Kevin Oklobzija

Rochester

Reporter at Rochester Business Journal

You'll never be old and wise if you're never young and crazy. Journalistic free agent. Will often be a rink or ball yard, just not for D&C Digital anymore.

Articles

Monro to close 10% of locations as part of plan to boost profits

1 week ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

Monro, Inc., the Fairport-based auto repair and tire franchise, plans to reduce its national footprint by 11 percent as part of a strategic initiative meant to enhance profitability and boost shareholder returns. New president and CEO Peter Fitzsimmons, who was given the reins to the company on March 31, said during Wednesday’s earnings report that the company will concentrate on four areas to drive sales and increase earnings.
GM layoffs in Rochester related to demand for EV components

1 week ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

The transfer of a manufacturing line to Mexico, coupled with slowing electric vehicle sales, means 100 employees are out of a job at General Motors‘ Lexington Avenue facility in Rochester. Around six dozen employees that were “temporarily” laid off in April are now “indefinitely” laid off, as are another two dozen workers that were temporarily furloughed in March, said Dan Maloney, president of UAW Local 1097.
Rochester construction unions launch digital push to attract workers

1 week ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

Key takeaways:• CIAR launches digital campaign to attract Gen Z to union trades. • Ads run on TikTok, YouTube, Meta, and connected TV platforms. • Campaign showcases real trade workers and apprenticeship benefits. • Incentive program launching in July with milestone-based bonuses.
Rite Aid will soon say goodbye to Rochester area

1 week ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

More than 100 employees of Rite Aid will be laid off when the bankrupt drug store chain shutters its 10 stores in the Greater Rochester area. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) filings with the New York State Department of Labor show that 109 employees will be impacted locally as Rite Aid pulls out of New York. The national retailer has nearly 180 stores across the state.
In playoff hockey, physicality often trumps skill, as the Amerks learned

1 week ago | pickinsplinters.com | Kevin Oklobzija

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJAThere’s a popular video captured from the Florida Panthers run to the Stanley Cup last spring that’s splattered across seemingly every social media platform. With his team leading the second-round series 3-1 against the Boston Bruins, Panthers coach Paul Maurice unleashes a one-for-the-ages verbal tirade on the bench during Game 5. It lasts all of 14 seconds. “You get a 3-1 lead and now you want to make plays,” an incredulous Maurice screams. “(Bad word) the plays.
Hotel developer finalizes property purchase for CityGate project

1 week ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

The developer of a dual-brand hotel at CityGate along the border of Rochester and Brighton has finalized the purchase of the property. City Gate Hotel LLC, an entity associated with Delmonte Hotel Group, paid $2,575,000 for a parcel on the south side of the CityGate complex that backs up to the Erie Canal. The deed was filed with the Monroe County Clerk’s Office on Friday. Citygate South 2 SRE, LLC, which is affiliated with CityGate owner Streamline Real Estate Partners, was the seller.
WXXI to carry only mayoral debate on radio, TV, social

1 week ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

The three Democratic Rochester mayoral candidates will gather at the WXXI studios on Wednesday night for their only scheduled debate. Organized by Voice of the Voter, the debate will air on WXXI TV, WXXI-FM 105.9 and WXXI News social media platforms (YouTube and Facebook).
Laval dominates deciding 5th game to end Amerks season

1 week ago | 13wham.com | Kevin Oklobzija

In his 9 1/2 minute post-game media session on Sunday evening, seven times Rochester Americans coach Michael Leone said the Laval Rocket “were just better tonight” and eight times he said “they were really good tonight.”Combined, that’s 15 references to how well the Rocket played in the deciding fifth game of the Calder Cup North Division finals. In reality, those 15 references weren’t nearly enough.
Laval dominates deciding 5th game to end Amerks season

1 week ago | pickinsplinters.com | Kevin Oklobzija

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJAIn his 9 ½ minute post-game media session on Sunday evening, seven times Rochester Americans coach Michael Leone said the Laval Rocket “were just better tonight” and eight times he said “they were really good tonight.”Combined, that’s 15 references to how well the Rocket played in the deciding fifth game of the Calder Cup North Division finals. In reality, those 15 references weren’t nearly enough.
Rattle the Amerks goalie? Bring it on, Levi says

2 weeks ago | pickinsplinters.com | Kevin Oklobzija

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJASince the first shift of Game 1 in this Calder Cup North Division finals series, the Laval Rocket have barged, barreled and banged their way into Devon Levi’s goal crease whenever possible – and sometimes when it wasn’t possible, or legal. For the Rocket, rattling Levi seems to be Priority 1 in the best-of-five playoff showdown with the Rochester Americans. The strategy doesn’t seem to be working, however.