Tag: Rochester

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US Ceiling Corp President Melissa James-Geska honored by City of Rochester with 2023 MWBE Champion Award

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, 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. Since opening its doors in 2001, US Ceiling has created 460 jobs in the Rochester community, helped build 10,807 affordable housing units, made 170 charitable donations to dozens of community-focused organizations and provided 337,723 hours of paid skills training.

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.

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US Ceiling Corp recognized as a Level Up Champion by RMAPI

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.

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US Ceiling proud to provide interior solutions for LECESSE Construction’s Zion Hill Senior Apartments project

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.”  

Read NYS’ full press release hereopens PDF file .

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US Ceiling promotes Laura West to vice president of business development

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.

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US Ceiling promotes Kellah Alford to vice president of operations

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.

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