GrafiQa Creative Services recently designed, built and launched the region's first tourism-related iPhone software application, also known as an "app," according to a media release.
The app, which is available as a free download at the Apple iTunes online store, was created for Catskill Region Tourism, which is comprised of the tourism agencies from Delaware, Greene, Ulster and Sullivan counties.
The app, called "The Catskills," allows users to view up-to-the-minute information about events, lodging, attractions, camping and other details on a mobile phone from any location.
"The Catskill Region is utilizing this new technology to promote the rich tourism assets of our Catskill area," Herb Clark, president of Catskills Region Tourism, said in a statement.
GrafiQa's team of website developers built the iPhone app and managed the process of getting it approved by Apple and making it available in the iTunes store, the release said.
"Getting instant information directly on your cell phone, laptop or other mobile device is what modern consumers in every industry want," GrafiQa President Christopher Quereau said. The firm also created the Catskills Region website at www.visitthecatskills.com.
GrafiQa Creative Services is a strategic marketing, branding, design and website development company in Oneonta and Binghamton. For more information, visit www.UpstateCreative.com and www.GrafiQaBlog.com.
Paychex to host seminar
Paychex, in partnership with Commerce Chenango, will present a "Managing Human Resources" seminar from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday.
The session will be at the Commerce Chenango offices at 19 Eaton Ave. in Norwich.
Seminar topics include federal labor laws and regulations governing discrimination, guidelines pertaining to hiring an employee, day-to-day employment, separation from employment and more.
Paychex Inc., which has headquarters in Rochester, is a payroll and human-resource firm, serving more than half-a-million businesses nationwide, a media release said.
The seminar is free to chamber members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, call the chamber office at 334-1400 or send an e-mail to rcrandall@chenangony.org.
Wilber declares dividend
The Board of Directors of The Wilber Corp. declared a quarterly dividend of 6 cents per share at its Oct. 30 meeting, according to a media release.
The dividend will be paid Nov. 27 to shareholders of record Thursday. The corporation is the parent company of Wilber National Bank, and the distribution will be the 107th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.
MSO raises money for events
Main Street Oneonta, a downtown business and retailers group, raised about $6,000 after expenses during its recent fundraising auction, officials reported.
More than 80 bidders attended, and volunteers from Oneonta Job Corps Academy helped with setup for the event. Businesses donated items, organizers said, and the money that was raised will support family-friendly community events downtown.
Stimulus funding tapped
to prevent blackouts
The New York Independent System Operator has been awarded $37.4 million in federal stimulus funds by the U.S. Department of Energy to support a $75.7 million Smart Grid project, a media release said.
Funds will be used for investments in grid technology to enhance the reliability of the bulk electricity grid and provide for further development of grid infrastructure, the release said. Specifically, the project would involve the creation of a statewide network and the installation of capacitor banks to avoid blackouts.
NYISO submitted the application in cooperation with National Grid, New York State Electric and Gas Corp., New York Power Authority and other utility companies.
The proposed project will need the final approval of the state Public Service Commission.
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