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US Ceiling Corp expands beyond interior construction; new development arm USC selected as part of Bull’s Head revitalization project team

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.

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Rochester Business Journal announces 2021 Women of Excellence Honorees

US Ceiling Corp President Melissa Geska to be inducted into Circle of Excellence on May 25, 2021

Rochester, N.Y., April 2, 2021 — Rochester Business Journal has selected Melissa Geska, president of US Ceiling Corp as a Circle of Excellence honoree.

Established in 2018, the Women of Excellence awards recognize high-achieving women for their professional experience, community involvement, leadership and sustained commitment to mentoring. Forty winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of previous Women of Excellence and Circle of Excellence honorees.

In addition, 10 women will be inducted into the Circle of Excellence. The Circle of Excellence recognizes women of longstanding, notable success in the community who are leading the way for other women. These honorees were selected by Rochester Business Journal editors from among previous Women of Excellence winners.

“The 2021 Women of Excellence honorees are blazing trails professionally and personally. Their leadership, accomplishments and commitment to mentoring are extraordinary,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, group publisher of the Rochester Business Journal. “These high-achieving women are breaking barriers and lifting up the Greater Rochester community. We at the Rochester Business Journal are pleased to honor them.”

The Women of Excellence awards will be presented at an online celebration at 5:30 p.m. May 25. Each of the winners 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/women-of-excellence/. The event hashtag is #RBJevents.

Winners will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the May 28 issue of Rochester Business Journal and will be available online at rbj.net.

For information about sponsorships and tickets for the Rochester Business Journal’s Women of Excellence awards, visit http://www.rbj.net or email Suzanne Fischer-Huettner at shuettner@bridgetowermedia.com.

About the Rochester Business Journal

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, rbj.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.

2021 Circle of Excellence Honorees

Mary Walsh Boatfield, Ability Partners

Marisa Geitner, Heritage Christian Services

Melissa Geska, US Ceiling Corp

Cindy Langston, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Colleen Matteson, Bank of America

Diane Cooney Miner, St. John Fisher College

Lesli Myers-Small, Rochester City School District

Deana Porterfield, Roberts Wesleyan College

Karen Zandi, Mary Cariola Center

Heidi Zimmer-Meyer, Rochester Downtown Development Center

2021 Women of Excellence Honorees

Anne Babcock-Stiner, PathStone Corporation

Yolanda Benitez, Wegmans Food Markets

Jennyrae Brongo, Homesteads for Hope, Inc.

Myra Brown, Spiritus Christi Church

Lisa Butt, Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC)

Laura M. Cooney, Bergmann

Providence Crowder, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

Terri Cubiotti, Mason Marketing, LLC

Annika D’Andrea, Tender Loving Family Care, Inc

Nadine General, Dixon Schwabl

Tracie Glazer, Hillel Community Day School

Edith Grannum, Family Medicine Practice of Edith Grannum MD

Christina Gullo, Villa of Hope

Erica Harper, Harper Danesh LLC

Lisa Harris, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Kimberly Jones, Butler/Till

Diana Kurty, Wayside Technology Group

Lorisa LaRocca, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Cait Loury, Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts

Kimberly McKinsey-Mabry, Monroe Community College

Linda Moroney, Low to the Ground Productions

Carolyn G. Nussbaum, Nixon Peabody LLP

Tina Paradiso, Ampie Enterprises Inc dba Imprintable Solutions Ink

Lindsay Prichard-Fox, Tiver Built LLC

Laura Purcell, Harris Beach PLLC

Sujatha Ramanujan, Luminate Accelerator

Jennifer Rodriguez, Livingston County

Natalie Rogers-Cropper, Garth Fagan Dance

Jennifer Schwartzott, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC

Carrie Starr, Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College

Kaye Stone-Gansz, LaGasse Machine & Fabrication and Stone Goose Enterprises

Cicely Strickland-Ruiz, United Way of Greater Rochester

Julia Tedesco, Foodlink

Elizabeth Thorley, Thorley Wealth Management

Michelle Trott, CPL

Ellen Wayne, Wayne County Department of Social Services

Karen Webber, Webber CPA, PLLC

Stephanie Wells, Person Centered Services

Anne Wilder, Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI)

Maureen Wolfe, ESL Federal Credit Union

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US Ceiling Corp announces retirement of COO Ed Geska

Company founder steps down after 20 years

WEBSTER, N.Y., March 30, 2021— US Ceiling Corp, an award-winning commercial, multifamily and residential interior subcontracting firm, today announced the retirement of chief operations officer, Ed Geska.

Geska, whose construction career spans more than four decades, served as COO since founding US Ceiling Corp in 2001. The company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and Geska leaves the firm in tenacious shape, as his experience and leadership played a crucial role in its success. Throughout his tenure, Geska was instrumental in achieving unprecedented growth and client retention while improving operational efficiency and promoting innovation.

“US Ceiling has benefited enormously from Ed’s contributions and impressive leadership,” says company president, Melissa Geska. “His expertise, enthusiasm and drive have helped get us where we are today, and I am infinitely appreciative for the lessons and knowledge I gained from working alongside him the past 20 years. Together with the rest of the US Ceiling team, I would like to thank Ed and wish him our best during his retirement.”

“Although I am retiring, I am confident as US Ceiling moves forward under Melissa’s leadership, it will continue being an award-winning and successful company for many years to come,” says Geska. “My memories are full of many beautiful moments that are a source of great pride and I feel blessed to have witnessed the passion and teamwork of a company of ladies and gentlemen that are unrivaled.”

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 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.

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US Ceiling Corp celebrates 20 years of growth, innovation and giving back

Award-winning M/WBE subcontracting firm commemorates a history of diverse industry leadership through a legacy of helping construction clients and the community

WEBSTER, N.Y., March 15, 2021—US Ceiling Corp, an award-winning subcontracting firm, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of events, articles, press and video releases planned throughout 2021. The Webster-based M/WBE (minority-/woman-owned business enterprise), which specializes in commercial, multifamily and residential interior construction, opened its doors in March 2001 with three employees and a single focus—acoustical ceiling installation— increasing its staff, scopes of work, client base, project portfolio and capacity year over year.

“This 20-year milestone is a testament to our exceptionally talented and diverse employees, and the incredible client partnerships we’ve cultivated, all of which has sustained and fueled our growth,” says US Ceiling Corp President Melissa Geska. “Our team is committed to delivering a seamless client experience at every interaction and it’s through this dedication that we’ve built a legacy of successful projects over time. I could not be prouder or more humbled by what we’ve accomplished together.”

US Ceiling Corp credits LeCesse Construction for helping the firm get off the ground with its first multifamily contract award: The Mills at High Falls. Since that time, US Ceiling Corp has helped transform the Rochester landscape, performing work on some of the city’s most notable construction projects, including Sibley Square, Tower280 at Midtown, Upper Falls Square and The Nathaniel. In late 2018, US Ceiling Corp received New York State’s highest honor for M/WBEs, the Carey Gabay Award for Excellence and Innovation. The company also expanded its insulation division in 2019, becoming an elite partner and regional dealer/installer for AeroBarrier, a cutting-edge building envelope sealing technology.

As labor shortages began plaguing the construction industry, US Ceiling Corp saw the need to help create and deliver skilled trades training and employment opportunities in and around the Rochester community, particularly among priority populations. The firm formally launched its workforce development program, USC Academy, in 2019 to cross-train and enhance the skills of existing employees, and partner with local organizations to help provide others with exposure to the construction industry. Training modules combine classroom, workshop and field instruction to provide a comprehensive, fully phased learning experience.

“Our success is an outgrowth of our company’s mission, which is to empower lives where we live and work, and provide the best resources to solve our clients’ needs,” says US Ceiling Corp Executive Vice President Gary Black. “We are not only committed to helping our clients, we also believe that giving back is an essential core value and an integral part of how we operate as a company.”

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 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.

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US Ceiling proud to provide interior solutions for LECESSE Construction’s Happiness House Phase II Apartments project

February 16, 2021

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.

Read NYS’ full press release here.

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US Ceiling promotes Sherry Jackson to vice president of marketing and communications

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.

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Anti-racism statement on behalf of US Ceiling Corp

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.

Melissa Geska

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US Ceiling promotes Gary Black to executive vice president and Michael Johnston to vice president of operations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2019

  • Gary Black, executive vice president
  • Michael Johnston, vice president of operations

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.

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Congressman Morelle to tour shared Rochester hub for skilled trades training and workforce development during National Reentry Week

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.

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