December 16, 2024

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Glens Falls Business Journal: Pioneer presents a $20,500 donation to Special Olympics New York at Lake George Polar Plunge

Led by a hearty group of employees, Pioneer made a major splash when the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics New York (SONY) was held at Shepard Beach Park in Lake George on Saturday, November 23.

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December 6, 2024

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NewsChannel 9 Syracuse: Successful program that supports homeless individuals makes its way to CNY

Catholic Charities of Cortland County partnered with Rehabilitation Support Services (RSS) to spearhead a new program that offers a fresh approach to addressing homelessness, Safe Options Support (SOS), in Central New York.

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December 4, 2024​​​

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WAMC Northeast Public Radio: Pioneer uses Giving Tuesday to fund 19 Capital Region nonprofits

A Capital Region bank marked Giving Tuesday by supporting Capital Region nonprofits. Twenty $5,000 grants will go to 19 organizations that support children in need, with four of them supported by Pioneers with Purpose grants funded by donations from Pioneer employees.

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December 3, 2024

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News 10 ABC Albany: Capital Region charities get a boost on Giving Tuesday

In total, Pioneer Bank donated a total of $100,000 to 20 local nonprofit organizations that help children in need.

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November 30, 2024

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Spotlight News: Pioneer Bancorp reports $6.3M quarterly net income, marks strong growth across assets and loans

Pioneer Bancorp, Inc., a major financial institution in New York’s Capital Region, announced quarterly financial results for the period ending September 30, showing significant growth and a net income of $6.3 million.

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November 27, 2024

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WBNG TV Binghamton: Cortland Tompkins Tioga Safe Options Support Team looks to address unhoused population in the Southern Tier

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The team, which was formed in July, is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Cortland County and Rehabilitation Support Services.

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November 27, 2024

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Ithaca Journal: State support teams to help homeless expand to Tompkins, Cortland, Tioga counties

People without permanent housing in Tompkins, Cortland and Tioga counties have a new Safe Options Support (SOS) team to turn to, thanks in part to Catholic Charities of Cortland County and Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc.

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November 23, 2024

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CBS 6 News Albany: Plungers take to the water in support of Special Olympics

After the Polar Plunge, Pioneer made a big splash by presenting a check for $20,000 for the Special Olympics -- $15,000 of it is set to support unified sports programs across the state, helping to ensure athletes won’t need to pay for their own equipment, such as jerseys, and also subsidize the cost of rental space to hold games.

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November 23, 2024​​​

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Finger Lakes: Statewide program targets chronic homelessness in Tompkins County

Operated by Catholic Charities of Cortland County and Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc., the program began taking referrals this fall and is already helping individuals in Tompkins, Cortland, and Tioga counties.

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November 21, 2024

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Albany Times Union: Troy Turkey Trot counts down to 77th running on Thanksgiving

Jesse Tomczak, chief banking officer for Pioneer, which was founded in Troy 135 years ago, said the banking institution and its employees are proud to help sponsor the Troy Turkey Trot.

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November 19, 2024

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Investing.com: Pioneer Bancorp shareholders approve board members and auditor

Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:PBFS), a savings institution headquartered in Albany, New York, announced today the results of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, saw shareholders vote on key issues including the election of directors and the ratification of the company's independent auditor.

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November 6, 2024

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The Polytechnic: Artists make Troy Glow

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A three-piece set titled “Light Spills” by Carol Salmanson hangs in the windows of the Pioneer Bank. Salmanson’s pieces have very interesting lines, with different geometric shapes framing each other.

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October 18, 2024

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The Daily Star: Oneonta bagel shop supports workers with disabilities

The Oneonta Bagel Company is highlighting members of its workforce as part of October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Operating since 1989, the bagel shop at 171 Main St. in Oneonta is owned and operated by Rehabilitation Support Services. RSS hires local people with various disabilities as part of its vocational work program.  

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October 15, 2024

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The Daily Star: County approves funding for mobile crisis services

"The Neighborhood Center does great work and helps us here in Oneonta," said Shari Stallone, Rehabilitation Support Services senior program coordinator. "The mobile crisis center benefits all of us in each county, including RSS."

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October 14, 2024​​​

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The Daily Star: Skating event raises awareness for wellness

The community event, hosted by Rehabilitation Support Services, intended to bring the public together to raise awareness and provide educational information and conversation about local social support services.

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October 9, 2024

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Albany Business Review: The Best Places to Work winners for 2024: large companies

More than 100 companies submitted nominations, and a significant number of employees need to complete surveys — and rate their workplace highly — for companies to qualify for the award. This is the 12th consecutive year Pioneer has been recognized.

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September 18, 2024

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Times Union: Fed makes big rate cut, forecasts more

Businesses may be the biggest winners in light of Wednesday’s decision, said Thomas Amell, president and CEO of Pioneer, which operates 22 branches in the greater Capital Region.

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September 13, 2024

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News 10 ABC: Pioneer's Grand Carnival featured on 'Community Corner'

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Pioneer Vice President of Bank Operations Sarah Paris joined News 10 ABC's Stephanie Rivas to discuss the 5th annual Grand Carnival, which raised more than $60,000 to support local nonprofits aligned with the Pioneer Charitable Foundation's mission of "Helping Kids be Kids." 

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September 12, 2024

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Albany Business Review: Homebuilder buys Saratoga County land for $5.8M

The Malta development is backed by an $8.4 million commercial mortgage from Colonie-based financial institution Pioneer, according to public filing. Pioneer is making inroads in the Saratoga market and is looking to fund more projects there, said Jesse Tomczak, its chief banking officer. 

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September 1, 2024

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Times Union: Back-to-school supplies supplemented by districts, community groups

Pioneer employees assembled 183 backpacks with over 4,800 items collected during the past month from its 22 branches. These supplies were donated to schools in Rensselaer and Saratoga counties, as well as to the Capital City Rescue Mission, which distributed hundreds of backpacks to local students at its annual Backpack Giveaway Party.

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August 30, 2024​​​

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Capital Tonight: Solar CEO discusses changes to permitting that could help New York meet its energy goals

Mark Richardson, CEO of U.S. Light Energy, says comprehensive state-level siting and permitting reform, including establishing a uniform statewide standard, would greatly expand the use of solar power in New York.

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August 28, 2024

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Current: How these new station leaders are expanding community service while managing change

"This is my dream job. It really is," said WMHT Public Media President and CEO Anthony V. Hayes. "I love what I do, the people I work with, this market."

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August 20, 2024

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Times Union: Colonie solar developer looking to grow after private equity investment

U.S. Light Energy has been among those local firms that have found a business model that works. The company has become one of the largest U.S. developers of community solar projects, in which residential customers can purchase capacity in a large solar farm usually built near their homes. 

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August 20, 2024

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Times Union: Altamont Winery elevates production with new equipment

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The business hadn’t received a loan since it opened, until applying for Pioneer’s Express Small Business Lending program, which allocated less than $40,000 to purchase the new grape press and pump. 

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August 9, 2024

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Times Union: New York expands homeless outreach program to Capital Region 

SOS teams were soft-launched Dec. 1 with not-for-profit behavioral health agency Rehabilitation Support Services, which has more than 2,100 enrolled contacts, including nearly 350 referrals from the general public, hospitals and mental health providers.

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August 7, 2024

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News 10 ABC Albany: Safe Options Support team recognized for homeless outreach

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan and Rehabilitation Support Services Executive Director William DeVita were joined by local county leaders to discuss the expansion of the ‘Safe Options Support’ team.

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July 31, 2024​​​

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Times Union: Latham solar firm named top developer in New York state

U.S. Light Energy, a solar installation firm based in Latham, was named the No. 1 solar developer in New York state by Solar Power World magazine.

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July 22, 2024

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Albany Business Review: Pioneer CEO on new branches, the stock price and the future

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Pioneer CEO Tom Amell sees opportunity for the Colonie-based financial institution to grow at the southern and northern ends of its current footprint. 

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July 17, 2024

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Albany Business Review: Siena College president joins bank board

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Siena College President Charles Seifert has joined the board of directors of Colonie-based Pioneer Bancorp. Inc. (Nasdaq: PBFS), the holding company for Pioneer.

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July 3, 2024

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The Ithaca Voice: Two Ithaca supportive housing projects receive $12.7 million from state

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The Meadows of Seneca project, with Rehabilitation Support Services as the primary service provider, will create 70 units of housing at 116 North Meadow Street. Of those 70 units, 25 will be permanent supportive housing.

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July 3, 2024

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The Ithaca Journal: Two Ithaca housing projects to receive $12.7M from state; 45 supportive units proposed

This includes an allocation of $8.5 million for The Meadows on Seneca project, in which Rehabilitation Support Services Inc. would create 25 supportive housing units at 116 North Meadow Street in Ithaca.

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July 3, 2024

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Ithaca Times: Ithaca Awarded $12.7 Million for Supportive Housing Projects

New York State has awarded $8.5 million to Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc. (RSS), to develop The Meadows of Seneca, which has a proposed location at 116 North Meadow Street. This project will create 25 units of permanent supportive housing in Ithaca on what is currently a vacant lot of land occupied by a few trees. 

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July 2, 2024​​​

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Times Union: Capital Region media outlets partner for political debates 

Times Union, WAMC, WMHT and WNYT join forces for debates in the 19th, 20th and 21st congressional districts as well as the U.S. Senate race

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July 2, 2024

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NewChannel 13 Albany: WNYT-TV, WAMC, WMHT and Times Union partner on debates for Congress, U.S. Senate

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The Upstate Debate Consortium, comprised of the Times Union, WAMC Northeast Public Radio, WMHT Public Media, and WNYT NewsChannel 13, will present four hour-long debates.

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June 29, 2024

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Spotlight News: Bethlehem Area Weekly Police Blotter June 26: Ravena man arrested for check fraud at local bank 

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Pioneer employees checked the bank where the check originated and it had funds, but then contacted the company the check was from. The company said that the amount was correct, but it was not made payable to Mason. The bank then froze Mason’s account and debit card.

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June 28, 2024

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The Saratogian: 18 students get summer internships with Pioneer 

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The students come from 13 colleges and universities nationwide, including two local to the Capital Region: the University at Albany and Siena College. 

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June 28, 2024​​​

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Troy Record: 18 students get summer internships with Pioneer 

The competitive 10-week internship will place the students, who are a mix of undergraduates and MBAs, in active roles throughout the organization. 

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June 27, 2024

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The Daily Star: Senior Scene: Retirees will make Oneonta a must-visit destination

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RSS has a track record of successful outcomes. The agency has a number of residences in our area, many of them next door to owner-occupied family residences, and their neighbors are hardly aware of their presence.

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June 15, 2024

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Albany Times Union: SEEN: Pioneer Charitable Foundation’s Mini-Golf Tournament

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Were you Seen at the Pioneer Charitable Foundation’s Mini-Golf Tournament on June 13, 2024, at Pirate’s hideout in Waterford? More than $9,000 was raised to help local children in need, supporting the Foundation’s mission of “Helping Kids be Kids.”

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June 10, 2024

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NewsChannel 13 Albany: Mini-golf tournament in Waterford to benefit non-profits

Capital Region business and community leaders will tee it up this week in one of the area’s most unique charity events. The Pioneer Charitable Foundation’s annual mini-golf tournament is set for Thursday, June 13, at Pirate’s Hideout on Guideboard Road in Waterford.

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May 13, 2024

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NewsChannel 13 Albany: Pioneer updates branches in Cairo, Greenville 

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Pioneer has unveiled remodeled branches in two Greene County locations. The bank has spent more than $130,000 to install new furniture, flooring, paint, signage and make improvements to employee areas.

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May 5, 2024

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Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce: 'I'm In' Radio Show

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Listen in as Nicole Reaulo, Product and Service Project Officer & Kathleen Davila, Customer Care Team Leader, discuss Pioneer and the Pioneer Charitable Foundation. 

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May 3, 2024

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Spotlight News: Local hikers debut documentary on WMHT & held film premiere at June Farms

“We’re really excited to share Joe and Ray’s story and highlight it. I think it’s a perfect connection for our community,” Chief Content and Engagement Editor of WMHT Will Pedigo said. “People love the mountains, they love hiking, and it kind of highlights the relationships that are built through that passion.”

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April 22, 2024

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NewsChannel 13 Albany: Pioneer employees make beds for good cause 

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More than 60 employees of Pioneer spent the weekend drilling and assembling bed frames. The company’s Albany-Shaker Road parking lot was turned into an assembly line to build 40 new beds.

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April 19, 2024

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Albany Times Union: When 'a bed is more than just a bed': Volunteers build for local families

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On Friday, a parking lot off Wolf Road turned into a makeshift assembly line. Volunteers from Pioneer sawed, sanded and cut lumber, putting together dozens of beds for area children. 

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April 19, 2024

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News 10 ABC: Pioneer employees volunteer to build beds for kids in need

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Some children do not have a bed to sleep in at night. Dozens of volunteers from Pioneer worked together on Friday to change that, with more than 50 employees spending the day in the parking lot outside company headquarters in Colonie building beds for children in need.

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April 11, 2024

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Saratoga Today: Adventures of Wilton resident featured on TV documentary this week

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A man of many talents, it is his passion as an avid mountain climber for which Wilton resident Ray O’Conor will be featured in a documentary that will broadcast Wednesday, April 24 on WMHT Public Media.

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April 7, 2024

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Albany Times Union: A year later, WMHT's new CEO Anthony Hayes is connecting with communities

A year into the job as WMHT’s new CEO, Anthony Hayes has gotten to know a lot of people — and made a lot of connections — in the Capital Region and beyond.

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April 4, 2024

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Daily Gazette: WMHT announces new host, managing editor of 'New York Now'

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WMHT Public Media has promoted Shantel Destra to be its new managing editor and host of "New York NOW."

 

April 4, 2024

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Radio Ink: In Upstate New York, Laura Grant joins WEXT for middays

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New York Capital Region public broadcaster WEXT Radio is welcoming Laura Grant as its new midday host. The Upstate native has an extensive background in voiceover, audio production, and the performing arts.

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March 20, 2024

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Albany Times Union: 'Branch one' Pioneer building in Troy has gas-powered past

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Built by Troy Gas Company, the four-story Neoclassical building at 21 2nd St. in Troy has evolved from an elegant appliance showroom into a historic banking branch.

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March 13, 2024

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All Otsego: Mayor, RSS, others respond to concerns voiced by Citizens That Care group

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Regardless of where City of Oneonta residents stand on the 27 Market Street issue—which is still far from being decided—it is to be hoped they arrived at those opinions as a result of research over rumor, and separating fact from fiction. The information does exist to help citizens get informed and make that assessment on their own.

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March 5, 2024

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The Daily Star: Oneonta residents voice opinions on RSS proposal for 27 Market Street

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Several speakers said the city should support the plan to bring the mental health and substance abuse services that RSS offers, including housing and employment assistance, to city residents most in need. 

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March 4, 2024

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All Otsego: Building a Strong, Balanced Community in Oneonta

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We believe in Oneonta, and as a longtime member of this community, RSS wants to be part of the solution. By working together, we can be on the side of history, where growth and progress define Oneonta once again.

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February 19, 2024

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Albany Times Union: Pioneer Bank names new commercial banking leader

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A local and regional commercial banking executive with more than 20 years of experience, Jenifer Marten will spearhead Pioneer’s efforts to develop and grow commercial business relationships. 

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February 15, 2024

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The Daily Star: In our opinion: Camping ban must come with help for homeless

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The 27 Market Street project aims to provide far more than just low-income housing. Providing resources such as mental health and drug abuse services, along with a more affordable place to live, will offer more opportunity to get people off the street.

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February 14, 2024

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HudsonValley 360: Pioneer Bancorp Inc. reports second quarter fiscal 2024 results

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"We reported solid financial results for the second quarter as we continued executing on key elements of our business strategy while navigating a challenging environment,” said Pioneer President and CEO Tom Amell. 

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February 13, 2024

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Albany Business Review: Pioneer names new business banking team leader

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Jenifer Marten, a regional executive with decades of experience, joined the Capital Region institution as the new leader of Pioneer’s business banking team. 

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February 8, 2024

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The Daily Star: RSS responds to criticism of development plan

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“We’re still shaping what the project would look like if the facility goes forward,” said Christine Nealon, RSS director of strategic partnerships. “I would be excited to continue these conversations as the project moves forward. It’s conceptual right now.”

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February 8, 2024

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Albany Times Union: Pioneer Bancorp reports $3.2M in quarterly net income

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Pioneer CEO Thomas Amell called the results "solid" and noted in a statement that the bank, like others, is "navigating a challenging economic environment" amid high interest rates that has shrunk net interest margin.

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January 28, 2024

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Albany Times Union: Check fraud scams causing headaches for banks, customers

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Pioneer has invested heavily in security and fraud prevention, especially as the volume of consumer bank fraud increases across the country using more sophisticated methods than ever before.

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January 28, 2024

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Hits 95.9, 98.5 WCKM, and 93 WSC The Legend: 'I'm In with the ARCC' radio show featuring GTM Payroll Services 

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Business sales consultant Rolly Merrill discussed new labor laws for 2024 along with GTM's expanded business service solutions during an interview with Amanda Blanton of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.  

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January 25, 2024

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All Otsego: Elected officials report on State of Otsego County

In addressing the need for more housing in Oneonta, Mayor Drnek announced a “re-engagement with RSS, Rehabilitation Support Services, for the development of 50-60 apartments, three-quarters of which will be priced for the workforce: people making $18,000 to $60,000 a year.”

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January 24, 2024

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Albany Business Review: From the start, Guy Maddalone's been his own boss

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Guy Maddalone has never worked for anyone but himself. As one of 13 kids in his family, Maddalone says he figured out early that he was going to have to earn his own disposable income.

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January 19, 2024

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The Daily Star: Oneonta Common Council hears update on RSS plans

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The Oneonta Common Council heard an update on the plan to build a mixed-use building at 27 Market Street during its lengthy meeting Thursday, Jan. 18.

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January 3, 2024

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Albany Business Review: Pioneer sets sights on expansion with latest move 

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Pioneer is seeking a charter change that its executives say would open up expansion opportunities and simplify the bank's regulatory obligations.

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January 2, 2024

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The Daily Star: Questions to shape process in redeveloping Oneonta site

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Rehabilitation Support Services provided an update Tuesday, Jan. 2 on how conversations with members of the public have been going regarding the group’s proposed redevelopment of 27 Market St. in Oneonta into a mixed-use building.