News from the New York State Association of Counties finds sales tax receipts are slowing in a number of counties upstate, reflecting a still fragile recovery among consumers from the prolonged recession that began in 2008.

The fourth quarter in New York shows a mixed picture and uneven impact of sales tax on a county-by-county basis. While aggregate sales tax collected statewide is up by 5.24 percent ($26.7 billion compared to $25.4 billion), much of the total dollar increase is generated from strong growth in New York City, Long Island and downstate counties, likely due to Hurricane Sandy rebuilding.

Looking for a new job? Many people use the start of a new year as motivation to secure their dream position. Are you one of them? If the answer is yes, BBB serving upstate New York has some job-seeking advice.

One way to learn about new job opportunities and develop relationships with potential employers is through the social media channel LinkedIn. This is a very useful tool for job searching, but with many job seekers using LinkedIn to market themselves to potential employers, scammers also are finding ways to exploit the site by posing as recruiters.

Doodle Bugs! Children's Centers, a leading education-based child care provider, is celebrating 22 years of building a "Doodle community" of happy children, happy parents and happy children both inside and outside the centers.

Submarine-like body sensors and a new way to snuff out fungal infections are among the highlights from a year of inventing at the University at Buffalo.

In 2013, UB filed provisional patent applications - the precursor for a regular patent application - for 31 discoveries made by its researchers.

The five technologies below represent some of the most promising.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. board of directors voted to enter into a contract with Global Spectrum, one of the world's largest and most respected venue management companies, for public space management at Canalside in Buffalo. Global Spectrum was selected based on its extensive knowledge of how to successfully manage and operate destinations and venues, its experience with similar projects, and its ability to leverage existing national relationships and affiliates to market Canalside and generate revenue.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement in response to the latest news regarding last November's Target data breach.

"The news that Target has discovered a breach involving 70 million customers is deeply troubling. Consumers in New York and around the country expect and deserve companies that protect their personal information when they shop on their websites and in their stores."

In response to the state of emergency declared by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for the areas of Western New York impacted by Monday's major winter storm, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued an open letter to vendors warning against price gouging, the inflation of the price of necessary goods and services. General business law prohibits such increases in costs of essential items such as food, water, gas, generators, batteries and flashlights, and services including tree trimming/removal, emergency structure repairs, or snowplowing, during natural disasters or other events that disrupt the market.

New York's retailers used deep discounts, extended hours, and heavy promotions to attract shoppers during the 2013 holiday shopping season, mustering an increase in sales volume of some 3-to-4 percent over a similar time period in 2012.

Merchants surveyed by the Retail Council gave the season an average letter grade of B-minus.

"It's hard work," said Retail Council President and CEO Jim Sherin. "The competition gets tougher year after year. Retailers of every size have to be quick on their feet to respond to consumer trends that shift at unprecedented pace."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced details of a more than $2 billion tax relief proposal designed to increase economic opportunity and attract and grow businesses across the state. He said today's proposals are the next major step in New York's continued transformation to a more affordable state for businesses and families.

"Over the past three years, we have made unprecedented progress toward curbing the rise of taxes and government spending in New York, transforming a state budget with a $10 billion deficit to a $2 billion surplus," Cuomo said.

In response to the statewide emergency declared by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in anticipation of Winter Storm Hercules, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued an open letter to vendors warning against price gouging, the inflation of the price of necessary goods and services. General Business Law prohibits such increase in costs of essential items like food, water, gas, generators, batteries and flashlights, and services like tree trimming/removal, emergency structure repairs, or snowplowing, during natural disasters or other events that disrupt the market.

Fuccillo Automotive Group presented the Salvation Army with $200,000 Dec. 23 at Fuccillo Chevrolet of Grand Island as part of this year's campaign in which Fuccillo matched red kettle proceeds throughout Upstate New York.

National Fuel Gas Co. has announced David F. Smith, executive chairman of the board, indicated his intention to retire, effective April 1, 2014. Smith will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors.

"National Fuel is today a better company for its employees, its investors, and the customers we serve because of Dave's leadership and dedication," said Ronald J. Tanski, president and CEO. "During his five years as CEO, Dave established the current course of the company, focusing attention and significant resources on development in the Marcellus Shale as Seneca Resources Corporation's total production nearly tripled and the company's pipeline business commenced an historic, transformational realignment. Under his direction, the company continued to prioritize and invest in pipeline safety, system reliability and all levels of customer service."

The law firm of Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP recently announced Diane M. Perri Roberts was named to Business First and the Buffalo Law Journal's Legal Elite of Western New York 2013.

Business First and the Buffalo Law Journal annually ask attorneys and businesses across Western New York to nominate "stellar" attorneys in various legal practice areas. Based on nominations submitted, they develop a list of attorneys to be named to Legal Elite of WNY.

Perri Roberts is special counsel at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria.

Jim Toellner, president and general manager of WGRZ-TV, has been named Broadcasting & Cable Magazine's GM of the Year in markets 51-100.

Broadcasting & Cable Magazine, the pre-eminent trade magazine in the television industry, states, "An investment in reporting and a watchdog mentality are catalysts for Jim's success in turning WGRZ into the market leader in Buffalo."

"Television is a team sport, and our great team here at Channel 2 is responsible for this award," Toellner said.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the New York Power Authority board of trustees approved allocations of low-cost hydropower to three manufacturers in Erie and Orleans counties that will lead to the creation of 643 new jobs and capital investments of approximately $206 million.

"Today's low-cost hydropower allocations are a major win for Western New York, helping to create more than 600 new jobs, while reducing business costs to support the manufacturing industry," he said. "As we grow the manufacturing sector in Western New York, the state will continue to leverage these kinds of investments to strengthen the local economy."

The New York Power Authority board of trustees approved NYPA's 2014 operating plan (budget) that continues to invest in its 16 power plants and transmission facilities - critical New York state energy infrastructure - and in its cost-effective energy efficiency projects at local and state government facilities statewide.

The 2014 operating plan includes an operations and maintenance budget of $379.3 million; a capital budget of $279.3 million, an increase of $87 million over the budgeted amount for 2013; and an energy services budget of $222.3 million, an increase of $22 million over the 2013 budgeted amount.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the New York Power Authority board of trustees approved another round of low-cost power allocations under his statewide ReCharge NY program. The nearly 33 megawatts of low-cost power will be distributed among 47 enterprises at 53 facilities and are expected to leverage an estimated $1 billion in capital investments. This round of allocations is supporting nearly 17,000 jobs.

"ReCharge NY has been creating and retaining thousands of jobs for New Yorkers since power began flowing under the program in July 2012," Cuomo said.

In comments submitted Monday to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and a coalition of attorneys general from 11 other states and the District of Columbia argue that, in order to substantially reduce dangerous climate-change pollution from existing fossil-fuel power plants, the agency must both set strong emission limits and give states flexibility on how they choose to meet those limits.

The comments lay out the legal requirements for the EPA to take action against climate-change pollution under the federal Clean Air Act.

As part of round III of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Regional Council initiative, the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council was awarded $60.8 million for 81 projects last week in Albany. The priority capital projects awarded funding include projects that support the region's 2011 strategic plan, "A Strategy for Prosperity." These projects focus on strategies that promote smart growth, workforce development and entrepreneurship. In total, $715.9 million was awarded throughout the state through round III of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

It is time for the second annual Holiday LASIK Giveaway at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare. "Like" the doctors' Facebook page, get the official rules, then submit a brief essay telling them why you or someone else you know should win free eye surgery.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman praised Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Benjamin M. Lawsky, superintendent of the department of financial services, this week for issuing new regulations permitting "shared appreciation" mortgage modifications in New York. Under a shared appreciation modification, a bank or mortgage servicer agrees to reduce the outstanding principal balance on a borrower's mortgage in exchange for a share of any future increase in the value of the home. For borrowers who are underwater on their mortgage, owing more than their home is worth, shared appreciation modifications can significantly improve their chances of avoiding foreclosure.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman sent letters to the CEOs of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, United States Cellular Corp. and Sprint seeking information regarding their decision to prohibit Samsung from pre-loading an opt-out "kill switch" application on approved smartphones. This default feature would enable legitimate smartphone users to "brick" their stolen phones remotely and render them permanently inoperable when they fall into the wrong hands.

In the past year, Better Business Bureau has shut down more than 100 fraudulent websites that illegally stole the famous BBB logo and implied they are legitimate sites. A noticeable trend recently is websites that include the word "overstock" in the domain name, hoping to fool consumers into thinking they are shopping with overstock.com.

Overstock.com is a highly visible online retailer, and major retailers have had their names used for similar scams. BBB is warning consumers to be careful and look for the real domain when it comes to major retail sites.

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, announced today the previously announced acquisition of Tops Holding II by a group of senior managers led by Tops president and CEO Frank Curci, closed Dec. 1.

During the past six years under Curci's leadership, Tops has more than doubled its number of stores, added new jobs and expanded is geographic reach into eastern and northern New York, Vermont and northern Pennsylvania.

Gov. Cuomo has announced that, as part of his Buffalo Billion initiative, New York will build a state-of-the-art anchor hub facility for high tech and green energy businesses at RiverBend in the City of Buffalo.

Two companies at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, Soraa and Silevo, will collectively invest $1.5 billion into the project and relocate major parts of their operations to Buffalo, creating 850 permanent jobs and at least 500 construction jobs and attracting additional manufacturing companies to the site.

RiverBend, formerly Republic Steel, is a 90-acre site that is ready for development.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced Ford Motor Co. will invest $150 million to make significant upgrades to its Hamburg facility, just outside Buffalo. The new machinery and state-of-the-art equipment will allow the Ford stamping plant to remain competitive, secure its long-term presence in the region, retain 640 full-time, permanent jobs, and create 350 new jobs in Western New York.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman joined the members of a state and federal working group he co-chairs in announcing a $13 billion settlement with JPMorgan Chase. The agreement - the largest settlement with a single entity in American history - resolve federal and state civil claims arising out of the packaging, marketing, sale and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities by JPMorgan, Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual prior to Jan. 1, 2009.

HARBORCENTER President John R. Koelmel announced today that Dominic Verni has been named general manager of its restaurant and sports bar.

"Dom brings tremendous experience and notable success in the food and beverage industry to HARBORCENTER," Koelmel said. "We are very excited to have him leading the team that will make our restaurant and sports bar one of downtown Buffalo's most enjoyable and notable entertainment venues."

The yet-to-be-named establishment will be owned and operated by HARBORCENTER.

New York State Sen. George Maziarz will present a free Niagara County business fair Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 7-9 p.m. at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, 28 Old Falls St. Attendance is free and check-in begins at 6:45 p.m.

The event, co-sponsored by Maziarz, the Niagara County Community College Small Business Development Center and the Niagara USA Chamber, brings together numerous business resources, including local business associations, economic development partners and other local business owners.

In recognition of Veteran's Day, National Grid is highlighting its programs to attract and retain veteran employees. Troops To Energy Jobs is an initiative in which National Grid has partnered with five other energy companies across the country, and the Center for Energy Workforce Development, to develop an accelerated process for bringing military veterans into the energy industry workforce nationwide and locally across New York state.

A public forum on the Affordable Care Act will be held at The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St., on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from noon to 2 p.m. The public forum will be presented by members of the Bene-Care Agency and hosted by the Niagara Falls New York Chamber of Commerce. All individuals and businesses with questions about upcoming changes to health care are encouraged to attend this free forum to have their questions answered.

Empire State Development has announced Empire Specialty Cheese Co. LLC will invest $6.37 million to expand its business in New York state. The company will purchase and upgrade an idle manufacturing facility in Chautauqua County to accommodate new and existing cheese production processes, resulting in the creation of 204 new jobs.

Empire State Development, the state's economic development agency, assisted Empire Specialty Cheese Co. with its expansion project by providing $650,000 in Excelsior Job Program tax credits.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced more than $12.4 million in grant funding for land banks in Erie County/Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Chautauqua County, Newburgh and Suffolk County. The grants represent the first round of competitive funding awards under the attorney general's land bank community revitalization initiative. This two-year, $20 million program provides funds from last year's national mortgage settlement with the nation's largest banks to help communities rebuild and restore neighborhoods hit hard by the housing crisis.

Both the Village of Lewiston Planning Board and Board of Trustees have given approval to the DiMino family to expand the Colonial Valley Plaza on Center and South Eighth streets. An 11,056-square-foot addition will be built on the CVS lot's west side, and will house between one and three tenants.

HARBORcenter President John Koelmel made several announcements regarding hockey programming at HARBORcenter, including the hiring of Kevyn Adams as vice president and director of the HARBORcenter Academy of Hockey, a premier hockey training and development program at the complex.

Empire State Development Regional President Sam Hoyt, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown have announced the Erie County Industrial Development Agency and the Buffalo Urban Development Corp. have centralized their offices at the vacant space at 95 Perry St., in Buffalo, where Empire State Development's Western New York regional office is currently located. The move allows the state, county and city to have all their economic development entities located in one building, achieving long-term savings for New York taxpayers and the "one-stop shopping" goal the economic development community has supported for years.

New York state spending declined for the second straight year in fiscal year 2012-13 while debt reached an all-time high of $63.5 billion, according to the annual report on the financial condition of New York state released by Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

"State policy decisions in the past three years have helped New York better align state spending with revenue, but difficulties remain," DiNapoli said.

In downtown Buffalo Tuesday, the University at Buffalo broke ground on a milestone project in the university's history and in the city's efforts to reinvent itself as a destination for world-class health care.

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, has announced the company's produce director, Steven Wright has won 2013 Retailer of the Year from Produce Retailer magazine. The award celebrates Wright as well as Tops' entire produce team as leaders in the produce field and within the grocery industry.

Nominations for this distinction are submitted largely by the produce vendor community and are based on criteria such as: innovative programs, creative merchandising, environmental stewardship, supplier relationship, leadership effectiveness, and divisional culture.

"This truly is a historic day at Niagara University, one that will forever change the scientific research and teaching that happens on our campus."