ELMIRA — The board of directors of Elmira Savings Bank (ticker: ESBK) has declared a 22 cents per share cash dividend on its common shares outstanding. 

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has launched a statewide surety-bond assistance program in a bid to boost state contracting among small businesses and businesses owned by minorities and women.

The program, which Cuomo kicked off yesterday, is called the New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program. A surety bond guarantees an obligation or contract.

ITHACA — Ithaca College is now home to the beta version of Fanattac, an online social-media site that connects music fans and artists. Hollywood–based Fanattac, Inc. announced today it had closed on a $1 million private-placement financing deal.

M&T Bank has introduced a new mobile banking service for business customers.

Businesses can pay bills, view accounts, perform transfers, and more online with the new service. Customers can use the new platform on mobile phones through mobile Web banking, text banking, or an iPhone app.

DeWITT — Collins White, president of Defenshield Inc., flew home to Syracuse in October 2001 noting the airports full of well-armed National Guard, state troopers, and local police — all wearing little body armor.

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"Accountability breeds response-ability."

- Stephen R. Covey

The importance of strategic planning is a frequent topic of this column because it's essential to business success. Especially in