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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
Are Bank Lobbies Still Relevant?
Local banking leaders say technology is changing the way customers use their banks — and their lobbies By Deborah Jeanne Post [caption id=attachment_11109 align=alignright width=300] Steve Gorczynski is M&T Bank Central New York regional president.[/caption] When was the last time you entered the lobby of your bank? If it’s been a while, you’re part of a trend of eschewing the lobby in favor of ATMs, drive-thrus, online banking and remote deposit. A 2025 study performed by the American Bankers Association revealed that only 9% of consumers use bank branches as their preferred way to do banking and 76% prefer mobile banking. The trend away from the lobby reflects consumer behavior in other areas of doing business, including online shopping instead of perusing the mall, ordering fast food at a kiosk, not at the counter and selecting curbside pick-up rather than walking into the restaurant. Consumers want convenience and going in the lobby adds another layer to the task. It also places consumers face to face with one or more representatives of the business, something less favorable to people feeling burned out from interpersonal interactions. Nixing or at least minimizing the size of the lobby isn’t necessarily negative for banks. Fewer people passing through their doors reduces overhead for building maintenance, staffing and furnishing. Greater reliance on virtual banking can mean closing brick and mortar locations and hiring fewer staffers to cover roles like teller and lending officer. “Our focus is on meeting customers where they are and giving them flexibility in how they bank,” said Steve Gorczynski, M&T Bank Central New York regional president. “While many everyday transactions can be supported digitally and through ATMs, branches remain important for more complex financial needs, offering face-to-face guidance and a more personal banking experience.” Talking with a commercial lender or working on a home mortgage are two examples where meeting face-to-face is more desirable for many people. They can receive immediate feedback to questions and can possibly reach their goals more quickly. But there’s little need to have a large seating area, long counters and numerous tellers for routine banking that’s quicker to handle virtually. Online banking can also help people on the go more readily complete banking tasks such as depositing checks, transferring funds among accounts and checking balances. [caption id=attachment_11135 align=alignright width=300] Tina M. Stephens is the vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank.[/caption] “The traditional bank lobby is certainly being evaluated by most institutions today, as the typical large, open and cavernous spaces do not necessarily meet the needs of today’s customers,” said Tina M. Stephens, vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank. “Traditional lobbies often bisect traditional teller stations and customer service areas, which adds confusion, especially for the demographic who routinely use online banking and only access the lobby for customer service needs.” Despite the rollback in physical locations across the industry, Fulton Savings Bank began modernizing its six branch offices in Oswego and Onondaga counties about three years ago and have finished four offices so far in Baldwinsville, Fulton, Constantia, and Phoenix. “We made the decision to build a new branch across the street from our current office in Brewerton which will be completed by the end of 2026, and we will begin the retrofit of our Central Square office in early 2027,” Stephens said. “Our efforts specifically address where we think customers will be in the next three to five years and have greater flexibility to make changes out into the future.” The bank may be onto something, as numerous reports state that screen-weary Gen Z young adults crave more in-person interactions than virtual ones. If the pendulum continues to swing in that direction, it’s hard to see all physical bank areas disappear, even if they change somewhat. Fulton Savings Bank has also consolidated its teller and customer service representative areas to larger “universal banker” areas, where the bank representative can address all customer retail needs. A one-stop-shop experience appeals to busy banking customers who want to perform a few different banking tasks in one visit. Stephens also said that Fulton Savings Bank made additional technology and security enhancements and created flex spaces to accommodate bank meetings throughout the two-county branch footprint. At Solvay Bank, Elizabeth Lavier, vice president marketing and communications manager, lauded digital and online services as convenient and flexible for managing finances; however, “technology is not meant to replace what matters most: the relationships behind every account that have always been at the heart of community banking,” she said. “Even in today’s digital-first world, people of all ages still value the opportunity to sit down with a trusted banker for personalized guidance. We understand that some of life’s biggest moments call for more than a screen.” Lavier views digital banking as another way for the organization to serve customers rather than a replacement for branches, tellers and lenders, which tend to serve customers better for transactions like buying a first car, purchasing a home, saving for a child’s education, or planning for retirement. “Those conversations, built on understanding, experience and personal guidance, are what community banking is all about,” Lavier said. “At the end of the day, banking is about more than transactions. It’s about helping our customers achieve their goals and being there for them every step of the way. By combining the convenience of digital banking with the care, commitment, and personal service of a local community bank, Solvay Bank offers customers the best of both worlds.” Are Paper Checks Destined to Disappear? With the ubiquity of debit cards, online payments, virtual checks and peer-to-peer payment platforms like Venmo, Zelle and PayPal, will paper checks become passe? “In my view, paper checks are unlikely to disappear in the near future,” said Tina M. Stephens, vice president branch administration for Fulton Savings Bank. “They continue to serve a practical purpose by providing a clear paper trail and tangible proof of payment.” According to the American Banker, a leading trade publication that covers the banking and financial industry, in 2024, checks accounted for 65% of all payment fraud losses. Paper checks should be phased out, according to the publication. “The phrase, ‘The check’s in the mail’ probably sounds strange to younger people because the era of paper checks is rapidly drawing to a close. Put bluntly, checks are an expensive, insecure legacy that is a drag on the U.S. economy. Rather than wait for them to vanish slowly, the pragmatic choice is to strategically accelerate the transition to paperless payments.”
N. Syracuse Manufacturer Marks Milestone, Plans for the Future
Air Innovations has grown from a small local manufacturer into a global business, selling its products in 74 countries organizations. Some of its clients include NASA, Blue Origin and SpaceX. By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11117 align=alignright width=450] Michael Wetzel, president and CEO, and his father, Larry, who currently is an adviser to the board of directors. Larry served as the chairman of the board until 2024, when the company was acquired by Altus Capital Partners, a private equity firm.[/caption] Air Innovations in North Syracuse hopes to add more employees and possibly even expand its facility in the near future. The company is a global leader in designing and building environmental process control systems for applications that can’t be addressed with standard HVAC equipment, according to Michael Wetzel, president and CEO. “We customize solutions for temperature, humidity, filtration and pressurization, with additional capabilities in direct-expansion, chilled-water and thermoelectric technologies. Our business now is entirely focused on specialty or niche markets.” Air Innovations celebrated its 40th anniversary on Sept. 18, marking four decades of doing business, manufacturing products and growing in Central New York. In the beginning [caption id=attachment_11138 align=alignright width=451] A worker, Ezzy Salehi, tests a Wine Guardian condenser unit at Air Innovations.[/caption] “A guy by the name of Jim Kelley started the business [known as Floratech] in 1986. It was focused on refrigerated display cases for supermarket fresh flowers,” Wetzel said. “My father [Larry] started Clean Room Technology in the early 1980s, then sold that to a French company called Clestra Cleanroom. “My father and I bought Floratech in 1996 — 30 years ago, 10 years after it was started. Then in 1999, Floratech bought a portion of Clestra and their building. At that point everything was still called Floratech. But, as that was not reflective of the diversity of the business, we rebranded as Air Innovations in 2001.” The company rebranded to pursue a strategy of diversification in specialty HVAC systems. Wetzel explained that since then, it has become a trusted global partner, earning the President’s “E” Award for Exports and securing contracts in the most demanding fields, including aerospace, defense and semiconductor manufacturing. Air Innovations has grown from a small local manufacturer into a global business, selling nearly 70,000 units in 74 countries and territories and developing custom environmental control systems for companies and organizations including NASA, Blue Origin and SpaceX. “We work with all the big names you ever heard of and some you never heard of,” Wetzel added. The Wetzels sold the business two years ago to Altus Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on control investments in lower middle-market, niche manufacturing companies in North America. Founded in 2003, Altus Capital Partners’ headquarters is in Wilton, Connecticut, with an additional office in Lincolnshire, Illinois. “They are an equity firm. Both my father and I both maintain a small minority share. I am going to continue to be involved. I call myself a part-time CEO. I will continue that role for the foreseeable future; I don’t see any change there.” Building to the future “We are at 58 employees right now, which is a little bit down. We had a high of 70. That moves along with the activity we have,” Wetzel said. “We’ll start ramping up here in the fourth quarter into next year. More than 20% of our employees have been with the company for more than a decade. “I am fairly certain that sometime in the next several years we are going to have to enlarge the footprint of our facility and for sure we are going to have to add employees. We already are. We are probably going to have to add five or six people next year. We are always in the market for HVAC technicians; we always need those.” Air Innovations will remain in Central New York, with its current workforce staying in place, he added. “I believe the primary driver of our success over time is the diversity of our business which is a direct result of our willingness to tackle new challenges,” Wetzel said.
Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Grapple with Harsh Times
Report shows small business owners in NYS less optimistic about the economy. Taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now, they say By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11067 align=alignright width=300] Ashley Ranslow is director for New York state at The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).[/caption] Owners of mom-and-pop businesses in New York state have been less optimistic lately than their peers in other parts of the country, a recent report indicates. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), based on a survey of 11,000 of its members in the Empire State, reported that taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now. “Indeed, while taxes are a major problem in New York and the United States overall, New York small businesses notably are struggling more with the state’s onerous, multi-level tax burden,” Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s director for New York state, said in the July report. Compared with surveys of business owners in other states, far fewer New York respondents rated their businesses as in excellent or good health. The report also said labor costs here are about 25% higher than the national average and are the “single most important problem” facing businesses. One respondent to the New York-specific survey complained that too much red tape, taxes and laws that restrict high-yielding companies have stifled their operation’s growth. Others said high disability and workers’ compensation insurance costs, alarming increases in utility rates and excessive building regulations are discouraging. Statewide, New York has a gross domestic product of $2.53 trillion (third in the nation, followed by Texas, $2.90 trillion; and California, $4.25 trillion), a per capita income of $90,500 (sixth) and an unemployment rate of 4.6% (34th). There are 2.4 million small businesses that employ 3.9 million people. [caption id=attachment_11112 align=alignright width=451] Member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce gather at one of the several functions the chamber organizes monthly. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed,” says Megan Wilmot, the chamber director[/caption] “New York state boasts one of the largest, wealthiest and most diverse cities in the world — and that’s still only about half the state’s population,” the report said. “In other words, the state is both its iconic city and so much more — geographically, demographically, economically. But New York is not without its challenges, challenges that include notably high taxes and other weaknesses that impact the small business environment,” it said. The report includes an optimism index that compares responses from New York (NFIB) members with those of their peers in other states across several categories. This ranges from plans to increase employment to expectations for higher sales, to plans to increase inventory or expand. The scores for Empire State business owners were lower in most categories, but they did score higher than the national average in noting that they have current employment openings, and that they are hopeful that the economy will improve. “The metrics so far paint a picture of a state with a series of challenges for small businesses, from a slightly below national average Optimism Index to a more seriously below national business health to very substantially below national Employment Index. What is going on with businesses that are creating these differences?” the report stated. In Central New York, the regional labor force comprises nearly 398,000 workers. The median household income here is $71,463, and the gross domestic product for the region last year totaled $61.3 billion, according to the CenterState CEO economic development and research organization. About half of the region’s labor force works for small and mid-sized businesses, although the number of people employed in that sector has decreased by 7% since 2010, according to CenterState’s 2026 economic forecast report. “While record-high employment in large-scale enterprises provides a strong foundation for Central New York,” the report says, “the long-term health of communities depends on a thriving small business sector to serve as a stabilizer.” Area employers identify several barriers to Central New York’s anticipated growth, including lack of specialized or skilled workers, government regulations, unaffordable housing options and long-term construction disruptions. In the city of Syracuse, the number of jobs in retail trade decreased by 1,500 or 4.7% between July 2025 and this past July. By contrast, the number of jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 2.5% or 700 jobs, in the same annual period, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Still, there’s plenty of interest for new businesses across Central New York. U.S. Census figures show that the number of applications for new businesses in all four counties increased significantly in the past 20 years. In Cayuga County, there were 324 applications in 2005 compared to 470 last year. In Madison County, the number increased from 385 to 480; Onondaga County, from 2411 to 4132; and Oswego County, from 553 to 836. Downtown Cazenovia is exemplary of Madison County’s trend: In the past year, the village welcomed a bait shop, a thrift store, a vitamin infusion center, a pizzeria, a Pilates studio and an Italian restaurant. A candy store is scheduled to open on the main drag in the months ahead. Oswego’s list of interesting new businesses in the past year includes a bubble tea shop, a hot dog eatery in Fulton, a specialty grocery store that features New York state products in Mexico, a beauty and esthetics studio in Hannibal and a hardware and farm supply store in Sandy Creek. In Onondaga County, the Liverpool area has also enjoyed a steady stream of new shops and eateries in recent years. That suburban community is unique in that, unlike neighboring communities, most of the restaurants are family-owned and not part of a national chain. [caption id=attachment_11116 align=alignright width=300] Megan Wilmot is the executive director of the Greater Liverpool’s Chamber of Commerce.[/caption] Megan Wilmot, executive director of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said independent business owners in her community maintain a strong sense of pride in holding their own against national companies. The chamber helps boost morale with red carpet events, ribbon cuttings, coffee hours and five-year anniversary celebrations for participating businesses. “We have built such a strong community,” Wilmot said. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed.” In Syracuse, the downtown retail occupancy rate last year was about 82%, a slight improvement from 2024, according to the Downtown Syracuse Committee’s most recent annual report. Buildings with the largest amount of vacant space included The Galleries, One Park Place, and Equitable Towers, though not all of those spaces are designated for retail use. New businesses that opened in downtown Syracuse last year: Better with Time Clothing, Dakshin Curry & Biriyani, Havana Tattoo Society, Milano Bean Café, Miss Daisy, Pausa Coffee, Sweets for Babe, The Society CNY and Yafah Beauty Studio. The Destiny USA mall’s occupancy rate decreased from 80% in 2023 to 72% by the end of 2024, according to Integra Realty Resources. That leaves more than a quarter of the mall’s retail space vacant. “Looking ahead, the retail market is expected to see minimal rent growth, with vacancy rates likely remaining stable in community and neighborhood centers but continuing to rise in enclosed malls,” Integra’s report said. “New construction activity is low and redevelopment plans for former malls like Shoppingtown and Great Northern are still in the planning stages. The proposed Micron chip plant may spur development, but challenges remain in finding co-developers for large-scale projects.” Nationally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce expects that small businesses will remain resilient and see their sales and revenues eventually improve. That organization, in a recent national survey, found that 25% of small business owners expect the economy to improve in 2027, while 45% indicated that they plan to increase employment in the next 12 months. And 69% said they believe their small business is in good shape and 70% said they are comfortable with their current cash flow. Thirty-one percent of small businesses reported raising their prices in July and 28% are planning to raise their prices within the next three to four months, the report said. Twelve percent indicated that this is a good time to expand their business. “Small business owners voice optimism for future revenues and hiring,” the report said. “High costs continue to be a wet blanket on reinvestment.” The NFIB reported in July that Main Street, despite gas price hikes, “is OK … for now.” Its small business economics trend report said sales across the country have been strong compared to last year, but continued inflation and higher prices from mom-and-pop establishments are causing some “cracks” to show. “If costs stay this high for much longer, reduced investment will have a tangible economic impact,” the report said. “The status quo is OK, but the outlook? The outlook is uncertain.”
Retiring from Farming
Start now to ensure your farm passes to the next generation Deborah Jeanne Post [caption id=attachment_11062 align=alignright width=405] Adam C. Howell, outreach director at Cornell’s NY FarmNet: “Retirement from farming is atypical planning,” he says.[/caption] Roughly 70% of family-owned farms will transfer ownership withing the next two decades, according to data from to the USDA census. Only 30% of those will remain in the family. The number of farms in New York is shrinking as the size of farms increases. In other words, there are fewer farms in the state, but they’re much larger. This is why succession planning is so important for family farms. A farm represents not only a way to make a living but a legacy and family tradition. Many families want to preserve the small farm segment of agriculture and the values it represents. Passing the family farm to the next generation can’t be left to chance. And it shouldn’t be left for “the kids to figure out” after the older generation dies. Succession planning in agriculture isn’t like other types of business retirement planning or personal final planning. “Retirement from farming is atypical planning,” said Adam C. Howell, outreach director at Cornell’s NY FarmNet. “Most farmers, their assets and the way they live and survive in retirement is tied up in the equity in the farm. Those conversations must take place a lot earlier than they think. They’re dealing with something asset-heavy that may require a trust and tax planning.” NY FarmNet offers farmers free, confidential consultation services regarding financial and business management, and family, and mental health support for farmers in New York state. It’s a program of Cornell University in Ithaca. Howell urges farmers to begin the conversation early. Most family farms are run by generations with the oldest generation most involved and typically with fewer of the middle-aged adults and young adults involved. Some of the younger generation may have off-farm jobs and not live on the homestead. “Different people have different expectations on their legacy,” Howell said. “Intergenerational conflict and discussions can be difficult. It may be good to check with NY FarmNet or Ag Mediation to help mediate these conversations with a third party. A lot of farms have broken up because people can’t decide how to divide things.” New York State Agricultural Mediation Program is a USDA‑certified, free or low‑cost service for farmers. Fair is not always equal. A sole owner simply stating that he wants to divide things equally among his children may leave one-quarter of the farm operation to an adult child who moved away and hasn’t sat in a tractor for decades. The three adult children who have toiled on the farm for 30 years may need to buy out the fourth, non-farming sibling but cannot because all of their money is tied up in the equipment, land and stock that supports their livelihood. Their payrate may not allow them to set aside much to buy out the non-farming sibling. As a result, they may need to sell parts of the farm off in order to keep it. However, doing so may limit their ability to sufficiently support their families. The farm owner may need to bequeath more assets to the farming siblings because their efforts have kept the farm going and without those assets and their work, the farm will cease operations. Howell advises seeking professional help on tax and legal issues. Without it, families can be exposed to expensive problems and infighting. A third-party expert can help farm families navigate what is truly fair in the family’s succession plans. Beyond the practical aspects of inheritance, succession also relies upon planning who will operate the farm and how. “I think it’s important that farmers understand the means and methods of farming are always changing,” Howell said. For example, many young adult farmers earn a degree at a school such as Cornell, SUNY Cobleskill or Morrisville, work on a different farm for a while and then return to their family farm with big ideas on how to improve the farm — if only their dad and uncles will agree. Intergenerational conflict is often centered on newer ideas such agritourism, online marketing and shipping goods. “It causes conflict,” Howell said. “A lot of it comes down to communication and respect within the family. If no one in the family wants to take on farming, what we’ll see is older farmers start to help trusted managers buy into the farm.” The middle-aged generation, now in their 40s and 50s, often struggle with wresting the helm from their parents. Howell said that many older farmers don’t discuss with their grown children their vital business information such as vendors, ordering supplies, pricing, recordkeeping and farm planning. They even claim that “the kids” aren’t ready yet. These gaps in cross-training may cause significant problems even before the older generation dies, if there’s an illness or injury. Howell urges farmers to document these processes and cross-train others on the farm how to handle these areas “to make sure if one person is incapacitated, the entire operation is not at risk,” he said. Mark Modzeleski, financial adviser, financial planner and president at Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY in Syracuse, advises families to talk sooner than later about who should be operating the farm. “Someone is driving the farm,” he said. “Have you decided who? Be honest when you have that conversation. Who do they turn to when there’s a question? Or who has the potential to be leaders?” Planning for leadership continuity is vital. Unfortunately, talking like this can become fraught with emotions if it’s only the family involved. Modzeleski advised finding a third party who can help drive the conversation. “Invite the right people to the conversation who can get you from point A to point B,” he said. “This is a marathon, not a sprint.” It may take sitting down a few times with an estate planning attorney who specializes in farm transition, along with a tax professional and others who can help moderate and plan. Family members, owners and possibly, integral farm managers should attend the meetings. “Figure out what you want your legacy to be,” Modzeleski added.
How medical science dismantled centuries of dogma to transform breast cancer care
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — The treatment and prevention of breast cancer have evolved from ancient, untreatable diagnoses into highly targeted, personalized medical therapies over four millennia, according to medical historians
Tiki Barber Says Cam Skattebo Must Fix Mindset Now
Giants legend Tiki Barber calls out Cam Skattebo for his fourth fumble, insisting the rookie must change his mindset to stay on the roster.
Insurance pro challenges Smith-Wade-El in 49th House District
Four years after his election to the Pennsylvania House, Lancaster Democrat Izzy Smith-Wade-El again faces a Republican challenger in Millersville Borough resident Vanessa Acosta.
Kings remain winless, fall to Oilers on Frozen Frenzy
On the fourth annual Frozen Frenzy, when all 32 NHL teams take the ice across 16 games in one night, the Los Angeles Kings had an opportunity to earn their first win of the season against a Pacific Division rival on home ice.
McAvoy Scores in Return as Bruins Take Down Sharks
The Boston Bruins opened their four-game road trip with their third straight win. The Bruins (5-2-0) beat the San Jose […]
Nebraska rifle falls below .500 for first time in three seasons
The Nebraska rifle team, which is fourth-ranked in the nation, has tripled its loss total from the 2025 season. For the first time since February of 2024, the team has fallen below .500.
Travis Kelce Is Doing Something Remarkable at 37 Years Old
Travis Kelce turned 37 on October 5th, and usually, that's about the time an NFL tight end starts thinking about life after football. Kelce's numbers suggest he's got other plans. Through four games, the Kansas City Chiefs veteran is averaging more yards per catch than he has in years, and Patrick Mahomes is still finding …
49ers Get Blunt Take Amid Speculation on Vikings’ Jauan Jennings
Former San Francisco 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings doesn’t appear to be having an ideal time with the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran wideout has two catches for nine yards in four games. As a result, with the trade deadline nearing, there’s speculation about whether Jennings could be on the move.Moreover, one potential landing spot is reuniting […] The post 49ers Get Blunt Take Amid Speculation on Vikings’ Jauan Jennings appeared first on HEAVY.
Terry Bradshaw realizes TV career is ‘coming to an end’
Terry Bradshaw has occupied the public consciousness for more than 50 years. He won four Super Bowls as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers before his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 1989, and since 1994, he has starred on Fox NFL Sunday. Did Bradshaw also deliver an incredible performance in the 2006 romantic…
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are married 4 years after ABC scandal
Nearly four years after leaked photos of co-anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes upended their careers and lives, the couple have said "I do."
Las Vegas lands major convention for 2031
The three-year deal beginning in 2031 is expected to generate 62,000 room nights annually, with four Strip resorts and Allegiant Stadium serving as event hosts.
Fresno State healthcare grant brings $1.4M to Valley
Fresno State receives $1.4 million to expand healthcare training, digital technology and access to care in four Central Valley counties.
Welcome Home: Everything Apple Announced on October 13
Apple didn't hold an event today, but it did refresh its lineup of smart home products with the Apple HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The $299 HomeView is an all-new device that serves as a central home hub, offering apps, widgets, and personalized content for up to six people. The $299 Apple TV 4K now has microphones for Siri, more internal storage, a faster A19 chip, and Wi-Fi 7, while the $149 HomePod mini has a faster chip and new colors.
T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach marry 4 years after their shocking ‘GMA3’ office romance went public
Former ‘Good Morning America’ anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach got married in Arkansas on TK date, nearly four years after their scandalous office romance was revealed.
Dacy Business Park begins third-phase expansion in Kyle
Construction has started on four new buildings at Dacy Business Park in Kyle, adding 43,050 square feet of commercial space by early 2027.
Amid on-the-job deaths, Taxi Workers Alliance calls on state to fund driver health benefits
The show of support for a taxi-driver health fund comes after a brutal summer in which four taxi drivers died on the job. All four were dealing with ongoing medical struggles.
‘The Diplomat’ Season 4 promises more political chaos — and plenty of marital drama.
"The Diplomat," Debora Cahn’s critically acclaimed political drama starring Keri Russell, returns for its fourth season later this week.
‘The Diplomat’ Season 4 promises more political chaos — and plenty of marital drama.
"The Diplomat," Debora Cahn’s critically acclaimed political drama starring Keri Russell, returns for its fourth season later this week.
Utica Zoo to celebrate 40 years of Spooktacular Harvest Festival
UTICA — The Utica Zoo will celebrate four decades of Halloween festivities this weekend as its annual Spooktacular Harvest Festival returns for its 40th year, offering two days of trick-or-treating,
Cook Political Report shifts 4 governors’ races toward Democrats
Cook Political Report is shifting four gubernatorial races in Democrats’ favor, the nonpartisan election handicapper said Tuesday, all in states which currently have Republican governors. Amo…
Cook Political Report shifts 4 governors’ races toward Democrats
Cook Political Report is shifting four gubernatorial races in Democrats’ favor, the nonpartisan election handicapper said Tuesday, all in states which currently have Republican governors. Amo…
US small-business optimism falls on dimmer economic outlook
The net share of independent business owners who expect conditions to improve declined 4 percentage points to a four-month low of 6%.
US Sanctions Mexican Cartel CDN's Horse-Racing, Business Network
MEXICO CITY, Oct 13 (Reuters) - The US Treasury Department on Tuesday sanctioned four people and 11 entities tied to the Cartel del Noreste (CDN), targeting a business network spanning horse racing, construction, trucking and the energy sector that Washington says helped finance the Mexican ...
Over 12 Million Latinas Harmed by Abortion Restrictions and Health Care Cuts | National Partnership for Women & Families
New analysis from the National Partnership for Women & Families and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice reveals the harmful impact of abortion restrictions on Latinas four years after the Dobbs decision overturned the federal right to abortion.
One Las Vegas hotel ranked No. 1 among 161 casino hotels in AAA’s first list.
THE VILLAS retained Five Diamond status for a second year, and The Vanderpump Hotel earned Four Diamond status in its first three months of operation.
NWA Business Journal seeks nominations for 2027 Outstanding Business Awards
The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal is accepting nominations for its fourth annual Northwest Arkansas Outstanding Business Awards. Arvest Bank is the sponsor. The awards program recognizes companies that have grown...
Beyond Wellness opens in Rogers
Health services company Beyond Wellness recently opened its first Northwest Arkansas location in Rogers. It’s the company’s fourth Arkansas clinic. The new clinic at 4100 W. Oak St. is in...
New Apple TV 4K Supports Surround Sound via Four HomePods
As was rumored prior to today's announcements, the new Apple TV 4K can connect to up to four HomePods in front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right positions, enabling an all-Apple surround sound system for home theater setups. You can connect four of the new HomePod mini 2 speakers to the new Apple TV 4K, or you can mix and match pairs of HomePod mini 2 and full-sized HomePod 2 speakers, so long as the front and rear pairs of speakers match.
Lexington Health plans new emergency departments, urgent care sites
Lexington Health is expanding emergency and urgent care services in White Knoll and Northeast Columbia, with four new or relocated facilities planned for the growing Midlands communities.
The Apple TV 4K Gets Siri AI, an A19 Chip, and a $299 Price Tag
Apple also updated the Apple TV 4K today. Last updated in 2022, the Apple TV 4K’s fourth-generation update is focused on bringing an improved surround sound experience to the Apple TV, along with Siri AI. From the outside, the new Apple TV 4K looks like the old one: a nondescript black box that sits under
Brett Fischer, Kelly Jones, Chris Lee, Maruf Rahman, RWJBarnabas Health Leaders, Named Becker’s 2026 Rising Stars
Four rising leaders at RWJBarnabas Health have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 Rising Stars: 188 Healthcare Leaders Under 40 list! Congratulations to Brett Fischer, Kelly Jones, Christopher Lee and Maruf Rahman on this national recognition of their leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing healthcare.
Apple Announces $149 HomePod Mini 2 With Siri AI, 'Sound Glow', and Four-Speaker Surround Sound
Apple today announced a new HomePod mini equipped with Siri AI, new colors, and improved audio experiences. The new HomePod mini has an S10 chip that supports advanced computational audio, and Apple says it optimizes dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance in real-time. A Sound Glow feature turns the HomePod mini's top into a "visual canvas" that glows and animates in sync with music, reacting to bass and treble.
New Apple TV 4K Announced With A19 Chip, Updated Siri Remote, and More
Apple today announced the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, with key features including an A19 chip, Siri AI support, an updated Siri Remote that has Find My support with Precision Finding, built in far-field microphones, and more. The new Apple TV 4K can be pre-ordered starting today and launches on November 13. The new Apple TV 4K can be pre-ordered starting today and launches on November 13.
Jon Burrows sorry for wearing AirPods in assembly chamber
He wore the AirPods during Monday's no-confidence motions in four Sinn Féin ministers.
Islanders Gameday News: Should win but probably won’t
The Islanders continue their mediocrity-destined season with a visit from the sadsack Canucks, who just lost to a “gritty, resilient” Rangers team, so you know we’re screwed. The Canucks are 2-5 and have lost four in a row, so they are due an uplifting win on Long Island. First Islanders Goal picks go here. Islanders […]
Medicaid provider might end its coverage for Ochsner network, affecting 70,000
One of Louisiana’s four Medicaid plans might no longer cover treatment at the state’s largest healthcare network, Ochsner Health System, after Dec. 1, potentially affecting 70,000 people.
A political Rorschach test: Pappas's DC record is up for interpretation in Senate race
Pappas' four terms representing New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District are his main credential as he runs for Senate. But critics say Pappas’ Washington record lacks major accomplishment.
Fourth straight 300-yard game for Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford topped 300 yards passing for the fourth straight week, throwing for 383 yards and 3 TDs versus Buffalo on Monday Night Football.
Photo: Ridgeville Fall Festival
Visitors to the Ridgeville Fall Festival line up at the Old Fashioned Root Beer stand on Saturday evening. The fourth annual iteration of the festival featured a pancake breakfast, activities
Four Padres’ Prospects Who Could Make an Impact in 2027
The San Diego Padres have one of the worst-ranked farm systems in all of Major League Baseball. That has posed a massive problem for General Manager A.J. Preller whenever he tries to wheel and deal at the Trade Deadline. However, Preller has proved adept at holding onto gems. Recent Padres' prospects such as Jackson Merrill …
De Soto fourth grader starts business to fund love for Legos
Jackson Brady is a young businessman who loves fishing and building with Legos. A year and a half ago, the 9-year-old De Soto boy combined the two passions to start Lures for Lego Bricks, selling fishing lures at Madd Heifer boutique, 215 E. Main St., in De Soto and twice a month at the De Soto Farmers Market, 520 N. Main St. (open late April through October).
Who Will Break Nets’ 40-Year 1,000 Rebound Season Drought?
Not since Buck Williams dominated the glass has a Brooklyn Net reached four digits. Now, Day’Ron Sharpe faces the uphill battle of ending a four-decade rebounding drought.
Monroe County health board sets Oct. 22 hearing on possible removal of health officer
Monroe County’s health board voted 5–0 to schedule an Oct. 22 hearing on whether to remove health officer Sarah Ryterband, less than two years into a four-year term. The board disclosed no specific allegations and raised the possibility of terminating her contract without cause.
Brett Fischer, Kelly Jones, Chris Lee, Maruf Rahman, RWJBarnabas Health Leaders, Named Becker’s 2026 Rising Stars
Four rising executives at RWJBarnabas Health have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s Rising Stars: 188 Healthcare Leaders Under 40 list for 2026. They are: Brett Fischer, Senior Vice President of Business Development; Kelly Jones, Director of Revenue Cycle; Christopher Lee, Assistant Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs; and Maruf Rahman, Vice President of Population Health and Community Health.
Dementia risk more than quadruples among adults with common disorder
Adults with ADHD had more than four times the risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, a University of Pittsburgh study of 187,000 people found.
Who Is the Best NFL QB After Week 4?
Brock Purdy has strengthened his case as one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks following an impressive start to the 2026 season. The San Francisco 49ers signal-caller has delivered consistent production despite questions about whether he belongs in the same conversation as the league’s established elite. Purdy’s performance through the first four weeks has helped elevate […] The post Who Is the Best NFL QB After Week 4? appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
Judge Orders Trump Administration to Answer for Tree Removals at D.C. Golf Course
During a four-hour hearing, a federal judge demanded answers from the Trump administration about who authorized the removal of hundreds of trees at the East Potomac Golf Links.
NASA’s SpaceX CRS-35 Mission to Launch Health Research
NASA experiments focused on human and plant health and drug-resistant organisms will travel to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s 35th. This research supports astronaut health during long-duration missions through four investigations from the agency’s Biological and Physical Sciences division.
NASA’s SpaceX CRS-35 Mission to Launch Health Research
NASA experiments focused on human and plant health and drug-resistant organisms will travel to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s 35th. This research supports astronaut health during long-duration missions through four investigations from the agency’s Biological and Physical Sciences division.
Packers Lose Fourth Player to Season-Ending Injury
Javon Hargrave’s torn Achilles marks a devastating fourth blow for the Green Bay Packers.
Local Business Spotlight: Johnson's Foods
From customer appreciation cookouts and shopping-spree giveaways to monthly donations to the local food shelf, owners Jacob Muus and Crystal Clemons have made community involvement central to running Johnson’s Foods. For Muus and Clemons, giving back is a way to support the community they call home. Since taking over Johnson’s Foods four years ago, the...
2026 Election Preview: 137th Legislative District
The midterm elections are less than four weeks away and PoliticsPA has identified 19 State House races throughout the Commonwealth to focus on during the run-up to the 2026 election, as part of our 31 Races in 31 Days series. HD-137: Joe Emrick (R) v. Jeff Warren (D) The Key…
Tennessee football offers 2028 Colorado running back
Tennessee football offers a scholarship to a 2028 four-star running back from Colorado.
Fourth Annual NC Senior Health Fair on Wednesday
Join Nevada County's 4th Annual Senior Health Fair on October 14 at Gold Miner's Inn for free flu shots, vaccinations, health screenings, and local resources.
SUNY Potsdam to celebrate fourth annual Public Health Day
POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam's Public Health Program will host its fourth annual Public Health Day on Thursday, Oct. 29, as the College welcomes guests and partners at non-profit organizations to …
Razorback Ledger: SEC Woes Grow To Fourteen
A competitive loss to Tennessee showed progress, but Arkansas cannot build its future around games it almost wins. Arkansas finally gave its fans a fourth quarter worth watching. The Razorbacks led Tennessee, created three takeaways, and had opportunities to close out a conference win. Then the afternoon ended with the same result that has followed …
Eagles’ Jake Elliott Gets Honest On Final Moments vs Jaguars
Jake Elliott nearly had a walk-off field goal to help the Philadelphia Eagles secure a victory in London to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars as underdogs. Due to clock management, Elliott’s impressive make from 48 yards went in with eight seconds remaining on the clock in the fourth quarter. Most expected Elliott to kick far enough […] The post Eagles’ Jake Elliott Gets Honest On Final Moments vs Jaguars appeared first on HEAVY.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Eight Must-Adds for Week 6
After a two-team bye week in Week 5, we have four teams idle in Week 6 (Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins). Here are eight must-adds from the Week 6 fantasy football waiver wire.
Hubert Hurkacz Has the Weirdest Big Three Resume in Tennis
No one ever talks about Hubert Hurkacz, so let's talk about him because the Pole has just done something rather ridiculous. By beating Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 at the Shanghai Masters, Hurkacz became only the fourth player ever to defeat Roger Federer on grass, Rafael Nadal on clay, and Djokovic on hard courts. The other …
49ers report card from win over Seahawks: A+ for entertainment in latest entry of division rivalry
The 49ers’ defense stood out, forcing four turnovers to set up the offense well. The offense then came through in the clutch.
Here's who is spending the most on ads in Pa.'s four key congressional contests
Where ad spending and reservations stand in the 1st, 7th, 8th, and 10th Congressional Districts about a month ahead of the crucial midterm elections.
Who slept best last night: Max Verstappen
Two in a row for the four-time world champion. Bring on 2027...
Terry McLaurin totals 62 receiving yards in Week 5
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin posted four receptions for a team-best 62 yards on four targets in Week 5
Drake Maye totals five TDs vs. Raiders in Week 5
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 26 of 34 passes for 374 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 5
Tre Tucker posts four catches in Week 5
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker posted four receptions for 41 yards on five targets in Week 5
The science, instinct and hard work behind Roosters’ success
Enter your email address to get each Tribune edition sent to your inbox Subscribe There’s a fair bit of unseen work that goes into winning an NRL premiership, dating back many months - just ask Simon Jones. The Sydney Roosters Head of Performance, who hails from Southland, has been in the thick of it. He played a lead role in guiding the 2026 champions through a marathon campaign that ended with a grand final win over the Newcastle Knights. The Roosters had to navigate the lengthy round-robin competition, including the pre-season, before playing through all four weeks of the finals series. It was a demanding stretch that tested the players and the staff responsible for keeping them on the field. “It is a hell of a beast, mate, to be honest,” Jones told The Roar Podcast. “There’s such a great group of staff there that know what they’re doing, and the boys are pretty professional.” Jones believed the Roosters managed the physical demands well, pointing to the health of the squad throughout the campaign and the decision to rest a significant portion of the playing group in the final round of the regular season. That call, made by head coach Trent Robinson and his coaching staff, proved valuable as the Roosters entered the finals with some energy in reserve. “We did finish the season physically where we needed to be, and we’d sort of had a pretty healthy squad all year,” Jones said. “To the team that do that, mate, mission accomplished, really.” It is the sort of work that often goes unnoticed when the spotlight falls on the players scoring tries and making match-winning plays, but Jones knows the cumulative effect of those decisions can be significant over a long season. After a win over Penrith had helped establish them as premiership favourites, losses to the Wests Tigers and Dolphins were followed by a defeat to the Panthers in the opening week of the finals. Rather than panic, the club refocused to position itself to challenge for the title. “The Tigers’ performance was probably the only one where you’re really quite disappointed because it’s hard to get to the top of the competition,” Jones told The Roar Podcast. “We had proof that we could; we knew what we needed to do. We just had to get back to that.” For Jones, the answer was not necessarily a radical change to the programme. It was about executing the basics consistently, both on the field and in preparation. “We just do the basics better than anybody else,” he said. “Whether that is actually the way you play the game or how you’re preparing, it’s just be really consistent, do the basics really, really well.” Like many professional sports teams, the Roosters are entrenched in sports science and performance data. The club has access to a range of information, including players’ sleep, GPS metrics and neuromuscular scores, helping staff assess how individuals are coping with training and competition. “We are very science-backed, and some people would say data-driven, but it’s people first,” he said. “The reason you collect all this data is to try and be the best for that person.” Jones said the club was also prepared to reconsider testing methods if they were not generating useful discussions or helping staff make better decisions. In an environment where technology is continually evolving, he believes experience and gut instinct remain important. “The data is no good unless you have conversations,” he said. “When you strip it right back, mate, trust the gut still and obviously, you know, just doing the basics really, really well.” The return of halfback Sam Walker provided a further example of the importance of individual determination and the work of the club’s medical team. Walker underwent ankle surgery late in the regular season, with his premiership campaign appearing in doubt. However, he was determined to return for the preliminary final. Jones said Walker was back at the training ground three days after surgery, walking freely enough to surprise those around him. While the surgeon’s work was crucial, Jones credited the halfback’s mindset as a major factor in the remarkable turnaround. “He was quite clear with Robbo after he got the surgery that he was going to make it back for the prelim finals,” Jones said. The Roosters’ performance programme also sits within a wider club culture that Jones believes is central to their success. Each season, players develop their own team mantra through a lengthy process facilitated by Robinson. It provides principles that the squad can connect to its actions on the field. Rather than simply carrying over the previous year’s wording after a successful campaign, the club repeats the process because the players’ ownership of it is what gives it meaning. “When it’s led, player-owned and player-led, mate, it’s really powerful,” Jones said. Get more from Logan Savory in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android Get the app Jones joined the Roosters in 2024 and said the environment had evolved as experienced players departed and younger members of the squad took on greater responsibility. Maintaining continuity in the club’s culture and preparation had helped the group navigate those changes. The premiership was a significant achievement for Jones, who acknowledged how difficult it was to win the NRL’s ultimate prize. However, he is already looking at how the performance programme can improve. “There’s still things within my role and things that I’d like to help improve at the club,” he said. For Jones and his team, the challenge now is to review the season, refine their systems and prepare for another campaign. The celebrations may have followed a memorable title win, but the work behind the scenes never really stops. The Southland Tribune is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Reactions to Cardinals' loss to Lions
What do Arizona Sports hosts have to say about the Cardinals losing their fourth straight game, this time to the Lions?
Jameson Williams Ends Drought With a Career First
Jameson Williams had gone four games without a touchdown. Sunday in Arizona changed that. #Lions
Briscoe holds off teammate Bell in Charlotte to win 2nd straight playoff race
Back-to-back wins have put Briscoe in fourth place the NASCAR Cup Series standings.
Joe Burrow tosses four TDs in Week 5
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed 23 of 32 passes for 190 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 5
Newsmakers: Colliers promotes Reilly
This week’s Newsmakers includes a Colliers promotion, a new CMC neurosurgeon, four hires at LMR and new trustees at Franklin Pierce University.
Patriots’ short-handed receiver room delivers in win over Raiders
New England had just four active wide receivers Sunday.
Bipartisan group of senators calls on Trump to 'reverse course' on Russian diesel plan
Four Republican senators and two Democratic senators signed onto the statement released Sunday in protesting the deal. They said the administration failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute.
Montana U.S. Senate race: Alme, Bankhead, Bodnar and Austin debate issues impacting Montanans
For the first time this campaign season, the four candidates on the ballot for Montana’s U.S. Senate seat appeared on stage together Sunday morning.
Grading Arkansas football's 24-17 loss to Tennessee
Coach Ryan Silverfield's fourth quarter decisions have come under the spotlight by media and Arkansas fans.
How Marni von Wilpert went from a frustrated first-term councilmember to a favorite in one of the country’s biggest Congressional races
It wasn't obvious four years ago that Marni von Wilpert would soon be running in a race that could determine Congressional control.
Analyzing Buckeyes' Julian Sayin's 4 Touchdown Performance Against Marlyand
Ohio State's Julian Sayin's four-touchdown day was an up-and-down performance in a big win.
Hurricanes 5, Blackhawks 2
The Carolina Hurricanes cruised to their fourth win in a row with a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night. The win improved their record to 4-1-1 for this early season. Five different players notched goals and 11 got on the scoresheet. Brandon Bussi made 24 saves on the 26 shots he faced […]
Cardi B Turns 34 After Showing Her Four Kids a Life Beyond Luxury: ‘It's Not Always Disney’
Cardi B turns 34 on October 11, marking her first birthday as a mother of four. The rapper shares Kulture, 8, Wave, 5, and Blossom, ... Read More
Five Takeaways From Oklahoma State's Win Over UCF
Oklahoma State improved to 4-1 with a 42-28 win over UCF, but what stood out? From second-half defensive adjustments and Drew Mestemaker's turnover-free 304-yard performance to improved run defense, reliable special teams and early mistakes, here are five takeaways from the Cowboys' fourth straight
Is Arsenal Striker Viktor Gyökeres Being Unfairly Treated?
Viktor Gyökeres scored in each of his four fixtures for Sweden during the recent international break yet the Arsenal striker is still waiting for his first Premier League start of the season.
Serie A: Sassuolo vs. Milan
Ruben Amorim appears to have gone with a new formation for Milan’s upcoming Serie A clash away against Sassuolo on Sunday evening, swapping to a back four and re-introducing the in-form Diego Morier...
Patriots vs. Raiders Odds: FanDuel, Kalshi, Polymarket and Prediction
The New England Patriots are favored to get back above .500 on Sunday, but the Week 5 betting board is sending a more cautious message about how comfortable that victory might be.New England enters at 2-2, while the Las Vegas Raiders are 3-1 and have covered the spread in all four games.The Patriots also head […] The post Patriots vs. Raiders Odds: FanDuel, Kalshi, Polymarket and Prediction appeared first on HEAVY.
Report: The Apple 'HomeView' smart display will ship in November, come in four colors
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman today reported that the Apple home hub – set to be announced on October 13 as part...
Nashville health officials approved nearly 400 tattoo festival permits in 4 hours
Nashville health officials issued nearly 400 permits to tattoo artists, body piercers, and technicians in just four hours for the 2026 Villain Arts Tattoo Festival.
Pat Fitzgerald Sends Emotional Message to Michigan State Fans
Pat Fitzgerald delivered an emotional message to Michigan State fans following the Spartans' fourth straight loss, asking Spartan Nation to keep believing.
'Why not?' - Germany sporting director Völler gives Füllkrug hope
Germany sporting director Rudi Völler has boosted Werder Bremen striker Niclas Füllkrug's hopes of a return to the national team. The 33-year-old, overlooked in Jürgen Klopp's first squads for the recent Nations League games, scored for a fourth Bundesliga game in a row in Friday's 2-2 draw at Borussia Dortmund.
Steelers place wide receiver on injured reserve
Pittman must now miss at least four games, meaning the earliest he can return is after the team’s bye, on Nov. 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Returning Wisconsin forward named All-Big Ten Preseason First Team
Wisconsin forward Nolan Winter was named to the 2026-27 Preseason All-Big Ten First Team, an early honor ahead of his fourth season in Madison.
"Has excellent qualities..." Michael Carrick Praises Bryan Mbeumo vs Spurs
Bryan Mbeumo’s goal almost gave Manchester United a first win in four, yet late drama and ongoing passive play left Michael Carrick searching for answers amid a worrying winless streak.
Sassuolo vs AC Milan – Match preview and team news
AC Milan travels to the MAPEI Stadium for their next Serie A encounter on Sunday against Sassuolo as they look to enter the top four of the league table.Sassuolo vs AC Milan – Match preview and tea...
Business People Northwest Arkansas
Kennedy Hill was one of four associates hired recently by Rose Law Firm, where she'll work out of the business office in the firm's Northwest Arkansas office.
Guardians complete comeback with 2-0 win over White Sox
The Cleveland Guardians, fueled by a two-run home run from Jose Ramirez and 12 strikeouts from starting pitcher Gavin Williams, beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Saturday to advance in the Major League Baseball playoffs.Cleveland became just the fourth team to win a best-of-five series after dropping the first two games at home, winning games three and four in Chicago before returning home on Saturday to polish off the triumph.