because the branch is small, making social distancing difficult. Carhart said he believes one of the keys to successfully reopening the local JUNE / JULY 2020
economy is a slow, structured approach that monitors infection spikes and new COVID-19 cases. “This virus will not simply go away as life goes back to normal; some aspects of life will never be the same again,” he said. “Vital to a successful recovery will be people who understand this reality.”
Stairway to success Since 2004, OCFCU has grown from $19 million to $100 million in assets. During that time, it also went from six to 44 employees and membership increased from 5,400 to 14,400 members. Carhart said one of the keys in realizing an asset growth of 427% was by controlling the rate of growth. “Uncontrolled growth can lead to numerous operational shortcomings, including inadequate capital levels, staffing issues and insufficient resources to meet demand,” he said. He noted another key to the credit union’s growth was a “laser-focused” business plan that focused on reducing the average age of its membership. When Carhart arrived at the credit union in 2004, the average member was 49 years old. “Through a concerted effort of introducing new technologies and employing a work force of younger adults, we have been able to reduce the average age of our members to 41,” said Carhart, noting that more than 40% of membership households are under the age of 41. Another vital key to OCFCU’s steady growth has been its commitment to and support for the communities it serves. “We believe we have a civic duty as a local business to make investments to improve the quality of life for everyone within the communities we serve,” he said. Carhart, a SUNY Oswego graduate, said a main key to the credit union’s success is staff. “They are 100% committed to providing our members with the very best in member service, going above and beyond to help members realize their financial dreams,” he said. The credit union has four branches and added a new satellite office at the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation in Mexico in January.
Paying it forward Another aspect of the business that has significantly added to its growth is a JUNE / JULY 2020
OCFCU requires every employee to volunteer at least 10 hours annually for credit union-sponsored events or other community events they have a particular interest in. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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high level of volunteerism among staff, Carhart noted. OCFCU requires every employee to volunteer at least 10 hours annually for credit union-sponsored events or other community events they have a particular interest in. “I would say with certainty that members respond very positively to seeing credit union employees at community events or our own events,” Carhart said. “Giving back to the communities we serve is critically important to our entire organization from the board of directors all the way to our newest family members and employees.” Last year, OCFCU started a volunteer of the year award for staff. Mary Greeney, vice president-community and events coordinator, was the award’s first recipient. Not only that, but the award is named after her. Greeney, who will mark her 25th anniversary at the credit union in June, said this recognition carries significant meaning for her. “I’m totally all about helping our community and doing fun things for our kids,” she said. “I’ve lived here all my life and almost all my family is here, so this community is important.” She said OCFCU and its family of employees enable her to “do all the wonderful things that we do for our community.” “And without my fellow co-workers who volunteer, this wouldn’t be possible. We are a terrific team and it honors me to be remembered this way in the future,” said Greeney, noting that during her tenure she has played key roles in launching many of the credit union’s events. OCFCU makes donations, community investments, and sponsors events that total in excess of $50,000 annually. Normally the credit union sponsors “Movies in the Park” on Wednesdays of each month during the summer with venues set up at local parks in Mexico, Fulton or Oswego. OCFCU partners with Oswego Bookmobile and the Oswego Youth Bureau to make the special nights happen.
Physical presence relevant Carhart said a brick-and-mortar presence is still necessary today in an age when online and mobile banking are playing significant roles in the industry. “Brick and mortar, while viewed as antiquated by some, is critical to our operations,” he said. Virtually every study conducted 76
that other institutions in Oswego County do not offer,” he noted. These include the text concierge service, its Scholars Dollars Club which pay youngsters $1.50 for every grade over 90, and the rebate checking product which pays members 2% on their checking account if product requirements are met.
Humble beginnings
Mary Greeney, vice presidentcommunity and events coordinator at OCFCU. on consumer behavior indicates that members want the reassurance of brick and mortar even if they don’t utilize the facilities often, he added. “They like the fact that if there is an issue with their account, or they have questions, they can stop into a branch to work with staff, face to face. It is important however to have both online and mobile access, which we do,” he said. “I believe credit union members enjoy being treated as a name, not a number,” Carhart said. “They enjoy the personalization and being greeted by their first name, greeted as a family member.” Carhart said one of the most significant technological changes that have occurred is the escalation of mobile phone usage versus laptop or desktop personal computer usage. For several years, OCFCU has offered a text banking solution — text concierge — that allows members to conduct almost all their financial transactions securely via text. “By the end of the year, we hope to be able to offer text lending, which would allow members the ability to apply for a loan, sign the paperwork electronically and fund the loan however they need to,” Carhart said. “We have found that by and large all texts get read as opposed to other electronic communications.” Carhart said another competitive edge is OCFCU’s product and service mix. “We offer several unique products OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
In 1975, a group of local people who wanted to better the community by forming a credit union designed for public employees created the Oswego County Public Employees Federal Credit Union. The small credit union started out in a closet-sized space in the Oswego County Office Building with only two employees. In 1995, the first credit unionowned branch opened on East Seventh Street in Oswego. In March of 2006, it opened a second branch at 300 W. First St., also in Oswego. After the opening of its second location, the credit union had grown to feature $27.4 million in assets. OCFCU’s third branch involved a complete restoration of a historic railroad depot at 5828 Scenic Ave. in the village of Mexico in 2010. In December of 2013, the credit union replaced its original eastside branch with a new facility where the former St. Louis Church once stood at East Fourth and Bridge streets in Oswego. In May of 2016, OCFCU opened its fourth branch at 707 S. Fourth St., Fulton. At that time, OCFCU was a $71.6 million organization serving over 11,200 members. Its latest branch was opened in January as a part-time satellite office within the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation in Mexico. “Some of the main ingredients that helped us grow membership by 167% was by offering a mix of products and services that no one in the area offered,” Carhart said. He said the credit union takes “great pride in treating our members like family. “This approach has resonated to the members, as a great deal of new members come to us via word of mouth. No one conveys the value of an organization better than its members can. There is no better endorsement.”
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SPECIAL REPORT
Family Business Succession Requires Planning Experts: Starting conversations early is important By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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f you’ve begun or inherited a family-owned business, you likely want to see it continue after you retire or die. A smooth succession begins with planning and with the people near to the business: your family. Christine Allen, Ph.D, certified business coach and president of Insight Business Works, an executive coaching firm in Syracuse, advises business owners to be open about their desires and plans. “The mistake a lot of small family businesses make is not having these open, honest conversations early enough,” Allen said. “I’ve worked with family businesses that are operationally run by a son in his 40s or 50s who still doesn’t know all the financials because his dad is still in charge. The next generation is still in the dark and doesn’t know fully what’s intended for the business. It’s a big assumption that parent owners want to pass the business JUNE / JULY 2020
onto their kids but they haven’t actively assessed as to whether that’s a good fit for their adult kid or for the business. It’s complicated to bring in non-family managers but it can be done well if it’s done in a very explicit way.” Starting conversations early is important. Otherwise, an adult child could feel slighted after working at the family business for 35 years only to have dad or mom sell the company to a stranger or a relative not very passionate about the business. Or, the parent may assume the children want the business when actually, they couldn’t care less or they aren’t well-suited to operate the business. Some children feel over-eager to take the reins. “The parents may feel like they’re being put out to pasture,” Allen said. “Some families are able to work out a real nice balance, where the founder or owner can be some type of consultant but have more of an advising role and OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
pass on the operational decision-making aspects.” Allen said that succession isn’t a “one-and-done” conversation, but it’s about an ongoing conversation over the years, punctuated by some more formal meetings that can shore up the expectations and understanding of both the parents and the children. She also advises involving a family business tax accountant, estate planner and attorney to help draw up legal documents, avoid legal mistakes and reduce the tax burden of succession. Stewart McGough, attorney and partner with Scolaro Fetter Grizanti & McGough, P.C. in Syracuse, said that many business owners delay preparing a succession strategy. He has worked with a family whose assumed successor died unexpectedly at mid-life, leaving the rest of the family to figure out who will take the helm. “It was left to one of the brothers who had technical expertise but is a terrible manager,” McGough said. “It’s forced on them because of litigation. The company has really suffered.” Instead, McGough encourages business owners to take time to discuss matters early on and to form contingency plans. Business owners should also revisit their succession planning as laws have changed over the years. McGough offered estate taxes as an example. Since the exemption increased to $11.58 million per person and $5.5 million at the state level, those taking 77
over the business don’t have to scramble for money to keep the business in the family. “For most businesses, those exemptions really take away estate taxes as a key consideration in the business succession plan,” McGough said. “If you structure the plan correctly, you can use the spouse’s exemption as well.” He said that structuring the succession correctly can help defer the purchase amount. By keeping the owner on as an employee and paying for the business by large contributions to that person’s retirement account, the new owners can receive a tax deduction for that purchase instead of paying for the business assets and having to depreciate those assets over many years. “It’s a tax-friendly way to sell the business,” McGough said. “It can be a nominal salary. They may stay on board for a few years.” That strategy can also keep the original owner’s expertise on tap for a while longer. Sellers should also consider the value of the business that’s attributable to “personal goodwill” as a company asset if their name, face and presence with the company contributes to its profitability. For instance, a business owner whose constant presence on TV spots or print ads makes the business stand out to customers, that may qualify as personal goodwill. Personal goodwill may restrict a retiring business owner from starting a new, competing company in the same industry. Alice Hoatland, CPA and partner with Buffington & Hoatland CPAs, PLLC in Auburn, encourages business owners to include business succession in their business plan right from the start. “If you think about it from the beginning, then the strategy can help you select an appropriate entity to operate the business under,” Hoatland said. She also encourages business owners to have a CPA review their exit strategy before signing to ensure that tax implications have been addressed. Usually, the tax implications favor either the buyer or the seller. “Business owners get busy and it’s easy to set this aside, but you should look at the exit strategy frequently and update your plan for this,” Hoatland said. “Circumstances change. It’s like updating your will. Be sure you’re going to have the outcome you would like to see.”
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Personal Finances: Staying the Course By Lou Sorendo
“I had quite a few people that just basically said, ‘no, let’s sit tight. I like my allocation and I’ll just ride this out’.”
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hings may get ugly. That’s the sentiment of Randy L. Zeigler, a private wealth adviser with Ameriprise Financial Services in Oswego, who spoke recently about how investors are reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said everybody is probably reacting to some degree emotionally. “In the span of four to five weeks, we went from an economic circumstance where we were in the middle of an 11-year record growth cycle in the U.S. and hitting an all-time high on the stock market Feb. 19, to being in the depths of what we expect to be a pretty ugly recession,” Zeigler said. “If there is a time to use the word ‘unprecedented’, this is it,” he said. “We’ve never been on this road before.” He said the economy has plummeted not because of structural problems within the economy itself. It has plunged because of the government’s response to fighting the virus itself and trying to mitigate deaths. Personally, Zeigler said his “head was spinning” for the first two weeks of the crisis when there was a freefall on stock prices. “Every day was changing when [New York state] Gov. Andrew Cuomo came out and did his press conference for that day. It went progressively to more increasingly severe restrictions on movement and activity and that just scared the population,” he said. That in turn resulted in the freefall of the stock market, he noted. “That’s because nobody knew what was going to happen. Whenever you have a completely unknown situation and it looks to be getting significantly worse by the day, you are going to have a fear response in people,” Zeigler said. From an investment standpoint OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
however, most of Zeigler’s clients did not respond emotionally with a sell-atall costs approach, he said. “Most people sat tight and watched to see what was going to happen,” he said. Zeigler noted the majority of his interaction with clients during the early phases of the crisis was to present them with several options. The first option for clients involved “sitting tight, doing nothing and waiting for the recovery,” Zeigler said. “Recovery is going to happen, but it’s probably going to happen in the fall or into next year.” The second option involved Zeigler strategic selling to reduce equity exposure for clients. “I gave people the option of having me look over their portfolio and make specific recommendations regarding assets that had greater volatility risks,” said Zeigler, noting that clients largely disregarded that choice. The third option involved looking at portfolio allocations — such as fixed assets, cash, equities and real estate positions — and determining whether or not to consider rotating certain percentages from more stable fixed assets into equities and take advantage of the downturn in stock prices. Zeigler said he saw more clients take this route as opposed to a sellout option. “I had quite a few people that just basically said, ‘no, let’s sit tight. I like my allocation and I’ll just ride this out’,” he said. Zeigler attributed that to a client’s exposure to long-term education involving risk and asset allocation within portfolios, topics that he stressed when meeting with investors. He said a time-tested adage holds true: “You always find out about your real risk tolerance in the middle of a recession.” JUNE / JULY 2020
Zeigler said most of his clients don’t make their investment decisions based on their emotions. “Their emotions play into their decision-making process of course, because we are all human beings,” he said. However, Zeigler said investment and portfolio management decisions are based as much as possible on data, expectations and solid available research. “The problem in this case is it isn’t like any recession we ever had,” said Zeigler, noting the 2008-2009 Great Recession was unprecedented as well. “What makes these kinds of circumstances so challenging is there is no way to be able to perfectly predict the near-term future,” he said. “We are making our best guesses based on the data we got and what we think is going to spin out.”
Don’t Panic! Investment adviser provides advice on how to navigate through tricky waters
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hile his clients are understandably upset by the economic and health aspects of COVID-19, they are certainly not in a panic, said Robert Rolfe of Harmony Financial Services, Oswego. Rolfe provides securities and investment advisory services through SagePointFinancial, Inc. He provided a glimpse as to how investors are reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic. “In my experience, I would reflect that my clients are disturbed Rolfe by the economic and health aspects of the pandemic,” he said. “We discuss both aspects and reach logical conclusions together to JUNE / JULY 2020
best impact their current situation and long-term goals.” Rolfe said he has not experienced any level of panic among investors in the wake of COVID-19. “I have not experienced panic,” he said. “I have had multiple discussions with a majority of my clients. We continue to monitor the situation, recommend adjustments where appropriate, and continue to educate.” Some experts say financial markets have not seen the bottom yet and annual earnings could be negative for the next year or so. “Investors are concerned,” he said. “Stock prices in large part are driven by earnings. History has certainly seen after-shocks of volatility following the Great Depression, the energy crisis, 9-11, and the Great Recession of 2008. Much like those events, we have a developing situation which we are adjusting to daily.” For the first quarter of 2020 to May 1, the blended earnings decline for the S&P 500 was reportedly 13.7%. While consumers tend to be more conservative in spending on goods and services during a downturn in economy, they also question the risk status of their investments. “In some cases, people with lower tolerances for risk, or those taking income now have asked if it was prudent to reduce risk at this time,” Rolfe said. “I recommended a fair amount of risk reduction in late February and March.” The focus now is focused on what areas of the world and the economy were needed and used before COVID-19 and what areas will be used in the future “as we adjust to a ‘new normal’,” he said. Rolfe compared COVID-19 and resulting volatility in the financial markets to past episodes, such as the credit crisis of 2008 and 9-11. Since 1900, this is the fifth global market meltdown. Unfortunately, it’s also the third this century,” he said. “Historically, markets decline rapidly first, much like falling off a cliff. Then the volatility subsides, and we begin surveying what the future holds.” As it stands now, there could be substantial unemployment for some time to come. “Small business has suffered terribly, as have many major industries,” he said. “Markets typically precede a full economic recovery by months or even years” as investors purchase equities in anticipation of future profits.
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
What’s the plan? In terms of retirement savings, Rolfe said fewer than 25% of the American population has a formal written retirement income plan. “So, if they have one in place, it is clearly time to collaborate with their financial professional, measure how this pandemic has affected them, and determine what steps to take to minimize those risks,” he said. “For those that don’t have a written plan, I would recommend that they contact a financial professional and put a written plan together soon.” Without a written plan, people can make financial mistakes and then have the risk of running out of money prematurely, he added. Rolfe said a person or family’s retirement plan should be focused on understanding the money needed to spend on the cost of living, such as health care, food, utilities, taxes, insurance, housing, and transportation. “Then wanted expenses should be considered for things like gifts, hobbies, entertainment or travel. Then you need to consider rising inflation for 20 to 30 years, depending on your age at retirement,” he said. Rolfe said for needed expenses, it is helpful if a majority of those can be met by fixed income such as Social Security and pensions if available. “That allows for personal retirement savings to focus on leisure and inflation,” he said. “Most people are not going to be able to predict a financial or health crisis,” Rolfe said. “That’s why it is so important to truly understand the risks you are willing to take with market volatility, as well as the risk of declining spending power during retirement.” For those investors with more than 10 years until retirement, Rolfe would suggest that their most important risk to consider is inflation. “So, I would encourage them to continue to save in their retirement plan and IRA now, while prices are lower to buy more shares with their money,” he said. “That allows them to participate fully in the potential of future market gains. I would also say they should explore their risk tolerance, and make sure their investments are calibrated with their goals and thoughts on risk,” he said. “Regular rebalancing can help maintain consistent levels of risk.”
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Jim Terwilliger The CARES Act: What You Need to Know
O ‘What is important is knowing how to adjust your retirement planning strategy to exploit [the CARES ACT] provisions in a way that is most beneficial to you.’
James Terwilliger, CFP®, is senior vice president, senior planning adviser at CNB Wealth Management, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Company. He can be reached at 585-419-0670 ext. 50630 or by email at jterwilliger@cnbank.com. 80
the distribution is July 15. Absent a future notice, a January 2020 distribution is not reversible. A reversed distribution is not taxable. Any tax withholding associated with the distribution, however, is not reversible. This withholding will be returned when filing a 2020 income tax return next year. Alternatively, one can reduce other 2020 withholding or estimated tax payments to compensate. Rather than reverse a distribution, another option is to do a taxable Roth conversion, which is not subject to the once-perRequired Minimum Distributions year rule. The attractiveness of this option (RMDs) Waived for 2020 depends on one’s marginal federal tax bracket. A conversion normally must take This year’s RMDs are waived for all folks place within 60 days, although IRS Notice expecting to take RMDs from IRAs and most 2020-23 temporarily relaxed that constraint. defined-contribution emA reversal of employer retirement plans GUEST COLUMNIST ployer plan distributions in 2020. This waiver also follows the same rules, applies to beneficiaries of although there is no limitation on the number inherited IRAs, Roth IRAs, and employer of distributions that can be reversed. Also plans. note that non-spouse beneficiaries are not Also waived are any remaining 2019 able to reverse an RMD from an inherited first-year RMDs having an ultimate due date IRA or employer retirement plan. of April 1, 2020 and not withdrawn by Jan. 1, 2020. Fortunately, the CARES Act provides Additional Options for Those for a reversal of any Jan. 1 to April 1, 2020 distribution depending on circumstances as Directly Impacted by COVID-19 described below. Not waived are distributions from deCoronavirus-related distributions fined-benefit employer plans, annuitized (CRDs) up to $100,000 from IRAs or empension plans or non-governmental 457(b) ployer retirement plans are available to those deferred-compensation plans. who are diagnosed with COVID-19, whose spouses or dependents are so diagnosed, or who suffer adverse financial consequences as Unwanted Distributions Can Be a result of the virus (as defined by CARES). Reversed Those under age 59-1/2 are exempt from a 10% early withdrawal penalty. This helps those who already took what CRDs are taxable to the account owner. they thought were required distributions and Paying the tax over a three-year period is now find they wish they had not. Such distrithe default option. To avoid taxation, CRDs butions can be reversed through an indirect can be repaid to the same/another IRA or rollover. Normally, non-RMD distributions eligible retirement plan with the repayment taken from an IRA can be returned to the treated as having satisfied the 60-day rollover same IRA or another IRA if 1) the money is requirement if repaid during the three-year returned within 60 days and 2) there must not period following the date when the CRD have been an IRA-to-IRA transfer within the was received. previous 12 months. Accordingly, a reversal can accommodate only one unwanted 2020 Charitable Giving Enhancements IRA distribution. IRS Notice 2020-23 relaxed the 60-day The CARES Act includes two provisions limitation for an IRA distribution taken during the Feb. 1 to May 15 timeframe. For related to charitable giving. One allows for such a distribution, the deadline for returning up to a $300 above-the-line charitable federal n May 27, President Trump signed the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act of 2020, providing unprecedented emergency relief to individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Included in the legislation are several provisions impacting individual retirement accounts (IRA) and employer retirement plans. This article is intended to provide a high-level overview of just a few of these provisions.
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income tax deduction for folks who take the standard deduction. The other allows for up to 100% of adjusted gross income (vs. 60% standard) to be treated as a charitable deduction for taxpayers who itemize. For either, the contribution must be made in cash and does not include contributions to donor-advised funds or private foundations. Additionally, it continues to be a sound tax-efficient strategy for those age 70-1/2 or older to make qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their IRAs directly to charity, even if not used to offset the taxability of RMDs.
2019 Contributions to IRAs and Roth IRAs Consistent with the Treasury extending the tax return filing date to July 15, the date for making 2019 IRA and Roth IRA contributions is extended to the same date. Normally, contributions for a prior year must be made by April 15. We’ve summarized some key CARES Act provisions. What is important is knowing how to adjust your retirement planning strategy to exploit these provisions in a way that is most beneficial to you. Partnering with a trusted financial planner is a great way to do just that. CUT FROM HERE
Supporting cast Myles said the annual festival membership drive was launched just a week prior to the pandemic hitting. “We were in the process of signing contracts and collecting funds and it all came to a screeching halt,” he said. The festival features more than 100 individual and family memberships, largely community residents who support the event from a $25 to a $200 level. Businesses also join as members and buy in from $300 to $900. Sponsorships range from $1,000 and up, with several taking on significant financial backing for attractions such as the much-heralded Fireworks by Grucci display on Saturday nights of the festival. Fireworks’ co-sponsors this year were Pathfinder Bank and Exelon Generation, while in-kind sponsors included the Port of Oswego Authority and New York State Canal Corporation. Much of Myles’ job is to secure and build on sponsorships. JUNE / JULY 2020
“Securing funds for the festival takes a lot of my time. I work diligently with sponsors and I enjoy it. I’ve met a lot of interesting people over the last several years,” he said. Among those hurt the most by the cancellation are vendors and musical performers being that traveling from event to event is their livelihoods. “They are all being canceled,” Myles said. “They are not going to make any money in the summer of 2020.” Early in the pandemic, several performers contacted festival organizers to say they were going to be unable to attend because of financial constraints. Locally, businesses such as restaurants and hotels will suffer, he said. “Those businesses are being decimated,” he said. “For many people, not having the festival just compounds problems.”
Heavy construction Meanwhile, the level of construction going on in the city and a closed Wright’s Landing Marina also played a part in the decision-making process. Many projects are ongoing and feature closed roadways and sidewalks, such as the Litatro Building, 22 Crosswords and Harborview Square on the west side and Lake Ontario Water Park and East Lake Commons on the east side. “Next year, a lot of that will be done, we will have a new Wright’s Landing Marina and additional improvements will be made to Breitbeck Park,” Myles said. “I think if there was a year to cancel, this was it,” he said. Many fest-goers come by boat and stay at the Westside marina. The city’s Department of Public Works recently began construction on several improvement projects at Wright’s Landing Marina. The Wright’s Landing Marina Boater Services Improvement project is designed to upgrade and revitalize Oswego’s waterfront. The project will see improvements of existing bathroom and shower facilities, a new boater access services building, new pavilion, installation of fire pits along the waterfront, while the marina will be made accessible for physically challenged individuals.
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Shineman Foundation Announces Awards
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ive nonprofit organizations have been the recipients of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s first round of grant applications. The announced was made in May and the awards total $292,000. In addition, Fulton Block Builders was awarded a promised matching grant of $126,000 based upon completion of the organization’s fundraising efforts for its 2020 neighborhood revitalization initiative, its fourth award from the foundation. The Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) was awarded $150,000, representing the foundation’s continued commitment to assist the ORA in its seventh year of growing the momentum of reinvestment and vibrancy in the city of Oswego’s neighborhoods. In health and human services, funding was provided to two organizations. The Volunteer Transportation Center, based in Watertown, was awarded a grant to refurbish space at Catholic Charities in Fulton for a dispatch office so that it could bring its proven volunteer transportation model to Oswego County. Kristina’s House of Hope received initial start-up funding so that it could open an emergency shelter for women dealing with substance abuse. The Shineman Foundation also awarded two arts and culture grants. The Schroeppel Historical Society received funding to assist in its mission-critical building repair project. Safe Haven Holocaust Museum was given a grant to pay for an audio app to help visitors navigate the exhibits in its newly renovated space. For more information on grant recipients and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, visit www. shinemanfoundation.org. 81
Bruce Frassinelli bfrassinelli@ptd.net
Three Pieces of Advice I’d Give to My Younger Self
O ‘I would have liked to have known is that the road to the top is not a six-lane superhighway but more like a pothole-infested secondary road’
swego County Business Magazine asked various individuals in an earlier issue this year what advice they would give to their younger self. That got me thinking. After nearly 60 years in my chosen field of journalism (and counting), what have I learned that I wish I had known when I was climbing the proverbial ladder of success? The first thing I would have liked to have known is that the road to the top is not a six-lane superhighway but more like a pothole-infested secondary road. When I started, I had modest goals, unlike my grandson whose goal is to make $1 million and retire by age 30. When I got my first full-time newspaper job in 1966 at age 27 (I had been in radio prior to that). I wanted to be making $10,000 a year by the time I was 30, which I thought was a reasonable and attainable goal if I worked hard and caught a break along the way. I started at $6,500 annually, so I would need to earn 38% more over a three-year period to hit my goal. Thanks to a promotion, I was making a little more than $10,400 and reached my objective with several months to spare. The amount might seem laughable by today’s standards, but $200 a week in 1969 was equivalent to about $1,318 a week today. During the next 10 years, I received
three more promotions, rising to No. 2 in the editorial department behind the editor, who was a few years younger than I. When he moved on, and I became interim editor, I was confident that I would get the job permanently, but I didn’t. So much for that straight line to the top. Ultimately, I did get the job, continuing my climb up the chain of command until I reached the publisher’s position (CEO) at another of our company’s papers – The Palladium-Times in Oswego. • Don’t micromanage: My early self had this belief that no one could do any job in the newsroom better than I could. This mentality is toxic and could have been a fatal career-buster. I will be eternally grateful to one of the reporters who had had enough of my messing with her completed stories and laid into me one day. She even asked me to take her byline off a news story. Because of all of the changes, she said, it had become my story not hers. I had made so many editing changes that it altered the “voice” of the article to the extent that it became unrecognizable to the author. I was unaware of any of this. In my mind, because of my self-determined expertise, I was making stories better, more readable. Well, guess what? No one else shared this oversized view of my abilities. Virtually all of the reporters in the newsroom felt the same way as their colleague about my heavy
My Turn
Don’t micromanage BRUCE FRASSINELLI is the former publisher of The PalladiumTimes. He served as a governor of the Rotary Club District 7150 (Central New York) from July 2001 to June 2002. 82
Delegate Say thanks OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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handed editing. The reporter who had the guts to confront me to try to resolve this problem suggested that the staff and I get together in her backyard for some drinks and munchies and hash it out. I learned a valuable lesson, one that may have saved my career. • Delegate: Along with micromanaging, I tended to try to do everything myself — from the ultra-important to the insignificant. I wound up working 13- and 14-hour days and nearly burned out after a year or so as the editor. Reading a best-seller on management style was a transforming experience. It spoke to me directly: If you try to do everything, you will do nothing effectively. It went on to explain that as a manager, I was expected to manage and spend virtually all of my time managing. I was the one responsible for setting the tone for the department. I was the one that was needed to conceptualize the big picture for growth and sustainability. I was responsible for the orderly functioning of the department, hiring competent staff and training them well, critiquing them constructively and praising them generously while overseeing their productivity and efficiency. As a manager, I was also expected to fight hard for the resources staff members needed, but I also needed to control costs and work within our departmental budget. I was not responsible for clipping newspaper articles, sorting staff mail and doing a thousand and one other tasks that needed to be delegated to others. • Say “thanks” in tangible ways: I didn’t realize it at the time, but many of our employees cherished a compliment almost as much as a raise. I came from a family where the men were “strong, silent” type. We didn’t do much complimenting. When I would send a half-sheet with a hand-scribbled note to a reporter commending him or her on a story, it was as if a light clicked on. When I became publisher, if we had months where we achieved our goals, it was pizza and soft drinks along with words of congratulations and thanks. I wish I had caught on to this strategy much earlier than I did, because it did more for morale than just about anything else. Oh, yes, I did authorize bonuses for employees who performed above expectations.
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Q&A with Arlyn Mallo Pontiac Care and Rehabilitation Center administrator in Oswego begins process of adapting to ‘new normal’ By Lou Sorendo Q.: Is the world of senior care changing as a result of the threat? A.: I think that the ongoing pandemic has shifted everyone’s routine. For instance, social distancing has an impact on the elderly. As caregivers, we do everything we can with the resources provided to slow the acceleration of the virus to our residents. We protect them from the virus while striving to cater to their mental health. Stephen Hanse, president and CEO of the New York State Health Facilities Association and the New York State Center for Assisted Living, said, “Health care workers work around the clock to provide physical, psychological and compassionate care to our residents in normal times, and now during an incredibly stressful situation. Not only are these heroic staff members providing one-on-one care, they are filling the void of residents’ families who are not allowed to visit during the quarantine.” Q.: Given the challenges that COVID-19 presents, is it safe to say the senior living industry will be adapting to a “new normal” going forward? A.: With the right approach, this “new normal” can turn into opportunities. Until we have the immunization for the majority, we will be following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the state Department o Health as well as adhering to practices that were put forth. I think there are regional differences in terms of opening up. Therefore, we will follow our regional guidance prior to moving up some of the standards. Q.: In general terms, what strategies are necessary for senior adult facilities to keep COVID-10 from entering their space? A.: To keep COVID-19 from entering a senior adult facility, it is imperative to actively screen anyone entering the facility, limit visitation, and employ a 84
good infection prevention principle that makes use of proper hand washing and personal protective equipment as needed, as well as periodically reviewing the plan and make specific changes to an evolving situation as necessary. Q.: What measures must be taken in order to identify infections early among resident populations? Will procedures that have already been in place be enhanced due to the existence of COVID-19? A.: More testing and at least daily screening and assessment of both residents and staff to detect fever and any symptoms of COVID-19 are the key CDC-recommended strategies to identify infections early and to prepare for the virus. Reassessing the effectiveness of procedures that have already been in place can lead to their enhancement. There shall be an increase in assessment procedures of residents upon the existence of COVID-19, and the room placements or residents, such as cohorting positive people to contain the virus and further prevent it from spreading within the facility. Additionally, enhancing cleaning the disinfection on top of the routine cleaning can help reduce the potential for any cross contamination. Q.: How vital is it to assess the supply of PPE and initiate measures to optimize current supply? Will a sufficient supply of respirators be a staple now? A.: Assessing the supply of PPE is critically vital. Our facility is closely working with the state Department of Health to determine better ways to access PPE and how much storage we should have on hand going forward. Within New York state and across the country, we are all assessing how to move forward to ensure we have the supply to meet the demand and establish a threshold. Respirators will also be part of that process. OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Q.: Will source control measures be enforced to prevent transmission from an infected individual who may or may not have symptoms of COVID-19? A.: Testing staff and residents as part of the compliance is now being provided to prevent a larger outbreak. Our facility is already implementing measures to the best of our ability by utilizing different levels of precautions and isolation. However, for those that are not demonstrating symptoms, we are working with government agencies to determine how to manage such concerns. Q.: Will long-term measures be taken to activity screen everyone for fever and symptoms of COVID-19 before they enter the health care facility? A.: In the short term, this will probably occur until the point that the pandemic or this current crisis is over and we’ll have immunization available. Q.: How important is it to execute contact tracing as part of the process of combating COVID-19? What does it require to do that on a successful basis? A.: Executing contact tracing is a significant process of combating COVID-19, and the providers play a part in it in which our facility participates. However, executive tracing is more of a DOH function. Q.: What are the keys to protecting health care personnel? A.: Effective hand washing is the No. 1 key to protecting health care personnel. It also involves the effective use of infection prevention principles, screening, adhering to precautions, effective use of isolation, proper use of PPE and vaccinations. JUNE / JULY 2020
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‘New Normal’ For Two Senior Facilities in Oswego Senior living communities will be very different in the coming years ahead, says manager of The Manor at Seneca Hill and Springside at Seneca Hill By Lou Sorendo
W
hile Oswego Hospital became the focus of attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, Oswego Health’s senior care facilities for the elderly and physically challenged populations were certainly not immune to significant challenges. Jason Santiago, chief operating officer at The Manor at Seneca Hill and Springside at Seneca Hill, said given the obstacles COVID-19 presents, the senior living industry will be adapting to a “new normal” going forward. The Manor at Seneca Hill is a 120-bed 24-hour skilled nursing care facility and provides transitional care (short-term rehab) services, including occupational, physical and speech therapies. The 57-unit Springside at Seneca Hill offers retirement living to those aged 62 and older.
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Individuals can choose to live in an apartment, duplex or cottage-style home. “This pandemic had devastating effects on the senior population globally,” Santiago said. “I suspect the ‘new normal’ will consist of new screening protocols of people entering senior facilities.” But a host of other things needs to be considered, he noted. All senior living facilities will likely be tasked with implementing new infection control protocols that have more substance to them, including stock inventory of personal protective equipment, Santiago noted. Also, how residents have gone about their daily life in senior facilities may need to be changed, such as dining processes, he said. “Dining is done in larger group setOSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
tings in senior living facilities, whether it be nursing homes, assisted living, or senior independent living facilities,” he said. “Having eight to 10 people sitting close together at one table may have to change. I think how senior living communities exist today will be very different in the coming years ahead.” Santiago said there are many factors to consider when it comes to developing the necessary strategies for facilities such as The Manor at Seneca Hill and Springside at Seneca Hill to keep COVID-19 at bay.
‘Information overload’ “I would say one of the most important things we did in keeping COVID-19 out of Springside at Seneca Hill and The Manor at Seneca Hill is communicate the information about the JUNE / JULY 2020
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virus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and county departments of health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to the staff taking care of these people,” he noted. Santiago said it’s been “information overload” during the pandemic. “And information was changing at times hourly. We needed to share this with staff regardless what shift they worked,” he said. Also, the facilities began implementing “pop-up” infection control and hand-washing audits with staff at The Manor at Seneca Hill. Proper hand-washing technique is key in reducing the spread of infection, according to CDC guidelines. “So we conducted these unannounced audits as part of our infection control practice. The other strategy that stands out to me is limiting the people in the building to those who truly need to be there and making sure that any outside health professionals or vendors that come into these facilities are screened before they enter them,” he said. Santiago said it is imperative that non-staff personnel only go from the single point of entry into the facility to only the area they need to be going, and exit the same way they came in. “Limiting the movement of those people in senior communities will reduce the spread of infection to seniors,” he added. “For the foreseeable future, we will be screening our staff and medical personnel when entering the facility to protect our residents from COVID-19,” he said.
Infection busters Santiago said the staff at Oswego Health’s senior care facilities needs to go back to basics when it comes to taking measures to identify infections early among resident populations. “Caregivers in our facilities are the ones who are interacting and providing care to our residents of our communities every single day,” Santiago said. “They know the residents the best. When they see a change in a resident, they need to take action. That could be obtaining vitals, informing their charge nurse or medical provider, and coordinating residents’ care to obtain necessities such as lab work.” Santiago noted it is vital to assess the supply of personal protective equipment and initiate measures to optimize current supply. 88
Jason Santiago, chief operating officer at The Manor at Seneca Hill and Springside at Seneca Hill. “This pandemic had devastating effects on the senior population globally. I suspect the ‘new normal’ will consist of new screening protocols of people entering senior facilities.” He said since the pandemic started, The Manor at Seneca Hill has been tracking its PPE inventory daily. “All New York state nursing homes and assisted living communities have had to report their PPE supply daily for quite some time,” Santiago said. He said he would not be surprised during the “new normal” when senior care facilities will be required to add to their emergency management plans, PPE inventory and management protocols. “I suspect both the federal and state governments are going to drive this initiative for all senior living communities,” he noted. Meanwhile, Santiago said it is essential to execute contact tracing as part of the process of combating COVID-19. Contact tracing is the process of identification of people who may have come into contact with an infected person and subsequent collection of further information about these contacts. He said this is critical and staff needs to conduct contact tracing in a timely fashion and accurately so health department officials can identify where the COVID-19 “hot spots” are. “Getting that information to the public will hopefully lead to those non-infected people to avoid those hot spots,” he said. Santiago said in terms of protecting health care personnel, it is critical to have OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
the right PPE and education. “The strategy to me is review your PPE inventory daily, assess where you’re deficient and obtain the PPE you need,” he said. “The biggest struggle in this COVID-19 pandemic was there was not enough supply of PPE because the demand was so high.” He said he expects to see a requirement for all health care facilities, including senior care facilities, to have a certain required supply of PPE. “Education is a very key piece that goes along with this because you can have all the PPE on hand, but if the staff doesn’t utilize it properly, the PPE is useless, such as N95 masks,” he said. An N95 mask or N95 respirator is a particulate-filtering face piece respirator that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health N95 classification of air filtration, meaning that it filters at least 95% of airborne particles.
Contagion control Santiago presented several steps necessary when it comes to isolating symptomatic patients. One of the most challenging assignments is to keep symptomatic patients separated from the well residents, such as placing them in a separate unit, or on a different hall or floor if possible. “It’s also important to discharge those symptomatic residents to the hospital if their conditions deteriorate,” he said. “In all likelihood, symptomatic COVID-19 seniors will need some type of acute care, especially if they have other underlying conditions.” Another vital step is to assign staff so that only health care workers caring for COVID-19 residents provide care with those residents and don’t provide care for well residents, Santiago added. Springside at Seneca Hill residents are all independent residents who don’t require nursing care. They all live in their own individual apartments, duplexes, or cottages. The Manor at Seneca Hill was already isolating new admissions during the pandemic in private rooms as COVID-19 crept in from the community and hospital. The Manor’s daily census declined once area hospitals were forced to shut down surgeries. “I think everything has to be on the table when it comes to future pandemic planning, which would include creating single-occupancy isolation rooms, he noted. JUNE / JULY 2020
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Success Story
By Lou Sorendo
Oswego YMCA Buoyed by past success, CEO Kerrie Ann Webb navigates organization through still another threatening crisis
K
errie Ann Webb is familiar with what it takes to make a successful comeback. The executive director and CEO of the Oswego YMCA took over as leader of the organization during a turbulent time in its history in 2014. Thanks to her high resolve and energy at that critical time, she plucked the financially challenged organization that has served the Port City for the past 165 years from the precipice of extinction. Now, she is focused on coordinating another rebound effort as the novel coronavirus loosens its grip on the Central New York area and nation. In mid-March, the YMCAs in Oswego and Fulton both closed for regular operation due to COVID-19. 90
Webb helped set up logistics to have both facilities serve as emergency childcare centers during the global pandemic for youngsters whose parents are first responders and essential workers who need to work every day. “The last thing people need to be stressing about is taking care of their kids when knowing they have to go to work,” Webb said. City of Oswego Mayor William Barlow signed an executive order that covered the costs of this emergency childcare. The Oswego Y also set up virtual classes that are offered online so members can enjoy them on an interactive basis and stay engaged. The Oswego County Community OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
Foundation partnered with the United Way of Greater Oswego County and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation to support the YMCA with some of its revenue loss and operational expenses during the pandemic. With assistance from the Alliance of New York State YMCAs and Pathfinder Bank, the Oswego YMCA was also able to receive funds through the federal Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) initiative. In mid-May, Webb was working to gradually bring back staff and started to recall workers in order to meet the requirements of PPP loan forgiveness. The plan at that time was to bring back furloughed workers by June 5. Nearly 80 of the staff of 96 were furloughed. Of that 96, five are fulltime workers. The current situation regarding COVID-19 has not dampened Webb’s passion for what she does. “For me, the most satisfying aspect of this job is to know we are supporting and helping people in our community,” JUNE / JULY 2020
she said. “The thing that I miss most is I know people come to us for socialization and to feel like they belong somewhere. That part is sad and definitely missed right now.” Prior to the global pandemic, the Oswego Y featured more than 1,700 members, the highest mark since Webb’s tenure as leader. Webb said the YMCA was enjoying a “phenomenal” first quarter this year, a culmination of a fruitful five-year plan. Webb has been corresponding with the Alliance of New York State YMCAs in efforts to rebound successfully from COVID-19. “When we un-pause and get ready to reopen, it’s going to be similar across the state for all YMCAs,” said Webb, noting rebounds will vary regionally due to downstate being hit harder by the virus. The comeback effort will be made under the guidance of the New York State Department of Health. “It will be different. I can’t say there will ever be normalcy again, because this is the new normalcy,” she said. “When people walk back in, it’s not going to be the YMCA they left in March. There will be different policies and procedures and we have to adapt to them. But we are still going to be able to offer what we know our community needs,” she added.
As far as 2020 is concerned, Webb said many plans have gone back to the drawing board because of the global pandemic. She said the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the state DOH are going to mandate new standards, and the Oswego Y will need to readdress how it is going to handle programming. However, life and progress go on at the Oswego Y. When longtime Oswego Y member Margaret “Peg” McKenney died in 2019, she asked that contributions in her honor be made to the Oswego Y. As a result, the organization is constructing a new entryway floor and an entire remodel of its lobby and entryway. “This will just knock the socks off when people walk back in,” Webb said. Meanwhile, attention will be placed on the newly relocated skate park and recreation center. These resources have been relocated to 201 E. Sixth St. in back of Grace Evangelical Church. The facilities are expected to reopen during phase 4 of the statewide reopening plan.
Saved from disaster Webb has overseen significant developments at the Oswego YMCA since
she has taken on her leadership role. After the closing of the historic Oswego Armory in 2004, the Oswego Y purchased the Armory and has since run most of its programming out of the building on West First Street. Aside from the relocation and other significant initiatives, Webb said the most significant development during her tenure has been a change in programming geared to maintain and grow membership. Programming needed a complete overhaul, Webb said, and family programming was non-existent. “It was mostly adult programming and a child care center,” said Webb, who is a 1993 graduate of Oswego High School. Webb, 45, began as respite director at the Oswego YMCA in May of 2012. When Webb became CEO and chief executive officer in 2014, the doors at the Oswego Y were scheduled to close due to financial reasons. That’s when Webb refused to see the Oswego Y fold. “I didn’t feel like we were at that point,” the Oswego native and resident said. “I was a staff member at the time and really felt with an overhaul and some redirection, we really could be what we were supposed to be and serve our community.” In 2015, the Oswego Y was forced
Boottcamp Fitness, one of the most popular programs at the Oswego YMCA, developed by Director of Health and Fitness Trish Levine 18 years ago, still going strong. This outdoor, hour-long class meets rain or shine and is offered in the early morning and again mid-morning two days per week from June to August. Due to COVID-19 and restrictions on outdoor mass gatherings, this year is the first time the class is not being held. JUNE / JULY 2020
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Oswego YMCA in downtown Oswego. Prior to the global pandemic, the Oswego Y featured more than 1,700 members, the highest mark since Kerrie Webb’s tenure as leader.
to shift its operations to the adjacent Armory due to structural failure of its main building which cut off access to the pool, the only handicapped-accessible pool in Oswego. A vital capital campaign raised funds toward needed renovations, including a project designed to create a connector between the Armory building and the pool via the agency’s garage. That project is ongoing and currently at a standstill due to COVID-19. The loss of the pool resulted in cancelation of important swimming and related programs, which helped lead to a significant loss in membership. “When we moved, membership plummeted to just under 1,000 members by Christmas of 2015. That was terrifying to me,” Webb said. The Oswego Y is an independent organization that relies on members and donors for financial support. “People fear change. There had been several changes as far as leadership, changes insofar as what the direction of the organization was going to be, and change of facilities,” Webb said. “People just don’t like change, so you lose trust and security, and that’s obviously what happened when we lost our members.” Webb said keys to the rebound included “really difficult conversations and asking people, ‘Why don’t you trust 92
us? Why did you leave? What is it that you need? Where are we falling short? It was also not just asking and hearing an answer, but asking and following through to see if it is something you can actually address.” Webb said keys to her overall success at the Oswego Y revolve around the ability to build relationships. “Shortly after I took the role, I joined the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and that allowed me to really introduce myself as the new leader of the Y,” she said. Webb said she was able to gain trust in people by showing them who she is, sharing her game plan, and taking part in and committing to other boards and task forces. Since that point, membership at the Oswego Y has steadily grown during Webb’s tenure as leader. Over the past five years, it has increased by 83%. “It’s safe to say that 70% of that is our family membership program,” she said. The Y offers about 60 health and wellness classes and anywhere from 15 to 20 family and youth program classes each week.
A ‘go-to’ place In terms of popular programs, OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
members are highly interested in programs such as high-intensity interval training, boots camp fitness classes and challenges, Webb said. On the events side, the annual Oswego YMCA Harborfest 5K Run/ Walk and 10K Run is a popular event, while the annual Oswego Dragon Boat Festival is something the community looks forward to. Last year, the Oswego YMCA took over the CNY Great Pumpkin Festival, held in the fall at Washington Square Park in Oswego. The Oswego Y is gearing up for its summer mini-camps, which are highly successful because they are family driven, Webb said. Classes offered include those in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), photography, and spray paint art. The Oswego Y has also grown to feature enhancement resources for home-schooled children. The Port City area features a large homeschooling community, and the Oswego Y began offering home-school extension classes three years ago. The program started with only a handful of children and now features more than 150 youngsters. “The biggest thing that we hear from families is the benefit of socialization, which typically is what students struggle with, whether that’s why they moved to being a home-schooled family or not,” Webb said. “Bringing them into the YMCA to do these classes exposes them to their peers. They work on socialization and communication skills, which is really key to them to be able to grow up,” she said. The Oswego YMCA also has a school-aged childcare program that it offers at local elementary schools. While gauging the success of a given program on volume, the Oswego Y also puts out surveys and features a separate Facebook page for Oswego Y moms and dads (Oswego YMCA Moms and Dads!)
Volunteerism valued Meanwhile, the volunteer spirit remains high at the Oswego Y. “We value having them here. We do have an amazing group of volunteers that we pull from on a regular basis, and we still have many volunteers who teach for us,” she added. Volunteers run at least 70% of the Y’s programming, Webb said. JUNE / JULY 2020
The Black Student Union at SUNY Oswego also volunteers its time and energy to support the annual Healthy Kids Day. “They help us set up, run it and break it down,” Webb said. “Through the years, they have always been there for us.” Webb said this level of volunteerism is the “heartbeat” that keeps the Oswego Y going. Volunteers include college students looking to fulfill education-related needs or recent retirees who have extra time on their hands and miss feeling connected. “What we do find is that after volunteering, they don’t want to leave,” said Webb. “They see where they have impacted somebody or they felt the success of being part of something, and they tend to stay with us.” The Oswego Y takes a team approach when it comes to coordinating volunteers. Trish Levine, the health and wellness director at the Oswego Y, and Amy Murphy, education and professional learning community director, play key roles along with Webb in coordinating volunteer help. Webb is a member of several boards, including the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum, the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Oswego Health Foundation. She has also worked with the city on LIFT (Learn, Identity, Focus and Transform) Partners that is geared to address poverty initiatives. Webb earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education as a non-traditional student and mom at SUNY Oswego in 2003. She then went on to teach at Kingsford Park Elementary School in Oswego for seven years. She also earned an organizational leadership certificate through Y-USA’s CEO Bridge Program. Webb has two adult children— Ben 25, and Turner, 20 — as well as Finnegan, 8, and Murphy, 5. While the two eldest sons are now out of the house, Murphy and Finnegan attend school and then are dropped off at the Oswego Y to take advantage of after-school resources. “The quality of care is high because I am putting my own children in those places,” she said. The Oswego Y is located at 265 W. First St., Oswego. For more information, call 315-342-6082 or visit www. oswegoymca.org. JUNE / JULY 2020
Oswego Y: Quality of Life Booster By Lou Sorendo
T
rish Levine, director of health and wellness at the Oswego YMCA, has dedicated herself to the sustainability and success of the Oswego YMCA for many years. “For over 30 years, the Y has been a part of me — providing a sense of belonging, a sense of family,” she said. “I am fortunate that I’ve been able to contribute to the organization in a variety of roles, including as a volunteer, fitness instructor, board member and fundraiser.” She has served as director of health and wellness for the last seven years. “There is an impact that is felt when people connect through different programs at the Y, a feeling that is not tangible but very concrete,” she said. “It’s not just in exercise and physical activity, but as a place that helps to create individual pride and a sense of community. The Y is all about providing opportunity to create social and personal change Levine and for this, I have always felt this strong sense of giving back.” Oswego resident Liane Benedict is a returning member of the Oswego Y. “I am proud to be a member of the YMCA. I will admit, I left for about 18 months or so for a variety of reasons, personal and other,” she said. “My daughter and son remained members and then I returned several months ago. “Since returning, so many changes are obvious to me — increased programming to meet a variety of needs, a desire to be responsive to the needs of the community and its members, a sense of caring on a personal level, improving the building’s look and feel and always remaining financially accessible. I love that they offer fun events that bring people together, even if I cannot attend many of them.” Benedict said the Oswego Y
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
“creates a positive energy in the community that is needed and comes from no other organization in our community the way it does from the Y. My daughter has been an avid member for years with gaps only when she is away at college. She feels comfortable and safe there; that means a lot to me.”
Strong testimonial Ruthe Ayres, an Oswego resident and one of the Oswego Y’s active senior adult members, has been a member of the organization for two years. She said based on her two-year experience, the Y features a variety of classes for all levels of fitness. “The friendly atmosphere and fun classes make it a welcoming place for those of us who want to exercise in a class setting, make new friends and be challenged physically,” Ayres said. “The class variety is very good and the teachers are excellent. She said as a senior adult, it is important to keep active and fit by practicing balance skills, strengthening by using weights and cardiovascular wellness with spinning, stepping or other activities. “It’s just fun and good for one’s head and body. There is always a friendly face and a welcoming smile. The Y is there for the community and is a great asset,” she said. For City of Oswego Mayor William Barlow, having a YMCA in the Port City community is a huge amenity that not every community can boast of. “Our YMCA is in our downtown area, which makes it even better,” he said. “The YMCA provides a safe, reliable place for people of all ages to go for various activities and that is extremely important.” In terms of attracting and retaining residents, assets like the YMCA are important to people while deciding where to live, he added.
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Cathleen Palmitesso New Emergency Management Office director is a celebrated member SUNY Oswego women’s volleyball team from page 17 in 2004. The StormReady program helps arm Oswego County with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before, during and after an event. The EMO also became part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s NWS Weather-Ready Nation program in 2018. NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service is moving new science and technology into NWS operations that will improve forecasts and ultimately increase weather-readiness. EMO also works closely with the Oswego County Emergency Communicators, which consist of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services and the NWS’ SKYWARN storm spotter program. SKYWARN is a volunteer program with between 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the NWS. “Members and other volunteers are provided training to become severe weather spotters,” Palmitesso said. “The spotters can then provide timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the NWS and EMO during severe weather events.” She said the EMO shares timely NWS information with Oswego County emergency response agencies and municipalities on a regular basis, monitors reports of severe weather with them while taking a team approach to provide public warnings.
Team first Palmitesso touched on the skill sets she has which her with an edge in terms of leading emergency management for the county. “I recognize that emergency management requires a team approach and takes the support of all government 94
agencies as well as strong partnerships with private businesses to be effective,” she said. “I would say my style is collaborative and inclusive — we need to work as a team to do the best job we can for the entire community.” In terms of job gratification, Palmitesso said she enjoys using the equipment in the radiological program, meeting new people through the training program and working for the safety of the community. “As director, I look forward to continuing the radiological program and learning more about all the hazards that we face and how we can prepare best to keep our county safe,” she added. As far as challenges she expects to face directing operations at the EMO, Palmitesso said, “Honestly, you never know what you don’t know. I think learning more about the all-hazards approach to emergency management as new emergencies like COVID-19 happen is important.” Any emergency preparedness plan using the all-hazards approach should address threats or hazards classified as probable and hazards that could cause injury, property damage, business disruption or environmental impact. “Emergency management is always evolving and learning new things makes it exciting,” she said. As far as her college athletic career, Palmitesso helped the Lakers’ volleyball program post a 78-31 record and a 20-9 SUNYAC mark over her final three seasons. She was recognized in each of those three seasons, earning All-SUNYAC West honors from the conference in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Palmitesso also was named AllState in her final year. For many, Hall of Fame status equates to being the best of the best. “For as long as I can remember, I have always been involved in sports and have had tremendous support from my family in all my endeavors,” she said. She said her Hall of Fame status at OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
SUNY Oswego provided tremendous recognition for the women’s volleyball program. “From a personal standpoint, the selection was the highest recognition by my peers for all the hard work, perseverance, efforts and accomplishments as a student athlete,” she said. Palmitesso still plays volleyball but nothing on an organized or competitive level. “I play just for fun and do like to stay active,” she said. “I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with my dog. I have begun to play golf, although I am not very good at it. Practice makes perfect,” she said. Palmitesso expressed great admiration for her hometown. “I enjoy the change of seasons and all the opportunities this great county presents no matter what time of year it is,” she said. JUNE / JULY 2020
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Cruse Control New Novelis’ boss: Jeff Cruse started at the company sweeping floors. Now he is in charge. He talks about his career, plans. Page 56
Since Rich Burritt, 36, took over his family dealership in 2006, Burritt Motors in Oswego has grown by at least 15% every year. In 2019, it surpassed $100 million in sales, a record. He is now ready to complete a $10 million project that will position the business for further growth. Page 54
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Surgeon Duane Tull is Oswego Health’s new chief medical doctor. He talks about what’s been done to offer high-quality health services in Oswego County.
Millennials: They Feel More Stressed Out Than Any Other Generation, They Say
Big projects, loss of population, lack of qualified workers, — all about CNY’s economy inside
INSIDE Meet the top doctors at Crouse, St. Joe’s, ConnextCare
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SRC’s Steady Growth
Sixty-two Central New York leaders share their achievements, career paths and offer a glimpse into their personal lives. P. 61
Deana Michaels is set to become the second woman in history to serve as mayor of Fulton. P. 54
Syracuse New Times: Will the New Strategy Work?
How Fishing Has Become a Major Draw
Fueled by a series of million dollar contracts with the federal government and an increase in global sales, North Syracuse nonprofit continues steady growth
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■ We’ve asked business owners: How hard is it to find qualified workers in the region? See what they say
More Millennials Moving to Syracuse Salt City ranks No. 3 on the list of the nation’s most popular places for recent millennial movers
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Sports fishing is key to the tourism industry in Oswego County, generating millions in revenues. That was not the case 50 years ago. We trace the roots of an industry that continues to grow
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New in Town
Terry LeRoy built one of the most successful companies in Central New York, the LeRoi Inc., which manufactures body jewelry and sells it globally. The business he started 24 years ago in the basement of his home is now moving to a much larger location in Oswego, opening up new opportunities for growth.
Tim McKernan is the facility manager for EJ USA. The company is moving to Oswego County (from Cicero) and bringing with it nearly 100 workers
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Yes, Central New York’s economy is growing a lot faster than in recent years, but not as fast as other Upstate cities like Buffalo, Rochester or Albany.
CHARITY GIVING Americans are giving record amounts of money to various causes. Locally, organizations such as CNY Community Foundation donate millions every year. Inside: A list of companies that donate the most to the United Way
Inside: The Transformation of Downtown Oswego
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Best Business Directory CONSTRUCTION
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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, NY 13069. Call 315593-1332 or fax 315-598-5286.
Dunsmoor Construction Inc. Residential-commercial construction. Serving Oswego County. Home improvement contractor. 315-343-4380 or 315-591-5020.
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. 315-2986407 or visit www.lakeshorehardwoods.com.
Munski Automotive. Brakes, exhaust, NYS inspections, shocks & struts, steering & suspension, check engine & ABS light, tires. 14 West Seneca St., Oswego 315-343-6229. www.munskiauto.com
Port City Copy Center. Your one-stop for all of your copy + print needs. 37 East First St., Oswego. 2166163.
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COPY + PRINT
DEMOLITION Fisher Companies. Commercial & residential demolition. Great prices. Fully insured. Free estimates. 48 years of experience. Call Fisher Companies at 315652-3773 or visit www.johnefisherconstruction.com.
EXCAVATING Gilbert Excavating. Septic systems. Gravel & top soil. Septic tank pumping. 685 County Route 3, Fulton, 13069. Call 315-593-2472.
JANITORIAL SERVICES LC Cleaners. Looking for good service, start by calling LC Cleaners at 315-744-2205. We clean dirt cheap. We will also disinfect your office. Please leave message on our phone.
LAND SURVEYOR Robert M. Burleigh, licensed land surveyor. Quality land surveying. Residential, subdivision, commercial, boundary surveying. 315-593-2231.
LUMBER White’s Lumber. Four locations to serve you. Pulaski: state Route 13, 315-298-6575; Watertown: N. Rutland Street, 315-788-6200; Clayton: James Street, 315686-1892; Gouverneur: Depot Street, 315-287-1892.
OUTBOARD MOTORS Arney’s Marina. Route 14 Sodus Point, NY. Honda four-stroke motors, 2 hp to 250 hp. Repower your boat with the best! Call 483-9111 for more information.
TRACTOR / LAWN EQUIPMENT RanMar Tractor Supply, Sales and Service of New and Used Tractors and Farm Equipment – 5219 US Route 11 Pulaski, New York – 315-298-5109.
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Oswego County Business P.O. Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
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Sara Sunday Oswego County Office for the Aging director navigates area seniors through the uncertainty of global pandemic Q.: Among the many services that the Oswego County Office for the Aging provides for seniors, which ones have become more in demand as a result of COVID-19? A.: Food and home-delivered meals are the most demanded service. Seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations that COVID-19 strikes. Seniors have been told to remain socially distanced and they are scared. They do not want to go into stores and potentially expose themselves. In addition to the meals, many people have found it hard to locate toilet paper to purchase. As a measure to keep our participants safe, and help provide needed items, Office for the Aging secured cases of toilet paper and all home-delivered meal participants were provided with rolls of toilet paper. We were also able to secure hand sanitizer and face masks to provide to all participants. Q.: We know the Office for the Aging offers a “friendly call” service, providing telephone reassurance to seniors who live alone or who may feel isolated and vulnerable. Has this service been ramped up to help seniors who have been socially isolated due to COVID-19? A.: Yes, Oswego County Legislator Thomas Drumm worked with the Oswego County Board of Elections to obtain a listing of Oswego County registered voters, aged 70 through 90-plus. The list is quite extensive, but the Office for the Aging as well as other county department staff have been calling seniors to check in. They are asked if they have family and friend supports, if they need food or other items, and if they have questions about COVID-19. They are provided with phone numbers if needed, referred to programs that can help and just provided a warm voice to let them know we are here for them.
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Q.: Office for the Aging has been active in distributing facemasks to senior housing sites and home-delivered meals clients. How essential is it to provide this level of care to the elderly in our area? A.: I think this is essential to help keep our seniors safe. As the county begins to re-open, people will be out more and if we are not all following guidelines, COVID-19 will be back and our seniors will be a target. By providing them a measure of safety with a face mask, we are helping to ensure their future health.
By Lou Sorendo is a retreat. For many, the home-delivered meal driver in the past was the only contact they received. They made friends and joked around. With the new process, meals are left on door handles, the driver knocks on the door and then returns to their car. There is very limited interaction, and this is a major concern regarding seniors’ mental health. Office for the Aging encourages everyone to participate in the “Take 5 for New York” initiative. Residents are encouraged to take five minutes in their day to call someone who may be alone and feeling isolated, whether it is a family member or friend, co-worker or neighbor. A call, a text, or a wave through the window can make all the difference for someone feeling isolated. The OFA was also lucky enough to obtain and distribute “Joy for All” robotic cats and dogs to seniors. While it may sound odd, these animals bring so much joy to isolated seniors and there is no feeding or clean up required.
Q.: What do you feel have been the most significant challenges facing area seniors while they deal with COVID-19 and all of its ramifications? A.: One of the most significant challenges is the increased isolationism. To keep safe, family members and neighbors are not stopping by to chat. Groceries are left at the door and then there
OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS
JUNE / JULY 2020
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