Construction workers donate to the Food Bank

LPCiminelli, the construction management firm overseeing the Tioga Downs expansion project, has an internal mantra, “Building our community.” Carl York, LPCiminelli’s senior project manager at the jobsite, took it to heart. 

York coordinated with the 23 contractors and 21 union groups that are working on the Tioga Downs project to organize a month-long campaign to raise money and collect food for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. 

“I view every location I work as my community,” York said, “and I look forward to find ways to give back.” 

Led by York, the contractors held a rally in early May to explain the need in the community and encourage workers to get involved. Throughout the month, workers brought in food and funds to donate to people in need in the Southern Tier. 

“Working in this community, you become invested in seeing its success at every level,” York said. “That’s why I wanted to show this community how invested we are, and that every single one of the construction workers and contractors want nothing more than to be a good neighbor.”

Tioga Downs’ construction workers presented a check for $1,400 to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier on Monday, June 19. They also contributed more than 70 pounds of food. 

“We’re grateful to the Tioga Downs construction workers, contractors and unions who contributed to this campaign, and we extend our thanks to LPCiminelli’s Carl York for jumpstarting this worker-backed initiative. Their donations will provide 4,200 meals for neighbors in need throughout the Southern Tier,” said Natasha Thompson, president and CEO of Food Bank of the Southern Tier. “Every dollar raised makes a difference in the life of someone struggling with hunger.”

The workers’ efforts received a boost from Tioga Downs Casino and Resort Owner Jeffrey Gural. He was so impressed by the construction team that he personally contributed to the cause, providing funds to bolster their impact. 

“It was inspiring to see all of the workers, contractors and unions rally together to support the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, and I was eager to get involved,” Gural said. “It wasn’t an expectation to have such community-focused contractors on our expansion project, but we’re thrilled LPCiminelli brought its ‘building our community’ mantra to life at our jobsite.” 

Firms and organizations that participated included: Gorick Construction, William H Lane Inc., Andrew R Mancini Associates, Streeter Associates, Rochester Rigging & Erectors, Allegheny Millwork, Weathermaster Roofing, Firestop Solutions, J&A Plastering & Stucco, Sterling Glass, KHM Inc., John C. Lowery, D&R Jones, Buffalo Hotel Supply, Johnson Pools, Otis Elevators, Matco Electric, Frey and Campbell, Vacri Construction, Davis-Ulmer, Judge AV, IK Systems, W&D Smith & Sons, Binghamton-Oneonta Area Building and Construction Trades Council, Southern Tier Building and Construction Trades Council, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local Lodge 5 Zone 197, United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Local 203, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 62, Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation Local 112, Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers Local 3, Laborers International Union of North America Local 785, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 60, United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry Local 267, Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America 27, Painters District Council 4, Painters District Council 4 Glaziers & Glass Workers Binghamton Area, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 139, International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 30, Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669, Columbia Maryland of the United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States & Canada, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 529, abd International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158.

With about 175 workers at the site, contractors are now completing the major expansion at Tioga Downs as part of their Class III commercial gaming license. It will include an expanded gaming floor, new table games, new poker room, a new hotel with an outdoor resort-style pool, cabana and waterslide, new golf course clubhouse and several other amenities.