Whittet currently also serves as a director and vice chairman of the company and the bank. He served as president and CEO from 1998 until he retired in 2006. Whittet first joined Wilber in 1972.

The award, funded by the federal economic stimulus package, will save Crouse more than $100,000 per year in energy costs, Dr. Paul Kronenberg, CEO of Crouse Hospital, said in a news release.

The contract is from the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit. SRC will establish and maintain a security operations center under the deal that will help protect IT infrastructure against cybersecurity threats.

The Utica-Rome area lost 400 construction jobs while the Binghamton area lost 100 construction jobs during the same 12-month stretch.

The store is the first for the chain in Auburn and the grand opening is set for Friday. The 12,500-square-foot location offers La-Z-Boy chairs, sofas, cocktail tables, and accent pieces including lamps, area rugs, wall art, and accessories.