Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of Happiness House Phase II Apartments, a $9.7 million affordable and supportive housing development in the town of Canandaigua, Ontario County. The complex provides 30 affordable homes for individuals, families and seniors, with nine apartments reserved for individuals who have previously experienced homelessness. Happiness House Phase II Apartments is part of Governor Cuomo’s unprecedented $20 billion, five-year affordable housing plan to provide all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing. The development also builds on the Governor’s overall strategy to revitalize communities and grow the economy across the state. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested $639 million in the Finger Lakes region to create or preserve nearly 7,700 affordable homes.
WEBSTER, N.Y., December 22, 2020—US Ceiling Corp is pleased to announce the promotion of Sherry Jackson to vice president of marketing and communications.
In her new role, Jackson will continue to lead strategic marketing initiatives, as well as drive efforts for brand recognition, advertising, social media and internal and external communications.
“Sherry has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to our company. She performs with the stealth and grace of a racehorse and the force of an army,” says Melissa Geska, president of US Ceiling Corp. “With the passion and diverse mix of communications industry experience she brings, I know she will continue to expand and bolster our marketing and brand initiatives, and we are excited to see her continued leadership.”
Jackson joined US Ceiling in 2018 as director of marketing and business development, helping rebrand the growing minority- and woman-owned (M/WBE) company and successfully launch its AeroBarrier division.
A results-driven leader, Jackson began her communications career as a public affairs associate at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center. Since then, she’s worked locally as an award-winning advertising copywriter and public relations account executive, successfully managing key accounts in the wine and spirits, energy, transportation, aerospace, defense, industrial, and senior health care markets. Jackson made the shift to the construction industry more than six years ago, serving as a corporate communications specialist and diversity program manager. It was then she tapped into her passion for supporting M/WBE firms.
“I feel extremely blessed to reach a point in my career where my ‘heart work’ intersects with my ‘work work,’” says Jackson. “US Ceiling has the magic that only a diverse team can bring and I’m honored to continue helping the company build its incredible capacity.”
Jackson holds a B.A. in communications/journalism from St. John Fisher College and is a co-founder of the Rochester Anti-Racism Action Coalition. She resides in the Webster, N.Y. area.
About US Ceiling Corp
Founded in 2001, US Ceiling Corp (usceiling.com) is a NYS Certified M/WDBE subcontracting firm that offers extensive experience in commercial, multifamily and residential construction, including acoustical ceilings and drywall; insulation and air barrier systems; metal stud and wood framing; finished carpentry and general trades; and construction management. The Webster, N.Y.-based firm’s consistent stability and growth stem from the hard work and dedication demonstrated across its expanding footprint, allowing a broad reach of services for local and out-of-town projects. With an unwavering commitment to diversify the construction industry, US Ceiling Corp is committed to empowering the Rochester community and partners with like-minded organizations, including the Urban League of Rochester’s YouthBuild Program, to provide skilled trades training and employment opportunities.
The tragic events in Minneapolis and countless other incidents of police brutality and injustice across the U.S. have left so many of us feeling outraged and vulnerable. We share your anguish and are devastated that these incidents remain part of an ugly, long-standing history tracing back centuries, where black people in our country have been oppressed, marginalized, discriminated against and murdered because of the color of their skin.
At US Ceiling Corp, we condemn and denounce acts of violence against the black community and believe we must find effective ways to hold law enforcement accountable, so that peace and healing can envelope our communities. We support all people who experience hatred and violence based solely on who they are or what they look like. And while we’ve always worked to foster and promote diversity and celebrate the power of inclusion, we believe that social justice isn’t the responsibility of any one person or company.
We aren’t suggesting we have all the answers; however, as dialogue and demonstrations intensify, we are acutely fixed on renewing our commitment to justice and thinking critically about who we are as members of the Rochester community and beyond.
Please join us on this journey as we work to affect positive change across our footprint and bolster our company’s vision: Empowering communities where we live and work, where safety, quality of life and opportunities are equitable and shared by all.
Now more than ever, we are reminded about our purpose and why pursuit of this anti-racism ideal should be embraced by everyone. Those with power, platform and agency must make room for those who have been socially excluded or marginalized, and allow their voices and influence to help redesign the systems that will result in a noticeable change within our communities. We have much to do. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work—together.
WEBSTER, N.Y., June 3, 2019—US Ceiling Corp is pleased
to announce the promotions of Gary Black to executive vice president and Michael
Johnston to vice president of operations.
Black joined US Ceiling in 2016 as vice president of
operations. His contributions to the company have been substantive, as he’s
successfully delivered construction projects in all of the markets US Ceiling
serves. Black has more than 34 years of experience in all phases of the
construction process and will continue utilizing his skills to further enhance
the company’s client-service capabilities, concentrating on operations and growth
in Western New York. Additionally, he will be available to support projects in
other regions when the fit for his talents arises.
“Gary’s contributions to our organization have been
invaluable,” says Melissa Geska, president. “His dedication and commitment to
our clients, partners and colleagues have played a significant role in US
Ceiling’s evolution and as we continue to grow, we will rely on proven
professionals like him to support our mission and company objectives.”
Black served in the U.S. Air Force and coaches high
school/travel softball in his spare time. He resides in the Ontario, N.Y. area.
A respected leader, Johnston’s construction career
spans nearly 20 years and multiple market sectors, including health care,
education, commercial and multifamily/mixed-use development. He joined US
Ceiling in 2014 as an estimator/project manager and was promoted to chief
estimator in 2017.
“During his nearly five-year tenure with US Ceiling,
Mike has brought the highest levels of integrity and professionalism to his
work, says Ed Geska, chief operations officer. He is a true steward of our company
culture and I am confident he will continue playing an integral role in our future
growth and success.”
Johnston holds a B.S. in management/finance from St.
John Fisher College and is an Ironman Triathlon finisher. He resides in the
Webster, N.Y. area.
About US Ceiling Corp
Founded in 2001, US
Ceiling Corp (usceiling.com)
is a NYS Certified M/WDBE subcontracting firm that offers extensive experience in
commercial, multifamily and residential construction, including acoustical
ceilings and drywall; insulation and air barrier systems; metal stud and wood
framing; finished carpentry and general trades; and construction management.
The Webster, N.Y.-based firm’s consistent stability and growth stem from
the hard work and dedication demonstrated across
its expanding footprint, allowing
a broad reach of services
for local and out-of-town projects. With an unwavering commitment to diversify
the construction industry, US Ceiling Corp is committed to empowering the Rochester community
and partners with like-minded organizations, including the Urban League of
Rochester’s YouthBuild Program, to provide skilled training and employment
opportunities.
Partnership between Rochester Urban League’s YouthBuild program and US Ceiling Corp aims to bolster and diversify construction community, and help at-risk young adults and priority populations transition to workforce and fill demand for skilled tradespeople
ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 16, 2019 – On Tuesday,
April 23, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) will
tour a skilled trades training and workforce development center dedicated to serving
at-risk young adults and priority populations in the Greater Rochester area. The
4,000 SF space located at 439 Central Avenue is shared by the Urban League of Rochester’s YouthBuild
program and Webster-based
subcontractor, US Ceiling Corp, whose joint mission is to foster and promote
diversity in construction, and empower lives.
“The
training center is a vital contribution that continues to bolster the community
and cultivate a new generation of skilled trades workers,” says Morelle. “The only way New
York State can secure its building future is by enhancing the skill sets of our
existing construction workforce and having highly motivated and qualified
workers in the pipeline.”
“The nation’s ability to
reconnect unemployed and undereducated young adults is essential for economic
productivity,” says John Valverde, CEO of YouthBuild USA. “YouthBuild is a
movement of young leaders working to make a change in their lives and their
communities, and it wouldn’t be possible without continued bipartisan support
for the Department of Labor YouthBuild grant program. Thank you, Congressman
Joseph Morelle, for demonstrated support of YouthBuild and for believing in the
power of our young people.”
“I want to thank Congressman Morelle for
his continued commitment to the Rochester community and staunch support of our
organization and its programs,” says William G. Clark, outgoing president and CEO of the Urban League of
Rochester. We are
encouraged by his leadership as we work to help at-risk and underrepresented
individuals gain access to hands-on, in-demand training that can transform
their lives.”
“Our company’s success is due in large part
to the support and opportunities provided us by the Urban League of Rochester’s
Small Business Expansion Program and Economic Development Corporation,” says US
Ceiling Corp President Melissa Geska. As such, I am deeply committed to not
only enhancing the skills and capacity of our diverse workforce through our USC
Academy, but also reaching back to help others in our community who want to
build a better future for themselves through the skilled trades.”
YouthBuild
Rochester serves disadvantaged and at-risk young adults aged 18 to 24. Using a
dual-program model that combines academic instruction and skills training,
participants work toward the completion of a high school diploma or GED and
earn industry-recognized credentials in high-demand construction trades while
gaining hands-on experience.
To
date, the shared training space has accommodated two YouthBuild cohorts and continues
to serve individuals who take part in the Urban League of Rochester’s Urban
Apprentice Jobs Training and Reentry programs, as well as US Ceiling Corp
employees enrolled in the company’s USC Academy.
About the Urban League of Rochester
The Urban League of Rochester (ULR) was founded in 1965 as an affiliate of the National Urban League and has run the YouthBuild program since 1996. ULR is also an affiliate of the nationally recognized YouthBuild USA Network, which provides support and a learning network for YouthBuild program staff across the country.
About US Ceiling Corp
Founded in 2001, US Ceiling Corp is a NYS Certified M/WDBE subcontracting firm that offers extensive
experience in commercial, multifamily and residential
construction, including acoustical ceilings and drywall; insulation and air
barrier systems; metal stud and wood framing; finished carpentry and general
trades; and construction management. The Webster, N.Y.-based firm’s consistent
stability
and growth stem from the hard work and dedication
demonstrated across its expanding footprint,
allowing a broad reach of services for local and out-of-town
projects. With an unwavering commitment to diversify the construction industry,
US
Ceiling Corp is committed to empowering the Rochester community and partners
with like-minded organizations in the area, including Rochester Urban League’s
YouthBuild Program, to provide skilled training and employment opportunities.
US
Ceiling Corp now exclusive regional AeroBarrier dealer/installer
NYS Certified M/WDBE firm expands insulation division, offering cutting-edge envelope sealing technology for commercial, multifamily and residential construction
WEBSTER, N.Y.,
January 28, 2019 – US Ceiling Corp today announced it is now an exclusive regional
dealer/installer for AeroBarrier, a
first-of-its-kind envelope sealing system that simultaneously measures and
seals air leaks, helping builders meet energy codes or achieve passive house requirements
in real-time, in just a few hours. The single-component, synthetic, permeable
aerosol-applied sealant is GreenGuard Gold certified and was recognized with “Best
in Show” and “Most Innovative Building Material Product” awards at the National
Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2018 International Builders’ Show. AeroBarrier was also recently
featured on PBS’ “This Old House” and DIY Networks’ “Holmes
& Holmes” TV shows,
and was selected as a 2018 recipient of the HIVE 50 Award, a top industry
distinction that honors the people, products and processes that are leading the
charge to inspire creativity, improve performance and explore better ways to
build.
“Choosing US Ceiling Corp as a regional dealer/install partner makes perfect sense in terms of what we look for,” says AeroBarrier National Director Paul Springer. We share the same culture and business mindset, and feel confident that this partnership will continue enhancing the presence of both of our companies.”
“We’re
excited to bring AeroBarrier to our area,” says US Ceiling Corp President
Melissa Geska. “As an installation partner, we can offer architects and commercial,
residential and multifamily builders a strong value proposition—including an
innovative and energy-efficient option to meet code requirements and design
goals in terms of cost and performance.”
“When it
comes to air sealing and energy enhancement, AeroBarrier removes the guesswork
and delivers an efficient, reliable means for constructing high-performance
building envelopes,” says US Ceiling Corp Chief Operations Officer Ed Geska. “This
added scope of services will also allow us to make a deeper impact in the
marketplace and continue growing our customer base and geographic reach.”
About US Ceiling Corp Founded in 2001, US Ceiling Corp (www.usceiling.com) is an M/WDBE subcontracting firm that offers extensive experience in commercial, multifamily and residential construction, including acoustical ceilings and drywall; insulation and air barrier systems; metal stud and wood framing; finished carpentry and general trades, as well as construction management. The Webster, N.Y.-based firm’s consistent stability and growth stem from the hard work and dedication demonstrated across its expanding footprint, allowing a broad reach of services for local and out-of-town projects. With an unwavering commitment to diversify the construction industry, US Ceiling Corp is committed to empowering the Rochester community and partners with organizations in the area, including Rochester Urban League’s YouthBuild Program, to provide skilled training and employment opportunities.
About AeroBarrier Building upon proven technology invented by the U.S. Department of Energy more than two decades ago, AeroBarrier is a new and innovative envelope sealing system for residential, multifamily and commercial buildings. AeroBarrier can help builders meet any IECC, Energy Star, or passive house requirement more consistently and cost-effectively than traditional envelope sealing methods, guaranteeing the results, whether you need 3ACH50 or passive house requirements. For more information on AeroBarrier, visit www.aeroseal.com/aerobarrier.
In an industry where nationally just 9.1 percent of workers are women, US Ceiling Corp President Melissa Geska continues to break barriers and the glass ceiling. Learn a bit more about her path to excellence.
