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Common Council Meeting RE Inner Harbor Proposals


By Jamie | Published: February 3, 2012

Per our friend and Syracuse City Common Councilor Khalid Bey, there will be an Economic Development Committee Meeting regarding the Inner Harbor project.

The details are:

When: Monday, February 6th at 10am
Where: Common Council Chambers, City Hall
What: Economic Development Committee meeting of the Common Council (RE Inner Harbor)

This land and its’ future is incredibly important to our community. Please consider attending the meeting and lending your voice to the process.

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[re]think syracuse Examines Inner Harbor Proposals


By Jamie | Published: February 2, 2012

Our friend Jason Evans, mastermind behind [re]think syracuse, took a closer look at the recently submitted proposals to redevelop the Syracuse Inner Harbor.

Jason used his expertise and lent a critical eye to each of the three proposals.  You can read his blog post on the subject here.

The Inner Harbor played an important role in the commercial growth of Syracuse and functions today as public green space and a site for festivals and other outdoor activities. The newly installed Creekwalk runs directly through the Inner Harbor as it winds between Downtown Syracuse and the Southern end of Onondaga Lake.

Consideration for re-purposing this unique waterfront property shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Please take some time to read Jason’s thoughts and share your reaction with us (and him)!

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2012: A 3 Point Plan to *Local* Success


By Jamie | Published: January 4, 2012

We’re back!

The break went by quickly – I went to the Albany area for some wonderful holiday merriment, then carted my crew down to the Outer Banks for a week. Even in late December, the coastal Carolina region reaches 65 degrees and sunny. Needless to say,  it was a joyous experience, and I hope you and your family/friends had a smashing holiday/new year.

So, it’s 2012, SyracuseFirst is 2 and a half years old (or “Almost 3!” as any toddler would say). We’re coming off of our best year yet: over 200 businesses joined our network, we knocked the roof off social media and online goals, the Buy Local Bash was an enormous success, and most importantly – more Central New Yorker’s absorbed our message than ever before.

That leads us to the next piece of the puzzle, where do we go from here? First, we’re going to keep moving forward with what works. Talking to people about local, spreading the message, making connections, and building the network. Second, we must take ‘local’ to the next level.

Getting information in the hands of citizens is key, therefore we’ll issue our first ever SyracuseFirst Directory. A snazzy, glossy, pocket-sized booklet which will serve as your personal guide to ‘local’ in Syracuse and Central New York.

Making inroads with the public sector will open doors. Local governments and our public leaders engage business in many facets, we’re taking our powerful message to them. Other communities have benefited from employing local purchasing methods – it’s time we examine our priorities and do the same.

The most significant impacts come from you. Your interactions and involvement with SyracuseFirst is the gas in our tank.  Your attendance at a Local Thirst networking event, financial contributions, discussion with your aunt about a local coffee shop, a like on facebook, sharing a blog post with a friend – it all adds up. In fact, it adds up to a brand value of over $1 million.

It’s 2012. We’re celebrating all year round. Why? Syracuse is a safe, independent, thoughtful, growing community. That’s a heck of a lot to be proud of.

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We’re Taking A Short Break


By Jamie | Published: December 21, 2011

Happy Holidays!

We’re taking a short break. The SyracuseFirst operation will quiet down next week while we recharge for 2012.  Starting Friday, you’ll notice a little less activity than usual, but we’ll be back in the saddle on Monday, January 2nd.

Have fun with family/friends/loved ones, and we’ll see you next year!

 

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Benefit Corporation Legislation Takes Effect in New York


By Jamie | Published: December 14, 2011

People, Planet, Profit.

Benefit Corporations, or B-Corps, take all three into account when formulating business decisions. A diversion from the normal corporate structure of maximizing shareholder return, B-Corps are now an officially recognized entity in New York State. Legislation passed unanimously in both the Assembly and the Senate, and was subsequently signed by the Governor.

This legislation will help grow our statewide economy by adding meaningful jobs and showing respect for society and the environment.

We’re proud to say that SyracuseFirst worked with local elected officials to ensure our business community was well-represented on this issue.  If your business is considering B-Corporation status, please feel free to contact us.

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Our Take: Central NY Scores Big With $103.7M Award


By Jamie | Published: December 13, 2011

We’re Number 1!

This seems to have been the theme over the past week as the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team is number 1 in the polls, and CNY won the biggest of the Regional Economic Development Council awards from the state government.

Chaired by Rob Simpson of CenterState CEO and Nancy Cantor, Chancellor of Syracuse University, the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council was awarded $103.7M for projects across the region. Announced by the Governor last week, Central New York joined Long Island, Western New York and the North Country as “Best Plan” awardees – meaning our council knocked this one out of the park. $103.7M was the largest single dollar amount given to a particular region.

A look at the list of projects shows careful forethought regarding the future of our community. A vision of re-densifying our urban core, building on sustainability initiatives, encouraging successful industries and facilitating entrepreneurship provides a clear path to revitalization.

$3M for the Syracuse Inner Harbor will further develop connectivity between Armory Square and Onondaga Lake. Public green spaces directly contribute to the happiness of citizens – we’ve seen the positive impact Onondaga Lake Park for years – and rethinking this area will provide a greater draw into the heart of the region.

Nearly $2M will be set aside for the CNY Biotech Research Center. This new construction will bring our largest industrial sectors (education and healthcare) closer to downtown Syracuse. Residences, classrooms, and retail space will occupy a previously empty lot within walking distance to many local establishments.

Owera Vineyards, a SyracuseFirst member, is in-line for almost $1M to expand operations. The Finger Lakes have long been known for vineyards and the burgeoning tourist economy that comes from such ventures. Located on Cazenovia Lake, Owera is CNY’s first major vineyard and will offer a local option and a solid economic driver.

Each of these is a stepping stone to a more resilient local economy and will build on the positive focus of our community leaders. We commend the Council on a job well done and look forward to playing a key role in improving our collective quality of life.

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Cafe Kubal Opens Downtown!


By Jamie | Published: December 8, 2011

There’s going to be a bit more bustle downtown.

Cafe Kubal opened up shop in the first floor of the former Dey Brothers Building, on the corner of South Salina and Jefferson St.  This locavore is heralding the move as a great one. Downtown Syracuse is the key to revitalizing the entire region and I believe the community shares that lofty goal.

Owner Matt Goddard has made a significant investment in our community (all three of his shops are within the City limits).  We need to do our part and maximize his return on investment.  To do that and ensure that Matt has a very Happy Holiday, please visit Cafe Kubal in their new location, and at the Eastwood and 601 Tully spots. You’re guaranteed great coffee, food, and conversation!

Bravo Matt and the Cafe Kubal crew!

 

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A Double Dose of Local Fun: We’re Drinking, then Eating


By Jamie | Published: December 8, 2011

Next Wednesday, December 14th, there’s a double dose of local fun. Kicking off the evening is SyracuseFirst’s monthly networking event: Local Thirst (we skipped November because of the Buy Local Bash).

If you didn’t know already, I have a strong affinity for networking events. In college I couldn’t stand them, but now… love them all. Why? Local businesses can create relationships which can directly impact their bottom lines. We want to facilitate those conversations. Our co-host for the evening is the “It’s All Here” Campaign. Join us at Bull ‘n’ Bear Pub beginning at 5:30pm to meet fellow entrepreneurs and have a good time doing it.

Directly following Local Thirst is the second installment of the CNYFood Speaker and Film Series at the RedHouse (201 S. West St, Syracuse) at 7:00pm. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, the speaker for the event, is the author of the food blog Cookin’ in the Cuse, the Syracuse Contributing Editor for Edible Finger Lakes magazine, and has been published in the Post Standard as well as the anthology Bread, Body, Spirit.  She currently serves as Rector (head pastor) of Grace Episcopal Church and Episcopal chaplain at Syracuse University, and will be joining the Diocese of Chicago as Director of Networking. Following Jennifer is “Food Stamped,” an informative and humorous film that follows a couple as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget.

Prior to the event, the RedHouse Cafe will be serving a soup and salad special.  The Sweet Praxis will also be on hand offering their delicious macarons.

This series is brought to us by Small Potatoes Sales and Marketing and Slow Food CNY. It is sponsored by Wellness From Within and Recess Coffee.


 

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Need Holiday Ideas? Think Local First!


By Jamie | Published: December 7, 2011

UPDATE: Two more fantastic deals have come our way, please add them to your holiday planning/checklist!
- The Spa at 500 is having an after work special TODAY (12/8) from 5-7pm. A free chair massage awaits anyone who purchases a gift certificate!
- Organically Hip is holding their 1-day holiday warehouse sale on December 15th (stocking stuffers, baking sets, and more)!

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The holiday season is upon us!  A time to gather with friends and family, share in gift-giving, and take a few days to relax and unwind.   However, leading up to those few days can be a bit of a stresser, so we’ll make it a little easier on you.   Here are a few deals/specials that some groovy local businesses are offering.  Needless to say, this is not comprehensive of every deal/local biz in the ‘Cuse so you’re bound to find some others, too!

Lillipad Creations – 15% off showroom/etsy store (code: holiday15).
KinaneCo Printing - FREE business cards with KinaneCo logo on back (order online).
Hair Habitat – 15% off hair dryer/brush purchase (*LIMITED supply*).
Craft Chemistry – Get a cup of hot chocolate with all the fixin’s while perusing their fab collection of gift ideas (and I do mean all the fixin’s).
Showoffs Boutique - 10% off purchase if you mention “SYRACUSE FIRST!” (Will also donate 5% to Hope for Heather)

Additional recommended viewing:
Smock’s holiday gift guide – incredible letterpress stationary, notebooks, etc.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo membership – have a family member who loves the zoo?
SyracuseFirst’s Directory - Need a gift card for an Aunt and/or Uncle? Check out the many options available!

Happy Holidays! Think Local First when out and about town!

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Holiday Event: Organically Hip’s Christmas Warehouse Walk-In


By Jamie | Published: December 6, 2011

A quick update on a cool event happening next week:

Organically Hip is having a Christmas warehouse walk-in event on Thursday, December 15th from 12-7.  Feel free to stop in a sample some cookies if you are in the area! Happy Holidays!

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