Mohawk Valley

Leadership Mohawk Valley congratulates the 2012 Follow the Leaders Honorees

February 2, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

Individuals: Stephanie Davis, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield; Brian Healey, Northland Communications; Brandon Lovett, City of Oneida; Gail Manfredo, Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy; Kristy Nole, First Source Federal Credit Union; Mike Parsons, First Source Federal Credit Union; Kathy Perkins, The House of the Good Shepherd; Virginia Whitford, Kids Oneida

Businesses/Organizations: First Source Federal Credit Union and Herkimer Area Resource Center

This year’s Follow the Leader Awards Dinner will be Wednesday, March 14 at the Radisson Hotel, beginning with cocktails at 5:30pm. Mark your calendar and plan to join us as we honor this great slate of leaders.

More event information can be found on the LMV website at www.leadershipmohawkvalley.net. If you are interested in event sponsorship opportunities or would like to place an ad or congratulatory message in the evening’s program book, please email info@leadershipmohawkvalley.net for more information.

Filed Under: Announcements, Business, Mohawk Valley

Resolution in support of the proposal to replace the North-South Arterial viaduct and upgrade the arterial corridor

January 26, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Utica, NY – Jan. 25, 2012) The Mohawk Valley Chamber Board has passed a resolution in support of the proposal to replace the North-South Arterial viaduct and upgrade the arterial corridor.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has determined that the viaduct of the North-South Arterial is nearing the end of its useful life and that there is an identified need to improve highway safety in the area of the proposed project. NYSDOT has also determined a need to improve access and mobility to the North-South Arterial.

NYSDOT has created a proposal to replace the viaduct in a relocated position and satisfy the following objectives:

Eliminate structural and geometric deficiencies in the viaduct
Improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety
Improve access and mobility
Improve neighborhood connectivity
Improve aesthetic appearance

Satisfying these objectives, regardless of the final actual design of the North-South Arterial corridor is a positive goal and will benefit the Mohawk Valley region. There is a concern that the NYSDOT will not move forward with this proposal or any alternative proposal to replace the aging viaduct and satisfy the above objectives.

Improvement to infrastructure is a stated pillar of the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce Economic Revitalization plan and Legislative Agenda. The Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce supports this proposal, or any alternative proposal to replace the viaduct of the North-South Arterial and accomplish the above stated goals and objectives. The Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce urges the New York State Department of Transportation to commence the project as soon as practicable, and move the project to completion to improve the aging infrastructure and the surrounding area.

Filed Under: Business, Mohawk Valley, Utica

Oneida Healthcare Acquires the da Vinci Si Surgical System

January 14, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Oneida, NY – Jan. 2012)

Oneida Healthcare has recently acquired the da Vinci Si Surgical System.

“This advanced level of technology takes surgery beyond the limits of the human hand and this acquisition complements our goal of extending minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients,” said President and CEO Gene Morreale. “Our new surgical suite was designed with this kind of technology in mind and this (approximately $2 million) investment will help us provide the best possible outcomes for our patients and surgeons.

Morreale also noted that Oneida Healthcare’s da Vinci system is the only one between Syracuse and Albany and will be available to physicians and patients in Madison and Oneida counties, as well as the Utica-Rome area and entire Mohawk Valley region.

Dr. Alberto Del Pino, of the Oneida Surgical Group, explained that so-called “robotic” surgery can be used for a multitude of GYN and general surgical procedures, including his specialty, colorectal surgery.

“It (the da Vinci Si) has several unique features designed to provide additional clinical benefits and efficiency in the operating room, many of which translate to patient benefits,” Del Pino said.

He cited several major benefits, including: enhanced 3D, high-definition vision of the operative field with up to 10x magnification, superior visual clarity of tissue and anatomy, and surgical dexterity and precision far greater than even the human hand.

Del Pino was quick to emphasize, however, that robotic surgery doesn’t replace the surgeon.

“It’s still our hands and skill performing the surgery but the unparalleled precision, dexterity and control of this system will now enable a minimally invasive approach for many complex surgical procedures,” Del Pino said. “It’s simply the best tool available.”

Filed Under: Announcements, Health, Mohawk Valley, Rome, Technology, Utica

Locals Speak out on State of State Address

January 9, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Jan. 2012)

Anthony J. Brindisi (Assembly District 116)

Business could help showcase SUNYIT’s Quad-C and the Marcy NanoCenter on an international stage in an effort to secure commitments from more companies and create much needed good-paying jobs in the Mohawk Valley. I also applaud the Governor’s commitment to infrastructure improvement and putting children first when it comes to education and I look forward to working with him, my colleagues in the legislature, and local officials to move New York and the Mohawk Valley forward.”

Claudia Tenney (Assembly District 115)

My colleagues and I have another busy legislative session ahead of us. Governor Cuomo made it clear today that he has no serious plans to address Medicaid and Mandate Relief, or school aid reform, which are top priorities.

Our local governments, school districts, and municipalities are under greater and greater pressure every year due to mandates handed down to them by the state. We cannot tolerate New York State’s excessive spending, particularly on programs such as Medicaid, which are riddled with fraud and loopholes. Medicaid is the number one budgetary item in New York and without comprehensive Medicaid mandate relief, the cost of living in the 115th Assembly District continues to rise and proves burdensome to our communities. Medicaid consumed more than $1 billion per week in the 2011 state budget and is devouring our local revenue.

The Governor has shown an interest in acquiring private funds to support public programs, yet has not committed to reducing the cost of mandates on the New York taxpayer. I am going to fight this year for reform of the Medicaid. I hope the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature will support me this coming session in providing Medicaid mandate relief, a real middle class tax cut, and school aid reform.

Filed Under: Editorial/Opinions, Government and Politics, Mohawk Valley, New Hartford, Utica

Assemblyman Brindisi to serve on standing committees

January 5, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Jan. 2012) Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) announced that he will be serving on the following Assembly Standing Committees for the upcoming 2012 legislative session:

Economic Development

Higher Education

Aging

Energy

Veterans

Local Governments

“Creating jobs and attracting businesses is my top priority,”Brindisi said. “Economic Development and Higher Education go hand-in-hand. In order to bring new companies to the area we must demonstrate that our workforce is educated for the jobs of the future.”

Brindisi also said he would work to cut costs through consolidation and work to eliminate unfunded mandates as a member of the Local Governments committee.

“Serving on these dynamic committees is one more way to give the Mohawk Valley a strong voice in Albany,” said Brindisi. “I look forward to working together with the governor and my Assembly and Senate colleagues to move New York and the Mohawk Valley forward.”

Filed Under: Government and Politics, Mohawk Valley, Utica

100 Pairs of Boots Donated to Local Children in Need

December 23, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

Pictured are Principal Pearl Bowker and Assistant Principal Kimberly VanDuren of Columbus Elementary School.

(Utica, NY – Dec. 22, 2011) United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica partnered with Herb Philipson’s to donate 100 pairs of winter boots to local children in need. This donation is in addition to the distribution of 100 winter coats to local children in November.

“We are always looking for new ways to reach out a helping hand in our community,” United Way Executive Director Brenda Episcopo said. “Expanding our relationship with Herb Philipson’s has allowed us to better outfit local children for the inevitably chilly Central New York winter to come.”

Six area programs and schools received boot donations from United Way this week. Among the recipients is Principal Pearl Bowker at Columbus Elementary School in Utica.

“The students and staff at our school are extremely grateful for the donation of boots and coats from United Way,” Principal Bowker said. “Such a generous donation will be very helpful in keeping our students happy, healthy and warm this winter.”

Other donation recipients include the Town of Webb School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Thea Bowman House, Catholic Charities After-School Program at Kernan Elementary, and the Herkimer Area Resource Center.

“Our first round of coat donations this fall was a huge success,” United Way Community Engagement Manager Adam Lawless said. “Roser Communications liked the idea so much they decided to donate and extra five new coats for us to distribute to local children in need. We were thrilled to be able to help fill the need at Columbus Elementary and all our other donation sites.”

Filed Under: Announcements, Business, Education, Mohawk Valley, Oneida County Agencies and Organizations, Religion, Top Stories, Utica

Oneida Nation Foundation Makes Contributions

December 15, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Oneida, NY – Dec. 2011) During the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, 2011, the Oneida Nation Foundation distributed more than $30,000 to help many needy organizations and institutions here in Central New York and in Indian Country, including: Oglala Lakota College (South Dakota), American Indian College Fund (Colorado), Running Strong for American Indian Youth (Nebraska), Rome Area Chamber of Commerce (Rome), Friends of the Central Library (Syracuse), The Jim and Julie Boeheim Foundation (Syracuse), Great Swamp Conservancy (Canastota), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation-CNY Chapter (Liverpool), Project Children (Whitesboro), International Boxing Hall of Fame (Canastota) and Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency-Child Development Division (Utica).

The donations went to groups focusing on many areas including education, healthcare, children’s programs, veterans and the environment.

These donations were in addition to the $43,206 that was raised by the Nation’s SāvOn convenience stores and donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc (East Syracuse).

Filed Under: Announcements, Mohawk Valley, Rome, Utica

35th Anniversary Finale, Celebration Dance Party with the Chameleons and Holiday Art Show

December 9, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

Pictured: “A Small World” by Matt Ossowski, HDR print with steel frame made by Joel Grimaldi, 30″ x 30″

(Utica, NY – Dec. 8, 2011) Area residents and visitors are invited to view the 2011 Holiday Art Show and Sale. The exhibition and sale will be on display through Dec. 21 (weekdays, from 9:30AM to 5:00PM and by appointment), at 12 Gates St., Utica, across from Butler Park on Whitesboro Street. Admission is free.

The studio gallery features an array of festive artworks including scarves, greeting cards, ceramics, paintings, metal sculptures and more, ranging from the whimsical to the grand.

The proceeds from any sale will support the Sculpture Space program and local artists.

The emerging and established artists featured in the show hail from the Mohawk Valley and surrounding areas. Artists include Mary Ballard, Vige Barrie, Daniel Buckingham, David Cahill, Christo, Sylvia de Swaan, Suzanne Firsching, John Fitzsimmons, DeWitt Godfrey, Christi Harrington, Scott Hartmann, George Hendrickson, Katarina Isaksson, John Loy, Mary Gaylord Loy, Jim McDermid, Will Mullin, Matt Ossowski, Ann Reichlin, Rosette Schureman, Ann Silberlicht, Steve Sloan, Sheila Smith, Steven Specht, George Strong, Catherine Wuillaume and Victoria Mele Zacek.

A unique cultural resource within the City of Utica, the Mohawk Valley and Upstate New York, Sculpture Space promotes interaction between international visiting artists and the local community by placing works in the public domain, hosting studio tours, and collaborating with other organizations to exhibit artists’ projects. Several hundred artists apply annually.

Twenty national and international artists are accepted each year to enjoy fellowships and two-month residencies. They receive stipends, housing, 24-hour access to the studio and technical assistance.

The workspace program is in part made possible with support from the NYS Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art, the Milton and Sally Avery Foundation, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, area corporations and an inclusive circle of friends.

Filed Under: Art and Culture, Calendar of Events, Mohawk Valley, Utica, Whitesboro

Griffo Statement on Funding for Mohawk Valley Economic Development Council

December 9, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Albany, NY – Dec. 8, 2011) Senator Joseph A. Griffo said that state funding for the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council represents an important step forward in the region’s efforts to revive its economy and its communities.

Griffo commended the Council’s co-chairs, SUNY Institute of Technology President, Bjong Wolf Yeigh and Lawrence T. Gilroy III, the President of Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy, Inc. for leading the region’s efforts in securing more than $60.2 million for the six county region.

“The development of this plan represented some outstanding efforts from the private and public sector members of the regional team, and I think it is important to recognize their hard work to start from scratch and develop an outstanding regional blueprint that includes all parts of the region and also set regional priorities,” Griffo said. “In addition to its focus on targeted economic development assistance for key job-creating projects, the plan made a very clear case that the region’s communities are in dire need of infrastructure investments to address brownfields, highway and sewer system issues that must be addressed in order to assure the long-term viability of the region.”

Griffo said the funding the region was awarded will be the beginning of efforts to revive the economy. “The priority projects are designed to be ones where state investment will spur new public and private investment within the region, increasing economic activity and leading to job creation across the region. Today represents a great first step, and I will continue to work to support our region to address the critical needs we face in rebuilding our economy and communities.”

Filed Under: Economics, Government and Politics, Mohawk Valley, Rome

Assemblymember Brindisi: Legislation will create jobs, help those affected by flooding

December 9, 2011 By margo Leave a Comment

(Dec. 8, 2011) Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) highlighted tax cuts for the middle class, infrastructure rebuilding and flood relief when he announced the tax bracket restructuring bill. The bill has the support of the Senate and governor.

“A true victory for Mohawk Valley families, this bipartisan agreement cuts taxes for middle-class families, invests in projects that will put people back to work and helps our community recover from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Lee,” Brindisi said. “This is a step in the right direction for our state and comes as welcomed news to middle-class families across Mohawk Valley.”

The bill establishes five new income tax brackets and temporarily restructures the current tax code to provide relief for 4.4 million middle-class New Yorkers. The changes will add nearly $2 billion to the New York State budget and create the lowest middle-class tax rates in more than 50 years.

Joined with the tax code changes are large investments to restore New York’s infrastructure and put tens of thousands of New Yorkers back to work. Under the new bill, $1 billion will be allocated for road, bridge, park, school, energy efficiency, dam and water system projects.

“In a move that will cut costs and delays, and streamlines the infrastructure-project approval process, the state will no longer be forced to hire separate firms for the design and construction of projects – helping get projects off the ground and New Yorkers back in the workforce more quickly,” Brindisi said.

Specifically helpful for Oneida County, the flood recovery grant program establishes a $50 million fund to continue recovery efforts in regions impacted by Tropical Storm Lee. Local governments can also choose to allow taxpayers impacted by the flooding to pay their property taxes in installments for more relief.

Filed Under: Government and Politics, Mohawk Valley, Utica

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