Author: usceilingcorp

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 20^th 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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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 hereopens PDF file .

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.

-US Ceiling Corp President Melissa James-Geska

Williams aims to motivate and inspire US Ceiling Corp’s inaugural class of USC Academy foremen, along with students from his Champion Academy

Access or download the full press release hereopens PDF file :

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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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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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The New York Real Estate Journal conducted an insightful Q&A session with Melissa Geska, president of US Ceiling Corp. Read the full story here: https://nyrej.com/eom-geska-president-of-us-ceiling-corp?fbclid=IwAR3m68llQ47qhPykEtpsMxVBUzmgngxUoyuFHzU4hWqYriDN1M0h-IGtJ9U