- By NYS Comptroller's Office
- Business & Technology
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Agriculture contributed $37.6 billion to New York's economy in 2012, an increase of more than 22 percent from 2007, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The state ranks in the top 10 nationwide for milk and other dairy production, as well as wine, apples, maple syrup and other products."New York's economy is still fueled by agricultural activity and the production of food," DiNapoli said. "Farms in New York are 98 percent family-owned, yet compete on a national level, diversifying our economy and keeping our local communities strong. It makes economic sense for the state to retain and promote our farms to feed our residents and preserve our land."
When the Colgate University Athletics Department decided it needed some help boosting the performance of its teams for the new year, it took the unusual step of hiring a certified shaman from Ithaca to bless six of its sports facilities.
The New York State Department of Labor's (DOL) Acting Commissioner, Mario Musolino, today announced that the wages for all 'tipped workers' in New York State will be increased to $7.50/hour as of 12/31/15.
The state Department of Health (DOH) failed to collect nearly $120 million in available rebates over a 33-month period from prescription drug makers for the Medicaid program because of ineffective policies and processes, according to an audit released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Treleaven’s 2012 Meritage won ‘Gold’ and ‘Best of Class’ medals at the 2015 International Eastern Wine Competition (IEWC). The winery’s 2012 Meritage awards are just two of seven total IEWC awards, which also include:
Tompkins Financial Corporation reported record diluted earnings per share of $3.48 for the year ended December 31, 2014, up from $3.46 per share reported in 2013. The Company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.85 for the fourth quarter of 2014, down from the $0.96 reported for December 31, 2013. Both quarterly and year-to-date results in 2013 included non-recurring income and expense items, which are more fully described in the non-GAAP disclosure tables included in this press release.
The Tompkins County Workers' Center announced Wednesday they have certified 90 employers as being Living Wage Employers to date, having just recently added the latest five:
Tompkins Insurance Agencies has hired Jason “Jay” DeChick as an account executive in its Commercial Lines division. He is based out of the Tompkins Trust Company/Tompkins Insurance offices at 86 North Street, Auburn, NY, where he will work with businesses across the Finger Lakes region. 
The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has closed on incentives for a new full service Marriott Hotel that will add 159 guest rooms, a restaurant and meeting space to the east end of The Commons. The Tompkins County Development Corporation (TCDC) has issued Kendal at Ithaca $47,720,000 in tax exempt bonds, $7.900.000 will be used to refinance existing debt. The remaining balance will be used for new construction and renovation.
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) has filed a shareholder proposal with Monster Beverage Corporation calling on the company to report on plans to increase gender and racial diversity on its board. The Fund's proposal is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds, The City of Philadelphia Public Employees Retirement System and Calvert Investments.