Rochester Business Journal today named US Ceiling Corp President Melissa James-Geska as one of its Power 30 Construction & Real Estate list honorees. The annual listing, which recognizes Rochester business leaders who are shaping the local landscape and community, includes a brief Q&A with each power player.
“I am extremely grateful to have earned a spot again this year and deeply appreciative for all the ways the Rochester Business Journal continues to elevate leaders in our community,” says James-Geska.
Now in its 22nd year, US Ceiling is an award-winning, social impact subcontractor committed to diversifying the construction industry and empowering lives. People-focused and purpose-driven, US Ceiling partners with like-minded organizations to provide skilled trade training and employment opportunities—helping people build economic self-reliance and inclusive, equitable communities that thrive.
To view the full Power 30 list, click here. To view James-Geska’s profile, click here.
Special award recognizes James-Geska’s exemplary leadership, vision, resilience and the drive to move her organization forward and improve the lives of others
ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 22, 2023—The City of Rochester tonight honored US Ceiling Corp President Melissa James-Geska with the 2023 MWBE Champion Award for breaking barriers and paving the way for other minority- and women-owned businesses in the community. James-Geska is the first MWBE owner in the history of the City of Rochester to earn a major development contract—having been named one of the prime contractor partners for the Bull’s Head Revitalization project in 2021. James-Geska is also chair of the Builders Exchange of Rochester and is the first woman and person of color to serve in such a capacity in the organization’s 135-year history.
James-Geska stressed the importance of community during her acceptance speech, saying, “Let this be a time that we unite and create a common sense of community in Upstate New York. Minority and women-owned businesses must rally together to advocate with a collective voice. In the words of Thomas Paine, ‘It is not in numbers, but in unity that our great strength lies.’ Let us humble ourselves, so that we are open and ready for growth. Let us ask for help when we need it and offer to help when we can.”
Under James-Geska’s leadership, US Ceiling has emerged as an industry force, helping change Rochester’s landscape by working on some of its most notable and transformative construction projects, including Tower280 at Midtown, the Sibley Building and The Nathaniel Apartments. Ever the visionary, in 2020, she launched US Ceiling’s development arm, USC, bringing workforce development and social impact real estate development to projects in Rochester and Ithaca.
James-Geska takes great pride in paying her success forward—continually serving as a role model and mentor, and contributing to various nonprofit organizations that address issues affecting minorities and women. Passionate about bridging the labor gap and promoting diversity in construction, she works to provide practical experience and employment opportunities through her firm’s skilled trades training and workforce development program, USC Academy, which has provided 337,723 hours of paid skills training since its launch in 2019. Since opening its doors in 2001, US Ceiling has created 460 jobs in the Rochester community, helped build 10,807 affordable housing units and made 170 charitable donations to dozens of community-focused organizations.
The evening’s awards event was held at the Strathallan as a kick-off to the City’s inaugural Upstate NY MWBE Conference, which will take place over the next two days.
About US Ceiling Corp Founded in 2001, US Ceiling Corp (usceiling.com) is a social impact subcontractor that specializes in interior commercial, multifamily and residential construction. Now in its 22nd year, the award-winning NYS Certified MWBE firm is committed to diversifying the construction industry and empowering lives. People-focused and purpose-driven, US Ceiling partners with like-minded organizations to provide skilled trades training and employment opportunities—helping people build economic self-reliance and inclusive, equitable communities that thrive.
Values-aligned community developers to transform the former Emerson Power Transmission site into landmark neighborhood
ITHACA, N.Y., December 8, 2022— The 95-acre site in South Hill, formerly known to Ithacans as Morse Chain, Emerson Power Transmission Plant, and most recently, the Chain Works District, is being reimagined through a diverse collaboration that combines extensive development, construction and neighborhood investment experience, and proven track records in delivering equitable community-serving projects.
The $300+ million endeavor, now known as SouthWorks, is led by Philadelphia-based SHIFT Capital, a nationally recognized social impact real estate firm, in addition to the property’s previous developer, David Lubin, of Ithaca-based L Enterprises. SHIFT has also tapped two leading minority- and woman-owned firms to take part—Rochester-based, US Ceiling Corp, led by Melissa James-Geska and New York City-based, Xylem Projects, led by Nnenna Lynch. Vicki Taylor Brous, a longtime Ithacan and project coordinator for the site, joins SHIFT in the same role. The SouthWorks team plans to create a new mixed-use neighborhood, including housing, technology, commercial, retail and industrial/manufacturing to serve as a catalyst for Ithaca’s local economy.
“SouthWorks is a potential game changer for Ithaca. Its size and scope allow us to intentionally and collectively, with businesses and residents, design a neighborhood that welcomes leading-edge thinking and practices, drives sustainability throughout, and connects living and culture site-, city- and townwide,” says SHIFT Capital Partner and CEO Brian Murray. “To do this, we brought together a team who reflects SHIFT’s values and vision and is driven by a shared dedication to Ithaca. David, Melissa, Nnenna and Vicki each add a distinct expertise to the team, and together with the community, we are able to plan the next steps for the future Ithaca.”
“SouthWorks is a landmark project that will help define, bolster and advance the Ithaca region, generating thousands of jobs and economic opportunities for generations to come,” says L Enterprises Founder David Lubin. “I look forward to working with the new team to ensure that this project represents the kind of development I imagined when I began planning it a decade ago: commercial space for light industrial/manufacturing and small businesses, housing options, parks, and public art. It is rooted in the community and will anchor the continuing revitalization of the entire region.”
“We’re excited to build on the project’s momentum and ongoing workforce development efforts with community partners and the City and Town of Ithaca,” says US Ceiling Corp President Melissa James-Geska. “SouthWorks is a robust model of holistic real estate development; community and collaboration; sustainability; and opportunity. Together, we are determined to create something that delivers on its promise for the people of Ithaca.”
“Community outcomes are at the core of everything we do,” says Xylem Projects Founder and CEO Nnenna Lynch. “We’re excited to join the great work already underway and the opportunity to be part of the long-term vision for Ithaca, as well as ensuring SouthWorks is built for all of its constituents, particularly local residents.”
“I’m excited to join the SHIFT Capital team and implement a whole-neighborhood approach to the redevelopment of the old Morse Chain factory site,” says Project Coordinator Vicki Taylor Brous. “The plant brought prosperity to the area for more than 100 years and holds a lot of historical importance to the Ithaca community. After a decade of perseverance, tenacity and hard work, Emerson Power Transmission, David Lubin and their respective teams have made the site ready for redevelopment. Through thoughtful and community-forward planning, and a great team selected to accomplish it, we look forward to revitalizing the site and making it an asset to the community once again.”
The History and Future of the Site The site at 620 South Aurora Street, located in both the City and Town of Ithaca, has remained vacant for 11 years. It had been used for manufacturing everything from industrial chains and automotive parts to Tommy airplanes used in World War I. Morse Chain occupied the facility from 1906 until 1928 when they joined with BorgWarner, which owned the property from 1928 to 1982. Emerson Power Transmission continued manufacturing at the site from 1983 until its closure in 2011. The site provided much needed jobs for residents and drew immigration to the area, whether they worked at the factory or on the supportive infrastructure, including the rail lines that ran to the site.
In July 2013, Emerson Power Transmission selected David Lubin of L Enterprises to develop the site due to his knowledge of the Ithaca area and his passion for its development. Emerson and Lubin, with guidance from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), then partnered over the next decade to make the 95-acre property one of New York State’s most thoroughly environmentally investigated and remediated sites. Although the property was initially slated to be brought up to industrial standards, after thousands of tests, tracing and planning, the majority (90+ acres) of the site has now been remediated to residential standards. A Record of Decision Amendment and a Site Management Plan were approved by the DEC in October of 2022.
When complete, SouthWorks will include the revitalization of 850,000 square feet of existing buildings and will total more than 1.7 million square feet. The site has gained City of Ithaca Site Plan Approval and EIS approvals. In addition to the on-site work, the Gateway Trail, which runs at the base of the property, will be developed in partnership with the City of Ithaca and will connect the South Hill Recreation Trail to Buttermilk Falls and the Kirby Edmunds Bridge.
Planning for SouthWorks is under way with anticipated announcements regarding the next phase in the development expected in early 2023. For more information on SouthWorks, please visit southworksithaca.com and sign up for updates.
About SHIFT Capital SHIFT Capital is a nationally recognized neighborhood investment group who executes real estate projects and financing strategies that create equitable and mixed-income communities for the long-term. SHIFT believes community-centered investments create shared and sustainable economic opportunity and growth, and impact that unites people, businesses, neighborhoods and cities. To date, SHIFT has invested more than $330 million in the neighborhoods they serve to create ecosystems that strengthen entrepreneurship, creativity and value for tenants, and health and safety for communities. SHIFT owns and manages a mix of two million square feet of new and refactored industrial, commercial and residential spaces for small businesses, entrepreneurs and residents. For more information: visit SHIFTcapital.us, Instagram: @shift_capital and LinkedIn: SHIFT Capital
About L Enterprises L Enterprises is a real estate development company started in 1980 by David Lubin. L Enterprises has developed a wide scope of projects throughout New York, including the Hilton Garden Inn located in Elmira, Hampton Inns in Elmira and Oneonta, and 115,000 SF of medical offices with an ambulatory surgical center in Big Flats. L Enterprises is also responsible for the success of a 525-acre business park and residential development in Athens Township, PA. L Enterprises lead the Harold’s Square development, a 12-story building in the center of Ithaca, with 78 apartments, 50,000 SF of office space and 16,000 SF of retail space valued at more than $60 million. As the SouthWorks developer since 2010, David brings an unmatched knowledge of the site and the broader Ithaca development area.
About US Ceiling Corp Founded in 2001, US Ceiling Corp is a social impact firm that specializes in interior commercial, multifamily and residential construction. Now in its 21st year, the award-winning NYS Certified M/WBE is committed to diversifying the construction industry and empowering lives. People-focused and purpose-driven, US Ceiling partners with like-minded organizations to provide skilled trades training and employment opportunities—helping people build economic self-reliance and inclusive, equitable communities that thrive. For more information, visit usceiling.com, Instagram: @us_ceiling_corp and LinkedIn: US Ceiling Corp
About Xylem Projects Xylem Projects is a mission-driven real estate development and investment firm. As an NYC and NYS Certified M/WBE business, Xylem is dedicated to preserving housing and creating mixed-use projects in which tenant and community outcomes are front and center. Xylem seeks to make investments that help communities thrive and is guided by its four pillars of community enrichment, design, sustainability, and innovation. For more information, visit xylem.nyc
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Open Door Mission’s $6.8 million development of the Miller Building in Rochester to include 24 units of permanent supportive housing for former homeless individuals. Funded largely by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, the apartments will be occupied by individuals with mental illness, those struggling with substance use disorder and youth ages 18 to 25.
“These new apartments will provide not just a safe and affordable place to live, but also the supportive services needed to thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “Supportive housing like the Miller Building in Rochester is a critical component of my administration’s commitment to building inclusive communities that help ensure all New Yorkers have a safe, affordable place to call home, and we will continue to invest in supportive housing as a fundamental part of our efforts to address homelessness across the state.”
Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative program celebrates organizations whose starting wage is $15 or higher
WEBSTER, N.Y., July 8, 2022—Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) today recognized US Ceiling as a Level Up Champion. The program celebrates employers who have made the decision to increase their starting wage, showing that doing the right thing is part of their company’s DNA.
“Making this pledge to RMAPI is an easy decision,” says US Ceiling President Melissa James-Geska. “We increased our minimum base salary from $15 to $16 per hour in June of 2021, as it aligns with our longstanding commitment to invest in our employees. Our people, who are the soul of our organization, remain our greatest asset.”
The Level Up Champion distinction signifies to current and potential employees that an organization is committed to fighting poverty. RMAPI recognizes these organizations and hopes to inspire other employers to commit to a $15/hour starting wage and be part of the wider movement to lift the entire Rochester community.
“We are proud to be among many other organizations who are recognized as a Level Up Champion and hope other employers answer RMAPI’s call to action,” says James-Geska.
To learn more about Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative and become a Level Up Champion, visit www.levelupchampion.org.
About US Ceiling Corp Founded in 2001, US Ceiling Corp (usceiling.com) is a social impact subcontractor that specializes in interior commercial, multifamily and residential construction. Now in its 21st year, the award-winning NYS Certified M/WBE firm is committed to diversifying the construction industry and empowering lives. People-focused and purpose-driven, US Ceiling partners with like-minded organizations, including the Urban League of Rochester and ITEC (Isaac Training & Education Center) to provide skilled trades training and employment opportunities—helping people build economic self-reliance and inclusive, equitable communities that thrive.
Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday announced completion of a $13.5 million affordable and supportive housing development in southwest Rochester. Zion Hill Senior Apartments features 45 affordable apartments for households aged 55 and older, with seven apartments reserved for residents in need of supportive services to help them live independently.
“Access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing is critical to helping seniors remain healthy, active and engaged in their communities,” Governor Hochul said. “Zion Hill Senior Apartments provides a comfortable and secure environment, while complementing transit-oriented revitalization efforts in Rochester. Developments like this will ultimately help us achieve a greener and more equitable New York for the future.”
WEBSTER, N.Y., February 2, 2022—US Ceiling Corp, an award-winning social impact subcontractor, is pleased to announce the promotion of Laura West to vice president of business development.
In her new position, West aims to strengthen existing client relationships, promote US Ceiling’s role as a long-standing trusted resource and identify emerging gaps or opportunities in the marketplace. She will also work to enhance the firm’s corporate strategy in conjunction with its executive leadership team.
“Laura continues to build momentum within our company, including growing our people, our client base and opening new channels of revenue,” says US Ceiling President Melissa Geska. “She is committed to raising the bar at every turn to establish a truly differentiating experience in terms of creating and cultivating construction relationships. Her ability to significantly impact our organization by combining her people skills and her purpose-driven spirit makes us a best-in-class team capable of supporting and exceeding our industry’s needs.”
West brings more than 30 years of business and corporate strategy experience, including community outreach, marketing, real estate and program development. She joined US Ceiling in 2018 as director of USC Academy, helping launch [and develop curricula for] the company’s workforce development program, which is designed to cross-train and enhance the skills of existing field staff and provide priority populations in the Rochester community with skilled trades training and employment opportunities. In late 2020, West stepped into the role of director of human resources, overseeing employee onboarding and annual reviews.
“I am very excited to take on my new role,” says West. “The breadth of construction expertise combined with the investments in our people and work scopes position the company for significant growth potential. I am eager to focus on client engagement and strategic initiatives as we continue to provide our customers with successful project outcomes and exceptional service.”
West holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Rochester and is an SOS (Save our Sodus) board member and co-founder of the Rochester Business Hall of Fame. She is a former board member for the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, and has served as a United Way volunteer. West is a local real estate investor and NYS licensed salesperson, working in commercial and residential sales for Coldwell Banker. She resides in the Webster area.
About US Ceiling Corp
Founded in 2001, US Ceiling Corp (usceiling.com) is a social impact subcontractor that specializes in interior commercial, multifamily and residential construction. Now in its 21st year, the award-winning NYS Certified M/WBE firm is committed to diversifying the construction industry and empowering lives. People-focused and purpose-driven, US Ceiling partners with like-minded organizations, including the Urban League of Rochester and ITEC (Isaac Training & Education Center) to provide skilled trades training and employment opportunities—helping people build economic self-reliance and inclusive, equitable communities that thrive.
WEBSTER, N.Y., January 10, 2022—US Ceiling Corp is pleased to announce the promotion of Kellah Alford to vice president of operations.
In her new role, Alford will oversee the daily workflow of US Ceiling’s estimating, project management, warehouse and delivery teams, as well help establish and communicate the strategic direction of the organization’s operations division.
“Kellah has a keen ability to recognize our areas that require transformation and revitalization, and leverage our people to achieve our organizational goals and business strategy,” says US Ceiling President Melissa Geska. “I am confident with her at the helm, our current and future operational needs will not only be met, they will be exceeded.”
Alford joined US Ceiling in 2019 as a project manager and was promoted to construction process manager in 2021—implementing efficient operations and cost-effective systems to help the company continue delivering successful projects on time and within budget.
A leader of change, Alford began her construction career at a subcontracting firm in Fredericksburg, V.A., working her way up from assistant to full-fledged project manager. She continued in that role when she returned to Rochester, N.Y, to work for a local SDVOB contracting company.
Alford holds an A.S. degree in human services from Monroe Community College and resides in the Rochester area.
About US Ceiling Corp
Founded in 2001, US Ceiling Corp (usceiling.com) is a social impact subcontractor that specializes in interior commercial, multifamily and residential construction. Now in its 21st year, the award-winning NYS Certified M/WBE firm is committed to diversifying the construction industry and empowering lives. People-focused and purpose-driven, US Ceiling partners with like-minded organizations, including the Urban League of Rochester and ITEC (Isaac Training & Education Center) to provide skilled trades training and employment opportunities—helping people build economic self-reliance and inclusive, equitable communities that thrive.
Rochester, N.Y., (September 17, 2021) — Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record have selected US Ceiling Corp and company president, Melissa Geska, to receive a 2021 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Award.
The 2021 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Awards celebrate the individuals and companies who are changing the landscape of the Rochester region through design, construction, project management, innovation and more. These individuals and organizations are creating jobs, building healthy spaces, helping families and companies achieve their dreams, and leading the way toward growth and prosperity for the community.
Honorees in the construction category include architects, developers, engineers, general contractors, homebuilders, interior design/staging, project managers, subcontractors and rising stars. Real estate categories are commercial real estate agents, residential real estate agents and rising star.
Honorees for the 2021 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Awards were chosen by the editorial staff of the Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record.
“The 2021 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate honorees transform ideas into reality. They are changing the landscape in the Greater Rochester region through their incredible professional success and community involvement,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of the Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record. “This year’s recipients create jobs and help families and organizations realize their dreams. We at the Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record congratulate them for all their accomplishments.”
The honorees will be recognized during an online celebration on Oct. 27 at noon. Each will be celebrated for their achievements through video storytelling. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the program with their congratulations and cheers using social media platforms from their homes or offices. For tickets, visit https://rbj.net/events/construction-and-real-estate/ or https://nydailyrecord.com/excellence-in-construction-and-real-estate/. The event hashtags are #RBJevents and #TDRevents.
In addition, a VIP happy hour for winners and sponsors will take place Oct. 27 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Genesee Valley Club, 421 East Avenue in Rochester.
Honorees will be profiled in the Oct. 28 issue of The Daily Record and in the Oct. 29 issue of the Rochester Business Journal and online at rbj.net and at nydailyrecord.com.
For 34 years, the Rochester Business Journal has served as the leading source of business news and information in Rochester, N.Y. In addition to its website, opens in a new windowrbj.net, and weekly print publication, the Rochester Business Journal publishes more than 25 special products a year including Book of Lists, Explore Greater Rochester, RBJ 75 and Schools Report Card. The Rochester Business Journal also honors leading Rochesterians through 11 annual awards events including Forty Under 40, Icon Honors, Women of Excellence and Reader Rankings. Its Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting, email marketing and more. Rochester Business Journal is part of BridgeTower Media, one of the country’s leading business-to-business media companies with more than 40 print and digital publications in more than 25 U.S. markets.
About The Daily Record
The Daily Record has been providing essential legal news and information to Western New York for 113 years. With insightful articles and columns keeping the community apprised of the latest industry trends; local, state and federal decisions; judgments, foreclosures and public notice information; plus comprehensive listings of up-to-date business transactions for Monroe County, The Daily Record is your source for all things law, real estate and finance. The Daily Recordis part of BridgeTower Media, one of the country’s leading business-to-business media companies with more than 40 print and digital publications in more than 25 U.S. markets.
2021 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate Honorees
Construction – Companies
Architects
Greater Living Architecture P.C.
Developers
Buckingham Properties
DiMarco Group
Rochester’s Cornerstone Group Ltd.
Engineers
BME Associates
General Contractors
DiMarco Group
DiPasquale Construction Inc.
Manning Squires Hennig
Homebuilders
Antonelli Construction LLC
Pinnacle Homes
Riedman
Project Managers
DGA Builders
Subcontractors
Hewitt Young Electric
O’Connell Electric Company
US Ceiling Corp
Construction – Individuals
Architects
Caitlin Ellis, AIA, SWBR
Jessica Kruse, LaBella Associates DPC
Developers
Michael Birkby, Conifer Realty LLC
Eugenio Marlin, Ibero-American Development Corporation
General Contractors
Brian P. Kelly, Manning Squires Hennig
Ken Ogden, LECESSE CONSTRUCTION
Jerry Serafine, Renaissance Restoration of Rochester LLC
Interior Design/Staging
Danielle Lewis, LaBella Associates DPC
Project Manager
Robert Miller, O’Connell Electric Company
Rising Stars
Samuel Burke, DGA Builders
Aaron Gross, Upstate Roofing & Painting
Elizabeth Kirchhoff, AIA, SWBR
Subcontractors
Melissa Geska, US Ceiling Corp
Matthew Martin, Tactical Construction Inc.
Real Estate – Individuals
Commercial Real Estate Agents
R. Scott Burdett, Flaum Management Company Inc.
Daniel J. O’Neill, SIOR, Pyramid Brokerage Company
M/WBE firm continues to build capacity and relationships with community transformation project in Rochester’s key historic neighborhood—the 19th Ward.
WEBSTER, N.Y., June 11, 2021— US Ceiling Corp, an award-winning commercial, multifamily and residential interior subcontracting firm, today announced that its new development arm—USC—is partnering with The Dawson Company, Brinshore Development and Shift Capital to work on the City of Rochester’s Bull’s Head Revitalization Project.
“I am thrilled to celebrate our 20th year in business by continuing to expand our service offerings and taking part in a project that [literally] hits close to home,” says US Ceiling Corp/USC President Melissa Geska. “As a young girl growing up in the 19th Ward, I couldn’t have dreamed of a more significant or perfect opportunity to help transform the area of the City that is nearest and dearest to my heart. And the fact that I am partnering with other former ‘kids of the Ward’ and others who have a passion for social impact real estate development makes it that much more special. I truly believe our team coming together to work on Bull’s Head is providence.”
Geska credits her desire to help communities build economic self-reliance to her parents, particularly her late father, a Jamaican immigrant who moved to Rochester with $16 in his pocket and an entrepreneurial spirit. It was through his example of hard work and building enduring community relationships and successful retail and construction-related businesses that she developed an interest to follow in his footsteps.
“I think construction, servant leadership and community is in my DNA,” says Geska. “We are standing on the precipice of something extraordinary and I believe the City is ripe and ready to not only restore Bull’s Head to its former glory, but take it to the next level.”
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 interior construction, including acoustical ceilings and drywall; insulation and air barrier systems; metal stud and wood framing; finished carpentry and general trades. 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 aims to empower 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.
About USC
Formally launched in 2020, USC (uscbuilds.com) is the development, general contracting and construction management arm of US Ceiling Corp., a NYS Certified M/WDBE subcontracting firm that offers extensive experience in commercial, multifamily and residential interior construction. With a strong focus on social impact real estate development, USC aims to create inclusive and equitable communities that thrive.
