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CLIENTS IN THE NEWS

2024

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 UnionWAMC Northeast Public RadioWMHT 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. 

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

If you’ve heard of CanCode, it’s likely the result of work done by Steve Janack. His strategic and tactical approach to PR, combined with his sage advice on interacting with individuals and companies at the highest levels of business, technology and government, have played an important role in raising awareness, building our brand, and creating opportunities to grow. Steve is a force and I am certain that having him by our side as we have grown has helped us go farther faster and with the poise and grace that only astute, experienced public relations know-how can bring to a fast-growing organization. I will be forever grateful to Steve for the work he has done for the CanCode organization.” 

ANNMARIE LANESEY

Founder and CEO, CanCode Communities

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