Talk CNY

CenterState CEO announced Dr. Carlene Lacey as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of ON-RAMP CNY just about a year ago. In that time, Dr. Lacey has hired new staff members, forged partnerships across the workforce ecosystem, welcomed dozens of community residents into training programs, helped establish a Community Advisory Committee and much more.  As we enter year two, we sit down with Dr. La...

One of the greatest challenges we will undertake as Central New York grows is building enough housing to accommodate all the region’s residents. Available, affordable housing is imperative to creating a truly inclusive, competitive and sustainable future for Central New York.  For that reason, CenterState CEO and its Network have prioritized examining the region’s housing landscape, its obstacles...

What does it take to build trust, unite communities and lead with purpose? In this episode of the Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Evelyn Ingram of Wegmans reflects on her leadership journey, the power of showing up authentically and the role businesses can play in strengthening communities. From career-defining lessons to rapid-fire leadership i...

Communicating with animals is not just something out of a storybook, but a reality for the GENIUS NY Cohort 9 grand prize winner. Flox Intelligence is a wildlife AI company that aims to minimize harmful interactions between humans and animals. The idea recently won them a $1 million grand prize at the GENIUS NY pitch finals during CenterState CEO’s annual Innovation Night. On this episode of Talk...

Central New York is home to the world’s largest accelerator for robotics and uncrewed systems, GENIUS NY. Funded by Empire State Development and operated by CenterState CEO with support from National Grid, GENIUS NY has been bringing some of the most innovative uncrewed systems startups in the world to set up a headquarters in downtown Syracuse for nearly a decade now.  On this episode of Talk CNY...

In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights, a special series part of CenterState CEO’s Talk CNY podcast, presented by NBT Bank, host Kevin Schwab sits down with NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann. From a strong jobs report to volatile oil prices, the conversation explores what the markets are signaling about inflation and growth.  Ken breaks down shifting labor...

What happens when two experts decide the solution they need doesn’t exist? They build it themselves. In this episode of Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, we sit down with Dr. Adrienne Bitar, co-founder of Seen Nutrition, to explore how she and her team transformed a deeply personal connection to bone health into a growing business serving customer...

CenterState CEO is hosting Micron’s Executive Vice President of Global Operations Manish Bhatia for its 2026 Annual Meeting. Bhatia’s visit to Syracuse comes as Micron preps its site for its first fab in Clay, NY, and the company continues to lay its roots in Central New York.  There are many moving parts, and it’s not always easy to stay on top of all of Micron’s activity in the region. On this e...

After more than 15 years, CenterState CEO is changing its leadership structure, splitting the President and CEO role in two. But the new titles are taken on by some very familiar faces.  On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we speak to Rob Simpson and Ben Sio about their new positions as CenterState CEO Chief Executive Officer and CenterState CEO President.  CONNECT CenterState CEO...

CenterState CEO’s traditional membership model has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem of members and clients, designed to meet businesses wherever they are in their journey.  But it's the thoughtful and innovative organizations that make up the CenterState CEO Network that make its impact so powerful. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we hear from two members of the Network. K...

In this episode of Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield , our guest Dr. Martin Stallone, Executive Vice President and Chief Healthcare Services Officer for Lifetime Healthcare Companies, the parent organization of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, shares how his leadership journey is fueled by service and purpose. From a passion for helping others to a d...

This episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, examines the launch of the new CenterState CEO Network and what it means for business owners. CenterState CEO’s Senior Vice President of Member and Business Experience Jess Abbott and Senior Vice President of Inclusive Growth Honora Spillane explain how the network connects businesses of all sizes and stages to resources, networking and support from...

In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights , a special series part of CenterState CEO's Talk CNY podcast, presented by NBT Bank, guest host Jared Shepard sits down with NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann. They explore the economic outlook for 2026—from tariffs and AI disruption to consumer spending and labor market trends. Despite headlines filled with unc...

The Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce, or GOFCC, is recognizing 110 years in the Oswego County community this year, and the GOFCC will soon be celebrating at its upcoming annual meeting.   The Annual Meeting is not only an opportunity to celebrate milestone anniversaries, but also a time to take stock of all that we’ve accomplished in the last year. This year’s event will allow attendees a...

84% of business leaders who participated in CenterState CEO’s 2026 Economic Forecast Report said they see themselves as beneficiaries of the anticipated growth of Central New York’s emerging technology sector, meaning most people can see how major projects, like Micron, TTM or the Tech Hubs designation, will impact them.  But we also know that small and midsized businesses face unique challenges t...

Earlier in January, we marked an exciting moment for Central New York’s economic future, the groundbreaking of Micron’s historic project in Clay, NY. A vital partner in bringing Micron to Central New York was Onondaga County, led by County Executive Ryan McMahon. But CenterState CEO’s work with the county goes beyond just attracting major projects like Micron and extends to all facets of making th...

Happy New Year! There is a lot in store for Central New York in 2026. From Micron’s groundbreaking on its project site in Clay and opportunities for new energy generation to beginning the redevelopment of 1300 South Salina St. and working with a new mayoral administration in Syracuse to build a stronger city, the year is sure to bring historic opportunity and new challenges On this episode of Talk...

In this episode of the Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons , we sit down with Andrew Lunetta, Founder and Executive Director of A Tiny Home for Good. Andrew shares how working in shelters for nearly a decade inspired him to create an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Syracuse.  From early challenges to powerful success stories, including tenants whose lives have been permanently...

In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights, a special series part of CenterState CEO’s Talk CNY podcast, presented by NBT Bank, host Kevin Schwab is joined by NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann. They explore consumer spending patterns, what AI really means for jobs and productivity, and why Central New York is outperforming the nation. As 2025 comes to a close,...

The city of Syraucse will have a new mayor at the start of the new year. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has reached his term limit, and current deputy mayor Sharon Owens will succeed him as mayor of Syracuse starting in 2026.  CenterState CEO’s great working relationship with the city of Syracuse has helped to advance key regional strategies that have positioned us for today’s historic growth. On this e...

In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, presented by NBT Bank, Syracuse City Fire Chief Michael Monds discusses the habits, values, and decisions that have defined his leadership journey.  Chief Monds reflects on more than two decades of service – from firefighter to fire chief – and explains why servant leadership guides every decision he makes.  Chief Monds also opens up about staying c...

As a part of our Innovation and Entrepreneurship work, CenterState CEO staff gets the opportunity to work with some of Central New York’s most dedicated and creative small business owners. These entrepreneurs are offering unique products, investing locally and making our neighborhoods more vibrant. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, one of those entrepreneurs joins the podcast to...

What if gaming could change the way we learn, connect, and build communities right here in Central New York? In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, we sit down with Rob O’Connor, the co-founder of ELITE Gaming, Brain Play, and The Underground in Downtown Syracuse, to talk about how he’s redefining what it means to be a gamer. Rob shares how he’s turning gaming into a force for good, help...

We’re heading into the giving season and CenterState CEO is lucky to receive support from so many people across the business community. Their generosity enables the programs and strategies that help us create a region where businesses thrive and all people prosper.  On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we speak with a founding contributor to our Growth +Equity Fund, John Peter and E...

Our neighbors to the north in Oswego County have a long list of accomplishments so far in 2025. From thriving farmers markets to innovative child care initiatives, Oswego County leaders are building a vibrant community prepared for future investment.  The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a fully integrated partner of CenterState CEO, and for good reason. Oswego County’s business commun...