Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“GHM” or “the Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer, and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries, announced today that it has been awarded $2.1 million for the expansion of its welder training programs and related equipment.  

The contract was awarded by BlueForge Alliance, a nonprofit, neutral integrator that supports the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base initiatives.

Daniel J. Thoren, President and CEO of GHM, commented, “These are exciting times for our Company as we build out our capabilities and capacity to support America’s defense industry as a part of the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base.

These funds will help us develop and grow our welder workforce and provide additional equipment needed to improve the efficiency of our production processes. We are proud to be a strategic supplier for the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base.”

Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries, announced that it will release its first quarter fiscal year 2025 financial results before financial markets open on Wednesday, August 7.

The Company will host a conference call and webcast to review its financial and operating results, strategy, and outlook. A question-and-answer session will follow.

First Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results Conference Call Wednesday, August 7 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time at 201-689-8560. Internet webcast link and accompanying slide presentation ir.grahamcorp.com.

A telephonic replay will be available from 3 p.m. ET on the day of the teleconference through Wednesday, August 14. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter conference ID number 13746993 or access the webcast replay via the Company’s website at ir.grahamcorp.com, where a transcript will also be posted once available.

Northeast Grocery, Inc. (NGI), the parent company of Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Friendly Markets (Tops), and New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID) today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that will expand corporate administrative employment opportunities for those with disabilities at competitive wages.

“Our companies have a long-standing commitment to the sustenance of the communities we call home, both literally and figuratively,” said Mike Miller, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Northeast Shared Services (NSS), NGI’s shared services group. “Central to that is opening doors for everyone to have access to career pathways that increase their independence and foster personal and professional growth. We couldn’t be prouder to partner with NYSID and take even bolder action to help those who bring such unique and diverse skillsets and perspectives.”

NYSID’s member agencies offer support services to individuals with disabilities, including meaningful employment. Under the new agreement, NYSID member agencies will staff for janitorial and mail fulfilment services for NGI’s respective Schenectady and Buffalo, NY headquarters. Janitorial services will be carried out on-site, while mail fulfillment services will occur at the Center for Disability Services mail fulfillment integrated business in Albany, NY. The janitorial and mail fulfillment contracts will create about 20 jobs at the start, and employees with disabilities will work in integrated settings and earn competitive wages.

"We are thrilled to partner with an organization that prioritizes employing individuals with disabilities. While the effort is 'socially good,' it also helps to significantly boost our economy by offering competitive wages and meaningful work. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities is 67 percent, but NYSID and NGI are working hard to improve that number to create strong New York State communities,” said Maureen O’Brien, president and CEO of NYSID.

Both Price Chopper/Market 32, founded in 1932, and Tops, founded in 1962, have been supporting that effort for decades, offering a variety of employment and training opportunities geared toward the recruitment, retention and advancement of workers with disabilities at what are now almost 300 retail locations combined across New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.

“This partnership is a celebratory mile marker along the journey that our companies committed to many years ago – a journey to equitable and accessible employment in our communities,” said Yvone Clark Rogers, NSS director of diversity, equity, inclusion and talent. “To be a neighbor among the families that are spread across the vast regions in which we operate, means we have a vested interest in the fulfilled lives of many, and in being an environment where they are represented and valued. This is an exceptional example of how businesses can operationalize their values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Price Chopper/Market 32’s Hiring Advantage Program provides on-site, hands-on exposure to a variety of jobs so that individuals, including those with disabilities, can determine which occupation best suits their career goals for placement with the company. Tops has formed several strategic partnerships with local schools and support providers to develop employment pipelines for those with disabilities. Both companies also closely collaborate with state agencies and community-based organizations that prioritize employment opportunities for the disabled. NGI’s agreement with NYSID now elevates these innovative strategies to corporate administrative operations.

“We strive to be a model for good corporate citizenship, not just in the retail grocery industry, but beyond,” said Miller. “Over the years we have witnessed the incredible impact our career development programs have made in the lives of those with disabilities and, in turn, the countless ways their talent and dedication have positively altered the trajectory of our companies. We couldn’t think of a better way to pay their contributions forward than by working alongside NYSID to create even more opportunities for growth and advancement.”

NGI and NYSID are already pursuing an expansion of this partnership, under which a NYSID member agency operating a custom apparel business would become the exclusive provider of an employee-facing e-commerce storefront for all NGI-, Price Chopper/Market 32- and Tops-branded apparel. Individuals on the autism spectrum would create branded merchandise and fulfill orders in an integrated work setting at competitive wages.

“All working-age New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to pursue a career or vocation of their choosing and it falls on each of us to do our part to open doors and reduce barriers to employment for those with disabilities,” said New York State 108th District Assembly member John T. McDonald III, RPh. “It’s one of many reasons why I’m proud the State has made NYSID one of its preferred source providers of products and services. However, we can’t do it alone and I applaud NGI, one of New York’s largest employers, for taking this bold step and incorporating these principles in the private sector. These jobs will help foster greater independence and self-reliance for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, which is key to their health and wellness.”

"Creating opportunities for people with disabilities is important for a fair and inclusive society,",” said New York State 111th District Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara. “As the father of a son with autism, this goal is very personal to me. Studies show that having a job helps people with disabilities become more independent. The partnership between NGI and NYSID is a great example of how we can make the workforce more inclusive, and I am committed to expanding these opportunities to make a difference."

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for Graham Corporation’s proposed new commercial production facility at its board meeting on Thursday, July 11.

Graham Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries. The project would add to the company’s existing location in the city of Batavia where the company has been headquartered since 1942.

The $17.6 million proposed investment includes the construction of a 28,867 sq. ft. expansion intended to reduce design and manufacturing costs and improve shipping capabilities. The project would create 24 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions while retaining 367 current FTEs.

The initial resolution requested sales tax exemptions estimated at $383,546 and a property tax abatement estimated at $298,427 based on an incremental increase in assessed value totaling the proposed financial agreements to approximately $681,973. 

For every $1 of public benefit, Graham is investing $42 into the local economy resulting in a local economic impact of $19.5 million in wages and tax revenue. A public hearing for the proposed project agreements is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, July 17 at 3:30 p.m. at the Batavia City Hall.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider an initial resolution for Graham Corporation’s proposed new commercial production facility at its board meeting on Thursday, July 11.

Graham Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries. The project would add to the company’s existing location in the city of Batavia where the company has been headquartered since 1942.

The $17.6 million proposed investment includes the construction of a 28,867 sq. ft. expansion intended to reduce design and manufacturing costs and improve shipping capabilities. The project would create 24 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions while retaining 367 current FTEs.

The initial resolution requests sales tax exemptions estimated at $383,546 and a property tax abatement estimated at $298,427 based on an incremental increase in assessed value totaling the proposed financial agreements to approximately $681,973. 

For every $1 of public benefit, Graham is investing $42 into the local economy resulting in a local economic impact of $19.5 million in wages and tax revenue. 

If the project application is accepted, a public hearing will be scheduled on the proposed project agreement in the city of Batavia. 

The July 11 GCEDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting is available at www.gcedc.com.

As part of the expansion of its mortgage originations team, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has appointed Marie Hensley as residential mortgage originator for Tompkins’ Western New York market. Hensley, bringing 18 years of experience in mortgage lending, will help Tompkins’ clients navigate the homeownership journey, whether it be home purchases or refinances.

“As a community bank, we are constantly searching for ways to better serve our clients,” said Stacy Merrill, senior vice president, residential mortgage lending manager. “We are confident that Marie’s dedication to customer service and extensive experience within banking and specifically dealing with mortgage will be an asset to our team.”

A graduate of the University of Buffalo, Hensley has held roles at Community Bank, NA and Five Star Bank before joining Tompkins. In addition, Hensley has volunteered her time across a number of organizations including, the Brockport Rotary, Pathstone and the Urban League of Rochester. She currently resides in Rochester, New York.

A Federal Tech Hub supporting the semiconductor industry at the STAMP Mega-Site and a region running from Buffalo to Rochester to Syracuse is growing with new investments announced Monday.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a phase two Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hub) grant of $40 million to the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART-I Corridor) consortium.

The announcement comes as Edwards builds the semiconductor industry's dry pump manufacturing factory of the future at STAMP.

Over the next five years, the consortium will serve a critical role in supporting Upstate New York’s continued growth into a globally competitive center of semiconductor workforce development, innovation, and manufacturing – part of the continued transformation of the state’s rust belt cities into a brand new innovation belt.

Empire State Development has committed up to $8 million in match funding along with significant additional aligned resources to support the NY SMART-I Corridor and will serve as a member of the Tech Hub’s implementation steering committee. 

“With this transformative federal grant, New York is taking another major leap toward building Chips Country in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “This award will help to bring the next generation of semiconductor research, manufacturing, and workforce training upstate and unlock even more funding – on top of our other state investments – to attract chipmaking businesses and jobs. From Micron’s historic investment to our first-in-the-nation chips research center in Albany, New York is all in on semiconductors and I thank the Biden administration, Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Morelle for ensuring we remain competitive in the global race for chips business.”

The NY SMART-I Corridor was awarded one of 31 Tech Hub designations by the federal Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in October 2023 from a pool of nearly 400 regional applications, and is one of only four semiconductor tech hub designations in the nation.

The consortium comprises the Western NY, Finger Lakes, and Central NY regions and is convened by the Buffalo-Niagara Partnership, ROC2025, and CenterState CEO respectively. It includes more than 80 members that include economic development organizations, government, workforce development, labor, industry, academia and nonprofits.

The Tech Hub will work to build a world-class semiconductor ecosystem across a range of focus areas including equitable workforce development and talent placement, research and commercialization pathways in partnership with leading academic institutions, chip manufacturing supply chain growth and development, and technology innovation.

Managed by a multi-sector implementation governance committee, the consortium will serve as a key coordinating body for semiconductor industry growth alongside the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration housed within ESD. 

Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s efforts to re-shore the semiconductor industry in a way that emphasizes smart and strategic growth, equitable and diverse workforce development, and cutting-edge R&D and innovation are a model for the nation and the world. Funding for the Tech Hub provided by the Biden administration will help us realize this shared vision to build a thriving innovation sector, increase our domestic semiconductor supply chain, and protect our economic and national security – all while creating good jobs for all New Yorkers.”

Press release from Rep. Claudia Tenney:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) joined Representatives Joe Morelle (NY-25), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), and Brandon Williams (NY-22) to announce that the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART I-Corridor), comprised of the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse areas, has been selected to receive $40 million in Phase II funding in the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program. 

The creation of the NY SMART I-Corridor will allow for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region to combine its expertise in advanced manufacturing with both ongoing and new investments in semiconductor and sensing technology. The NY SMART I-Corridor coalition emphasized collaboration over competition, utilizing their unique universities, field experts, and local and federal advocates to build a brighter future for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region.

In October 2023, the NY SMART I-Corridor was designated a Regional Tech Hub during Phase I of the program. Selection for Phase II funding further underscores the strength and promise of our region.

"With this additional investment into the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor and its designation as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub, our region will be at the forefront of innovative advancements benefiting our nation, and the world," said Congresswoman Tenney. "This funding will onshore critical parts of our nation's supply chain, bringing jobs to our communities and promoting technological advancement. I am eager to see the positive impact this funding will have on our community."

Press release from Sen. Charles Schumer:

After years of relentless advocacy and landing the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse that he created in his CHIPS & Science Law, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” was just selected as one of only 12 Tech Hub award winners in the nation, bringing a major $40 million in federal funding to further position Upstate NY as a semiconductor center for the world. 

Schumer said this prestigious and highly competitive federal investment will supercharge Upstate NY to build out its workforce training initiatives, strengthen existing manufacturing and innovation, and help attract new supply chains from the billions in private and federal semiconductor investment the senator has helped bring to the region, helping ensure this industry that is critical to our nation’s future, and that once was being lost to overseas, now is not just made in America, but made in Upstate NY. 

“This is a monumental victory for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region as the first major Tech Hub award in the nation, bringing a whopping $40 million from my CHIPS & Science Law. With this major investment, the feds are shining a national spotlight, and confirming what I have long known, that America’s semiconductor future runs through the heart of Upstate NY along the I-90 corridor.,” said Senator Schumer. “From the fields near Syracuse that will become Micron’s massive mega-fab to the cutting-edge research labs in Rochester and workers learning these manufacturing skills in Buffalo, this award helps connect the region to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity and establish Upstate NY as the heart of America’s semiconductor industry. I created the Tech Hubs competition with Upstate NY in mind, and pulled out all the stops to win this award –first proposing this program in my Endless Frontier Act, then passing it into law as part of my CHIPS & Science Act, making the case to bring the region together, advocating at the highest levels and delivering the transformational investment to make today possible. It’s never been more clear: the heart of America’s semiconductor industry runs along the I-90 corridor in Upstate NY!”

Today’s award is the culmination of years of work by Schumer both creating the program through his CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY in mind, and working meticulously to lay the foundation for the region to succeed in securing this award. Going back to before the creation of the program, Schumer cited Upstate NY as ready to compete, and began working to build the coalitions to come together to be ready to tap the federal funding award, including landing major grants like  $25 million from the American Rescue Plan for Buffalo to boost its growing tech industry, while simultaneously working to land major companies in the semiconductor and related industries in the region from Micron’s massive over $100 billion federal investment in Central NY to Edwards Vacuum in Western NY. 

Thanks to Schumer’s efforts, the multi-region consortium beat out nearly 400 initial applications in the first phase of the Tech Hubs competition and was one of only 31 proposals selected for the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation that allowed them to compete for the funding awarded today. This fits together with billions in private and federal investment Schumer has helped deliver for Upstate NY, and companies we are seeing already expand in the region. Just after receiving the Tech Hub designation, Schumer announced TTM Technologies intends to build an up to $130 million, 400 job high-tech manufacturing facility in Central NY, citing the Tech Hub designation as a reason for wanting to locate in Upstate NY.

This is on top of other major investments in the semiconductor industry, including GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region, Wolfspeed recently opening the first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world in the Mohawk Valley, and Menlo Micro investing $50+ million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility near Ithaca, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, major supply chain companies like Edwards Vacuum is making a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility in Western NY, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Upstate New York. Niacet Specialty Chemicals also announced an investment of $50 million in its Niagara Falls facility to strengthen the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain, and Corning Inc., which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry, is investing $139 million in Monroe County – creating over 270 new, good-paying jobs, and many more.

 

The $40 million in Tech Hubs funding will go towards specific component projects that aim to solve the growth challenges the region would otherwise face over the coming decade and ensure that growth is translated to all members of our communities.  Specifically, the component project efforts will be led by Monroe Community College, the University at Buffalo (UB), and Syracuse University, all of which will be coordinating across the region to bolster workforce training initiatives, help elevate local supply chain companies, create a collaborative ecosystem for semiconductor R&D commercialization. According to the proposal, by the end of the decade, 25% of all chips produced in the United States will be manufactured within 350 miles of this Tech Hub, – with no other region in the nation accounting for a greater share of microchip production.

The NY SMART I-Corridor Consortium Tech Hub spans across the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse region and has engaged 100+ institutions, including assembling commitments from industry, academia, labor, non-profit, government, and other private sector members. The implementation phase of the program will allow the region to expand the semiconductor ecosystem already in existence to develop and make the future of semiconductor technology in Upstate NY. 

Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“GHM” or “the Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries, today announced it will be added to the Russell 2000® and Russell 3000® Indexes, effective after the close of financial markets on June 28, 2024.

“The inclusion in the Russell Indexes marks another milestone for GHM, recognizing the meaningful progress we have made in executing our strategy to drive revenue growth and enhance profitability,” commented Dan Thoren, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “We believe that being part of the Russell indexes will increase our visibility within the investment community, improve our liquidity, and attract a broader range of investors.”

UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) has hired Erik Winarski, a longtime educator and accountant, as its chief fiscal officer.

Winarski, a Rochester native and Canandaigua resident, assumed the role in March. He succeeds JoAnn Ryan, who has held the position for 37 years.

Winarski earned a PhD in Education and an MBA in Accounting. He became an associate with two separate accounting firms, specializing in public (tax) accounting and internal audits.

Furthermore, he will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School District Business Leadership through SUNY Brockport in August.

Winarski said that the executive position with UConnectCare gives him the opportunity to apply his knowledge of accounting in the nonprofit sector.

“I am excited to work with a capable and dedicated staff at UConnectCare,” Winarski said.

He looks forward to bringing his experience and expertise to advance the mission of UConnectCare, and will be overseeing a staff of four in the Finance Department.

Winarski and his wife, Elizabeth, have two daughters who are in grade school.

UConnectCare has served residents of Western New York for almost five decades. Founded in 1975, UConnectCare started with a focus on the prevention and treatment of substance use disorder in Genesee County, and has grown and expanded to include Orleans County, as well.

One hundred and forty years ago, homes didn't have electricity, and there were no amateur photographers.

That's right. In 1884, neither General Electric nor Eastman Kodak's founders had launched their history-making companies, nor had Nabisco or Coca-Cola product their game-changing products to market yet.

But a pair of young businessmen in Oakfield, Ralph E. Chapin and brother-in-law Frank Harris, had devised an idea for a better container to store kerosene for lamps and Chapin Manufacturing was born.