November 1, 2023 – Urban CNY

Mayor Walsh Announces New Division Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Procurement

by Urban CNY News
November 1, 2023

Mayor Walsh named Rebecca Lumpkin as the Assistant Director of Equity Compliance of DECSI Syracuse, N.Y.- Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has announced a new division focused on pursuing social impact in city government procurement. The new Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact (DECSI) is part of the Office of Management and Budget. The division will better represent the City’s commitment to promoting diversity, fairness, and inclusivity by harnessing its purchasing power for economic, social, and strategic outcomes. DECSI, pronounced DEH-See, formerly known as the Office of Contract Compliance and Minority Affairs, and was part of the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development. The Syracuse Common Council approved the move to the Office of Management and Budget as well as a change in the office’s name in the city charter earlier this year. “The City of Syracuse is putting our money where our mouth is,” said Mayor Walsh. “The renaming and reorganization of the Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact reflects our commitment to using our purchasing power to advance our vision to embrace diversity and create opportunity for all.” DECSI will lead the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across city government. One targeted initiative is advancing the City’s strategic plan to increase opportunities to engage local and diverse businesses to better understand how to serve them. The division will continue creating engagements similar to its MWBE outreach event in September and Future Women in STEM event in October. The division is also integral to helping create wealth among disadvantaged communities in its ability to connect local vendors and small businesses to opportunities to earn government contracts. “The City of Syracuse spends $143 million annually on contracted goods and services, from plowing snow to delivering broadband internet to residents. How we spend our money and who we spend it with matters. It impacts the quality of services delivered to residents and contributes to equitable economic development,” said Tim Rudd, Budget Director. The division is working closely with other Budget Office divisions, as well as the procurement transformation team across city government on the City’s Procurement Transformation agenda, an ongoing two-year project funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies that focuses on proactive measures to significantly change city government buying practices. This work includes improving procurement planning, digitizing systems, and building capacity for results-driven contracting and reporting compliance. As part of this project, the City of Syracuse has received grant funding, as well as staff and training in human-centered design, digital transformation, and agile process improvement. The City’s procurement improvements are already visible in recent changes to the City’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses program. DECSI and the transformation team have streamlined the City certification from 16 pages to 8 pages, improved accessibility by conducting user-testing sessions with future users, and digitized an application and directory for MWBE-SDVOB vendors, offering certified businesses improved visibility and public awareness to relevant contract opportunities. Further improvements to the website and digital systems are planned in the future. New Assistant Director to Lead Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact Mayor Walsh also named Rebecca Lumpkin as the Assistant Director of Equity Compliance of DECSI. She will be critical to the coordination and partnership of planning city procurement alongside the Budget and Purchase divisions. In this role, Lumpkin serves as the City’s liaison to the local vendor community and in ensuring that the City’s contracted firms subcontract with MWBE-SDVOB organizations. She is responsible for compliance reporting on the Joint School Construction Board and other City, State, and Federal projects and in accordance with each level of government’s respective polices. Lumpkin previously worked in complex project management, contract compliance, and procurement management for the private sector and for the federal government. She has also worked in the health sector managing public health projects for social impact through the Allyn Foundation. Lumpkin is a veteran of the United States Navy and earned her Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University in Public Health.

Business News News

Rep. Williams on TTM Announcement

by Urban CNY News
November 1, 2023

Rep. Williams applauds TTM for their continued investments in the new Silicon Empire—enhancing Central New York’s support for the Aerospace and Defense industries. Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) commented on the announcement by TTM Technologies of their selection of New York State as the location for a proposed new greenfield high-tech manufacturing facility. They began with an assessment of the entire contiguous United States, looking at all counties—narrowing their assessment down to 27 markets in 16 states, and ultimately deciding the new Silicon Empire in Central New York was the right choice for them. This investment will bring an estimated 400 good-paying, manufacturing jobs to CNY and will be bolstered by a significant number of construction jobs in the initial phase of development and construction of the facility. Adding to the Silicon Empire, TTM grows upon our region’s efforts in supporting the US Aerospace and Defense industrial base. Currently, TTM plans to more than double their facility in Onondaga County. The final scope of the project is still in the planning phase. “Central New York is the new Silicon Empire—companies continue to make strategic and long-term investments in our region,” said Congressman Brandon Williams. “TTM Technologies has been an incredible partner in ensuring that we have domestic production for our US Aerospace and Defense industrial base, promoting national security and good-paying local jobs.” Brandon Williams is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for New York’s 22nd Congressional District. Brandon is a naval veteran, having served as a Nuclear Submarine Officer, is an entrepreneur, and a devoted husband and father. He currently resides in Central New York with his wife of over 30 years and their dog Beatrice.

Business News Urban CNY Money

The Wins Keep Coming – TTM Technologies to Create an Estimated 400 Jobs in CNY

by Robert M. Simpson
November 1, 2023

This morning (Oct. 31), TTM Technologies, a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions, announced it intends to invest up to $130 million to build a greenfield high-tech manufacturing facility in DeWitt. The project is expected to bring an estimated 400 new jobs to the area and further enhance our current smart systems supply chain. TTM will build ultra-high density interconnect printed circuit boards right here in Central New York, which are crucial to the U.S. semiconductor industry. It will be one of the largest manufacturing sites in North America for this technology. The company identified a 24-acre property adjacent to its existing facility in DeWitt for the expansion. The increased campus size will also allow for additional expansion capacity already being considered for future phases of development. TTM selected the Syracuse region for this significant expansion and investment after a competitive site selection process that involved 16 states. CenterState CEO worked for nearly two years with TTM’s executives and consultants to make a strong case for their project to be located in Central New York. We partnered closely with Empire State Development, Senator Schumer’s office and Onondaga County on the successful attraction effort. The TTM project supports the reshoring of semiconductor manufacturing, a critical industry cluster to New York, and serves as the missing linkage between Micron and finished microelectronics manufacturers. With this expansion and growth for TTM, Central New York is solidified as a hub for a trusted and resilient national microelectronic supply chain. This investment builds on the recent federal Tech Hubs and Defense Manufacturing Community designations, and Micron’s ongoing work in Clay. None of this is accidental. Years of strategic investments, thoughtful leadership and a commitment to innovation by numerous businesses and partners make today’s success possible. When we work together, utilizing our complimentary strengths, we can reach new levels of economic competitiveness and prosperity. This project is further proof of what we can achieve when we work together and should eliminate any doubt that Central New York’s future is full of opportunity. We look forward to working more with the team at TTM Technologies as they continue to grow their operations and industry leadership here in our community.

Education News

Governor Hochul Celebrates 50th Anniversary of New York State Tuition Assistance Program and Opens Program Application

by Urban CNY News
November 1, 2023

TAP Has Provided $30 Billion in Financial Aid to More than 6 Million New Yorkers Since Start of Program Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the program, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application is now open for applicants for the 2024-2025 school year. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program remains one of the nation’s largest need-based college financial aid grant programs. Since its inception in 1974, the Tuition Assistance Program has provided nearly $30 billion dollars to help more than 6 million New Yorkers to help make college more affordable and accessible. “New York State has long recognized the importance of investing in education and providing access to quality higher education opportunities,” Governor Hochul said. “Over the last 50 years, TAP has been instrumental in helping students from low-income families, first-generation college students, and other learners achieve their academic aspirations. As we mark this important milestone, we look forward to continuing to support the next generation of New York’s students through this critical program.” The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is available to full-time and part-time matriculated learners who study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State. With a maximum TAP award of $5,665, the program provides crucial financial support to students who may otherwise not be able to afford a college education. In the 2020-21 school year alone, over 250,000 New Yorkers were awarded more than $700 million in tuition assistance through TAP. To help students navigate the financial aid process and apply early, the 2024-25 TAP application will be opening prior to the release of the FAFSA. Students do not need to wait until the FAFSA is released to apply for TAP. The early release allows students to get a jump start on the NYS Financial aid process and ensure they are well-positioned to succeed in their academic pursuits. The FAFSA is expected to open in December, at which time students who have already completed their TAP application can finish their financial aid process by submitting the FAFSA. TAP is just one of the many ways New York State makes college affordable and accessible. Visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website to explore other options available to help pay for college. For more information on eligibility requirements or to apply for TAP, visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/tap. Students can also visit HESC’s Virtual Drop in Lounge to get their questions answered and receive assistance completing their TAP application. Visit https://startheregetthere.ny.gov/events to view the dates and hours of HESC’s Drop in Lounge. The 2024-2025 TAP application is open to new and returning students entering college in the Fall 2024 term. Students eligible for TAP under the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act can apply here. Applications will be accepted through June 2025. Students currently attending college for the 2023-24 school year can still apply for TAP through June 2024 here.

Business News Cover Stories

Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer Unveil TTM Technologies’ Plans to Invest Up to $130 Million For Manufacturing Plant In the Town of Dewitt, Boosting Upstate New York’s Transformation Into Global Chipmaking Hub

by Urban CNY News
November 1, 2023

Proposed Manufacturing Facility Will Produce High-Tech Printed Circuit Boards to Enhance National Security, Creating an Estimated 400 Good-Paying Jobs in Central New York – Just One Week After Region Landed Prestigious Federal Tech Hub Designation for Semiconductors TTM Selects New York State Following Extensive Yearlong Site Assessment and Selection Process Involving 16 Other States Builds on Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer’s Continued Progress Toward Growing New York’s Semiconductor Ecosystem and Attracting 21st Century Businesses and Jobs Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer today announced that TTM Technologies, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions, intends to invest up to $130 million to build a greenfield high-tech manufacturing facility in the Town of DeWitt, Onondaga County, creating an estimated 400 good-paying jobs. TTM will produce ultra-high density interconnect PCBs, TTM’s most advanced PCBs that will be primarily used for U.S. military applications and crucial to the U.S. semiconductor industry, at its new facility, which will be co-located on 24 acres adjacent to TTM’s existing production facility in DeWitt. TTM’s new plant will be one of the first in the nation to specialize in manufacturing PCBs and advanced packaging. TTM will also invest in research and development that will further integrated-circuit substrate and HDI PCB technologies across the United States. “From Micron’s historic investment in Clay to TTM’s plans to invest up to $130 million for a new plant in DeWitt, a global chipmaking hub is rising in Central New York,” Governor Hochul said. “TTM’s printed circuit boards sit at the cutting edge of chip technology, and thanks to New York’s robust chips ecosystem, partnerships with the Majority Leader and other stakeholders, and a bold commitment from the state, TTM is ready to join our thriving chips sector and bring 400 good-paying jobs upstate. Companies like TTM are helping to strengthen New York’s reputation as a leader for growth, innovation, and national security, and I look forward to welcoming even more 21st century businesses to our state as we continue to build the economy of tomorrow.” According to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, “Syracuse will be the heart of America’s semiconductor superhighway, and just one week after winning an exclusive federal Tech Hub designation, I am thrilled TTM Technologies now plans to supercharge Onondaga County with nearly 400 new good-paying jobs bringing circuit board production back from overseas! With each week it becomes clearer the future of semiconductor manufacturing will be in Syracuse and Upstate NY. When I wrote my CHIPS & Science Act I did so with the vision that all the components of the supply chain for this revolutionary technology would be stamped ‘Made in New York’ and with TTM planning to make their DeWitt expansion one of the first in the nation to manufacture these advanced circuit boards, that vision is one step closer to becoming a reality.Earlier this year, I personally called TTM’s CEO to make the case that Upstate New York is the next frontier for tech manufacturing and the perfect place to grow their business, and I’m glad they heeded my call. I applaud TTM for this major investment and thank Governor Hochul and local leaders for their partnership in helping secure this investment and further positioning Upstate NY as a leader for America’s critical microelectronics supply chains that power everything from data centers to the power grid to aerospace engineering.” TTM Technologies Executive Vice President and President of the Aerospace & Defense Sector Catherine Gridley added, “We expect the investment and standup of this capability to be another step toward creating a secure, trusted, and resilient national microelectronic supply chain. Selecting Central New York for this proposed high-tech site further demonstrates TTM’s support for New York State and the NY SMART I-Corridor, and continues to solidify TTM and Central New York’s place as a leader in microelectronics.” The planned Central New York facility is expected to bring disruptive capability for the ultra-HDI PCBs. It is expected to be one of the largest PCB manufacturing sites in North America with an advanced, highly optimized process to allow for shorter lead times, faster delivery, and a significant increase in domestic capacity for ultra-HDI PCBs, which are smaller and lighter than other PCBs and offer more reliable signals at higher speeds. In addition, this facility will be TTM’s most sustainable site in North America. These circuit boards are a vital component of the microelectronics industry, supporting the growth of the domestic semiconductor industry that is being driven statewide by Governor Hochul and nationally by Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act. To support the construction of TTM’s proposed facility, Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $17 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits in exchange for the creation of 400 new jobs and the retention of over 600 existing jobs in Syracuse. As with all Excelsior Jobs projects, TTM will receive the credits after demonstrating that they have met their job and investment commitments. Additionally, ESD has awarded TTM a $5 million capital grant from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative for reimbursement for machinery and equipment. Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act and Governor Hochul’s efforts, including New York’s transformative Green CHIPS legislation, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in advanced manufacturing and TTM’s planned investment in Central New York builds on their continued push to establish New York State as a global chipmaking hub. Last year, Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer announced an historic $100 billion investment from Micron Technologies to build a semiconductor manufacturing campus in the Town of Clay and create 50,000 new jobs. Additionally, the Governor announced the $40 million Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI) as part of her 2023 State of the State address to oversee the Micron project and help continue the growth of the state’s semiconductor industry. Since launching their efforts to grow this industry, Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer have announced several more semiconductor projects in New York State, including: The growth of New York’s semiconductor industry has also attracted federal and international recognition. Last month, Majority Leader Schumer announced that the Buffalo-Syracuse-Rochester region won a prestigious designation he created through the Chips and Science Act as one of 31 federal Tech Hubs – beating out hundreds of regions across the country. The TTM project supports the reshoring of semiconductor manufacturing, a critical industry cluster, to New York and serves as the missing linkage between Micron and finished microelectronics manufacturers. Empire State Development, Senator Schumer’s office, CenterState CEO and Onondaga County partnered together on this

Financial Empowerment Opportunities

Job Opening: Central New York Community Foundation – Program Associate

by Urban CNY News
November 1, 2023

“The Program Associate will provide support that guides the grant distribution process and execution of initiatives through the review of proposals, interacting with prospective applicants and electronic record keeping.” Job Description Title: Program AssociateReports To: Senior Director of Grants & ProgramsStatus: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt Position Description: The Program Associate will provide support that guides the grant distribution process and execution of initiatives through the review of proposals, interacting with prospective applicants and electronic record keeping. This position will play a meaningful role in supporting community groups working in our main areas of community concern such as ensuring racial equity, ending childhood lead poisoning and providing funding to address key community needs. Major Responsibilities: Preferred Qualifications Time Requirement: This is a full-time, non-exempt position requiring 37.5 hours per week. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with some flexibility. Tuesdays through Thursdays are designated in-office days. Staff that choose to work a hybrid work schedule may choose to do so on Mondays and/or Fridays, dependent on management approval. Occasionally, early, late or weekend hours are required for duties onsite and offsite. Benefits: Salary range is $41,000-$45,000. Employee benefits include health insurance, annual vacation and sick days, 12 paid holidays, term life insurance, additional disability insurance, parking, 401(k) retirement savings program with employer contribution and match, optional flex spending accounts for medical or dependent care expenses and other benefits as outlined in the employee handbook. How To Apply: Please send a letter of interest and resume to careers@cnycf.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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