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PROFILE: Ben Sio
New President of CenterState CEO Brings Nearly Two Decades of Experience to Drive CNY Growth By Stefan Yablonski Ben Sio serves as president of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity — or CenterState CEO. The independent Syracuse-based nonprofit is committed to creating inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth in Central New York. “I started in this position in March, so it has been six months. I’m in my 19th year with CenterState,” he said in August. As president, he is responsible for overseeing the organization’s administration and governance, while leading and executing its vision to be an effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for the community. He previously served as chief of staff and senior vice president of strategy, policy and planning, overseeing the organization’s long-term strategic planning, consulting, corporate governance, fundraising and development, land-use planning and government relations. In his years with the organization, Sio has led or supported many high-profile strategic initiatives including the creation of the CNY Rising Plan, the launch of the NUAIR Alliance and the region’s UAS strategy, the creation of the Micron-enabled Community Priorities Document and the recently awarded NY Smart I Corridor Tech Hub. “When we decided to split Rob’s [Simpson] role into two positions, he has the CEO title and I got the president title. Rob remains focused on forward looking vision strategy for the organization and I’m more focused on the day-to-day operations,” he explained. “I’m also responsible for building consensus around strategic needs and priorities and managing the change necessary to drive execution. It’s an eventful job. “The experiment that we call CenterState is always evolving and shifting and addressing where we see market demand and market failure. “If we see something in our economy that isn’t going the way we think it should go, then whether it is housing development or workforce development or something else, we are always figuring out how to step into these situations and address those challenges.” “We are the largest ever in terms of staff that we have ever been. We are no longer the 20-person organization we were when we started out many, many years ago,” he said. “There are more day-to-day things to take care of. But also there is just so much happening in the community right now that is pulling CenterState and our expertise in so many directions. I tell people if we were bored and not busy, then I’d be really concerned about what we are doing. But we are not bored. We’ve certainly got our hands full — and that is a good thing.” CenterState has now approximately 63 employees on its staff, according to recent nonprofit database records. It’s involved in myriad programs, ranging from Genius NY, a business accelerator competition for uncrewed systems, IoT and robotics startups, to CenterState Up Start, a collaborative business development program that connects local, service-based businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to the tools and networks that help them thrive. CNY Guy Through and Through A Central New York guy through and through, Sio was born and raised in Skaneateles. “My mom was a teacher, an art teacher. My father worked for many, many years with National Grid. He was there through the transition from Niagara Mohawk to National Grid,” he said. “Neither of my parents were touched by cutbacks and job loss. But I grew up going through that transition and being concerned that there were rounds of layoffs. My childhood connection to the economy here in Central New York … years ago it was on the decline. There were people that lived here that were concerned about losing their job. They were thinking they lived in a place that didn’t show much promise.” That narrative translated to his generation, he added. “The kids that grew up in the ‘90s in Central New York were very much told, directly or indirectly, by their parents, that they had to go somewhere else to find economic opportunity. That is what I grew up thinking,” he said. “I only went a few miles down Route 20 for college — in Geneva, New York; I graduated from Hobart and William Smith College with a bachelor’s degree in public policy and political science. “I got real interested in regional economies; because what makes regional economy is what makes the economy successful. And when I graduated, I had an opportunity to move to Washington, DC and work down there at a nonprofit doing this work.” However, he decided to stay in Central New York. “I got hired two weeks after I graduated. I got hired by the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. At the time it was one of two entities doing economic development in Central New York — [the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Association] — and it eventually became CenterState CEO,” he said, referring to 2010 merger between the two organizations. During his time at CenterState, Sio has also split time at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., where he supported communities developing export and foreign direct investment (FDI), a long-term cross-border investment where an individual or company from one country buys a lasting stake or control in a business located in another country. The program — known as Global Cities Initiative — was designed to help leaders in major U.S. and international metropolitan areas reorient their local economies toward global markets. “Early on in my tenure at CenterState, we had done a lot of work with the Brookings Institution, just regional planning stuff. We worked with them on developing a regional export plan, to export more products out of Central New York and a larger business plan for the region. They hired me on to help replicate those plans in different parts of the country,”Sio explained. “So, I worked there for three or four years. I worked for CenterState, but I was technically loaned to Brookings for a period of time to help them do this work elsewhere.” Family ties “My wife is Carly. We have been married 14 years. We have two kids, a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old. “With a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old, fun is a relative term these days. We do a lot of hiking. The kids this summer got very interested in waterfalls. We’ve hit every waterfall we could in a short hike — we’ve done Skaneateles and some others.” “I do woodworking and wood turning — it’s a branch of woodworking; you use a wood lathe. My big thing there is making wood bowls. I do that in most of my free time, which is not much,” he quipped. “I like to get into my woodshop and make a bowl and decompress and turn off the rest of the world for a little bit. I usually do it late at night when the house is quiet. It is definitely my escape from the day to day. I make a lot of bowls; all different sizes, all different species of wood. It’s a fun thing to do for me.” He gives away many of his creations. “They are mostly gifts — I don’t really sell them. I really don’t have time to go set up a booth at a fair or craft show. I usually give them away. I donate them to different things. If you are in my periphery, you’ve likely received a salad bowl from me as a gift. I just need to find something to do with all the stuff that I create,” he said. Lifelines Name: Benjamin Sio Position: President, CenterState CEO Birth Date: Not provided Birth place: Syracuse Residence: Westvale Education: Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the Finger Lakes Affiliations: Member of the boards of Skaneateles Festival, Greccio Foundation, Interfaith Works, CNY Community Foundation Personal/family: Married with two kids Hobbies: Woodworking and woodturning
ON THE JOB: ‘Where Do You See Your Career or Business in 3 to 5 Years?’
“For the next three to five years, I am looking to grow Oswego County Opportunities’ support for the county’s economic development to fight poverty and take advantage of the major investments that are coming to the area.” — Kevin Dean, Executive director, Oswego County Opportunities, Fulton “I love what I’m doing. I’m trying to do this as long as they let me. It’s so exciting to walk the floors at the various factories, talk with community leaders and be part of the solutions to their business problems. As we do this work with manufacturers and community members, we are helping the next generation have these great jobs in skilled manufacturing. I’d like to have the same job title for years to come. I’ve watched the last five years with awe and it makes me proud and excited to be from Upstate New York. I want to keep being part of the conversation that, yes, we can do it in Upstate New York.” — Randy Wolken, President and CEO, Manufacturing Association of Central New York (MACNY) “I oversee the Rochester and Syracuse offices. We’re seeing continual growth as there are more and more job seekers and companies that are looking to fill positions as the economy grows. I’d like to have another Upstate New York office in our region to help promote people under me. I want to see that happen. With an increase in the job market, that is what the end goal is here for sure. We currently have offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany, among more than 300 worldwide.” — Briana Calabrese, Marketing director and vice president of finance & accounting and administrative & customer support, Robert Half Recruiters & Employment Agency, Syracuse “Hopefully, we’ll continue to grow by word of mouth. I just took over a couple of years ago. I was an employee for 27 years. Business is great and we’re up on sales from where we were last year and I’m hoping that continues to happen. I get an overwhelming response from people who say they want to support local businesses. It’s my objective when people walk out the door that they want to come back. In a small town like this, it’s crucial. I see myself in five years doing exactly what I’m doing now: sticking with it and trying to grow Fulton Screen Printing.” — Tim Stone, Owner, Fulton Screen Printing, Fulton “I am 85 years old and teach four fitness classes a week and swim four times a week. I hope to live to be 90 — if I can do that, I won’t complain. The older I get, the less afraid I am of dying. What I don’t want to do is get some sickness where I’m lingering and I’m in pain and it just goes on and on. I expect to be exercising as much as I can and I hope I will know when I need to back off to accommodate different problems I may have when I’m older. For a short time, I got up at 6 a.m. to jog for a half hour every morning. But I had to avoid dogs, so I quit jogging. I hope to be able to swim for life. When I swim for half an hour, whatever problems I have wash away. I will still be working in exercise in five years. I also write research articles. It challenges my mind. You have to challenge your mind and body and have some kind of goals and reasons to go on living. My wife died three and a half years ago, so I try to go out and do things, even though she’s no longer here.” — Fred Wilson. Certified personal trainer at Fitness After 50 and leader of senior fitness classes, Syracuse “I expect to continue working as a local financial adviser professional for the next several years. I really enjoy working with my clients and consider it a privilege to come to work every day, helping my clients reach their financial goals.” — Randy L. Zeigler, Certified financial planner practitioner, chartered financial consultant and private wealth adviser, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Oswego “I see myself doing something with young people. I want to open an after-school program as a safe space for high schoolers where they can get tutored, behavioral health, get something to eat. I want to do something with policy. I have thought of doing something with neurodivergent kids where kids can run some kind of business. I want to do anything with community like therapy and psychotherapy. I want to still be able to offer those services to people. At 55, I’m not sure how much I will do. I will see what happens after graduation from Keuka College.” — Della Joyce Smith, Master’s student, Syracuse “I think the core of the gym is in personal training. I don’t see that changing. People will still need a gym and personal training will stay. There may be some loss to AI as there is in just about every industry, but there’s always been the ability to go online and get a workout. I don’t think AI will cut into business any more than the internet has. I think the class structure is shifting. Large group classes might be fading away for a while. I see more people going to specialized classes like Pilates. I wouldn’t be surprised if maybe the traditional classes like boot camps started to fade away. It’s important to adapt. Maybe someday I’ll need to get some new kinds of classes. Everything tends to go in cycles.” — Ryan Vollmer, Certified personal trainer and owner Edge Strength and Conditioning, Syracuse “I have been growing my firm at 24% a year. In five years, we may be purchasing or building a new office building to accommodate the new growth. Right now, our focus is on growth and adding team members, mostly financial advisers and administrative staff.” — Terri Krueger, Chartered financial consultant and senior financial adviser with Orla Wealth Management in Syracuse “Over the next three to five years, I see TDO continuing to experience steady, sustainable growth as new industries establish and expand their presence across Central New York. These investments will create new opportunities throughout the regional manufacturing supply chain, and TDO will continue evolving our capabilities to help both existing manufacturers and emerging industries grow, compete, and succeed.” — Jim D’Agostino, CEO and executive director Central New York TDO (Train, Develop, Optimize), Liverpool
Daldrop Opens for Business in Southern Oswego County
$10 Million Facility in the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park marks the largest expansion outside of Germany in the company’s 73-year history By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11076 align=alignright width=450] Daldrop SBB CEO Jens Daldrop addresses attendees at the 2025 groundbreaking for the project. Daldrop also chairs the advisory board of Germany-based Daldrop Group.[/caption] A new era of cleanroom technology is underway in Central New York. The Daldrop Group’s advanced manufacturing facility and U.S. headquarters is physically built within the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park. This industrial park is located in the town of Schroeppel. It marks the largest expansion outside of Germany in the company’s 73-year history. Daldrop SBB is based in Neckartailfingen, Germany. It is a global supplier of cleanroom technology, primarily to the pharmaceutical industry. It designs and builds advanced cleanroom environments for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology industries. It nvested $10 million in the new project. “We broke ground in 2025; we were under construction all winter. We just opened this spring, early spring,” said Benjamin Morrow, operations manager and control. The company consolidated sites in Salina and DeWitt into the industrial park in Schroeppel, Morrow added. “The next move here is to maximize every square inch of this facility and then we are already looking at the expansion. So, it is more capital investment on equipment — definitely higher-end automation in additional equipment so we can produce more components and then to support the ever-growing base in North America,” Morrow continued. “We are the headquarters for service, maintenance and spare parts. So as Daldrop has more and more installations, they need more and more service, maintenance and spare parts. So that will come out of this facility as well — it already is.” “As a global leader in GMP (global manufacturing support) pharmaceutical cleanrooms for decades, I am very proud to bring manufacturing jobs to Upstate New York,” said Mike Sullivan, president of Daldrop US operations. Key to choosing Southern Oswego County [caption id=attachment_11077 align=alignright width=450] Daldrop SBB at the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park when the company announced the start of construction.[/caption] Sullivan said that the selection of the Schroeppel industrial park was mainly due to the help of Operation Oswego County and two people in the organization. “Prior to being purchased by Daldrop International from the Stuttgart region of Germany, Vince Bongio was a founding partner in SBB Inc. as well as our head of engineering. We based out of Syracuse due to Vince’s skills in HVAC and the manufacturing capabilities found in Syracuse,” said Sullivan. Bongio moved to Syracuse from California in the 1970s to work in Carrier’s Industrial Division of Large-Scale Petrochemical Refrigeration. Next, he advanced to General Electric’s TV Tube Plant where he got into cleanrooms ,leading to his role of head of engineering for Clestra Cleanrooms where he met Sullivan, their New England distributor. “Vince Bongio is a phenomenal engineer. Formerly of Carrier, he grew up in California and went to Cal Poly,” Sullivan explained. “Carrier hired him right out of college and he moved to Syracuse. He is the reason we are in Syracuse today. He is retiring this year. We are very proud and his legacy is having brought Daldrop to Syracuse.” In 2000, Sullivan, Bazinet, Bongio Inc (SBB) was formed with engineering and manufacturing, based in Syracuse, and sales and construction based in Massachusetts as it is today. “SBB Inc. started in Syracuse. I had a design–build contracting firm out of Massachusetts that was primarily doing all the new technologies coming out of MIT,” Sullivan said. “I started a manufacturing side. A big thing for cleanrooms is the HVAC. Most cleanroom suppliers are architecturally focused people. The strength in Syracuse is HVAC. So, SBB developed with me running sales and construction out of Massachusetts and manufacturing out of Syracuse.” “Daldrop wanted to have a relationship in the States and of those who approached us, they were the only ones who really understood HVAC. So, we were the right fit for them. We did a joint venture focused out of Massachusetts from 2012 to 2018 leveraging their technologies,” Sullivan explained. “The commitment was if we brought their product to the States, we would do that if they built it here. “The pieces that had to be in place to make the investment, they wanted to acquire us, we were great with that. If you looked at business recommendations the general guidance was to build in a low labor area — something like North Carolina — but Syracuse had a strong background in HVAC and we chose Syracuse and Oswego County to be our headquarters in the States. So, it is built off of history, technology and the existing supply chain — bringing jobs back to the area.” During the initial discussions with Daldrop about coming to the U.S., SBB agreed to sell under the conditions Daldrop would manufacture in the U.S. There are many areas that offer incentives and economic packages, but the strength of HVAC expertise and skilled manufacturing was a big part of the discussions for site selection. Coming home [caption id=attachment_11078 align=alignright width=451] Construction moves forward in March at the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park.[/caption] The second key person to building in Oswego County is Ben Morrow, Sullivan added. “Ben has been working with Daldrop SBB for more than 12 years and has advanced to COO of manufacturing and engineering. Ben grew up in Phoenix, so building a factory for the Germany company in Phoenix is a strong success for both his community and the appreciation of Ben’s skills as a team leader,” Sullivan said. “I went to high school in Phoenix. So, this is like full circle for me. It’s a small world,” Morrow said. “I hadn’t been back to Phoenix since graduation. This is one of the properties that John Trimble of C&S, he is the former president of C&S, he just retired, suggested. He and I were very good personal friends. John was from Mexico and I was from Phoenix. We knew each other from high school. And the architect of this building, Ed Smart of smartDESIGN Architecture in Batavia — I went to high school with him. So, this was a project that’s full circle a coming home kind of thing. The three of us knew each other — kind of like it was meant to be. Very serendipitous.” Schroeppel was one option for Daldrop to consider; the original intent was just to get a warehouse to store some product, he added. The facility is Daldrop’s largest outside of their native country. Total payroll at the facility will be approximately $2.4 million once fully staffed. “Here is 32,000 square feet and we plan to expand and put in an additional 10,000 square feet,” Morrow said. “We have 17.5 acres. We can put at least three more facilities here, just on this property. The master plan submitted for the current building is the first of possible three buildings on the campus.” “If we can find the right people and advance the production according to the plan, we should be able to grow for the next decade. One of the first jobs we filled was our new HR manager, with a primary focus posting and filling new positions,” Sullivan said. Stop the exodus, start hiring [caption id=attachment_11080 align=alignright width=452] Principals at the local Daldrop SBB headquarters, from left: Ben Morrow, Mike Sullivan and Jens Daldrop.[/caption] “I have been coming to Syracuse for 30 years. One of the things I had a hard time watching was the exodus of factories. One of the toughest things is to watch it with my partners’ kids who had to move away for jobs. It is important for us to give opportunity where people’s kids don’t have to leave the area to get work,” Sullivan said. “My responsibility is to find people who have skill sets that want to work and then I have to build opportunity for that work to happen. “After years of watching companies and Vince’s three sons all move out of the areas to get jobs, it is important to us to provide opportunities for the Syracuse region and help grow our company. We have been hiring for our new factory and will continue for the next few years.” “We are hiring and will continue to hire. Currently we have about 19 on staff right now,” Morrow said. “We expect to grow that by about 10 to 15 in the next 12 to 18 months or so. We are at 19 currently — one in the wings. It’s been great being able to hire locally. All these folks that we’ve been hiring, they all live within a few miles from here.” “We hired someone this past week (end of August). She grew up in the area, raised a family and is working down in Florida. She just took a job with us so she can move back and be with her family. We will be moving her back and she should be starting in October. We are very happy to see this happen,” Sullivan said. “I feel strongly about having a spot for the kids to not have to move out of the area. It is better to have people moving into the area.” Currently, Daldrop SBB has openings for finance manager, COO of construction and delivery, as well as mechanical, electrical designers and Revit modelers, construction managers, commissioning agents and many other skills that are needed. Along with Daldrop’s reputation in life science cleanrooms, there is a strong history in semiconductor, electronics, glass, photonics, aerospace and other markets. This may be helpful with any new technologies building in the market such as the Micron expansion and the support network, Sullivan said. “We acquired this property and closed on it two months before any announcement from Micron. It is serendipitous that they’re right down the street from us,” Morrow added. “Everybody started thinking ‘you guys are supporting Micron.’ We were here first. That is not a goal of ours. We may or may not … they are talking to us; it is an opportunity.” The long run [caption id=attachment_11079 align=alignright width=450] Benjamin Morrow, operations manager and control at Daldlrop, speaks during a recent ribbon-cutting event in Schroeppel.[/caption] “Long term, we will expand the Phoenix facility,” Sullivan said. “We built our facility with a campus approach. Sustainability is big. We designed our rooms to be more sustainable. Our building has no gas lines for heat. We put geothermal wells in the ground. We put heat pumps in for heating and cooling out of those wells and we put a large layer of solar panels up on the roof. We worked with National Grid for metering. Our building is a high efficiency model. We upgraded all the instillation and the glass filtering. So, it is a very green building. We will have a very minimal carbon footprint. It also adheres to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) construction standards.” “We are a bunch of HVAC engineers. We did a large scale geothermal and spent the money up front because we knew it made sense in the business sense in the environmental sense and sustainability,” Morrow said. “We have insulated metal panels on walls and roof; we are an envelope from the exterior.” Daldrop, as a global player, has a strong culture of sustainability that is found in all its products including the new facility. The building has been designed with (sixteen) 400-foot deep geothermal wells, high efficiency construction methods, approximately 70 kilowatt solar photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle chargers and 26% recycled content. “Daldrop thinks of long-term investing,” Sullivan said. “On the roof, photovoltaic panels supplement our power. Over half the energy that I use is coming from the sun. We have chargers up front for employee electric vehicles. This place is built to last. This slab that we are walking on, normal buildings are four inches, some go to six inches, we are nine inches all the way through — except where the heavy equipment is — that is 10 to 12 inches thick, solid concrete. It allows us to reconfigure for whatever type of equipment we want to bring in,” Morrow said. “We are authorized by Underwriters Laboratory to self-certify so we don’t need to have an inspector come out and recertify. We get audited often, but we certify our own electronics. The control system in this building is rather high-end. Our thermostat in every room is zoned, independent. We analyze the data; incorporate it with our solar panels.” “There is a lot of competition for people to work. It’s not just about how much salary they are going to make — it’s about the work environment, the ability for stability. We want to make sure our employees have the best environment to work in,” Morrow added. Similarities “One of the reasons I believe why Daldrop chose this area, Phoenix in particular, is because it is a village, a river-based village. Neckartailfingen in Germany where Daldrop is based is also a river-based village, manufacturing community. So, there is a lot of similarities — that smalltown feel,” Morrow said. “We have a lot of connections through multiple employees that lead back to Carrier, also. Everything came together, the timing everything.” “We are thankful for all the economic development support. Everyone has been helping make this happen. So, keep it up, it is working, that is all I got to say, Sullivan said. “If you look at historical industrial manufacturing, this region has skills that have been un-utilized. The northern industrial region has a lot of skills that if we can tap before they go away, we can leverage them. That is what we are trying to do. You’d be surprised at the supply chain left behind from Carrier — that supply chain is still there.” “Operation Oswego County has been fantastic,” Morrow added. “I can’t say enough good things about that group.” What Is Cleanroom Technology Cleanroom technology is a system of specialized engineering, filtration and operational controls used to maintain an extremely low concentration of airborne particles, microbes and chemical vapors. How It Works • Air Filtration: Uses HEPA or ULPA filters to remove 99.97% of tiny particles down to 0.3 microns. • Airflow Control: Directs air in a steady, unidirectional (laminar) or filtered turbulent pattern to push dust away from work areas. • Environmental Regulation: Maintains precise control over temperature, humidity and positive air pressure to block outside air leaks. • Specialized Attire: Requires personnel to wear full-body garments (“bunny suits”), gloves and masks to stop human shedding
SPECIAL REPORT: Tough Business
A string of vacant restaurant buildings shows that many restaurants in the region are struggling — and several are closing By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11132 align=alignright width=401] Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008.[/caption] By their nature, most restaurants have a limited life. An astonishing 60% go out of business within three years of opening, largely due to fundamental flaws in the planning of the operation. But even restaurants that experience years of success almost always face eventual closure. The restaurant business is very hard and because of both personal factors and external factors beyond anyone’s control, restaurants don’t last forever. For many restaurants, age is a big factor, according to Kenneth Walsleben, professor of practice, entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises at Syracuse University. “The owners have been at it for 20 or 25 years, if not longer, they want some time to themselves,” he said. Such was the case for Jocko’s Famous Ritz Diner in Oswego. Jocko Reitz bought the building in the late 1970s from Robert Shapiro. However, when he stepped away from the business, it eventually closed. [caption id=attachment_11142 align=alignright width=402] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s Restaurant passed through three generations of family in Oswego. It closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025.[/caption] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s passed through three generations of family in Oswego. Vona’s Restaurant officially closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025, when no family member wanted to take over. It is on the market. The Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026. The restaurant faced multiple temporary health department closures in 2024 and 2025 due to persistent fruit fly and foundation pest issues. Management posted a final closure notice on the doors in mid-April 2026 and the building was put up for sale. The same pattern has been happening in Onondaga County. The big building once used by Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay remains empty, more than six months after the restaurant closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008. [caption id=attachment_11130 align=alignright width=401] Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026.[/caption] Just down the road from Smokey Bones, the popular Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty. Other very popular restaurants in the northern suburbs of Syracuse have recently closed. Among them, Fireside by the River in Baldwinsville and Primo Nestico’s Bistro Bar in North Syracuse. “I haven’t really paid attention to the Syracuse area. There has always been some turnover, but there probably has never been a tougher time to be a restauranter than now. It’s just brutal,” Walsleben said. In the first year, roughly 20% to 25% of restaurants close or change hands, according to the National Restaurant Association. [caption id=attachment_11122 align=alignright width=401] Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty.[/caption] “Depending on what statistics you look at, you’ll find that any business has a high mortality rate in the first year. That is just the nature of entrepreneurship,” Walsleben said. “There are certain ones that are getting hit hard while others are more fruitful. “And when you look at the restaurant industry you have to factor in labor which is a large part — typically a third of your expenses — and those costs are going up. And there is always turnover which means investing money to train people. Then you’ve got food costs, which is also a third of the typical restaurant budget. Since the pandemic labor has gone up 41%, food costs have gone up 35%. That’s a big tight squeeze righty there. That’s two-thirds of your budget that has gone up 35% to 40% in the last few years. And then the only way you can make that work is to raise the prices.” The National Restaurant Association reports menu prices are up 36% since February of 2020. In a survey released by the association, more than eight in 10 restaurant owners reported that their food, beverage and labor costs are now higher than before the pandemic. You have to deal with the reality of are the customers willing to pay for that? Walsleben added. Restaurants historically have very thin margins; their profit margin is about 5%. “You have a third that goes into food, a third that goes into labor and about 28%, 29% that goes into everything else — overhead, insurance etc. So that brings you down to your 5% leftover,” he said. “Everything is going up. Customer expectations are going up and people aren’t going to spend that much more. So, you have a tight squeeze here,” Walsleben continued. “Restaurants who use delivery apps, they pay a fee to those guys. Those guys don’t work for free. So, you can kind of see where the squeeze comes from.” Stuck in the middle There are pockets of opportunity; the two extremes of the market can make a profit. But the middle gets squeezed out. “If you are a low-end fast-food kind of place, there is room for that. People have changed their budgets. They are still going out, but they are not spending more,” according to Walsleben. “The high end remains positive. If you have a restaurant that brings a specific experience … a great food product or you are catering to high end customers who aren’t so budget conscious, those patrons are going to expect a high-end experience. They expect excellent food every time. They are expecting excellent service. If you can meet those expectations there is room for you at the top. It’s just the guys in the middle are getting the squeeze from both ends. Tough competition, customer expectations, costs are up. Menu items, you can’t raise the prices as much as you need to. That is why you are seeing a lot of restaurants baling out.” The ones that can adapt quickly are the ones who are doing OK. “Success is heavily dependent on the strength of a restaurant’s concept development and the planning of its execution. Eventually things aren’t always new. Things change. So, if you are in the restaurant business you have got to change your menu — keep things new, fresh and update your meals. It is very fickle industry. One year carbs are out, the next year berries are out. Everybody’s diet changes — constantly chasing the latest phase. You have got to adjust your menu and move with those modifications. If you have a static menu that you have used the last couple years that hasn’t changed except for the pricing, you’ve got a problem,” he said. A lot of times these buildings are singular purpose, he added. “You have a commercially viable kitchen and you got a seating area. There is not a lot of other businesses that cater to that type of a layout. So, it’s pretty common to see another restaurant slide in,” he said. One of the things a banker learns early on is you don’t lend money to restaurants … because they fail so quickly. It is very hard to predict who the winners will be. So, if you are a restaurant in addition to all the other challenges, it is very difficult to get loans, according to Walsleben. “You might work really well in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you are a great businessperson,” he said. “Restaurants can fail because the owner didn’t know how to manage things properly. There are a lot of challenges. “There is opportunity at the high end and the low end. But in the middle, that’s the death valley. There are just so many things working against you. You really need to have something that will pull people in and continue to pull people in because you to constantly have to change. Think about a theme and a product that is unique to the area people don’t travel that far these days you have to be able to deliver it in an innovative fashion and keep updating to keep people coming in the door.” Out of Business? How Fast? Do nine out of 10 restaurants fail in their first year, as commonly claimed? No. Survival analysis of 1.9 million longitudinal microdata for 81,000 full-service restaurants in a 20-year U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics non public census of business establishments in the western US shows that only 17% of independently owned full-service restaurant startups failed in their first year, compared with 19% for all other service-providing startups, according to ResearchGate. The median lifespan of restaurants is about 4.5 years, slightly longer than that of other service businesses (4.25 years). However, the median lifespan of a restaurant startup with 5 or fewer employees is 3.75 years, slightly shorter than that of other service businesses of the same startup size (4.0 years). What Makes a Restaurant Successful? Opening and maintaining a successful restaurant is not as easy as creating a great menu and serving excellent food. It takes more than that, according to local restaurant owners who have been in business for decades in the region. They all agree that there are some guidelines to running a successful restaurant. • Quality food: Successful restaurants know exactly what they serve and who they serve it to. Delivering the same great taste every single time builds loyal customers. • Smooth operations: Friendly greetings and attentive staff make guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in. Hiring staff for personality and training for skill ensures reliable, caring service. • Smart marketing: Exceptional food and experiences naturally get people talking and sharing online. Word of mouth can help entice customers. Consistent social media and targeted advertising brings in new and repeat guests also. The menu is what keeps patrons coming back to Mimi’s Diner in Fulton, located at 201 N. Second St. “We locally source our produce and our meats. Our chicken and biscuits is a popular, popular special,” said Richard Tagliareni, the third-generation owner and general manager. “It’s all homemade. We have consistently served quality food.” His grandfather started the business more than 55 years ago. Mimi’s is engrained in the community. They cater to the community and are very involved in everything from the schools to local events. The first Mimi’s Drive-In opened in Mexico. Then a second in Oswego and then Fulton. Fulton’s Mimi’s is the only one left. “The last couple of weeks have been kind of slower than normal. October is usually a busier month for us People will start coming back around again. Also, the price of gas is affecting some things,” Tagliareni added. “We try to keep our prices in line. You go out to eat, you’re going to spend about a hundred bucks or so for two people for dinner. You come here to Mimi’s you are probably for two people for dinner it’s between $50 and $60. We are trying to keep our prices in line. We did have to increase our prices a little bit but things are looking OK.” For the Press Box, 29 E. First St., Oswego, it’s also about great food and a family atmosphere. “Our sports bar and restaurant was established in 1984,” said Alison Canale Scanlon, manager. “I think putting the time into everything makes a big difference and treating people like family when they walk into your restaurant. That’s how we have always operated since 1984.” “It’s the family oriented aspect,” she added. “Consistency, quality and presentation of our food — that’s the secret to a successful restaurant. We try to be very consistent with it. We treat people like family when they come in; because we know how we want to be treated when we go to a restaurant. We treat people the same or better.”
Scientists discover that some of the universe's biggest explosions may have never happened at all
"All the evidence we see for hypernovae is suddenly gone."
Voter suppression is happening in the South. This organizer fights it.
Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown mobilizes minority communities as voting rights come under assault.
Political fallout from Trump’s Russian diesel deal overshadows price impact
The planned imports will “have very little unnoticeable impact on domestic US diesel prices, even if it happens,” an economist told Semafor.
Improved Social Science? Don’t Laugh, It Could Happen
The theme is not unfamiliar: neither the falsehood nor the reasons for it are news. But three efforts at reform are worth knowing about.
Why Federal Agents Searched Rep. Ilhan Omar's Home and What Happens Next
Federal agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar in Washington on Monday amid an ongoing investigation of her immigration history – a search that comes three weeks before Omar is set to face voters on Election Day. The search is part of an ongoing federal probe conducted by Homeland ...
Detroit family of man who was shot by bailiff during mental health crisis files $150M lawsuit
The story of an eviction, a mental health crisis and a man shot and killed has become a federal lawsuit alleging officials were to blame for what had happened.
Local Author Rick Spees Blends Washington Politics, Lobbying and Humor in His Novels
What happens when decades of experience in Washington politics inspire a pair of humorous novels? Local author Rick Spees joins CoastLife to discuss Capital Gains and Capital Losses, two books
*POSTPONED* Behind the Science with Paleontologist and Curator of Dinosauria Dr. Matthew Carrano
***Due to speaker illness, this event has been postponed. A new date will be announced in two weeks. If you registered for this program, please check your email for more information. We apologize for the inconvenience.*** Is the 21st Century the real Age of Dinosaurs? Today, more paleontologists are discovering more dinosaur fossils from more places in the world than ever before. Our understanding of these amazing creatures has leapt forward while their popularity has surged. Museums sit at the junction of these phenomena. The Smithsonian has been a center for dinosaur research for more than a century, and its collections include many iconic and scientifically important specimens. Today, Smithsonian researchers continue to discover new dinosaurs, but they are also uncovering more information about the ones we already know and love. New techniques and approaches allow them to investigate aspects of dinosaur biology, ecology, and evolution in ways that would have been inconceivable to early paleontologists. The result is an ever-improving understanding of dinosaurs as living, breathing, and thriving animals. This month, go behind the science with paleontologist Dr. Matthew Carrano, Curator of Dinosauria at the National Museum of Natural History as he discusses new discoveries at home and abroad, in the field and in the museum. Registration is encouraged. Space is filled on a first come first served basis. ---------------- About the Series: Behind the Science A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers Each month, join the National Museum of Natural History for the new series, Behind the Science, where NMNH researchers share insights into their latest discoveries and explore the fascinating questions driving their work—from the origins of life to the future of our planet. Come learn what’s happening behind the scenes and how science shapes our understanding of the natural world. Programs take place in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Topics and speakers announced on a rolling basis, but save the dates now!
What Happened When Kelly Clarkson Publicly Trashed a Small Brooklyn Toy Shop Should Scare Every Business Owner
When Kelly Clarkson publicly criticized a small Brooklyn toy shop, it sparked controversy. Why it's terrifying for entrepreneurs.
Five Things to Know About the Midterms
A few observations explain what is likely to happen on Election Day 2026 and why it matters.
The Dumbest Week in Texas Politics, a Saga in Five Acts
James Talarico took some sick days. The right-wing X-iverse lost its collective mind. Here's what happened.
The Crisis That Didn't Happen: One Health Has The Arguments; It Needs The Budget
Some money is starting to flow. In February, the World Bank-hosted Pandemic Fund awarded US$499.6 million to 20 projects, half of them with "One Health" in
What Happens When Domestic Violence Survivors Lose Health Coverage?
Health coverage is part of a vital safety net for people experiencing domestic violence. Cuts to Medicaid and changes to ACA marketplace coverage could make it harder for these survivors to receive and maintain care.
A History of Science and Technology During the Regency Era
In “Bridgerton,” there are all types of scientific discoveries happening in the background. From flights to showers, let’s unpack them all.
Inside the Circle: The bottle bill’s unfinished business
California's bottle bill turned 40 on September 29. I'm proud of the role I played in making it happen, bringing
How Emma Navarro’s RED-S diagnosis gave her life back, and what it means for athletes
The 25-year-old American's rise to the top of tennis came at the cost of her health. Now she knows what happened.
This week in West Virginia history
CHARLESTON — The following events happened on these dates in West Virginia history. To read more, go to e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia at wvencyclopedia.org.
Bills injuries 2026: In-game updates vs. Rams
A thread of injuries as they happen during the Buffalo Bills 2026 Week 5 MNF matchup with the Los Angeles Rams .
Dan Quinn Knows Commanders Clock Management Issues "Can't Happen"
Head coach Dan Quinn explains what went wrong in the Washington Commanders' tie against the New York Giants
CeramiCafe will expand its paint-your-own pottery business to Bend
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Are you looking for a creative way to spend time with family and friends Happening next, a new paint-your-own pottery business is coming to Bend! CeramiCafe, which started in Clackamas back in 2002, is expanding to Central Oregon. The business made the announcement on social media, saying plans are in the
New Research Finds the Best Exercises to Preserve Bone Health As We Age
Tough trails require strong bones, but you don’t need to spend hours in the gym to make that happen. A new study finds that short daily walks and mind-body exercises can slow down bone loss and prevent fractures.
Apple 'Welcome Home' Launch: Everything to Expect Tomorrow
Apple's "Welcome Home" product launch is happening tomorrow. As the name suggests, Apple is going to debut new home accessories, including the long-rumored home hub. Below, we've listed all the rumors we know about the three devices Apple is set to introduce. HomeView Apple's home hub, which will be called HomeView, is a multi-function device designed for all of a home's occupants. It's built around Siri AI, and will have an A18 chip and 8GB of RAM.
The Melton Health And Faith 5k Walk & Fun Run
The Melton Health And Faith 11th Annual Healthy Lifestyle 5K Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run Walk Charity Event is happening Saturday, October 17!
The SEC in a Sentence
It’s that time again, time to cram all that happened this weekend and will happen next weekend in the nation’a premier college football conference into a single sentence that will make our English teachers wonder what the point even was. It’s the SEC in a Sentence. It’s prettier than an Arch Manning interception, except when […]
When climate change brings the heat, what happens to a mighty redwood?
In heat wave-like temperatures, coast redwoods' photosynthesis slows down, which may put one of Earth's most efficient carbon storers in jeopardy.
Here's What Happened When Mike Love Rejoined the Beach Boys Onstage
Before the show, longtime bandmate John Stamos wondered if this would be the last time he performed with Love.
An interview with Oscar Brown: Voter enfranchisement, mobilization and facilitating political change
What happens when a young voter base is disenfranchised? How can facilitate the political change we want to see? This week I sat down with Oscar Brown, a second-year Economics major and recent Co-Founder of Future Grinnellians in Government (FGG), a month ahead of midterms to discuss his perspectives on voting, mobilization, enfranchisement and the...
What will Skydance do with the industry’s most complex sports rights portfolio?
With the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger now complete, forming Skydance, many in the sports media world are watching and wondering what happens to the combined entity’s sports rights. Certainly, this seems like a good time to examine what the folks at Skydance Global Sports Group (now to be called SGSG forevermore) are, and…
What Happens to Your Cholesterol When You Eat Eggs Every Day
Eggs are high in cholesterol, and some studies raise concerns about them for people with high blood pressure. But research shows most people can eat them as part of a heart-healthy diet.
What happens when tribal know-how meets climate science? A Cape Cod film
A Cape Cod documentary explores how Indigenous knowledge and science can work together to tackle climate change. 'Climate Voices' will screen Oct. 12.
What happens when tribal know-how meets climate science? A Cape Cod film
A Cape Cod documentary explores how Indigenous knowledge and science can work together to tackle climate change. 'Climate Voices' will screen Oct. 12.
They War-Gamed Dimming the Sun. It Went Even Worse Than You Think
Solar geoengineering could buy humanity time against climate change—or trigger a dangerous new arms race. A first-of-its-kind simulation offered a glimpse of what happens when geopolitics takes the wheel.
Kelly Clarkson ‘Pretty Woman’ Drama Explained As She Slams Store’s Response
The singer accused a Brooklyn store of treating her like Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman.' Now both sides are disputing what happened.
A guide to fall festivals and Halloween happenings around Tallahassee
From haunted houses to Greek food festivals, here is your guide to the best fall events in Tallahassee.
If Virginia passes the proposed amendment on reproductive health, what happens to the state’s laws on abortion? Here’s what legal experts say.
Opponents have argued that Ballot Question 1 would invalidate existing state law regarding access to abortion care. Law experts say that it would take a court decision to overturn state statute.
Dodgers Couldn't Shake Skubal's Shakiness Against Brewers
The Los Angeles Dodgers had a chance to jump on Milwaukee Brewers pitching ace Jacob Misiorowski and earn a win in the National League Championship Series behind starter Tarik Skubal. That did not happen on Sunday night.
Winners and losers as Cardinals trade Marvin Harrison Jr. to Texans: ‘I was praying something happened’
How ‘people power’ and business transformed medicine, but created a whole new set of risks
We’re seeing what happens when consumer demand collides with commercial interests for drugs including GLP-1s, psychedelics and testosterone. It’s a huge shift.
Mourinho makes unprompted remark about Arteta & Arsenal
Jose Mourinho has made a bizarre dig at Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, suggesting the manager’s new contract shouldn’t happen at Real Madrid.Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty ImagesFollowing Mikel Arteta’s ...
Trump really wants to make ‘super intelligence’ happen. Is it going to happen?
Unable to convince Americans to embrace the AI data centers they hate, President Trump is instead exercising the one power he believes is absolute in the presidency: a rebrand.
Your Brain Has Its Own Cleaning System That Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s. Science Is Learning How to Repair It
Your brain basically runs its own internal wash cycle while you sleep. Science is unraveling what happens when the system breaks down and how to fix it.
Sunderland looking good for relegation
Ahead of the season kicking off, I fancied Sunderland to be relegated. Yes, I know what you are saying, as a Newcastle United fan I would be wanting that to happen.
Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier Injury Update Leaves Question of What Happened
It feels like it’s been a particularly painful start to the season in the NHL. The Anaheim Ducks are the latest team to get hit with the injury bug to a star player: In their case, Cutter Gauthier on Saturday night. Gauthier isn’t alone in this, though. The Rangers just lost star goalie Igor Shesterkin […] The post Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier Injury Update Leaves Question of What Happened appeared first on HEAVY.
If Arkansas is to beat Tennessee, it will happen in only one way
Arkansas' path to victory over the Vols is a one-track scenario
IRRR, AEOA celebrate 1,000 small business grants
The Ely Echo weekly newspaper and its companion pieces - North Country SAVER and North Country ANGLER - provide insight into the news and happenings of northern Minnesota, alongside the Canadian border. www.elyecho.com
The possibility that Trump will cost the GOP the Senate is coming into focus
President Donald Trump might well have cost Republicans the Senate majority in both 2020 and 2022. It’s likely to happen again.
Toby Keith had a near $400-million fortune. Here’s what happened to it
The singer died in 2024 after battling stomach cancer.
Toby Keith had a near $400-million fortune. Here’s what happened to it
The singer died in 2024 after battling stomach cancer.
Watch: Inside Our $22K Sports Betting Experiment
What happens when you bet like a problem gambler on DraftKings and FanDuel? Reporter Jake Pearson spent 10 weeks on the apps to find out.
AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) Stock Price Breaks Above 50 Day Moving Average
AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) Stock Price Crosses Above 50-Day Moving Average - Here's What Happened
What happens when you grow up not knowing your family medical history?
People who have been adopted or are in care sometimes struggle to access family medical history which could be crucial to their own health.
What happens when you grow up not knowing your family medical history?
People who have been adopted or are in care sometimes struggle to access family medical history which could be crucial to their own health.
Money, Power, Politics
Host Stephanie Ruhle brings her business acumen, hard-hitting interview style and original reporting to mornings, helping you understand what's happening today and why it matters. Make sense of it all, together.
Donnie Wahlberg tears up over ‘healing’ reunions with ‘Blue Bloods’ costars on ‘Boston Blue’
Donnie Wahlberg warned he’d need to ‘get the Kleenex’ before tearing up while discussing his ‘Blue Bloods’ costar’s warm reception of his new ‘Boston Blue’ family: ‘There’s something healing that happens.’
What happens to your mental health when life changes in an instant?
Dr. Kanan Modhwadia, a psychiatrist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, joins us to talk about the process of grief and how it affects your mental health.
Yankees Must Cut Grisham To Fix 2027 Outfield
The Yankees lost in three games to the Rays. Per Sports Illustrated, re-signing Trent Grisham is a mistake fans cannot afford to see happen again.
Fleet Week Yacht Rock Party on Front Street to Feature Free Oysters
A Fleet Week-themed Fridays on Front Street event is happening today (October 9), featuring bands playing yacht rock covers, a screening of Top Gun, a best mustache contest, and free oysters.
What Happens When Science Leads Us in an Unexpected Direction? - Revolution Medicines
What Happens When Science Leads Us in an Unexpected Direction? - Revolution Medicines / cancer, Jan Smith, OncoDaily, Oncology, Revolution Medicines
Vance doubts Pentagon plan to livestream Fort Hood shooter's execution
The Republican vice president said, “I don’t know that that’s actually going to happen.”
Mid-Michigan entertainment for the weekend of Oct. 9-11 and beyond
Check out what’s happening this week.
The guy I like shows up to our dates without showering. How do I tell him?
I’m dating a guy I really like, but he’s shown up to a few dates without showering. If it keeps happening, how do I tell him? Advice columnist Carolyn Hax weighs in.
Examining Latino youth mental health in the age of ICE raids
After the recent deaths of two young Latino men by suicide, youth mental health care professionals reflect on the ongoing mental health crisis happening among Latino children and adolescents.
“Shark Tank” star calls out cohost Kevin O’Leary for going ‘too far’ on TV show: ‘What pisses me off’
Robert Herjavec said drama that happens on the show is “not” acting: “When we’re in the moment, it’s very real.”
What's happening at the Waunakee Public Library
Circulation desk—608-849-4217 waupl@waupl.org
Microsoft wants you to "break up with your MacBook" for a Surface Laptop Ultra, and it's paying big bucks to make it happen
You can get up to $1,000 cash back on top of trade-in value if you send Microsoft a MacBook Pro and buy a Surface Laptop Ultra.
MLB reveals TV schedule for 2026 League Championship Series
Major League Baseball has announced the television schedule for the 2026 League Championship Series. The action begins on Oct. 11 in an NLCS showdown the baseball world has figured would happen for months, and it’s a rematch of last year’s NLCS. The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers go on the road to face Jacob…
Milan Eye Touted Premier League Pair to Succeed Modric
Milan convinced Luka Modric to stay for another year in the summer, but preparations are underway to find a proper heir, as the same thing is unlikely to happen again at the end of the season, and the...
Orioles news: Another wave of top 100 prospects
Hey, what happened the last time the Orioles had so many top 100 guys?
Fake scenes, real politics: Republican candidates have embraced AI.
From time-traveling politicians to altered Bible verses, Texas GOP ads depict scenes that never happened. Democrats steer clear.
Pierluigi
Nicola Berti, score us a goal. And Nicola never failed to deliver. For Inter fans, there was no sweeter sight than Berti finding the net in the derby. It first happened in 1990, with just five minutes...
Fyreslayers in Battletome: Khazalite Holds – What you need to know
What’s happening to Grimnir’s faithful berzerkers?
Science of food
What happens when a science class is disguised as a cooking class? At South Fayette High School, it means 45 students quickly signed up for an innovative new course that satisfies their graduation requirements and fills their stomachs. South Fayette Township School District’s new Science of Food course is giving juniors and seniors a hands-on […]
Money, Power, Politics
Host Stephanie Ruhle brings her business acumen, hard-hitting interview style and original reporting to mornings, helping you understand what's happening today and why it matters. Make sense of it all, together.
Surveillance video captures burglary at Oak Cliff restaurant as business owners raise concerns
A concrete block, a shattered window and a quick grab for cash. Surveillance video shows what happened at an Oak Cliff taqueria.
Senior isolation, smart watches for heart health & more
Could a smart watch detect an irregular heartbeat? We’ll discuss what to know about the technology that could catch health issues before they happen.
Flutter Entertainment (FLUT) Stock Trades Up, Here Is Why
What Happened? Shares of global online betting powerhouse Flutter Entertainment (NASDAQ:FLUT) jumped 4.4% in the afternoon session after Citi analyst Monique Pollard upgraded the company from a Neutral rating to a Buy rating. According to StreetInsider, Susquehanna analyst Joseph Stauff separately…
Apple announces special event for October 13: ‘Welcome home’
Today Apple announced a special event happening next Tuesday, October 13 with the tagline ‘Welcome home.” Apple launching new Home...
‘Survivor 51’ star Patt Cannaday explains why she was ‘internally furious’ after blindside
‘Survivor 51’ star Patt Cannaday explains why she was ‘internally furious’ after blindside, and reveals what happened to her missing pants.
Horror Movies, Politics Are Killing Film Festivals: Opinion Column
The film festival circuit is drowning in bloody genre fare and ideological theater. Whatever happened to indie cred?
Trump says ‘we protect our cities’ after suggesting Iran could ‘take out’ L.A. or San Diego
At a rally Wednesday, the president repeated remarks about Iran attacking the cities but added that “we’re not going to let that happen.”
Open science is compatible with research security, says Canada’s chief science advisor
Open science is “not incompatible” with research security and science leaders and policymakers should “demystify” the false dichotomy between the two, according to Mona Nemer, Canada’s chief science advisor. More than a decade ago, EU policymakers were promoting open science, open innovation and open collaboration across the world. It was a political movement that aimed to make scientific research, data, software, publications and methodologies transparent, accessible and reusable for everyone.But that rhetoric has changed over the past few years. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and Donald Trump came back to power in 2025, international partnerships have become more pragmatic. Countries are trying to implement protectionist policies and governments are increasingly worried about technology espionage. According to Nemer, science can remain open if the sector can come up with improved security protocols that would protect research data from undue manipulation by foreign actors. “If anybody can fiddle with the with the data, then [open science] is actually quite dangerous and quite useless,” she told Science|Business. Universities and research institutions are increasingly vulnerable to attempted espionage and other types of foreign interference. In September, the UK’s domestic counter-intelligence service MI5 issued a security warning against collaborations with the China General Technology Research Institute. And earlier this year, Germany’s Helmholtz Center for Information Security was criticised by federal research minister Dorothee Bär, who told a parliamentary hearing that “existing rules and systems” at the institute “were not suitable” for preventing leaks to China. According to Nemer, universities and research institutions should perhaps follow the example of the private sector, as companies have been able to safeguard their research while still publishing results. “I think that there is a level of research security hygiene that researchers and institutions need to just adopt,” she said. “You don't have to tell Sanofi or IBM how to safeguard their research, which they end up publishing anyway.”While certain areas of research will not be open for collaboration with certain partners, in other areas cooperation is necessary even with researchers based in adversarial countries. “I stress this because politics change,” she said. “Science and politics don't make for good fellows, and whether we like it or not, politics will influence certain things.”Researchers will play an important role in “protecting the integrity of science,” said Nemer. “I think that it's time that there's a commitment to a certain scientific compact, so that citizens don't think that science is actually an open door for espionage and for anti-nationalism.”New partnershipsNemer spoke with Science|Business on the margins of the Hamburg Science Summit on September 17, the day when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for increased cooperation with the EU, including in science and technology. Canada is looking to strengthen ties with partners in other corners of the world, after the Trump administration threatened to put tariffs on Canadian goods and services and even openly suggested Canada could become the 51st state. In parallel, the US government has indicated it wants to retreat from international science projects, including US collaboration with Europe’s CERN particle accelerator and other big science labs.Related articlesThe stats we need to better understand R&DCanada looks to deepen research and education links with the EUCan researchers trust that AI models won’t leak their ideas?Nemer said the US is still a science “powerhouse,” but Canada and Europe will have to work closely together on global challenges. “It’s important for both [sides], but I think it's also important for the rest of the world, because the cut in funding for development, in health, in regions like Africa and other places, have dramatic effects.” The Trump administration is also planning a review of the Nelson memo, a Biden-era document that mandated that results of federally funded research would be openly available. With that idea being called into question, Nemer said it could be “very disruptive” to scientific collaborations and could jeopardise research on climate change, the Arctic and global health. “When your collaborator suddenly tells you I'm not going to share the data with you as a researcher, if this happens, I think it's very worrisome,” she said. “I'm certainly hoping that a lot of the Canadian institutions, funders, researchers, have started looking at joining forces on databases and using more European research infrastructures,” Nemer added.
What happened in Juventus' last victory against Cagliari?
The Men's First Team are back in Serie A action this weekend with a Matchday 6 trip to face Cagliari in Sardinia.Luciano Spalletti's side come into the match having won the previous Serie A match agai...
Is Fury v Joshua about meritocratic sporting excellence or just algorithmic celebrity power?
This long-awaited fight is happening exactly as intended: at the sweet spot where commercial potential meets a genuine absence of jeopardy
Open Studios Tour of Nevada County returns
The 31st annual Open Studios Tour of Nevada County is happening October 10-11 and 17-18 with over 90 studios and over 100 artists participating this year. Free tour guides are
BBC Sport weekly quiz: What was odd about Lionel Messi's Argentina debut?
How much attention have you paid to what has happened in the world of sport over the past seven days?
holding space in music therapy for patients with dementia
They call it music therapy, which is too imprecise a term to describe what really happens sometimes, when music touches a person sliding into eternity through a gradually darkening tunnel
Trump says he won't let Iran strike L.A. or San Diego: 'Not going to let that happen'
Trump told a Texas rally that the U.S. would not allow Iran to strike Los Angeles or San Diego, two days after his remarks on the subject stirred outrage among California leaders.
‘What happens inside these walls matters’: Hinds Community College leaders mark opening of new Health Sciences Complex
The college broke ground on the project two years ago.
Colonie Police raise concerns over mental health crisis response and aftercare
The Colonie Police Department responded to a domestic incident on Tattersall Lane Wednesday morning. It all happened after a woman called police claiming that her partner was committing acts of sel…
$84 million Cary railroad project could force businesses to relocate
An $84 million Cary railroad project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow, but businesses in its path are asking what happens if they have to move.
Anthony Rizzo Crosses Chicago Rivalry Line With White Sox Message
Anthony Rizzo will forever be connected to the Chicago Cubs, but that apparently doesn’t mean he has to root against everything happening on the South Side. The longtime Cubs star and one of the central figures from Chicago’s 2016 World Series championship team said Wednesday that he plans to attend Game 3 of the American…
Samsung backtracks on SmartTag 3 Android support — still locked to Galaxy phones
After earlier this week claiming that its new SmartTag 3 would support non-Galaxy Android phones, Samsung says that won't happen, after all.