BURGERFI, one of the fastest growing better burger concepts, known for its fresh, all-natural burgers, fries and frozen custard, is hosting an open job fair to fill exciting new positions at its new locations in Latham and Saratoga Springs. 

Local franchise owner, Burger Ventures, LLC, is seeking qualified candidates to fill positions for cooks, managers, assistant managers, food preparation, cashiers, and more. Approximately 50 to 60 new employees will be hired at each location: 860 New Loudon Road in Latham and 460 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Interested applicants should bring their resume and any supporting documents to the open job fair on Tuesday, June 30 in the parking lot of the Latham location at 860 New Loudon Road. A morning session will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by an afternoon session from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 Tuesday, June 30                   9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE:  BURGERFI (in front of Latham Farms)

                  860 New Loudon Road

                  Latham, NY

About BURGERFI:

BURGERFI is one of the fastest growing better burger franchises in the U.S. Currently with 69 units open, the company is expected to open an additional 50 units in 2015, as well as expand internationally. Known for its made-to-order, all natural, hormone-free Angus burgers as well as its fresh-cut fries, frozen custard, signature hot dogs and craft beer, BURGERFI was recognized in the Top 50 “Movers & Shakers” by Fast Casual.com. The company began in 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and became quickly popular with burger lovers everywhere who were looking for fresh, quality, all-natural options in their favorite food. To learn more, visit BURGERFI.com.

Beekman 1802 Has Recently Helped the Sauce Company Grow Nationally Via Target Stores

 

Schenectady-- Casa Visco, a leading national manufacturer of pizza and pasta sauces, will celebrate a 70 year milestone with a major community event that will honor key partners, including the popular Beekman1802 company, and will give back to the region through donations to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Co-owner Adine Viscusi is extending an invite to the Capital Region community to enjoy a complimentary pasta dinner and celebrate the many achievements and partnerships that have transpired over the last several decades.  The dinner will take place on June 30, 2015 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia. “We are so thankful for the many partnerships and friendships we have made through the years. We would not be where we are today without the support from both businesses and patrons, who passionately enjoy our sauces. This is a way for us to say ‘thank you and we appreciate you’,” said Viscusi. 

 

More recently Casa Visco was approached by Beekman1802 to create a sauce for their line of artisanal products. The sauce has gained national distribution in 1500 Target stores. They are looking forward to exploring their new relationship with Josh and Brent, co-founders of the company. Beekman1802 is comprised of Brent Ridge and Joshua Kilmer-Purcell. They were winners of the Amazing Race in 2012 and now have a TV Show on HGTV. They also currently operate a Mercantile, have a bestselling cookbook and memoir, host a popular website and provide a tourism destination. This has all been inspired by their farm, located in Sharon Springs, NY. 

 

Casa Visco has also gained significant traction with their popular selection of pizza sauces. Focusing in on the pizza sector they became the #1 DSD brand in New England, placed in almost every major grocery chain. The specialized product can now be found in 33 states. “We add new items every few years to remain relevant and watch food trends.  We want to provide the highest quality of sauce from our family to yours. We don’t process our sauce like the major producers do, we take the time to make the sauce the way you would at home. We use natural ingredients, slowly cooked in small batches. We include fresh garlic, onion, and pure olive oil. This is true to the traditions of the past and firmly rooted in the heritage of my grandmother Carmella who passed out tomato sauce from her garden. We honor her roots by looking forward to understand what matters most to us; providing a delicious sauce you can be proud of to serve your family,” said Viscusi. 

Viscusi’s grandparents, Carmella and Joe, started the company as Viscusi Wholesale Grocers on Foster Ave in Schenectady.  They sold grocery staples like flour, tomatoes, and cheeses.

Carmella, like most Italians, picked tomatoes from her garden and gave out her sauce as gifts to friends, neighbors and customers who always asked for more to purchase. So, the couple started bottling it in in their basement.  They proudly coined the sauce “Casa Visco”, an Americanized version of their name. It translates to “from the house of Viscusi”.

 

As wholesale grocers, they sold staples to restaurants, delis, pizzerias and small mom & pop stores which were prevalent during that time period. Utilizing four trucks they covered the Capital Region with routes in Schenectady, Albany, Troy, Amsterdam and Johnstown. The first supermarket chain they sold on the sauce was Price Chopper who gave them a handful of local stores which they serviced themselves.

 

After Carmella and Joe passed away the business was taken over by sons Mickey and Joseph. After deciding to sell the wholesale grocery business to Crisafulli Brothers, they focused solely on the Casa Visco brand. They added automated packing equipment and learned how to build a production line as they went. They also tested all kinds of specialty items including: mustards, BBQ sauces, wing sauces and salsas. They serviced local Price Choppers and Grand Union stores with own trucks and salesmen who were prepared with order books and handwritten invoices.

 

The company has seen significant growth in recent years. As they look toward the future they anticipate the launch of new items three of which will be unveiled to the public at the Anniversary celebration. “It’s all about following your passion and doing what you love. I am so honored to be where we are today. I am thankful to my family for starting the business but also to the many supporters we’ve encountered along the way. Our journey continues and we look forward to meeting many and most importantly, touching families through our craft,” said Viscusi. 

 

To attend the community pasta dinner event or make a donation to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, click on the following link: http://tinyurl.com/qbwmfe6

Food franchise Menchie's has opened its 500^th location in Saratoga Springs, NY. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt www.menchies.com), known for its rotating flavors and toppings and its mission to make every guest smile, has opened its newest location and is rolling out the celebration with week-long deals and fun activities.

·         Tuesday, June 30^th: Kids eat free from 2pm-4pm

*One 10 oz. cup per child ages 10 years or younger

·         Wednesday, July 1^st: Half-off lunchtime yumm from 11am-1pm

·         Thursday, July 2^nd: Free dodge balls at 3pm

*First 25 guests

·         Friday, July 3^rd: Date night and photo booth from 8pm to close

*Buy one get one free

Menchie’s Saratoga Springs is located at 3076 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Census Bureau data show that employees earning less than $15 per hour mostly work at small restaurants

Washington D.C. -- Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new analysis of Census Bureau data finding that 63 percent of New York State restaurant employees who earn less than $15 an hour work for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Among all restaurant employees in New York, a similar figure -- 60 percent -- work for these small businesses.

This finding directly contradicts the argument made by proponents of a higher fast-food minimum wage that the costs of a dramatically increased wage can simply be absorbed by – in the words of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio -- “multi-billion dollar corporations.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s fast-food wage board concluded its fourth and final public hearing on the proposed wage hike this week and will now deliberate on a new wage mandate for the industry. The results of this analysis and the associated burden it would place on small businesses in the state should give the wage board pause in its consideration of enacting a dramatic wage increase for a specific subset of restaurants.

The full results, displayed below, do show that 23 percent of restaurant employees earning less than $15 an hour in New York work at large corporations with 1000+ employees. But these employees are matched almost person-for-person by the nearly 22 percent of employees who work at extremely small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

Business Size
Under 10 Employees	21.5%
10-49 Employees	41.5%
50 - 99 Employees	5%
100 - 499 Employees	7%
500 - 999 Employees	1.8%
1000+ Employees	23.1%
Total	100%

View the full analysis here.

“Gov. Cuomo’s push for a fast-food minimum wage is little more than a war on small business in New York State,” said Michael Saltsman, research director at the Employment Policies Institute. “A dramatically higher fast-food minimum wage is much more likely to impact local diners than Bill de Blasio’s proverbial ‘multi-billion dollar corporation.’”

For more information, visit EPIOnline.org. To schedule an interview, contact Jordan Bruneau at (202) 463-7650 or bruneau@epionline.org.

The Employment Policies Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to studying public policy issues surrounding employment growth. In particular, EPI focuses on issues that affect entry-level employment. EPI receives support from restaurants, foundations, and individuals. Learn more at www.epionline.org.

Saratoga Springs, New York company honored for hiring military veterans

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Logistics One, a distribution-systems provider offering warehousing, transportation and brokerage services, will be honored with the Employer of Veterans Award during the New York American Legion’s 97th Department Convention, July 17, in Buffalo, New York. 

Established in 1969, the Employer of Veterans Award acknowledges private sector employers that are committed to hiring and retaining military veterans. Logistics One was nominated by the Lt. Fred H. Clark American Legion Post 91 in Mechanicville, New York, in the medium-sized employer category for companies with 51 to 200 employees. The award may be given in three categories: small, mid-sized and large employers. 

“The military veteran employee-hiring program is a real point of pride for our company,” said Logistics One President William J. McNeary, IV. “While allowing Logistics One to give back to those who serve our nation and defend our freedom, the program also grants us access to a talented pool of highly trained individuals with all of the qualities we want in our employees, including responsibility, dedication, integrity and teamwork.”

Since implementing its military veteran employee-hiring program in 2011, Logistics One has grown its number of veteran employees to nearly one quarter (roughly 22 percent) of its overall workforce. In addition to Logistics One’s commitment to hiring military veterans, the company backs a variety of local veteran support groups, including Saratoga WarHorse Foundation, a local program partnering off-the-track thoroughbreds with veterans struggling to adjust to life after military service, and the Saratoga County Rural Preservation Company (Vet House) in Ballston Spa, New York.

Jim Bolster is a U.S. Navy veteran who came to Logistics One through Vet House two and a half years ago. Now employed in the company’s warehouse, the 58-year-old former carpenter said he is glad for the opportunity to work there. “It’s been great,” said Bolster. “The atmosphere is good, and the people are nice. They appreciate what I do, and that means a lot to me.”

Fellow U.S. Navy veteran and Logistics One employee John Mooney adds, “Logistics One is very well known for how they support the community in the Saratoga area. It feels good to be part of a company that supports the community.” This corporate culture of support hit home for John again this April when the seasoned truck driver experienced a medical emergency of his own. “I was very touched by how many people from Logistics One visited me in the hospital and sent get well cards.”   

To qualify for the Employer of Veterans Award, nominees must be private sector employers in business for five years, cannot restrict employment to veterans only, and have veterans account for at least 10 percent of the company’s overall workforce.

# # #

About Logistics One

Established in 1994, Logistics One is a leading distribution-systems provider managing warehousing, transportation and brokerage needs throughout the Northeast, Quebec and Ontario. Headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York, Logistics One specializes in creating customized plans that deliver integrated, efficient and cost-effective solutions for its diverse portfolio of clients. For more information on Logistics One, please visit www.logisticsone.com.

COLONIE -- The Colonie office of Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company helped raise $665 for the Capital District YMCA during a Community Appreciation Day event on Saturday, June 20.

The event celebrated the branch’s first anniversary and included various fundraisers for the local YMCA, which is committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community Appreciation Day also featured free pony rides, food, giveaways and more.

Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company currently provides banking, investment, insurance and other financial services through eight locations in Saratoga and Albany counties. The Bank hosts community events throughout the year as a way to show appreciation for its customers and neighbors, and assist local causes. More information can be found online at saratoganational.com.

        

CAPTION: Dylan Trudeau (photo at left) and Curtis, Tino and Helena Rodriguez (photo at right) enjoy free pony rides during a Community Appreciation Day celebration at the Colonie Office of Saratoga

Fueled partly by an increase in sales to first-time buyers, existing-home sales increased in May to their highest pace in nearly six years. "The return of first-time buyers in May is an encouraging sign and is the result of multiple factors, including strong job gains among young adults, less expensive mortgage insurance and lenders offering low down payment programs," said National Association of
REALTORS® Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun. "More first-time buyers are expected to enter the market in coming months, but the overall share climbing higher will depend on how fast rates and prices rise."

The Capital Region housing market momentum continued in May as the spring home-buying season marked higher year-over-year pending and closed sales. Both Pending Sales and Closed Sales increased over 5% from May 2014.

Inventory levels market-wide were down almost 12%, but there is still plenty of time left in the selling season. The Median Sales Price increased more than 8% to $200,000.  Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® President, Cathy Griffin, said that’s to be expected, “Price increases have been expected for some time, as inventory has been low and demand has been high.” said Griffin.

A weaker-than-expected U.S. economy has resulted in the Federal Reserve to continue low short-term interest rates during the summer. New projections indicate that rates will remain the same until September at the earliest. This is a positive movement in getting more homebuyers interested in the market. Sellers are receiving nearly 94% of Original List Price. GCAR CEO, Laura Burns noted, “The fact that mortgage rates are projected to remain at historical lows is a great motivator for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can take advantage of these great rates, while sellers can enjoy receiving good offers worth meaningful consideration.”

Speed Savings wins first place for embodiment of credit union philosophy

(Latham, N.Y.)  Sunmark Federal Credit Union’s unique event called “Speed Savings” was awarded  first place for the Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Member Service Award, for credit unions (asset category $250million) in New York state from the NY Credit Union Association (NYCUA.)

Billed as similar to speed dating, both Sunmark members and non-members had an opportunity to sign up for a one-hour time slot in which they met with Sunmark experts or affiliates in four main areas: home loans, investments, insurance, and a loan officer.

“We are honored to be recognized for Speed Savings,” said Sunmark Interim CEO Frank DeGraw.   “The Louise Herring award is such a special honor that speaks to the creativity of our team and their desire to create an approachable and personalized financial literacy program for our members as well as the greater community.  The program was particularly appealing and successful because the time commitment was brief, the location was convenient, and even more importantly, participants walked away with an action plan.” 

Speed Savings, offered in the fall of 2014 and back by popular demand in the spring of 2015, helped attendees understand and improve their overall financial picture and explained financial services that Sunmark offers.

Moving forward, Speed Savings will be offered at least twice each year.

While Sunmark staff often review credit reports with members, at no cost, to help identify savings, this is normally a one-on-one activity that requires follow-ups in multiple areas. At Speed Savings, participants had an opportunity to meet directly with each of the staff members they would normally interact with through follow-ups and to hear from all of them at one time.

Speed Savings promotes ongoing education, social responsibility, and service to credit union members. With no obligation to take part in any of the savings plans proposed, this low-pressure setting allowed participants to gain a better understanding of their finances – and how to improve their financial situations.

In opening the event not just to its own members but the entire Capital Region, Sunmark focused on bettering the social and economic standing of the entire community, demonstrated their dedication to the credit union philosophy of people helping people, and confirmed their commitment to financial education.

The award was named for Louise Herring, who was an original signer of CUNA’s (Credit Union National Association) constitution when she was an Ohio delegate to the 1934 national credit union conference in Estes Park, CO. She saw credit unions as more than just financial institutions and believed they should work to better people’s lives.  The Herring Award is given to a credit union demonstrating the internal application of credit union philosophy to help better financial matters and to increase financial education for its members.  

Sunmark’s Speed Savings event is unique to North America and is only being done on a limited basis throughout the world and was featured in the October 2014 issue of Credit Union Magazine.

###

About Sunmark Federal Credit Union:

Since 1937, Sunmark Federal Credit Union ($470 million in assets; 48,000+ members) has been helping members in the greater Capital Region community improve their financial position by offering a full range of mortgages, insurance products, retirement accounts and of course, savings and checking.  Sunmark is committed to the financial health and well-being of each member by offering tools that educate and inform and products and services that make it easier to reach financial goals such as planning a budget, saving for a home, repairing  credit or getting out of debt. For more information, call 518-382-0605 or visit www.sunmarkfcu.org.

About the  New York Credit Union Association:

Founded in 1917, NYCUA provides credit unions with a full range of services including education and training, advocacy, community outreach, human resources and compliance. The charitable arm of the Association, the New York Credit Union Foundation, serves credit unions, schools and community organizations through financial education programs, grants and special projects. NYCUA has served as the trade association for New York State’s credit unions for 96 years. New York credit unions have assets of more than $65 billion and serve 4.9 million members.

A letter from downtown Saratoga Springs shop owner Sara Ellis:

After eight years of happily serving Saratoga's dog community, I must put my health ahead the
business and close Dawgdom's storefront at 35 Van Dam St. In August 2015 the business will
transition to all online sales, rededicate the brand & expand the line on dawgdom.com. I hope
to continue my philanthropy with Rescue Organizations and the Heather Bohm-Tallman Doggy
Booth in new locations & more. Continue to follow us on facebook for updates.

Many people know that I have struggled with my health for quite some time. A seizure inducing
brain lesion from a prior surgery will be addressed this fall. I look forward to the time this
transition may afford my family and me... Dave, Fred, Mav, Lilly & Goose.

There will be a Celebration Party & Fundraiser for "Friends of the Saratoga County Animal
Shelter" on Sunday, July 26th 4-8, the day before closing. Friends, Food, Raffles and
Donations to be had - We look forward to seeing a good turnout of friendly faces.
Thank you all for being the amazing dog community you are!

Appreciatively yours,
Sara Ellis

ALBANY>>> Laberge Group welcomes Nathan Wojcik to the firm as a Junior Planner. Prior to joining the firm, Wojcik obtained his Masters of Regional Planning with a concentration in urban planning and transportation from the State University of New York at Albany.  With an extensive background with project management, collaborative planning, comprehensive planning, estimating construction projects, data analysis and reporting, Wojcik will be a great asset to the Laberge Group planning and community development team.

Laberge Group has provided engineering, architecture, surveying and planning services since 1964. Its diverse portfolio of successfully completed projects and community plans, coupled with an experienced core of project management and design staff, provides clients creative, integrated and distinctive solutions. For more information on Laberge Group, please visit www.labergegroup.com.

ALBANY --- The Albany Distilling Company, Inc. (“ADCo”), Albany’s first licensed distillery since the beginning of Prohibition, has announced it will open a second location in Troy, becoming the first licensed distilling company to operate in the City of Troy.

The second location, which will be designated as a ‘branch office’ per state regulations with farm distillers, is located at 57 Third Street adjacent to Takk House.

“Albany Distilling is thrilled at expanding our physical footprint into the Collar City. Troy’s location along the Hudson, the growing number of bars, restaurants, and retailers coming into Downtown Troy, and the excitement that’s taking place here is something we're looking forward to being a part of,” said John Curtin, owner.

Hours of operations and events will be announced in the coming weeks. The location will formally open on July 11 after the Troy Pig Out.

Primary distilling operations will continue to take place at ADCo’s main production facility in Albany.

Additional company and product information can be found online at AlbanyDistilling.com, on Facebook (fb.com/albanydistilling), on Instagram (@albanydistillingco), and on Twitter (@AlbDistCo). Tours and tastings are on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

###

About ADCo: The Albany Distilling Company, Inc. (“ADCo”) is the first licensed distillery in Albany, N.Y. since the beginning of Prohibition. ADCo was co-founded and is co-owned by John Curtin and Richard Sicari. ADCo’s main production facility is located at 78 Montgomery St. in Downtown Albany, just a short distance away from location of Albany’s first distillery which was established in the mid-eighteenth century. ADCo’s owners are passionate for craft distilling and proud to celebrate Albany’s history through their craft. AlbanyDistilling.com

Saratoga Springs - According to the International Labour Organization and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American employees work more hours per year than any other industrialized nation in the world. So if people are going to spend that much time at work, it can be well-worth it for companies to invest in workspaces to improve employees' ergonomics, morale and efficiency.

drb Business Interiors, located in Saratoga Springs, is a leading commercial furniture sales and
office interiors design firm, working with companies across the country to create functional,
aesthetically appealing workspaces. Their team of design and sales professionals is on the leading edge of trends in office space design.

"At drb Business Interiors, we take the time to learn how you and your employees work, to understand the challenges you face with your space, and to make suggestions on ways that other people are working," said drb owner Dorothy Rogers-Bullis in a press release.

The latest trends

If you are interested in updating your office space, but you are not sure where to begin, here are a few of the top new trends they are seeing at drb Business Interiors.

 Standing to work: With study after study coming out about the health issues associated with
prolonged sitting, the sit-to-stand desk has become a hot trend in office design. Offering the
flexibility to perform work in either position, sit-to-stand desks improve ergonomics, and the
variety of vantage points also sparks creativity.

 Breakout spaces: Meetings aren't just being held in conference rooms anymore. Teammates are
coming together for more impromptu, informal tête-à-tête. This kind of meeting style means
that work stations are getting smaller, but collaborative breakout spaces are getting larger, both
in number and area.

 Lower work station walls: The "cubicle farm" may just face extinction as divider walls are
getting lower and lower. Because 65% of the cost of a cubicle is in the vertical panels,
benching–a desk system devoid of walls– is becoming increasingly popular. Benching saves
money, increases collaboration, and allows you to fit more employees into a smaller space.
(Note: There are trade-offs, among them noise, privacy, and distractions.)

A worthwhile investment

These and other hot trends in office design can boost productivity in the modern working world, and a fresh look to your space can invigorate employees. "We often find that sales and output increase for our clients following a redesign of their workspace," noted Rogers-Bullis.

To learn more about these or other office update options, contact drb Business Interiors at 518.306.5233 or info@drbbusinessinteriors.com, or visit the website at
www.drbbusinessinteriors.com.

Japanese patent enables exclusive commercialization of silicon-based nanowire electrodes to
improve battery performance in everyday devices such as cell phones

ALBANY – Building on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s blueprint for high-tech, clean-energy-based innovation in New York State, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (SUNY Poly CNSE), in partnership with SUNY Poly CNSE battery storage spinout Besstech, announced today that they have been awarded a Japanese patent for nanostructured electrodes that are used as part of next-generation battery technology. Besstech’s licensing agreement enables the Albany-based company to sell cutting-edge battery solutions in Japan.

“Governor Cuomo’s leadership is transforming New York State into the epicenter of global high-tech business opportunities and Besstech’s first patent is a perfect example.  SUNY Poly CNSE and the institution’s Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) is thrilled that Japan has recognized this novel approach to energy storage that Besstech is commercializing right here in New York State,” said Dr. Pradeep Haldar, CNSE Vice President of Entrepreneurship Innovation and Clean Energy Programs; Head, Nanoeconomics Constellation; Professor; and Director of the CNSE E2TAC. “With patents pending in a number of other nations, this first patent for technology that will lead to more cost-effective, powerful batteries for use in a wide range of applications is further proof that Governor Andrew Cuomo’s public-private model for research, development, and commercialization is catalyzing an unparalleled educational and entrepreneurial environment for robust economic growth.”

“This patent is a testament to SUNY Poly’s vibrant high-tech education and business-focused ecosystem which is enabling commercialization of the silicon-based nanowire electrodes that were developed at SUNY Poly CNSE’s leading-edge laboratories,” said Besstech CEO Dr. Fernando Gómez-Baquero. “This patent is a milestone, highlighting the fact that this exciting technology is unique and will also serve as the basis for more advanced battery architectures. We are proud to work with SUNY to license this technology and meet our customers’ needs. These fast-charging battery components, which enable 30 to 40% more energy storage as compared to other technologies that are currently available, allow our customers to more efficiently, conveniently, and cost-effectively power the myriad of electronic devices that so many people have come to rely on.”

“This first patent for this technology will allow SUNY Poly CNSE’s first student-led company to explore commercialization opportunities of their battery solution in Japan, showcasing the benefits of the synergy between SUNY Poly CNSE’s educational offerings, advanced resources, and the unique capabilities that have led to the birth of an unparalleled start-up environment in New York State,” said Alexander N. Cartwright, SUNY provost and executive vice chancellor, and interim president of the Research Foundation for SUNY. “SUNY provides a world-class platform for the research, development, and commercialization of globally disruptive technologies, and this is a perfect example of how SUNY Poly CNSE and SUNY’s innovation pipeline are leading to tangible, real-world applications that are increasingly recognized around the world.”

Besstech, whose company name has evolved from an acronym for “Battery Energy Storage Systems - Technologies” is a component design and engineering firm that was started by a group of SUNY Poly CNSE graduate students in 2010. Working at SUNY Poly CNSE’s $20 billion Albany NanoTech Complex, Besstech developed an innovative process for building nanostructures that offers significantly increased energy storage capacity, faster charging rates, and a longer lifetime for lithium-ion batteries. The company is led by CEO Dr. Fernando Gómez-Baquero who graduated from SUNY Poly CNSE in 2012 with a Ph.D. in Nanoscale Engineering with a concentration in Nanoeconomics. In 2012 Besstech entered into a licensing agreement with SUNY Poly CNSE, allowing the student startup to commercialize and begin scale-up of the battery technology.

Licensing agreements for SUNY are administered by the Research Foundation for SUNY (SUNY RF). In addition to the patent from the Japan Patent Office, the SUNY RF, acting on behalf of SUNY Poly, has applied for patents in the United States, Europe, Singapore, Canada, and China, paving the way for global market penetration by the New York State-produced energy storage solution. Besstech currently has two employees and three consultants; the company expects to hire for a number of new positions in 2015, with even more job growth possible as the technology is scaled-up and global partnerships are developed.

SUNY Poly CNSE has assisted Besstech in obtaining more than $1.4 million in funding to date through technology programs offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Partnerships for Innovation program, as well as from Wakley Limited and the Eastern New York Angels (ENYA) private venture capital groups. Besstech is one of four companies that graduated from SUNY Poly CNSE E2TAC’s Incubators for Collaborating & Leveraging Energy And Nanotechnology (iCLEAN), which is currently providing technical incubation assistance, including investment, legal, and insurance contacts; mentoring; and other start-up business support to 34 active member companies. In 2010 BessTech took first place in the inaugural New York Business Plan Competition that was held at SUNY Poly CNSE where the company earned $19,000 in cash and in-kind services for development of its pioneering battery storage technology.

####################

SUNY Polytechnic Institute. SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem, formed from the merger of the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and SUNY Institute of Technology. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience and nanoeconomics programs at its Albany location and undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its Utica/Rome location. Thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts more than $20 billion in high-tech investments, over 300 corporate partners, and maintains a statewide footprint. The 1.3 million-square-foot Albany NanoTech megaplex is home to more than 3,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, faculty, and staff, in addition to Tech Valley High School. SUNY Poly operates the Smart Cities Technology Innovation Center (SCiTI) at Kiernan Plaza in Albany, the Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon, the Central New York Hub for Emerging Nano Industries in Syracuse, the Photovoltaic Manufacturing and Technology Development Facility in Rochester, and the Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center (STC) in Canandaigua. SUNY Poly founded and manages the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C) at its Utica location and also manages the $500 million New York Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium, with nodes in Albany and Rochester, as well as the Buffalo High-Tech Manufacturing Innovation Hub at RiverBend, Buffalo Information Technologies Innovation and Commercialization Hub, and Buffalo Medical Innovation and Commercialization Hub. For information visit www.sunycnse.com and www.sunypoly.edu.

Besstech. Besstech is a lithium-ion component design and engineering company based in Albany, NY, delivering design solutions to battery manufacturers and assemblers. Its first product is a silicon-based nanoengineered anode for lithium-ion battery systems. Besstech’s anode technology provides 3 to 4 times the energy capacity of carbon anodes, charging rates as low as 6 minutes, and a lifetime of more than 1000 cycles. Its manufacturing process enables production of a fully functional anode in less than 2 hours, as compared to 2 to 4 weeks for traditional anodes, and eliminates the use of carbon and binders. As a result, battery assemblers can produce batteries that charge faster, have longer times between charging, increased lifetimes, and decreased weight. For information visit www.bess-tech.com.



About the State University of New York. The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating nearly 460,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 college and university campuses, and online through Open SUNY. SUNY students and faculty across the state make significant contributions to research and discovery, resulting in nearly $1 billion of externally-sponsored activity each year. There are 3 million SUNY alumni worldwide. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu.

Research Foundation for SUNY. The Research Foundation for The State University of New York (SUNY RF) is the largest, most comprehensive university-connected research foundation in the country. Serving SUNY and New York State, the SUNY RF provides essential services to SUNY faculty, students, and staff who are performing life-changing research in life sciences and medicine; engineering and nanotechnology; physical sciences and energy; social sciences; and computer and information sciences. More than 15,000 dedicated RF employees work on SUNY-led research, training and public service projects throughout New York, across the country and around the world. The SUNY RF strategic plan is aligned with the Power of SUNY and SUNY’s Research and Innovation Strategy. The SUNY RF is committed to integrity, accountability, and transparency in carrying out its mission. For information visit rfsuny.org.