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

Harding, Posey honored by SBA as 'Small Business Week' begins

1 week ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

Brian Harding and Jennifer Posey were recognized as regional winners by the Buffalo office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as Monroe County kicked off Small Business Week on Monday. Harding, president of TES Staffing, was named Small Business Person of the Year and Posey, founder of Hedonist Chocolates, was named Women-Owned Small Business Person of the Year.
GRAR names Realtor of the Year at awards event

1 week ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

Lanie Bittner, former president of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors (GRAR) and an associate broker at RE/MAX Plus, was named Realtor of the Year by the GRAR. The association also honored Damaris Rivera, Eric Nestler, Maria Casale, Danielle Clement and Bob Maves at its annual agent recognition event.
Rochester seeks massive fines against code-flaunting landlord

1 week ago | nydailyrecord.com | Kevin Oklobzija

An out-of-state property owner known for habitually ignoring orders to alleviate serious code violations has drawn the ire of the city of Rochester’s law department. Tal Levi of Harrington Park, New Jersey, owns 13 rental properties, primarily in lower-income neighborhoods, through five different limited liability companies, according to a petition filed in state Supreme Court in Monroe County.
Levi, Jobst come up big as Amerks complete the sweep

1 week ago | pickinsplinters.com | Kevin Oklobzija

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJASYRACUSE – First, Devon Levi stood on his head – literally. While sashaying away from a first-period net-mouth scrum in his goal crease, he took a misstep and, while trying to catch his balance, ended up taking an awkward tumble that brought laughter from the fans at Upstate Medical Center Arena. “I got tripped and I might have stepped on his foot, I think, and yeah, I just felt like doing a handstand,” he said with smile. Then, Levi stood on his head – figuratively.
Levi, Jobst come up big as Amerks complete the sweep

1 week ago | wp.me | Kevin Oklobzija

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJASYRACUSE – First, Devon Levi stood on his head – literally. While sashaying away from a first-period net-mouth scrum in his goal crease, he took a misstep and, while trying to catch his balance, ended up taking an awkward tumble that brought laughter from the fans at Upstate Medical Center Arena. “I got tripped and I might have stepped on his foot, I think, and yeah, I just felt like doing a handstand,” he said with smile. Then, Levi stood on his head – figuratively.
City of Rochester seeks massive fines against code-flaunting landlord

2 weeks ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

An out-of-state property owner known for habitually ignoring orders to alleviate serious code violations has drawn the ire of the city of Rochester’s law department. Tal Levi of Harrington Park, New Jersey, owns 13 rental properties, primarily in lower-income neighborhoods, through five different limited liability companies, according to a petition filed in state Supreme Court in Monroe County.
Li-Cycle is for sale, bankruptcy may be next, company warns

2 weeks ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

The end may very well be near for Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. and its stalled Rochester Hub. The Toronto-based lithium-ion battery resource recovery firm announced this morning that the business and all assets are for sale, as a whole or any part, and bankruptcy may be necessary if a buyer isn’t found.
Lenders are bullish on Rochester's commercial real estate market outlook

2 weeks ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

Rochester’s industrial, warehouse and multifamily sectors remain strong. Lenders are ready to help developers bring projects to fruition. Interest-rate uncertainty is impacting the market. On the residential side, now remains the time to buy. Lease data, vacancy rates and loan activity can provide a pretty accurate assessment of the state of Rochester’s commercial real estate market. But perhaps the best barometer?
In. Site: Architecture receives state design award for Autism Nature Trail

2 weeks ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

In. Site: Architecture has been recognized for design excellence in the AIANYS (American Institute of Architects New York State) 2024 Design Awards. Headquartered in the Wyoming County village of Perry, In. Site was honored for its work on the Autism Nature Trail (ANT) at Letchworth State Park. The project received a Citation award in the Small Firm category.
AI tools boost efficiency, automate tasks, improve customer engagement

2 weeks ago | rbj.net | Kevin Oklobzija

Key takeawaysSteps for adopting AI include education, ethical practices and a precise roadmap. AI can automate clerical tasks, customer service and supply chain operations. Be sure AI tools align with company size, goals and industry needs. Agentic AI, the next iteration of AI, won’t just create content, it will implement plans. Artificial Intelligence is already a game-changer for businesses of all sizes, from the local company with 20 employees to global conglomerates.