Compass Credit Union Supports Fulton Block Builders

Recently, Julie Tombolillo, Compass Federal Credit Union Fulton Branch Manager, presented Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Director, with a check for $500 to support FBB’s community revitalization grant program. “If you’re looking for credit unions in Fulton, NY, Compass Federal Credit Union is pointing the way to better tomorrows,” said Tombolillo. “As your credit union, we’re owned by account holders and loan recipients like you. That means that our goal is to best serve you. People living, working, or worshipping in the credit union's geographic area can become a member and access banking services. Membership is also open to immediate family of current members.”

Now that FBB is in its seventh year, Tombolillo added, “Compass can see a dramatic change in the look and attitude around the city. Therefore, Compass is proud to support this program.”

“In the six short years FBB has been in existence, Fulton residents’ confidence has grown so quickly that by 2022 residents have invested $3.3 million in their properties and families are once again choosing Fulton as a place to live, work, and play,” said Eagan. “Since its start in 2017, FBB has awarded 1,236 matching grants. Furthermore, this $500 donation from Compass will be compounded by the 2-to-1 match from the Richard S Shineman Foundation and the 4-to-1 match made by the participating residents. That’s a win-win-win!”

To make a donation, visit the FBB website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/or by mailing a check to:

CenterState CEO Foundation Inc.-Fulton Block Builders

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, New York 13202

Compass Federal Credit Union’s Branch Manager Julie Tombolillo gives Fulton Block Builder’s Executive Director Linda Eagan a donation for $500.

Huhtamaki Kicks off Fulton Block Builders Fundraising Campaign

Mark Southwick, Huhtamaki Plant Manager for Fulton Operations, presented Fulton Block Builders (FBB) Administrative Director Linda Eagan with a check for $3,000 to support FBB’s community revitalization grant program.

“Grounded in our core values of Care, Dare and Deliver, Huhtamaki believes it is important to do the right thing by each other and our customers: including the communities where we work and live,” said Southwick.

“FBB’s work aligns strongly with Huhtamaki’s beliefs. Therefore, Huhtamaki is proud to support this program. FBB is starting the seventh year of the program and Huhtamaki can see a dramatic change in the look and attitude around the city. Furthermore, this $3,000 donation will be compounded by the 2-to-1 match from the Richard S Shineman Foundation and the 4-to-1 match made by the participating residents. That’s a win-win-win!”

“In the six short years, Fulton residents have invested $3.3 million in their properties and families are once again choosing Fulton as a place to live, work, and play,” said Eagan. “FBB approved 25 blocks and 201 properties for grants in 2022. Since its start in 2017, FBB has awarded 1,236 matching grants. We are proud of our successes and thank our supporters, particularly Huhtamaki. Without this local funding, FBB wouldn’t be in existence.”

Please join all Fultonians by making your donation to rebuild our neighborhoods. Become a part of this exciting piece of Fulton’s history by donating to the 2022 Campaign today.

FBB donations can be made on the website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/

Or by mail, send checks to:

CenterState CEO Foundation, Inc.

Fulton Block Builders

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, New York 13202

Mark Southwick, Huhtamaki Plant Manager for Fulton Operations and Laurie Smith, Huhtamaki HR Assistant, present a check for $3,000 to Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builders Administrative Director.

FOX Pest Control is the newest donor to Fulton Block Builders

Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builders (FBB) Director was surprised to receive a phone call from Grayson Thiel of FOX Pest Control wanting to donate $300 to FBB. “FOX Pest Control has a location in Syracuse (Fox Pest Control-Syracuse) and each month we like to sponsor local organizations that are making a difference in the community. I recently came across your website and love what you are doing to reshape Fulton one block at a time. That is a great mission!” said Thiel.

After working in the pest control industry for years, brothers-in-law Mike Romney and Bryant White opened the first Fox Pest Control branch in 2012. They founded their company on the belief that hard work and integrity would enable them to grow their business successfully -- and they were right! Fox now numbers more than 30 branches, all owned and operated by local residents, small families who take pride in working hard, serving their community, and living the Fox Core Values.

“At Fox, our mission is to develop confident leaders and empower individuals to provide strong, outstanding service. We aren't just a pest control company that provides top-quality service. Our number one priority is to develop and strengthen lasting relationships. By building up leaders and maintaining positive relationships with our customers, we work to make a difference in the lives of our employees and our community. Fulton Block Builders aligns well with this mission” said Steve Fisher, Syracuse Branch Manager.

For the past 6 years, FBB and its financial supporters have provided matching grants and related programs to improve the housing stock and streets in the Fulton neighborhoods. FBB provides neighborhood grants to clusters of residents who apply together to complete exterior improvements on their properties. As a result, Fulton has benefited from an almost 3-million-dollar investment by property owners.

When asked why, residents said, “once they got going, they couldn’t stop, everything was looking so nice in the neighborhood!” Many reported being inspired by what took place in the city since FBB started and wanted to keep the positive momentum going. Others said there is a real pride and change being demonstrated in the city and they wanted to be a part of something so good! And still others, just like last year, said they hadn’t noticed how poor their property was looking until now. FBB gave them the reason to notice and complete.

“FBB is extremely grateful to FOX Pest Control for their support of our program and community” said Eagan.

Steve Fisher, FOX Pest Control Branch Manager makes a corporate donation to Fulton Block Builders

N.E.T. & Die contributes to the Fulton Block Builder Program

N.E.T. & Die President and CEO, Michelle Shatrau has noticed the positive changes happening in the city of Fulton and wanted N.E.T. & Die to be a part of this success. “We are pleased to make a donation of $500 and support the Fulton Block Builderr (FBB) transformation initiative. We are proud to be a part of the City of Fulton and want to support projects that make the city a better place to live and work. “

N.E.T. & Die, Inc. is a third generation family-owned and operated CNC machine shop located in Fulton since the 1960s.  They provide custom, prototype, low volume production and repair machined products. They have manufactured large items such as staging equipment for cruise ships and Las Vegas casinos and small items like tank scopes for the military. With over 500 years of manufacturing experience, their team can provide unparalleled engineering support and machining expertise.

Linda Eagan, FBB Director said “the support of our local businesses has been heartwarming and inspiring. We welcome N.E.T. & Die’s support and thank them for their confidence in the work FBB is doing.”

The Fulton Block Builder project is dedicated to revitalizing Fulton’s neighborhoods one block at a time. The core feature of this approach is to build on strengths rather than just fix weaknesses. Property owners working together in one block builds community and generates confidence.  Pride is what comes through. Pride is the name of the game. It is the essence of stability which in turn is the backbone of good schools, a strong tax base, a vibrant civic and cultural life, and a thriving downtown.

Fulton family-owned business N.E.T. & Die support Fulton Block Builders. From left to right are cousins Patrick Poyneer, Supply Chain Lead; Michelle Shatrau, President and CEO; and Robert “Boog” Shatrau, General Manager.

Fulton Block Builders Continues to Receive Donations

FBB recently received a generous donation from the Fulton Teachers Association. Their president, Kerrie Phillips, said, “The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program has been making significant positive changes in our community, changes that support healthy living for all our residents including our children and youth. The Teachers Association strives to be a positive influence in our schools, community, state and country and we are proud to support Fulton Block Builders.”

“The generosity of so many is inspirational” said Linda Eagan, FBB founder “Our community has amazed me since the launch of Fulton Block Builders in so many ways. This is one more example of that amazement!”

Block Challenge Grants are given to residents on neighborhood blocks who all commit to completing exterior “street appeal” improvements on their homes. Each resident works on their own home and once the work is completed and pictures and receipts are submitted, they are reimbursed by FBB for half the cost of the improvements, up to $1,000. These grants require at least 50% of the houses within a block to come together and apply as a group, which creates a compound effect of multiple, simultaneous investments signaling to those inside and outside of these neighborhoods that the market has changed in a fundamental way. In its first five years, participating properties have invested nearly $3million in their homes, supporting dozens of new doors, windows, sidewalk repair, painting, landscaping, and much more.

Fulton Teachers Association donate $400 to Fulton Block Builders. Pictured from left to right are Kerrie Phillips, Karen Noel and Ann Casey

Fulton Block Builders receive support from Fulton Noon & Sunrise Rotaries, WD Malone and Dental Health Solutions

As the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) fundraising campaign is drawing to a close, several civic groups and businesses have pledged their support. Nancy Kush Ellis from Fulton Noon Rotary said “I am honored to support the Block Challenge program. The work that this group has been able to accomplish is outstanding! I believe the potential for year six will continue exceed expectations. It is my understanding that FBB has awarded over 1000 properties and realized a resident investment of three million dollars. That is a lot to be proud of! I encourage businesses and individuals to learn all they can and support this momentum!”

Fulton Sunrise Rotary is a powerful advocate and has great love for the city of Fulton and the new grassroots organizations popping up in the city. “Sunrise Rotary has supported FBB every year since we began. I am so proud of this collaboration and support” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director.

“Fulton Block Builders are very happy to announce W.D. Malone’s and Dental Health Solutions’ support” said Ann Casey of the FBB Fundraising Committee. “The support of local businesses is so important for us to reach our $50,000 goal and realize the entire Richard S. Shineman match.”

Dr. Juan Lopez and Ryan Malone are excited to see the changes FBB is bringing to Fulton. Much like both businesses that strive to bring about improved natural beauty to the landscape and your smile, FBB is beautifying life in Fulton.

If you’d like to learn more about Fulton Block Builders or donate, go to https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/

Jerry Seguin, Steve Osborne and Nancy Kush Ellis represent Fulton Noon Rotary’s support of Fulton Block Builders

Lakeside Roofing and Siding Sees Fulton Block Builders as a Solid Investment

“At Lakeside Roofing and Siding, our team has a commitment to assist each customer with high quality, personalized service,” said Mark Blowers, Lakeside store manager. “Our commitment to the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program is an extension of that commitment. We are impressed with the work that is being done throughout the city and the neighborly relationships forming. We are happy to offer FBB participants discounts and wanted to do more. Donating $500 is just one more way Lakeside can support this solid investment in the city of Fulton.”

“The community support for Fulton Block Builders is amazing in so many ways,” said Linda Eagan FBB Director. “Not only are businesses like Lakeside supporting the FBB movement, but residents are making a point of shopping locally for their home improvements. It’s definitely a win-win!

“In just a few short years, residents are realizing the value of Lakeside Roofing and Siding to our community. The store can be found in Hannibal in the old Scott’s Hardware location on Auburn Street. You’ll see facilities that are clean inside and out. Warehouses, with well-organized inventory and knowledgeable staff ready to meet your needs.”

If your business is interested in providing discounts to participants or make a donation for the FBB fundraising campaign, please e-mail Eagan at fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com.

Mark Blowers, Lakeside Roofing and Siding Store Manager and Brett Holbrook, Sales recently presented Fulton Block Builders with a check to continue Lakeside’s support of the program’s participants.

Fulton Block Builders continue to receive support and donations from the community

Cassandra Nelson, Funeral Director, and General Manager at Foster Funeral Home recently presented Linda Eagan Fulton Block Builder (FBB), Director with a generous donation of $1,500. “Foster Funeral Home has been watching the enthusiasm grow in the city and believes in trust, honesty and commitment to our community.  FBB’s mission to Restore City Pride -One Block at a Time is a program Foster Funeral Home is proud to support” said Nelson.

“Since FBB’s start in 2017, FBB has awarded 1,035 Block Challenge, Paint Fulton, and Pride Grants,” said Eagan. “Nearly 3 million dollars has been invested in Fulton’s participating properties since our start! Last year was another fantastic year for the FBB program. Thirty-two blocks were awarded Block Challenge Grants and Pride Grants, with FBB supporting 236 properties spread throughout the city. For every dollar invested by FBB, property owners invested four times that amount.”

Since 1919 Rudolph P. Foster, Clifford C. Foster, and Paul E. Foster have been serving the Fulton-Hannibal and Central New York Community. During that time, they have established one of the most reliable funeral homes. Oswego County and the surrounding area families benefit from several services provided by the professional directors and staff at Foster Funeral Home. There is always a licensed funeral director available to respond to your family's needs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's the way things started here in 1919, and it's still reflected at Foster Funeral Home today.

Donations can be made on the FBB website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/or by mailing a check to:

CenterState CEO Foundation Inc.-Fulton Block Builders

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, New York 13202

Jody Ann Morgan, Funeral Director; Heather Sturges, Funeral Director, Cassandra Nelson, General Manager and Funeral Director and Klara Stellingwerf, Office Manager for Foster Funeral Home support Fulton Block Builders.