The next big thing?? LOL, I think that's every companies goal.. Like I said, Quirky has about 14-16 months before the end comes.
Albany International Airport is international in name only...They do not have the real estate to land true international flights... That deal was sealed complements of the Democratic machine in the 40's and 50's...killing the idea of a large airport in Schenectady county and the connector off the thruway at the same time.
Yes, "the next big thing" is every company's goal .. especially in the market that Quirky has chosen to compete and do business in.
It could very well be that Quirky will not survive. I won't be surprised - either way - if it succeeds or if it fails. That is the way the leading edge, 21st century business environment is. Schenectady is still a great location for start-ups like Quirky. Some will come .. some will go .. and a few will hit it over the fence and become something huge and profitable. It is worth the investment if we want to be an innovation center.
Edison Electric wouldn't have survived unless it changed its leadership and found the right products to bring to market -- "inventing the light bulb" wasn't enough to make Edison Electric profitable when other newer companies started making better light bulbs and better systems to generate electricity to power those light bulbs. Edison Electric got incentives from the Schenectady community which literally pulled its head above water and allowed it to transform into what is now General Electric. Wasn't that worth the investment?
lbany Airport has a few flights to international airports and is more centrally located within the Capital District than Schenectady's airport. Bringing up the Albany versus Schenectady airports brings up the whole issue of regional government and regional cooperation. Frankly, the only thing that (IMHO) would be better than a City-County of Schenectady would be a City-County of Albany with Schenectady and all of its municipalities melded into it.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
China office CLOSED. San Fran office CLOSED. NYC office CLOSED. CEO tells reporters in Aspen that the company is broke. But Death Ray and his running dogs see no problems? Bravo to the Gazetto for finally taking off the rose colored glasses and telling it like it is. Phone is not being answered because employees playing beer pong. No need to panic because it's yet another DEM fiscal mess orchestrated by Death Ray. McCheese, Tonko, A-Jello, Karen Johnson all run to the photo op at the ribbon cutting and are now running or the tall grass. Quirky who? What taxpayer handout? What you talking about? Another Cardio Mag but that was just $100,000 in taxpayer money dumped. Another Big House, etc. None demand accountability for the taxpayers to be repaid BEFORE the plug is pulled.
Staffing firm: Quirky owes $77K Fusco files complaint in state Supreme Court
BY BETHANY BUMP Gazette Reporter
An Albany employment agency is taking legal action against Quirky in hopes of recouping more than $77,000 it says it’s owed for staffing the invention company’s Schenectady office.
Fusco Personnel filed a complaint Friday in state Supreme Court in Albany County asking a judge to compel Quirky to pay the outstanding bill, plus any interest and attorneys’ fees.
The firm agreed to supply Quirky with temporary staffing services around Nov. 11, 2014, and did so up until July 8 of this year, according to the complaint. The full amount it’s owed is $77,639.93, it says. Neither company responded to request for comment Friday afternoon.
Quirky is very publicly out of money. Founder and former CEO Ben Kaufman admitted as much earlier this summer as his company was in the midst of massive downsizing. A couple weeks later, Kaufman was replaced by Quirky’s chief financial officer, Ed Kremer.
It’s unclear just what the company’s game plan is these days. Kaufman had spoken publicly about trying to raise money to keep both Quirky and Wink (a connected-home platform it spun off last year as a subsidiary) afloat or selling one or both.
Many employees say there’s little life left in Quirky, which was founded in 2009 on the premise of making invention accessible for ordinary people around the world. Its Wink, they say, that shows real promise. The Wink platform allows anyone with a smartphone or tablet to activate air conditioners, thermostats, lights, security cameras and locks with the tap of a finger.
Schenectady may just be its last lifeline. Quirky was headquartered in Manhattan and had three additional locations — Hong Kong, San Francisco and Schenectady. Hong Kong and San Francisco have been shuttered. And Manhattan was hit with 109 layoffs in just the past few weeks, according to a filing with the state Department of Labor.
Schenectady also suffered layoffs. At its highest, the office had 150 employees. That number was 72 as of last month, according to a Wink spokesman, though local employees told the Gazette the number was as low as 50. But local employees also say their office — a customer service and quality assurance center that opened on the top two floors of Center City last spring — is crucial to the entire Wink operation.
RAH RAH ! CHEER CHEER !
Quoted Text
Kaufman had spoken publicly about trying to raise money
How much can we bet that he will raise the money courtesy of the taxpayers. The team of McCarthy, Gillen, and Severson. McCarthy and Gillen will increase the taxes and Severson will be shaking the pom poms
But still no response from the cheerleader to how 150 employees minus 2 (the number of employees DV claims were laid off0 equals 72.
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
Sch'dy's probably their last hope for some cash. The other ones probably each wished them luck trying elsewhere.
Those DEM fiscal morons will probably agree to dumping more taxpayer funds down this black hole. For moving vans and document shredding. Of course every successful company stiffs their employment agencies-no? This is going down the drain faster than Cardio Mag. Of course, Death Ray and his amen corner here still see no problems. Double employment figures since no one checks nuthin. No accountability-no plan-no return on investment-no problem. Monkey business as usual in renaissanceville.
Quirky used temp workers for Wink expansion Posted on August 18, 2015 | By Larry Rulison
Quirky had a recent hiring surge that required temp hiring at its Schenectady office A new lawsuit filed against invention crowd sourcing company Quirky reveals the firm was using temporary employees at its Schenectady offices.
Quirky appears to have recently transitioned the Schenectady office to deal with workflow of Wink, its popular Internet of Things home appliances spin-off.
That transition required a surge in hiring that most likely created the need for temp staffing, one source told the Times Union.
Quirky, which has its headquarters in New York City, put a customer service center inside the City Center building on State Street in downtown Schenectady in 2014. There are currently about 85 full-time employees there.
At the time, Gov. Andrew Cuomo had promised the company $500,000 in state tax credits for creating 180 jobs at the site by 2017. The Schenectady Metroplex Authority offered $450,000 towards construction of the office.
However, Quirky, which has spent $1.2 million on the office in addition to $1 million spent by the building’s owner Galesi Group, has received only $300,000 from Schenectady Metroplex so far because the company has graduated job creation and investment goals.
“The company has met or exceeded it job goals in Schenectady with full-time on-payroll employees,” Ray Gillen, chairman of the Schenectady Metroplex said. “They also have met or exceed investment goals.”
Quirky has yet to apply for the tax credits under the state’s Excelsior Jobs Program
A lawsuit filed earlier this month in State Supreme Court in Albany County alleges that Quirky hired Fusco Personnel of Albany in November to provide temporary workers. The agreement sent through July of this year. Quirky, which has been experiencing financial difficulties, owes Fusco $77,000.
Last month, Quirky laid off 100 workers in its New York City office and two in Schenectady, according to notices filed with the state labor department. CEO Ben Kaufman was also ousted.
Patricia Fusco, the owner of Fusco Personnel, was not immediately available for comment on the lawsuit. The firm does do what’s called temporary to permanent staffing.
Quirky officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Every successful business stiffs temp workers-no? Wonder if Death Ray is still unconcerned? Other people's money. Another only in Schenectady County fiscal disaster with the county taxpayers out $250,000 and no one says nuthin. Every County DEM should be held accountable for yet another taxpayer ripoff, Van Dyke, Gillette House, Big Hose, Trustco HQ, Jerks for Quirky, etc. Can't wait for DVOR's spin on this DEM debacle. Right the unified DEM moron team has got yet another gin mill to move Downtown with the requisite grease from the taxpayer. Creating 3 minimum wage jobs. BFD
One of the nayboob tricks is to twist and distort the truth. The TRUTH = The Times Union and other media reports were all very clear. The cuts that were announced last week at the Schenectady office were ........ 2 positions. They weren't talking about the past. They weren't talking about the fact that the Schenectady office had not reached the original target employment levels. Those are the FACTS. Anyone is entitled to their own opinion .. but they are NOT entitled to their own facts.
You have the nerve to claim that 2 layoffs is not massive. Then you say they weren’t talking about the “past.”
The 50+ year old mamas’ boy tries his tricks to twist and distort the truth. He uses the words “the past” as if the past was 5 years ago. He claims it’s “not so bad” because on July 17 they announce 2 layoffs in Schenectady but he craftily says that “they weren’t talking about the past , he willfully, carefully, and deliberately avoids the FACT that 30 layoffs happened in Schenectady just a few weeks prior, and that FACT is proven.
The FACT is that there have been many layoffs in Schenectady in a very very short period of time, the “past” is not 5 years ago, it’s not even 5 months ago!!!!!!!!!
The Daily Gazette, Friday, July 17, 2015
Quoted Text
Metroplex chief ‘not at all’ worried about Schenectady operation By Bethany Bump CEO: Quirky out of money
In June, Business Insider reported a round of 30 layoffs had hit each of the company’s locations — Manhattan, Hong Kong, San Francisco and Schenectady.
Daily Gazette, August 3, 2015
Quoted Text
… The Daily Gazette reported this week on the company's troubles both downstate and here in Schenectady. Current and former employees had expressed concerns over the company's management, and questioned frivolous purchases and a sometimes out-of-hand party culture on company grounds. The Schenectady team was downsized from a high of 150 employees earlier this year to a core team of 72, according to a Wink spokesman.
Then also we need to question the contradictions:
Metroplex Press Release, May 21, 2014
Quoted Text
Finally, the Board approved a $450,000 handout from the taxpayers for Quirky Inc. … at the Center City building. The project brings … and 180 new jobs to downtown Schenectady.
Times Union, August 18, 2015
Quoted Text
“The company has met or exceeded it job goals in Schenectady with full-time on-payroll employees,” Ray Gillen, … said
Daily Gazette, August 15, 2015
Quoted Text
Staffing firm: Quirky owes $77K Fusco files complaint in state Supreme Court BY BETHANY BUMP Gazette Reporter
An Albany employment agency is taking legal action against Quirky in hopes of recouping more than $77,000 it says it’s owed for staffing the invention company’s Schenectady office. … The firm agreed to supply Quirky with temporary staffing services around Nov. 11, 2014, and did so up until July 8 of this year, according to the complaint. … Schenectady also suffered layoffs. At its highest, the office had 150 employees. That number was 72 as of last month …
From the above in shorter form, I am emphasizing, via repeating, what Metroplex said:
Metroplex Press Release, May 21, 2014
Quoted Text
… project brings … and 180 new jobs ….
Times Union, August 18, 2015
Quoted Text
... “ met or exceeded it job goals … full-time on-payroll employees,” Ray Gillen, … said
See the contradictions.
Metroplex stated that Quirky would bring 180 new jobs. Then he said the met … goals … full-time on-payroll employees.
And on both August 1, 2015 and August 15, 2015 it is reported that Quirky staffing in Schenectady went from a high of 150 employees down to 72.
So how does Gillen claim that the company met the job goals of full time on-payroll employees, which back in May 2014 he said was 180 new jobs. The reports are a high of 150 employees down to 72. And the lawsuit is from an employment agency referencing temporary jobs which of course clearly are NOT the “on-payroll” employees.
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
As for Schenectady, it benefits TODAY from having the largest Quirky office located here
And just what is that “benefit” you speak of?????? Would you care to list the benefits? That means benefits for the people of the city who have paid for this, tell us what benefits they have gained.
Lack of responding with such a list of course will be indicative of "no benefits."
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
they are called 'temp workers' for a reason.....yes? did the qualifications say anything about using temp workers? probably not.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
they are called 'temp workers' for a reason.....yes? did the qualifications say anything about using temp workers? probably not.
I'd like to find the contracts that Quirky has with each the state and plex
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
we are coming into a new job era......ALL jobs will be temp/part time......the next generation will float from job to job because to be tied down to one job is just.....stupid and unnecessary......
healthcare and a living wage will follow each person on their portable life device.......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
we are coming into a new job era......ALL jobs will be temp/part time......the next generation will float from job to job because to be tied down to one job is just.....stupid and unnecessary......
healthcare and a living wage will follow each person on their portable life device.......
REALLY? I disagree...no one explained your claim to GE and AMS. Will be hiring 1,500-2,000 in Utica area. "AVERAGE" salary will be $91k. That is not a part time/temp job.
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
REALLY? I disagree...no one explained your claim to GE and AMS. Will be hiring 1,500-2,000 in Utica area. "AVERAGE" salary will be $91k. That is not a part time/temp job.
we are at a time and place where 'standard' jobs will not exist as we once knew it...there are many different employment to wage algorithms. Yes I did see those jobs and they are for the 4year degree types and even then may not be part of the 'standard job' group...the next generation isn't about having a job as much as how much freedom that job gives them to actually live life outside the job
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
we are at a time and place where 'standard' jobs will not exist as we once knew it...there are many different employment to wage algorithms. Yes I did see those jobs and they are for the 4year degree types and even then may not be part of the 'standard job' group...the next generation isn't about having a job as much as how much freedom that job gives them to actually live life outside the job
Of course they are degreed jobs. People need to quit bitchin about their low pay and min wage jobs and go get a degree and better yourself. Unfortunately too many are too lazy to work for it and just want to take without putting forth efforts. Why do you think we lag so far behind Middle Eastern, Asian and even European education???? That's a contributor to why we are falling behind in the work environment.
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
Logged
China office CLOSED. San Fran office CLOSED. NYC office CLOSED. CEO tells reporters in Aspen that the company is broke. But Death Ray and his running dogs see no problems?
