Archive: Business & Technology

Williamsville, NY – Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania, announced today that the company will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a year-long celebration.  As part of the anniversary celebration, Tops will offer shoppers new promotions, exceptional savings, contests and events throughout the year.

Tops kicked off its 50th anniversary with a celebratory event at its Portage Road store in the City of Niagara Falls, NY.  Tops’ history is deeply rooted in the Niagara Falls community and the first modern Tops supermarket opened on Portage Road in 1962. New York State Assembly Member John Cerreto, Niagara County Legislator William Ross, Niagara Falls Common Council Members, Robert Anderson Jr. and Charles Walker, and Niagara Falls Mayor, Paul Dyster were in attendance offering Tops both citations and a proclamation.

The Ithaca Coffee Company opened its second Tavern last Friday. The new tavern is at the Ithaca Coffee Company store located in Triphammer Marketplace.

“When we opened Tavern on Green at our Gateway commons store, we believed that the location, variety and outstanding service would turn it into a success. We have weekly beer tastings, our mug club, a growing loyal customer base and great plans for 2012,” said Julie Crowley, Ithaca Coffee Company owner. “Opening up a new Tavern on Triphammer is very exciting. Since opening in 2004 the store has become an important part of the community. Expanding our business into a tavern is the natural next step for us”.

McNeil Music will be opening its doors at a new location in Downtown Ithaca on March 1, 2012 at 110 W. Green Street. Eric Laine, proprietor and Ithaca resident, says that the decision to relocate to Downtown from the Triphammer Mall was to "go where the people are."

A downtown resident himself, Laine says, "For me, Downtown is the center of life in Ithaca. Not only is it good for business, but it's good for Ithaca that we are coming back downtown."

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca (F&CS) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year.  It was 30 years ago when retired F&CS President and CEO, Jim Johnston, reflected on the mental health needs of our local business community.  At the time, the prevalent EAP model focused largely on alcohol and substance abuse issues in the workplace.

F&CS recognized that mental health issues, as well as family and other personal concerns impact workplaces, and Jim Johnston was interested in developing a preventive mental health service for employers and their employees and expand the agency’s mission.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) is launching a very novel business development project geared toward existing or aspiring retailers or entrepreneurs that would like to set up shop in downtown Ithaca. The Race for the Space competition will award one or more successful applicants with an incredible opportunity to get their business up and off the ground including free rent in a downtown retail space for one year.

In addition, winners will receive a one year advertising package with the Ithaca Times, design services for storefront layout and signage by John Snyder Architects, graphic design services from the DIA, business planning and marketing assistance, and quarterly monitoring visits by a team of business operations experts. This package is worth in excess of $40,000. Aside from the grand prize package, all applicants may be eligible for valuable business incentives that will help them successfully launch their downtown business.

“Meow and Bow WOW!”  That’s what both the SPCA of Tompkins County and local business, The Jewelbox, are exclaiming after cooperatively raising over $5000 to benefit Ithaca’s beloved no-kill shelter.  Maggie Thomas, Director of Development & Marketing of the SPCA of Tompkins County, confirmed today that a total of $5160 has been donated by The Jewelbox since April, 2010, when Micky Roof, jewelry designer and Jewelbox owner, first introduced the Buddy Tag as a way to fundraise for the shelter after news of an animal-hoarding and neglect case consumed the local headlines.

Wendy Skinner is the recipient of this year’s Debra S. Newman ’02 Community Recognition Award, presented by The Cornell Tradition. The award honors individuals in the local community who have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and leadership.

Skinner is the founder and coordinator of SewGreen, a not-for-profit organization located in downtown Ithaca. SewGreen operates a reuse shop for sewing materials and provides sewing education to the community. Programs include a free teen apprenticeship program, jobs for lower-income youth and older workers, college internships, and sewing classes for all ages.

Two Ithaca companies, Taitem Engineering and Snug Planet, have been awarded a $300,000 contract by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).   The goal of the contract is to optimize and promote technologies that can dramatically improve the energy performance of existing homes.  The contract team also includes Dow Building Solutions, a leading manufacturer of insulation and weatherproofing materials.

The contract is based on the “deep energy retrofit” approach.  Deep energy retrofits involve adding a layer of rigid insulation or spray foam to a home’s exterior walls to improve airtightness and reduce heat loss.  Attics and basements are also sealed and insulated to levels well above building code.  New windows may be installed, and heating, ventilation, and hot water systems may be upgraded.

National Book Auctions hosted a Sunday, January 29th auction featuring a broad range of rare antique and vintage books, as well as a large collection of intriguing ephemera and artwork. Of particular note were rare first editions of 19th century and modern titles as well as a very large collection of signed modern first editions. This 437-lot auction also featured a select group of estate furniture and other antiques.

A 1965 first printing of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Orchard Keeper” fetched a hammer price of $3240.00 (including buyer’s premium). This scarce first printing of this debut novel contains the author's signature on a laid-in illustrated bookplate. Additionally, a rare stated first edition of Cormac McCarthy’s third publication, “Child of God” brought a hammer price of $799.50 (including buyer’s premium). This volume features a dust jacket featuring a full rear panel photo of a young McCarthy.

A special bread-breaking ceremony officially opened Ithaca's new BJ's Wholesale Club Saturday morning before the store opened for its Grand Opening.  Officials from the corporate office joined Ithaca store General Manager Steve Pane in the ceremony, which included reaching out to the community by presenting donations and adopting the Lansing Elementary School.

Working as a long-term care nurse for more than 35 years, Liz Norton has first-hand experience with the practical challenges and emotional stress that senior citizens and adults with chronic health limitations face when they move into smaller, less-demanding housing. Norton's answer is Liz Simple, Assisted Moving Services.

Fully insured, Liz Simple provides hands-on help for moving arrangements, packing and storage, maximizing the value of unwanted items through sale or donation, and when needed, communication and emotional support for the person who is moving and their family or caregivers.

There are great new options when it comes to mind, movement and Martial Arts at the Mall! Ultimate Athletics is a one-of-a-kind Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training center focused on providing a variety of training options for children as well as adults through modern Martial Arts.

Relocating from their previous space, Ultimate Athletics is now open between Best Buy and Dick's Sporting Goods, in The Shops at Ithaca Mall. The center features an "A" team of highly qualified instructors with degrees in health and physical education, exercise science, and training experience with top professional athletes.