Over 300 attendees joined the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce as the organization honored 30 young people under the age of 30 at the “Celebrate Long Island’s Young Professionals” Recognition Event

(Huntington, NY) There was excitement in the air on Wednesday evening May 8th at the Crest Hollow Country Club where approximately 300 attendees joined the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce as thirty young people under the age of 30 were honored at the “Celebrate Long Island’s Young Professionals” Recognition Event. It was certainly a challenge for the panel of judges to select the 30 honorees from such an overwhelming amount of applications this year.

Pictured from left to right Co-Chairs of the Celebrate Young Professionals Event, Alex Borg, Jennifer Cassidy and Anuj Rihal

Young Professionals Networking by the Pool

Pictured from left to right are Assemblyman Andrew Raia, Legislator Kate Browning, Peter Sloggatt, Managing Editor of Long Islander Newspapers, Huntington Councilwoman Susan Berland and Huntington Chamber Board Member Brian Yudewitz

Young Professional Honorees

Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Larry Kushnick addresses the audience

The young professionals selected are not only committed to working tireless hours for their companies but also volunteer many hours within the community. Each talented honoree exemplifies a “winning” spirit, is committed to Long Island and has greatly dedicated his/her efforts to achieving remarkable success within our local community. These award recipients are Long Island’s future and each sets an example as a true leader.

Honorees include:

• Megan Aloisio – Leviton Manufacturing Company
• Jonathan Bonacore – Briarcliffe College
• Courtney Bynoe – Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce
• Allison Competiello – BAE Systems
• Laura Dabrowski – Huntington Historical Society
• Timothy Dillon – Briarcliffe College
• Corinne Donohue – US Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of New York
• Alison Leigh Epilone, Esq. – Feldman, Kramer & Monaco PC
• Danielle Gatto – Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo & Terrana, LP
• Michael Gurtowski – Office of Assemblyman Andrew Raia
• Paul Imbriale – JVKelly Group, Inc.
• Louis Imbroto – Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel, PC
• Michael Kincaid – WALK Radio
• Jason Kitton – XO Restaurant Wine and Chocolate Lounge
• Amanda Krummenacker – Fidelity Investments
• Kimberly Leahey – Youth Directions and Alternatives
• Sean McGowan – Foley Griffin, LLP and Joseph A. Faria, PC
• Jessica Mooney – Alliance Resource Network
• Stephen Murphy – Northwestern Mutual
• Daniel Nathan – Appliance World
• Brianna Navarro – Farmingdale State College
• John Nieves – Suffolk County Dept. of Social Services
• Stefanie Fe Osborne – The Bristal Assisted Living of Massapequa
• Marisa Pizza – ACE Marketing & Promotions
• Merav Shiloni – The Paramount
• Joshua Slaughter – Office of Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning
• Lindsay Stanford – Tri-Ed Distribution
• Kyle Strober – The Office of US Senator Charles E. Schumer
• Kristen Tamburro OD – Eye Vision Associates
• Jesus Torres – People’s United Bank

This event would not have been possible without the generosity of sponsors including Briarcliffe College; Leviton; People’s United Bank; JV KellyGroup; Feldman, Kramer & Monaco PC; BAE Systems; Oheka Castle; Newsday; Crest Hollow Country Club; Adelphi University; The Seasons at Elwood; H2M architects + engineers; The Paramount; JWC Creations; Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel,PC; Kushnick Pallaci, PLLC; Community National Bank; The Country Printer; Digho; Len Marks Photography; Advance Sound Company and Nightingale & Nightingale,Inc. Media Sponsors are Village Connection; Huntington Times; Huntington Buzz; Village Tattler and Long Islander.

(MELVILLE, NEW YORK) – The Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS) hosted a special “Meet the Supervisors Breakfast” on May 14, 2013 to provide information and updates on real estate development and projects in three of Long Island’s largest towns. The panel included Jon Kaiman, North Hempstead Town Supervisor; Frank P. Petrone, Huntington Town Supervisor; Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor and moderator CIBS President Gary Schacker, SIOR, Principal of United Realty. Members of the real estate and business community asked questions and each supervisor provide their views, information and goals for development in their respective towns.

Pictured from left to right: Gary Shacker, SIOR, CIBS President and Principal of United Realty; Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor; Frank P. Petrone, Huntington Town Supervisor; and Jon Kaiman, North Hempstead Town Supervisor, at the CIBS “Meet the Supervisors Event” in Melville on May 14, 2013 where information and updates were provided on real estate development and projects in three of Long Island’s largest towns.

“The discussion was refreshing and the candid answers from the supervisors made it clear that they’re on top of development in their respective towns. Each supervisor expressed their interest and explained the challenges that they face. It was clear that these leaders also understand the needs and interests of both the commercial real estate sector and the residents in the communities they serve,” said CIBS President Gary Schacker, SIOR, Principal of United Realty.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman discussed the development projects in North Hempstead and the importance of balancing development and community involvement. Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone spoke about the new Canon U.S.A. corporate facility in Melville and the significant progress made in terms of development in Huntington Station. Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer provided an overview of development in the Town including the significant progress of Wyandanch Rising.

CIBS, “The authoritative voice on Long island for commercial real estate,” hosts events to provide information for its members and for the greater Long Island business community interested in the economic future of Long Island. For information about Commercial Industrial Brokers Society, please visit www.CIBS-LI.com

About CIBS
CIBS was formed in 1992 out of the shared belief among the region’s leading brokers that the region needed a unified voice to advocate on behalf of professionalism, ethics and industry cohesion. Today CIBS is a leading voice and advocate for commercial development in the Long Island market. Since its formation, CIBS has helped upgrade the industry by offering hundreds of educational programs, seminars and presentations; advocated professional standards and offered grievance resolution; provided informal mentoring relationships; raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities; and created social settings in which colleagues have become friends, and competitors respected peers.

For information about the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island, visit www.CIBS-LI.com.

“Click It or Ticket” to Boost Seat Belt Use-Day and Night

(Long Island, NY) Motorists who refuse to wear their seat belts – beware. The 2013 National Ticket Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization kicks off on May 20th to help save lives by cracking down on those who don’t buckle up themselves or their children. The Rockville Centre Police Department is joining with other county and state law enforcement officers across the country to help save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws around the clock.

The law states that all front seat occupants regardless of age must wear their seat belts. The driver is responsible for all front seat passengers under age 16. In addition, all rear seat passengers under age 16 and all children under 8 years old must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat or restraint system that meets the child’s height and weight recommendations according to the child restraint manufacturer.

Seat belt use saves thousands of lives across America each year and with the help of the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board, the Rockville Centre Police Department was able to secure grant funding through the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to enhance enforcement efforts in Rockville Centre and save lives. NHTSA statistics show that in 2010 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,546 lives nationwide.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2011, of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, 52 percent were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes.

The program will go through June 2nd. In addition to the Rockville Centre Police Department, the following County and Village police agencies in Nassau County will be participating:

Nassau County, Centre Island, Floral Park, Freeport, Garden City, Glen Cove, Great Neck Estates, Hempstead, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Malverne, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay Cove, and Port Washington

For more information on the program, please contact Christopher Mistron,

Nassau County Traffic Safety at (516) 571-6808.

Year-Long Joint OCTF-NYPD Investigation Revealed That Ring Laundered More Than $55 Million In Illegal Proceeds; Dodged At Least $80 Million In New York Taxes; Schneiderman: This Indictment Is The Result Of Our Relentless Fight Against Organized Crime Rings

(NEW YORK) – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced the indictment of 16 members of a criminal ring that flooded New York City, Albany County and Schenectady County with more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes illegally imported from Virginia. A 244-count indictment, unsealed in Brooklyn Supreme Court, charges 16 co-conspirators with enterprise corruption, money laundering and related tax crimes. Each of the defendants faces up to 25 years behind bars.

During a 12-month investigation, law enforcement seized more than 65,000 forged NYC/NYS cigarette tax stamps that were not yet affixed to packs of cigarettes, and nearly 20,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes. The investigation, which has so far uncovered $55 million in illegal cigarette sales, is continuing. While it hasn’t been established yet where the illicit proceeds ended up, similar schemes have been used in the past to help fund organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.

“By cheating New Yorkers out of tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue, this dangerous criminal ring was able to generate astounding profits that we are still continuing to trace,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Not only did this organized crime ring hurt law abiding mom-and-pop shops and other businesses in New York by putting those who do pay taxes at a competitive disadvantage, there is a very real concern about the possibility of violence related to this type of enterprise. I am committed to putting criminals like this behind bars.”

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, “The association of some of the suspects in this case to the Ari Halbestram’s killer, the Blind Sheik and a top Hamas official concerns us. While it hasn’t been established yet where the illicit proceeds ended up, we’re concerned because similar schemes have been used in the past to help fund terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah. I want to commend Attorney General Schneiderman and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge James Hayes for their outstanding work in this case, as well as our Operation Sentry partners including the States Police of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, and of course our own NYPD personnel, including Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence David Cohen, Assistant Chief Thomas Galati and the lead investigator on the case Detective Sean Foley.”

“The proceeds from this alleged scheme can be used to fund a host of other criminal acts that threaten national security and public safety of Americans at home and abroad,” said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New York. “We remain committed to working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure criminals are tracked down and brought before a court of law.”

As search warrants were executed up and down the Eastern Seaboard yesterday, investigators seized three handguns from ring-leader Basel Ramadan. The Attorney General’s Office also grabbed $1.4 million stashed throughout Ramadan’s Ocean City, Maryland, residence, including stuffed into black plastic garbage bags. Investigator seized over 20,000 cartons of cigarettes from defendants’ homes, cars and storage facilities in four states. They seized $200,000 in cash from defendants’ located in New York City.

Sales of non-taxed cigarettes deprive the state of millions of dollars in lost cigarette tax revenues, hurt law-abiding small businesses and undercut public health measures designed to discourage smoking.

This joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and the New York City Police Department, and with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, uncovered the trafficking ring and its connections to Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, Albany, Schenectady and multiple other states, including Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey.

Through the use of electronic surveillance, physical surveillance and the review and analysis of financial records in conjunction with other investigative tools, the Attorney General’s investigation revealed that the head of the enterprise, Basel Ramadan, and his brother, Samir Ramadan, obtained cigarettes from a wholesaler, Cooper Booth Wholesale, Inc., in Virginia and stored them in a public storage facility in Delaware. Several times a week, co-conspirator Adel Abuzahrieh, of Brooklyn, drove with tens of thousands of dollars in cash from New York to Delaware where he gave the Ramadans the cash in exchange for cigarettes. Beyond the $55 million in purchases to cigarettes, the Ramadans have generated more than $10 million in profits from their illegal activities.

In addition to the Ramadans, the criminal enterprise – all of whose members are Palestinian – consisted of several New York-based cigarette distributors, several New York-based cigarette resellers and Abuzahrieh, who transport of cash, sometimes over $100,000 per trip, and cigarettes between New York and Delaware.

Once the distributors took possession of the merchandise – approximately 20,000 cartons of cigarettes a week – they distributed it to the resellers, who in turn sold the untaxed cigarettes to a myriad of Arab markets and grocery stores in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. One of the resellers, Mohannad Seif, also resold the untaxed cigarettes to various grocery stores in Albany and Schenectady Counties. The sales tax revenue lost to New York State is estimated to be significantly in excess of $80 million.

The Ramadan brothers furthered the criminal enterprise by depositing more than $55 million from their untaxed cigarette sales into small local financial institutions in and around Ocean City, MD., and used that money to purchase additional cigarettes for illegal sale.

The indictment, unsealed before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice William Miller, charged the following individuals with enterprise corruption, and other crimes in relation to their involvement in the untaxed cigarette-based money laundering enterprise. Each defendant faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.

• BASEL RAMADAN, 42, boss of the enterprise, Ocean City, MD
• SAMIR RAMADAN, 40, enterprise treasurer, Ocean City, MD
• ADEL ABUZAHRIEH, 42, transporter, Brooklyn, NY
• AHMAD ABDELAZIZ, 42, distributor, Brooklyn, NY
• YOUSSEF ODEH, 52, distributor, Staten Island, NY
• MUAFFAQ D. ASKAR, 46, reseller, Brooklyn, NY
• MUFEED ATTAL, 62, distributor, Brooklyn, NY
• RIBHI AWADEH, 39, distributor, Guttenberg, NJ
• MOHAMED AWAWDA, 47, distributor, North Bergen, NJ
• SAAD BADR, 58, distributor, Brooklyn, NY
• MURAD BISHARAT, 37, reseller, Ridgewood , NY
• MUNTHER MAHMOUD, 52, distributor, Brooklyn, NY
• IZZAT NIMER, 46, distributor, Brooklyn, NY
• MOHANNAD SEIF, 39, reseller, Brooklyn, NY
• ISSA SULieman, 44, distributor, Brooklyn, NY
• BASSAM TWAM, 47, reseller, Brooklyn, NY

Members of the criminal enterprise are set to be arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice William Miller beginning today.

Attorney General Schneiderman said that all packs of cigarettes sold in New York City must bear a joint New York City/New York State tax stamp and only a licensed stamping agent can possess untaxed cigarettes and affix the tax stamps on the cigarette packs.

None of the members of this untaxed cigarette distribution and money laundering operation are authorized to sell tobacco products in New York City or New York State.

Attorney General Schneiderman thanked the following agencies for their partnership in the investigation. The New York National Guard Counterdrug Taskforce; the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; the New York City Sheriff’s Office; the Albany Police Department; The New York State Police; the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office; the Delaware and Maryland State Police Departments; and the United States Attorney’s Offices in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey and especially the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York which is working together with us on the forfeiture aspect of this case.

The investigation was directed by OCTF Senior Investigators Jeffrey Sauter and Peter Odiot. They were supervised by OCTF Supervising Investigators William Charles and Arthur Schwartz, Upstate Deputy Chief Eugene Black, Downstate OCTF Deputy Chief Christopher Vasta and under the overall supervision of Investigations Bureau Chief Dominick Zarrella. From the NYPD, Detective Wafkey Salem worked under the supervision of Sergeant Robert Olson and Lieutenant James O’Sullivan of the Intelligence Division and under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner David Cohen. From Homeland Security, Special Agent Andrew Borra, supervised by Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Scandiffio.

The case is being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorneys General Jonathan Sennett and Tarek Rahman, under the supervision of Deputy Attorney General Peri Alyse Kadanoff and under the overall supervision of Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Kelly Donovan.

The charges against the defendants are accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Company Fails to Meet Standards in NYC During First Part of 2013

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today heard a report from Staff of the Department of Public Service (Staff) regarding Verizon New York Inc. (Verizon) compliance with certain service quality metrics for wireline telephone service during the first quarter of 2013.

Staff reported that Verizon did not comply with the Commission’s Service Quality Improvement Plan (SQIP) Out-of-Service Troubles Lasting Greater than 24 Hours repair metric in the New York City area for January, February and March 2013.

Under its SQIP, if, among other things, Verizon falls below certain levels of performance, a penalty action is to be commenced by the Commission in the amount of $100,000 per monthly failure to meet a required service quality performance metric.

Verizon acknowledged its failure to comply with the Commission’s SQIP Out-of-Service Troubles Lasting Greater than 24 Hours repair metric during the months of January, February, March, as well as April 2013 and, consequently, consented to pay $400,000 in lieu of further Commission action.

A revised Service Quality Improvement Plan framework was implemented by the Commission in December 2010 (Case 10-C-0202). That decision required Verizon to focus additional attention on its service quality efforts for core customers (i.e., customers lacking competitive wireline alternatives, are Lifeline customers, or have special needs). Verizon is the largest telephone company in New York State with approximately 3.7 million access lines.

The Department’s report today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 10-C-0202 in the input box labeled “Search for Case/Matter Number.” Staff’s report on Verizon service quality can be accessed similarly under Case 13-C-0161. Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.

Electric Grid Ready to Provide Adequate and Reliable Service

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today received an update from the staff of the Department of Public Service outlining electric utilities’ summer preparedness in terms of addressing transmission and distribution reliability needs, and price volatility for residential and small commercial and industrial customers who take electric supply from the utilities.

Staff reported to the Commission that a review of the supply of electric generation capacity and transmission system condition in the state indicates that the system is ready to provide adequate and reliable service for this summer. According to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), there are adequate generation and demand-side resources to provide necessary supplies of energy and reserves to meet the summer load projections. Transmission owners also report that their transmission facilities are prepared to meet peak projected load in each of their service territories.

Staff noted that given the dense population and unique characteristics of Consolidated Edison of New York, Inc.’s (Con Edison) service territory, the company continually has the highest loads in its area during the summer months. To help redress this situation, the company continues to offer its electric load-relief programs — Direct Load Control (DLC) Program and the Rider U-Direct Load Relief Program — available for deployment during high-load system conditions. The enrollment levels in 2013 are expected to be greater than in 2012 due to recent program changes intended to increase demand response benefits for both customers and the company.

DLC program participants reduce their demand by taking direct control of and cycling central air-conditioning loads during system emergencies called by either the NYISO or Con Edison. Rider-U program participants provide demand response through load reductions or operation of on-site generation when Con Edison determines the load relief is needed on a network level in return for financial incentives.

Additionally, Con Edison continues to offer its peak-shaving program known as — Rider S-Commercial System Relief Program. Under this program, large commercial or industrial program participants receive financial incentives to reduce load during events which are called by the company when the day-ahead forecasted load level is at least 96 percent of the forecasted summer system-wide peak.

During the past year, utilities have performed detailed load studies to determine where overloads and/or potential issues might occur on the system this summer. As a result of the studies, a number of projects were identified, with completion dates prior to this summer, to alleviate the potential concerns. The utilities cite reduced load growth and the recent completion of a number of major capital projects throughout the service territories as factors that limited the required project workload.

Staff also reported to the Commission that the utilities have taken steps to reduce price volatility of their estimated May 2013 through April 2014 commodity needs through fixed and indexed hedges. Generally, residential and small commercial and industrial customers or mass market customers electing to take supply service from utilities instead of alternative providers are more risk-adverse. Mass market customers can benefit from the restraints utility hedges provides on electric commodity price volatility.

Based on current projections from the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) data, summer electric prices — June through September — are expected to be slightly higher in 2013 than last year, but about the same as they were in 2010 and 2011. Actual prices can vary from the forecasts due to a number of factors such as weather and economic conditions. With the hedges (i.e., contracts) that the utilities have entered into, full service residential customers will not experience the full magnitude of any market price changes.

Staff also reported on the status of measures electric and gas utilities have taken to strengthen the infrastructure prior to the start of the summer hurricane season, which begins June 1, 2013. Staff is satisfied with the preparations taken to meet expected system needs for this period. Staff will continue to track and monitor the utilities efforts in preparation for the upcoming summer period, as well as any utility contingency plans, if necessary.

Verizon To Offer Wireless On Fire Island While Permanent Solution to Rebuild System after Superstorm Sandy Remains Under Consideration

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today, as an interim measure, authorized Verizon New York, Inc. to offer wireless Voice Link service, as an alternative to basic landline service, to certain customers on Fire Island where the copper wire facilities were destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.

The Commission conditioned its temporary approval of the service, limited to western Fire Island, pending public comment and a further review of documentation submitted by Verizon justifying its decision not to repair the damaged facilities.  Under the tariff provisions approved by the Commission, Verizon is required to offer the Voice Link service according to Commission rules and regulations for basic telephone service and would need to seek further approval to offer the service in other areas.

“The decision today is a novel, interim approach to an unusual set of circumstances resulting from Superstorm Sandy, urged on by the need to have telephone service in place by the summer,” said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. “The Commission will exercise its regulatory authority over this service to ensure consumers on Fire Island are protected with requirements relating to customer protection, customer complaints, service quality, safety and reliability, and we will continue to explore what are the best options for permanent repair.”

Fire Island, located on a barrier island about five miles off the southern shore of Long Island, was heavily affected by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012.  Prior to Superstorm Sandy, Verizon provided voice service to about 3,800 access lines on Fire Island, approximately 1,100 lines on the eastern portion of the island, and about 2,700 lines on the western portion where a large percentage of its copper facilities were damaged beyond repair.  In addition, five of the six feeder cables that run between Fire Island and the mainland were badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

Verizon continues to provide service in the eastern portion of the island through use of existing landline facilities, and in some parts of the western portion where existing copper pairs are still functional.  However, in the remaining western portion of the island, Verizon reported that a large percentage of its copper facilities were damaged beyond repair and it proposed to offer Voice Link service as an alternative.

With Voice Link service, a small transmitter/receiver is installed at the customer’s premises which is plugged into a normal electrical outlet and then into any telephone jack.  Customers are able to use their existing telephone sets by plugging into the jack, but the technology is limited to voice service.

The Commission also directed Verizon to file a copy of its proposed terms and service for Voice Link, which must be consistent with Commission rules and regulations for basic telephone service, for review.

The Commission’s action today is not its final decision on this issue. As part of the ongoing proceeding, the Commission said it will seek comments from interested parties on Verizon’s technology and service plan as it works to determine a permanent solution. The Commission also directed Verizon to provide it with a comprehensive report evaluating the quality and reliability of Voice Link to Fire Island customers by November 1, 2013.

The Commission’s decision today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 13-C-0197 in the input box labeled “Search for Case/Matter Number.”  Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500).  If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.

State’s Unemployment Rate Falls to Lowest Level in More than Four Years

(Long Island, NY) The New York State economy added 23,800 private sector jobs, for a growth rate of 0.3%, in April 2013, according to preliminary figures released today by the State Department of Labor. As a result, New York reached an all-time high private sector job count of 7,452,100 in April 2013. Since the onset of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration, the New York State economy has added 339,000 private sector jobs. The state’s private sector job count is based on a payroll survey of 18,000 New York employers conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Between March and April 2013, New York State’s unemployment rate fell from 8.2% to 7.8%, its lowest level since March 2009. In addition, the number of unemployed state residents fell by 35,700 to 748,500. The unemployment rate in New York City also decreased over the month from 8.9% to 8.4%. The unemployment rate in the balance of state region (New York State outside of New York City) fell from 7.7% to 7.4%. The federal government calculates New York’s unemployment rate partly based upon the results of a monthly telephone survey of 3,100 households in the state conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Monthly employment estimates are provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, and are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. After revision, the state’s estimated total non-farm job count for March 2013 was revised upwards by 2,300. As a result, the February-March change in non-farm jobs showed a gain of 13,500 rather than the preliminary estimated gain of 11,200. In addition, the state’s private sector job gain from February to March was revised upward from 14,100 to 16,300.

“The New York State economy continued on its upward trend in April 2013. We saw our seasonally adjusted private sector job count grow by 23,800, or 0.3%, to 7,452,100, an all-time high. Accompanying this job growth was a drop in the state’s unemployment rate, which declined over the month from 8.2% to 7.8%,” said Bohdan M. Wynnyk, Deputy Director of the Division of Research and Statistics.

Note: The data above are seasonally adjusted. Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month; for example, April 2012 versus April 2013.

1) Jobs data (seasonally adjusted):

U.S. and New York State, March 2013 – April 2013

The table below compares the over-the-month change in total nonfarm and private sector jobs in the United States and New York State between March 2013 and April 2013.

2) Unemployment rates (seasonally adjusted):

The state’s unemployment rate, as determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is calculated primarily from the results of a telephone survey of 3,100 households in New York State. The statewide rate fell from 8.2% in March to 7.8% in April 2013. In addition, the number of unemployed New Yorkers decreased over the month — from 784,200 in March 2013 to 748,500 in April 2013.

3) Jobs data (not seasonally adjusted):

U.S., New York State, Major Regions, and Metro Areas: April 2012 – April 2013

The table that follows compares the over-the-year change in total nonfarm and private sector jobs that occurred in the United States, New York State, the Upstate and Downstate regions, and metro areas in the state between April 2012 and April 2013.

Job highlights since April 2012:

• Since April 2012, the number of private sector jobs in the state increased by 137,500, or 1.9%. Over the same time frame, the nation’s private sector job count increased by 2.0%.
• In the 10-county Downstate region, private sector jobs grew by 2.4% over the past year.
• In the 52-county Upstate region, the private sector job count grew by 1.0% over the past year.
• Over the past year, private sector jobs grew most rapidly in these metro areas in the state:
  • Nassau-Suffolk (+2.9%)
  • Glens Falls (+2.8%)
  • Ithaca (+2.7%)
  • Kingston (+2.7%)
  • New York City (+2.5%)
  • Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown (+2.3%)
• The only metro area in the state to lose private sector jobs between April 2012 and April 2013 was Elmira (-1.8%).

4) Jobs data (not seasonally adjusted):

Change in jobs by major industry sector, April 2012 – April 2013

The table below compares the over-the-year change in jobs by major industry sector in New York State occurring between April 2012 and April 2013.

Highlights among NYS sectors with job gains since April 2012:

• Private educational and health services added the most jobs (+43,100) of any industry sector over the past year. Sector employment gains were centered in health care and social assistance (+33,300), especially ambulatory health care services (+16,500).
• Professional and business services had the second largest increase in jobs (+39,900) between April 2012 and April 2013. Employment gains occurring over this period were concentrated in administrative and support services (+25,900) and professional, scientific and technical services (+15,100).

Highlights among NYS sectors with job losses since April 2012:

• Over the past year, government lost more jobs (-16,200) than any other sector in the state. Government sector job losses were concentrated at the local level (-11,800).
• Employment losses in the manufacturing sector (-11,300) were greatest in durable goods (-6,200), especially computer and electronic products (-2,500).

5) Regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC):

For New York State, during the week that included April 12, 2013, there were 341,383 people (including 313,346 who live in the state) who received benefits under:

• Regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) or
• Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)

New York State residents who received Unemployment Insurance benefits made up 42% of the total unemployed in the state in April 2013.

See the table below for the maximum number of weeks available under current federal regulations.

We encourage people to use the Department’s online Unemployment Insurance calculator to estimate how many weeks of benefits they may receive. See the calculator on the State Department of Labor’s website or go here: http://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/claimantinfo/UIBenefitsCalculator.shtm

Note: The responsibility for the production of monthly estimates of state and metro area nonfarm employment by industry moved from the Division of Research and Statistics to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), starting with the March 2011 estimates. More detailed information on the change is available on the BLS web site.

Many economic data series have a seasonal pattern, which means they tend to occur at the same time each year (e.g., retail jobs usually increase in December). Seasonal adjustment is the process of removing seasonal effects from a data series. This is done to simplify the data so that they may be more easily interpreted and help to reveal true underlying trends. Seasonal adjustment permits comparisons of data from one month to data from any other month.

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In New York State, jobs data by industry come from a monthly survey of 18,000 business establishments. Jobs data by industry do not include agricultural workers, the self-employed, unpaid family workers, or domestic workers in private households.

• See State and Area Job Data (opens in new window)
• See Labor Market Overview (opens in new window)
• See Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet (opens in new window)

SUNY Ulster Program a Model for Enhancing Workforce, Creating Green Jobs

(Stone Ridge, NY) —As scientists grapple with how climate change will impact the earth now that carbon pollution in the atmosphere has doubled to 400 parts per million, advocates, elected officials and industry leaders are pointing to the state’s innovative renewable energy program as the direction to take in modernizing New York’s energy infrastructure and fighting the worst effects of climate change.

The Cuomo Administration is currently implementing new rules on how New York operates within the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) coalition – including how climate-altering pollution from energy plants can be further reduced, and funds raised from the sale of carbon credits are used to buttress energy efficiency and green infrastructure projects.

To ensure New York moves to a 21st Century green economy, and that communities have the resources necessary to harden against the extreme storms and weather patterns devastating our aging infrastructure, the state is being urged to take the following actions:

• lower the carbon pollution cap to reflect current power plant emissions;
• develop methods to address emissions resulting from imported electricity; and
• dedicate RGGI revenues to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Conor Bambrick, Air & Energy Director for Environmental Advocates of New York said, “We are already experiencing the worst effects of climate change, and now that the carbon pollution in the atmosphere has doubled the state must prepare us against even more dangerous, erratic and unpredictable weather patterns. Through RGGI, New York can set the national standard on the production and use of renewable power. We urge Governor Cuomo to continue his leadership on climate change, and look to existing programs with a proven record of success in order to strengthen RGGI and create clean, renewable economic opportunity across the state.”

Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk (D-Duanesburg) said, “Governor Cuomo is to be applauded for his commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting the development of renewable and green energy technology. His efforts to strengthen RGGI and increase investment in energy efficiency will make New York a national leader in the effort to mitigate climate change.”

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston) said, “In 2009, as Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, I passed legislation which created a dedicated funding stream from The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative for the Green Jobs/ Green NY program, helping communities and small businesses to create a workforce aimed at improving building energy efficiency. In order to ensure that RGGI keeps to its original purpose, we have to continue to direct the proceeds to appropriate programs. By allowing support for job creating efforts that also help the environment, we can ensure that RGGI does what it was intended to do.”

Jackson Morris, Director of Strategic Engagement at the Pace Energy and Climate Center said, “While Washington gridlock further delays real action on climate change at the federal level, Governor Cuomo and leaders across the RGGI region are leading by example. A strengthened RGGI will further illustrate how wisely reinvesting auction revenues in clean energy can save consumers money, improve the environment, and drive job creation and economic growth across the region.”

Valerie Strauss, interim executive director of Alliance for Clean Energy New York said, “Thanks to RGGI New York has been able to strengthen its commitment to investing in clean energy and energy efficiency, and as a result this industry is becoming an engine for economic growth. Here and across the Northeast, RGGI is a driving force for creating green jobs, sustainable energy infrastructure, and a healthy environment.”

Modernizing New York’s Infrastructure

The RGGI program has several projects which serve as a model for how New York becomes a leader in reducing climate-altering pollutants while creating jobs and opportunities within the largely untapped renewable energy sector. One program – the SUNY Ulster Clean Energy Technology Training (CETT) consortium – has attracted more than 2,500 participants across the Hudson Valley in the training of renewable energy and green technology construction. As a result, companies like SolarTech Renewables, Malcarne Construction and Hudson Solar have expanded their businesses by hiring local, well-trained and experienced clean energy professionals.

RGGI funds also played a key role in the roll out of the five-county CETT partnership between Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Sullivan County community colleges, which provides training and certification programs in building efficiency and renewable energy.

This year, SUNY Ulster partnered with a local green building firm to win an additional Green Jobs Green New York (GJGNY) grant to transform one of the college’s original buildings into a state-of-the-art energy efficiency building-science lab that will serve as a regional training center for students pursuing certifications in sustainable building practices. SUNY Ulster’s clean energy program is now one of the state’s foremost workforce training centers.

Dr. Donald Katt, President of SUNY Ulster said, “We are very proud of the work Chris Marx and his staff has done to make SUNY Ulster a leader in clean energy job development in the Hudson Valley. We are grateful for our partnership with NYSERDA, which has amounted to over $1 million in job training funds, including the latest RGGI grant for the new energy efficiency pressure house training lab. SUNY Ulster looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the state in a way that allows the college to continue to be a leader in efficiency and renewable energy training. “

Todd Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Solartech said, “The education and training we received from SUNY Ulster has given us the foundation and the courage to expand our business from solar module manufacturing to solar integration, resulting in ground breaking projects we have underway in the Hudson Valley and Long Island. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has been an important tool for New York’s clean energy industry. Lowering the carbon cap and continuing to invest in important programs like those offered at SUNY Ulster are essential for New York’s energy future.”

Christopher Marx, Director of the SUNY Ulster Department of Continuing and Professional Education said, “NYSERDA has done a terrific job working with us and our regional partners to help identify training needs and develop programs to meet the workforce demands of local contractors and clean energy companies throughout the mid-Hudson Valley. Funding from the Green Jobs Green New York Program and other NYSERDA initiatives have made it so that even small mom and pop businesses can have access to top quality energy efficiency training programs.”

“SUNY Ulster has established itself as a leader in the clean energy economy by consistently identifying the region’s workforce needs and cultivating an exceptional pool of local, talented green professionals to get the job done,” added Bambrick of Environmental Advocates.

About RGGI: An $850 Million Opportunity

RGGI is a nine-state coalition which has capped carbon pollution for energy plants at 165 million tons annually across the Northeast while using money raised from the sale of carbon pollution credits to reinvest back into energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Following the devastation to the Northeast caused by Hurricanes Sandy, Lee and Tropical Storm Irene, governors of the nine participating states reached agreement to lower the regional cap to 91 million tons starting in 2014 (to better reflect actual pollution rates and ensure a ratcheting down of pollution in years to come) which will result in a significant increase in what has been rock-bottom prices for pollution credits in the past.

Since its inception, RGGI has raised $450 million for New York; with these changes, should the Cuomo Administration prevent any loopholes for dirty polluters, an estimated $850 million could be raised to modernize New York’s energy infrastructure.

The Cuomo Administration is conducting a regulatory review of RGGI, headed by the Department of Environmental Conservation, NYSERDA and Public Service Commission, through 2013.

Utility Management and Operations Oversight Strengthened Under Governor Cuomo

(Long Island, NY) The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today heard a report from staff of the Department of Public Service related to the implementation of recommendations from the comprehensive management audits of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., National Grid’s Upstate Electric Operations and National Grid’s gas operations, Central Hudson Gas and Electric, Iberdrola S.A., Iberdrola USA, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation, and National Fuel Gas Distribution Company.

“Today’s report provides an overall status of recommendations and the audit implementation plan progress under the Commission’s vigorous management audit program of the state’s largest electric and gas utilities,” said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. “In response to the Moreland Commission’s recommendations to improve our management audit process, as well as requirements in Governor Cuomo’s 2013-2014 Budget to strengthen the Commission’s regulatory oversight of utilities, the Department has enhanced its management audit process and staffing resources to further identify improvements in utilities’ planning processes and operational efficiencies.”

Staff reported to the Commission that several utilities have been audited to date: Con Edison’s electric, gas and steam operations [08-M-0152]; National Grid’s upstate electric operations [08-E-0827]; Central Hudson’s electric and gas operations [09-M-0764]; and Iberdrola’s (which includes NYSEG and RG&E) electric and gas operations [10-M-0551]. The audit of National Fuel Gas operations [11-G-0505] and National Grid’s New York gas operations [13-G-0009] are currently in progress.

In each management audit, several areas were reviewed including: the corporate mission, objectives, goals and planning; long-term load forecasting; supply procurement; long-term system planning; capital and operations and maintenance budgeting; program and project planning and management; work management; and performance results measurement. In recent audits, reviews of affiliate transactions have been added to the scope of management audits, and the customer/benefit analysis for audit recommendations have been included.

For the National Grid gas companies’ audit, the scope was expanded to include additional elements of an operations audit, including a review of the company’s customer billing systems, an analysis of its storm-hardening processes, and a review of National Grid’s information systems, consistent with recommendations made by the Moreland Commission.

The Department’s report today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 08-E-0827, 08-M-0152, 09-M-0764, 10-M-0551, 11-G-0580, or 13-G-0009 in the input box labeled “Search for Case/Matter Number.” Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.