Archive: Business & Technology

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the utilization rate for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises on state contracts increased to 29.13 percent during the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year, once again achieving the highest rate in the nation. In total, MWBEs won more than $2.93 billion in state contracts during the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year. The announcement was made in conjunction with New York State's ninth annual MWBE Forum, which brings together thousands of business owners, community leaders, state officials and contractors' representatives to discuss state contracting opportunities and learn about resources available to MWBEs.

"In New York, we know that diversity is a strength, not a weakness — and when we empower minority and women-owned businesses to compete for state contracts, we create a better New York for all," Cuomo said. "Our nation-leading utilization rate reflects the unmatched pool of MWBEs in the Empire State and our concerted efforts to create a more equal playing field for these companies."

Apple had a surprise for iPad users Wednesday -- iPadOS 13.1 dropped a week before the announced release date.  iPadOS is the new operating system that is exclusively for iPads.  Previously the iPad shared iOS with the iPhone, but Apple has split iOS into two separate OSs.  Even when they shared an operating system the two devices had different features.  But now each OS is optimized for the specific device, which may account for part of the increased speed of both OSs.  So in a way the new OS is version 1, not 13.1.  But realistically is is a branch of iOS 13, so lucky 13 (point one) it is!

I had marked the September 30th launch date on my calendar, so I was surprised when I noticed my iPad was ready to upgrade.  The download and install time was much faster than past iOS updates.  That may be, in part, because I just updated to a new iPad mini.  So all I can say is that it didn't take long to download or install.  Verifying the download was the longest part of the process.  And the first thing I noticed, when I swiped right on the home screen (quite by accident) was that the widget panel appears over the Home Screen.  Evidently you can make it part of the Home Screen as shown in Apple's graphic above.  But evidently that is not an option on the mini.

Williamsville, NY - Tops Friendly Markets announced Monday its registration for the 2019 Clean Up the World (CUTW) program. Established in 1993, CUTW is one of the largest community-based environmental programs in the world, uniting community groups, schools, businesses, and local governments to carry out activities that address local environmental issues. The organization inspired billions of people across all continents to tread lightly, clean up, and conserve the planet in addition to combating waste and plastic pollution.

In order to fulfill its commitment to the program Tops is hosting a Clean Up the World Weekend September 20-22, 2019 at all 159 of its stores across its three state imprint. Over the course of the three days, 10,000 reusable bags made of 100% recyclable materials will randomly be given away, encouraging shoppers to use recycled bags over plastic. This is especially pertinent in New York State where a plastic bag ban is currently in legislation and set to go into effect in March 2020. Additionally shoppers will learn more about specific earth friendly brands available at Tops including Full Circle, Mrs. Meyers, Method, Seventh Generation and more as they make their own personal choices to make a difference in their own carbon footprint. Lastly, Tops associates will be participating in environmental clean ups across the communities in which it serves. From river and beach clean ups to beautifying trails and parks, Tops is encouraging its associates to make a difference.

Second best to getting a new phone is getting a new version of the operating system.  The OS upgrade provides the device with new capabilities, and sometimes a new look.  iOS version 13 dropped yesterday for iPhone users, a free upgrade for people with the iPhone SE, iPhone 6, and higher, and iPod touch (7th generation).  Apple promises a new dark mode they say gives the phone a new look, plus numerous features for editing and maintaining photos, new sharing options, improved security, signing into Web sites with your Apple ID, a completely revamped Maps app, improvements to Siri including a more natural sounding voice and search shortcuts, more Memoji options, typing by dragging your finger from key to key, a redesigned CarPlay, and faster performance.

As always, the free upgrade is downloaded and installed by going to General -> Software Update in the iPhone Settings app.  Depending on the speed of your Internet connection it will take a while.  On my pretty fast connection and an iPhone XR it took about 8 minutes to download and another 11 minutes to prepare and 7 minutes to install the update.  That came to 26 minutes on a fast phone with a fast wifi connection.  So you don't want to upgrade your phone when you need it.  Wait until you're watching TV or reading a book or something you can do for a long time away from your phone.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday the 18 companies selected to take part in round one of the Grow-NY food innovation and agriculture technology business challenge, including four Ithaca firms and one from Syracuse.

The contenders were chosen from a field of almost 200 startups that applied to be part of the initiative, which is focused on enhancing the emerging food, beverage and agriculture innovation cluster in Central New York, the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier. The applicant pool represented 23 different states and 16 countries. The Grow-NY region includes a broad 22-county swath that includes Upstate New York's farming community as well as several major urban centers, including Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca and Binghamton.

Singlebrook Technology has been named a Best For The World honoree in recognition of their relationship with their workforce and the significant positive impact they've created over the last year. Singlebrook ranks in the top 10% of all B Corporations in the worker impact area on the B Impact Assessment, thanks to their company culture, work environment, training and education, and other employee-centric policies and practices.

Best For The World recognition is administered by B Lab, the global nonprofit that certifies and supports Certified B Corporations, which are for-profit companies dedicated to using business as a force for good. Today there are 3,000 Certified B Corporations across 64 countries and 150 industries, unified by one common goal: to redefine success in business.

Congressman Tom Reed was in Ithaca Wednesday to get behind the counter at Firehouse Subs to make sandwiches and show his support for local entrepreneurs and businesses that support law enforcement and first responders.  Reed met with owner Jamie Mullen and General Manager Christian McCarty to learn their story and see first hand how the restaurant operates.

"Firehouse Subs has a great legacy," Reed said after taking a tour of the restaurant. "We've heard about the commitment they've made to our local first responders, and to see a gentleman like Jamie putting it on the line.  We just want to make sure they know we're here standing with them."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation (S.88/A.3002) Tuesday requiring industrial development agencies to live stream in real-time and post video recordings of all open meetings and public hearings. The video recordings must be posted online within five business days of the meeting or hearing and remain available for at least five years.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday that the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center will soon be located on the downtown campus of Monroe Community College located at 321 State Street in the City of Rochester, Monroe County. This moves the center from its originally planned location at Eastman Kodak Business Park to a more central location on the downtown MCC campus. The new "MCC Forward Center" will be more easily accessible to students, residents, and community partners. It will support Eastman Kodak Business Park tenant companies as programs in skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and industrial technology will be provided at the Center or as on-site contract training, while opening up this opportunity for support to additional businesses located outside of the business park.

"Investing in our workforce is essential for continued growth in Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region," Cuomo said. "The MCC Forward Center will provide a needed pipeline for in-demand technical manufacturing jobs - and this new location is a logical fit for the region, our partners at Monroe Community College and the businesses that will benefit from access to quality workers trained in the skills needed to succeed in today's economy."

Tompkins Financial has hired Charles Guarino in the role of Senior Vice President, Manager of Retail & Small Business Lending.

"Tompkins is an industry leader in providing innovative small business lending solutions via their online application program Lightning Loans, as well as a broad range of first time homebuyer programs", Guarino said. "I look forward to future growth in these important services."

New York state farms generated $5.7 billion in revenue in 2017, according to a report released yesterday by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

"Agriculture is an essential part of New York's economy," DiNapoli said. "Farms generate billions of dollars in sales, provide jobs and enhance our quality of life. But farmers face challenges including fluctuating milk prices, threats from a changing climate and disrupted trade relations. We need to build on our previous actions to make sure that agriculture can thrive in the Empire State for generations to come."

A new independent college admissions service, Collegiate Road Counseling, is pleased to announce the official launch of the practice in Ithaca. After spending the 2018/19 school year in Ithaca High School's Student Services department, founder Tara O'Malley says she looks forward to guiding new students one on one.

A UCLA College Counseling alumnus and IECA Associate Member, O'Malley provides a resource to the local area with an ethical, welcoming, and individualized approach prepared to guide families through the oftentimes overwhelming admissions process and help teens find the best college fit for them.