Shows
Talk CNYMeet the Inaugural CEO of ON-RAMP SyracuseWhen Governor Kathy Hochul charged CenterState CEO with leading the One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships or ON-RAMP Syracuse planning process, one of the first things the team knew to do was look for an innovative, dedicated and experienced professional to lead this new organization. They found her right here in Central New York. After conducting a national search, CenterState CEO appointed Dr. Carlene Lacey as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of ON-RAMP Syracuse. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, Dr. Lacey joins us and shares a little bit about he...2025-08-0615 min
Talk CNYCenterState Leadership Team TakeoverThis episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, is a bit different. We’re passing the host mic to the CenterState CEO corporate leadership team for this episode, recorded at the Redhouse Arts Center in downtown Syracuse. With CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson on sabbatical, the Corporate Leadership Team is taking charge of all the projects this organization currently has underway, from the INSPYRE innovation hub and new ON-RAMP site, to office renovations and staff development.This episode is hosted by CenterState CEO’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Elle Hanna...2025-07-2326 min
Talk CNYFueling Economic Growth with NBT BankIn this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky sits down with David Kavney, President of Central New York and Pennsylvania at NBT Bank. From supporting major economic developments to helping CNY leaders tackle the housing crisis, Kavney shares how NBT Bank is strategically aligning its services to drive innovation and regional impact. Tune in to this episode to learn more about NBT Bank’s expansion into new markets and how they are well-positioned for emerging opportunities. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube NBT Bank Linked...2025-07-0915 min
Talk CNYHow Central New York is Poised for GrowthFrom rising job numbers and wage growth to transformative capital investments by small business owners and major employers, this episode of Talk CNY explores why Central New York is poised for economic growth — more in the next three years than the last 16 in terms of GDP growth. In this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky is joined by Jess Abbott, Vice President of Member Engagement, and Jared Shepard, Director of Research and Planning at CenterState CEO. Together, they unpack the economic momentum propelling Central New York forward.CONNECTCen...2025-06-2525 min
Talk CNYTackling Housing Challenges in Central New YorkIt’s estimated that Onondaga County will need to build around 2,500 new units of housing per year in order to meet expected growth demands. It’s averaged just about half of that in recent years. Housing is a vital piece of the puzzle as we work to grow sustainably and equitably. It will require creative solutions and dedication from the entire community to create a more accessible and affordable housing market. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, Ryan Benz, managing partner of ReDev CNY, and Ben Lockwood, president and CEO of Housin...2025-06-1126 min
Talk CNYEntrepreneurs who Turned Their Passion into ProfitEvery dollar spent at a small business gets returned to the local economy one and half times, so it’s not a surprise that small businesses are sometimes called the life-blood of the local economy. Here at CenterState CEO, we are lucky to support and work alongside many of the entrepreneurs who are making our neighborhoods more vibrant and helping our region grow. On this episode of Talk CNY presented by NBT Bank, we’re excited to introduce you to two of them: Michelle Cruse of Cracked Bean Roastery and Keeli Manning of Doomsday Pasta.CONNE...2025-05-2125 min
Talk CNYCelebrating and Supporting Small BusinessesIt’s National Small Business Week!More than 45% of U.S. employees work at small businesses according to the Small Business Administration, making them a vital part of our national and local economy. With as important as they are, it’s imperative to recognize their impact and support their growth.CenterState CEO offers an array of supports and services to try and help small business owners realize their goals and prosper in the community. This includes everything from community investment work through CenterState Up Start to operating the world's largest accelerator for uncrewed systems with GENI...2025-05-0722 min
Talk CNYCelebrating CenterState CEO’s 15th AnniversaryIn this special anniversary episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky sits down with CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson to reflect on the organization’s 15-year journey. He recounts the state of Central New York’s economic development landscape in the early 2000s and how the creation of CenterState CEO in 2010 from its two predecessor organizations aimed to unify and strengthen efforts to drive sustainable regional growth for all people.Looking ahead to envision Central New York another 15 years from now, Simpson shares why he foresees the region as a thriving growth market. With...2025-05-0412 min
Talk CNYInspiring Growth Through InnovationThis episode will start with a trivia question. What do the dental chair, the tool you use to measure a person’s shoe size and the 24 second shot clock all have in common? They were all invented in Central New York. This region has a rich history of inventing, creating, and bringing new ideas to life. As we embark on this new chapter of growth in our community, we want to grow with respect to our roots. That’s why CenterState CEO’s new innovation hub will reflect both where we’re going and where we’ve been...2025-04-2326 min
Talk CNYBuilding the Largest Entrepreneurship Hub in NYAs each month passes in 2025, CenterState CEO gets closer and closer to opening the new innovation hub in downtown Syracuse. If you pass the building on Harrison Street these days, you’ll see glass is now in the windows and exterior siding is going up. Inside, the elevators are now installed and crews are painting and renovating the new rooms. We know there are still a lot of questions about how the new innovation hub will fit into our community and when people will be able to get inside. And we still have a lot to share abo...2025-04-0919 min
Talk CNYDiscovering What’s Next in AviationIf you’re leaving the Syracuse Hancock International Airport through Terminal A, and you look to your left after crossing through the glass doors, you’ll see a room with large screens on the walls. The screens are displaying air traffic control data, a microweather service and low-altitude flight detection and more. It's a room you may not have noticed if you weren’t looking for it, but it’s home to a keystone of the Central New York uncrewed aerial systems, or UAS, ecosystem, an ecosystem with a global reputation of innovation and success. This is the NUAIR...2025-03-2626 min
Talk CNYAccelerating Innovation in CNYEach year, uncrewed systems startups from across the globe apply to be a part of an accelerator program in Central New York. The five selected startups move to Central New York to take part in the world’s largest uncrewed aerial systems accelerator, GENIUS NY.The GENIUS NY program, operated by CenterState CEO, awards $3 million in funding across the five selected teams and provides a suite of business services over the course of the program. It’s a program that produces results. Since the program’s start in 2017, Empire State Development has invested $24 million in these u...2025-03-1221 min
Talk CNYCreating Jobs and Attracting Business in New YorkGovernor Kathy Hochul has a number of economic development initiatives in this year’s budget, from supporting the semiconductor supply chain to helping adults reskill for the new careers that will be available in the state.Leading these projects and all other economic development in the state is Empire State Development. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development Hope Knight joins the show to discuss the state’s plans to see New York grow.CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube2025-02-2623 min
Talk CNYProjects and Partnerships Impacting CNYCenterState CEO’s vision of economic development is not narrow. It aims to enable inclusive and sustainable growth, bringing together a range of partners to find creative solutions that will make for a vibrant community. That means the work is varied. From multi-billion dollar investments like Micron to new restaurants opening in city neighborhoods. It’s all economic development. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO Vice President of Economic Development Nora Spillane discusses a range of projects currently underway in this region and how they’ll impact the community.CON...2025-02-1223 min
Talk CNYPhilanthropy in ActionCenterState CEO is taking on an exciting new role as a sub-intermediary for Micron Technology’s workforce development investment through the CHIPS and Science Act. And we’ll get to work with one of our long-time partners, the Central New York Community Foundation, which will serve as the lead intermediary for the investment. The Central New York Community Foundation has invested more than $300 million in the region since its establishment in 1927. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region.Joining host Katie Zilcosky on Ta...2025-01-2921 min
Talk CNYSeizing Opportunities in 2025It’s a new year, and 2025 will be filled with a lot of work and a lot of opportunity. Micron is expecting to break ground this year, partners in Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Ithaca continue their work as a federally awarded Tech Hub, ON-RAMP will begin to take shape and we’ll be celebrating the opening of the new Tech Garden. And that is just a bit of what’s to come. On this episode of Talk CNY by CenterState, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson discusses what’s to come and what it means for...2025-01-1527 min
Talk CNYAdvocating for CNYCenterState CEO’s Strategy, Policy and Planning team works closely without our elected officials to advance policies that help our region grow. Now with less than a month until the start of a new legislative session for both Congress and the New York State legislature, they’re identifying some legislative priorities for the upcoming year.So what are we at CenterState CEO paying attention to, and what are we hoping to see? Joining this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank is CenterState CEO’s Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations and Senior Aviation Industr...2024-12-1825 min
Talk CNYDefining Moments of 2024We are in the final month of 2024 and thinking back on all this region’s accomplished this year, you’d be forgiven if you missed or forgot some of the great work that’s been done to make Central New York a place where all people can prosper. This season on Talk CNY, we’ve had the privilege to hear about the progress we’re making from vital partners as well as some of our talented and thoughtful colleagues at CenterState CEO. They’ve all helped us better understand the work and how it impacts the people in our commun...2024-12-0426 min
Talk CNYTaking CNY Innovation to the Next LevelOne of the most exciting projects that CenterState CEO has underway right now is the expansion of The Tech Garden into a new center of innovation at 235 Harrison Street. The expansion is a physical symbol of how much our innovation economy has grown. We’re not just expanding the building, but also the program offerings. We want this new building to be open to everyone, a welcoming space for all types of entrepreneurship. Helping to lead this vision to reality is CenterState CEO’s Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship John Liddy. He joins this episode of Talk CNY...2024-11-0620 min
Talk CNYCelebrating Accomplishments and Looking AheadWe are in the last quarter of 2024, but that doesn’t mean things are slowing down. The team at CenterState CEO is working on numerous projects and events to celebrate and advance Central New York’s economy. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we’re catching up on the last few months and looking forward to what 2025 will hold. CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson joins the podcast to discuss everything from microelectronics to the annual Economic Champions event.CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeRob Simpson...2024-10-1626 min
Talk CNYNavigating the Changing DEI LandscapeDiversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been declining nationwide over the last few years. But the values of those initiatives are vital to business and overall community success. As Central New York grows and we strive to create a region where all people can prosper, it’s become even more important to prioritize DEI work and create an inclusive economy.On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO’s Senior Vice President of Racial Equity and Social Impact (RESI) Dr. Juhanna Rogers discusses the evolving DEI landscape and why equity work is an i...2024-10-0227 min
Talk CNYCommunity Voices Informing Community NeedsSyracuse’s future ON-RAMP facility needs to be a place where diverse people from across the community can feel welcome to utilize resources that can aid their success. So, a vital part of the ongoing planning and design process of this future workforce training facility is community engagement and input. Helping to lead the community engagement portion of the ON-RAMP planning process is the Urban Jobs Task Force Executive Director Tylah Worrell. She’s hosted feedback sessions across the community and collected comments from people the future ON-RAMP facility aims to serve. Tylah joins this episode of Talk...2024-09-1823 min
Talk CNYBecoming the Next Semiconductor Industry Hub: Part 2The NY SMART I-Corridor, a consortium of partners from Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, is one of just 12 groups to receive a federal Tech Hub award and the only Tech Hub focused the semiconductor industry. The federal government saw local leaders’ strategy and existing regional assets and determined the NY SMART I-Corridor region has what it takes to be the next globally critical semiconductor industry hub. To support this growth, the federal government awarded the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub more than $40 million for initiatives and projects that will help us grow and ensure all residents have access to...2024-08-2125 min
Talk CNYInnovative Projects Advancing our RegionWe’ve said it before on Talk CNY, but it’s a really exciting time in Central New York.So far this summer, a delegation of Taiwanese semiconductor industry and supply chain representatives paid a visit to Central New York, the Central New York Community Engagement Committee released the Community Priorities Document, and the federal government awarded the NY SMART I-Corridor a multimillion dollar award through the Tech Hubs program. And that’s only a portion of what is going on throughout the region. CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson joins this episode of Talk CNY, present...2024-07-2426 min
Talk CNYFinancing Our FutureWhen thinking of any bank or financial institution, it’s likely you think of a place to manage your money, maybe a physical building or an ATM. All of that is a part of the banking ecosystem, but it’s not the whole of it. Our financial institutions are involved in much more, from financing the projects that enable us to grow to supporting nonprofits. This podcast is an example of that work, with NBT Bank serving as our presenting sponsor.On this episode of Talk CNY, NBT Bank’s regional president for Central New York an...2024-07-1016 min
Talk CNYMaking Building Trades More AccessibleNew infrastructure don’t just appear. It requires a skilled workforce. So, as the Central New York region grows, we’ll need more people in building trades careers to construct and maintain all that we need. And to grow equitably, it’s vital that the workforce is representative of our entire community.Women and people of color are traditionally underrepresented in the building trades. But if more people from these populations can access training and activate their potential, an entirely new talent pipeline could be created for the industry. Syracuse Build’s Pathways to Apprenticeship program does just tha...2024-06-2620 min
Talk CNYBuilding a Workforce Ecosystem for Equitable GrowthCenterState CEO’s unique position as both a chamber of commerce and an economic development organization allows us to implement holistic strategies when working towards our goal of creating a region where businesses thrive and all people prosper. One example of this is our workforce development team. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO’s Vice President of Workforce Innovation discusses how they’re helping to bring together members from the community, educational institutions, regional employers and more to find creative solutions to one of our region’s most pressing challenges to growth: b...2024-06-1226 min
Talk CNYHigher Education Partnering for Workforce InnovationCentral New York needs a skilled workforce that is representative of its population to build a vibrant, equitable economy. That’s something our partners at SUNY Oswego know well. As the largest public employer in Oswego County, SUNY Oswego is committed to making a positive economic, social and civic impact. They recently established the Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations (OWIER) is a single point-of-entry to enhance partnerships with the university and access resources. They also offer programs aimed at upskilling, preparing and advancing community members for the increasing regional opportunities.On this episode of...2024-05-2224 min
Talk CNYFrom Micron to Main Street: CNY Economic DevelopmentCentral New York’s current economic development pipeline, the mechanism we use to monitor economic opportunities, is 20 times what it was in 2019. As of May 2024, it’s tracking around $10 billion in interest investment, and advanced manufacturing projects make up around 75% of that. It’s a big shift from what we were seeing even a year ago.But CenterState CEO’s economic development work isn’t limited to the traditional business attraction and retention. It also aims to create opportunities and wealth for local residents and in underinvested neighborhoods. On this episode of Talk CNY, CenterState CEO Vice Pr...2024-05-0826 min
Talk CNYCNY Needs Housing NowCommunities don’t often have the advantage of being able to plan for exponential growth until they’re in it. However, Central New York has the unique opportunity to do just that. Because there is time to plan, there’s a chance to address the region’s current and upcoming demand for housing without creating unsustainable, inequitable conditions that often result from significant economic investment. CenterState CEO convened a Housing Task Force in the summer of 2023 to examine interrelated challenges and make policy recommendations that can be implemented under existing laws and economic conditions, while maintaining equity as a core...2024-04-2427 min
Talk CNYLeading at the Pace of ChangeWe are a quarter of the way through 2024, and the team at CenterState CEO is working to keep pace with the region’s growth. From convening a housing taskforce and creating career pathways with our partners to supporting our members’ growth and building a new center of innovation on Harrison St., CenterState CEO is engaging in a wide range of projects. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson returns to discuss all this work and how it impacts Central New York. Learn more about CenterState CEO.CONN...2024-04-1027 min
Talk CNYBuilding a Business With CenterState CEOCenterState CEO’s business development work includes aiding new entrepreneurs as they start their first business—entrepreneurs like Durin Leckie. Durin utilized CenterState CEO’s small business development programming to formalize and accelerate his business. Through Up Start technical assistance and the Growth + Equity Fund, Durin took Ali Fix It Construction from a one-man operation doing handyman jobs to a growing team that’s helping to tackle Syracuse’s lead problem. On this episode of Talk CNY, Durin Leckie talks about his journey to entrepreneurship, from Jamaica to Syracuse. Learn more about CenterState CEO.CONNECT...2024-03-2016 min
Talk CNYIgniting Small Business Growth in CNYAn important part of CenterState CEO’s economic development efforts is community investment. This work ensures business development services help not just large companies, but also small, main street businesses and entrepreneurs from historically marginalized backgrounds.One of the people helping our region’s small business owners navigate the ins and outs of entrepreneurship is CenterState CEO’s small business manager Erik Jankowski.On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, Erik Jankowski talks about the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Central New York. He also shares details of CenterState CEO’s small bu...2024-03-0618 minTalk CNYPartnering in the SkiesSyracuse Hancock International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the country. Air traffic is up 20 to 25 percent compared to 2019, the airport’s busiest year on record... and the number of available airline seats in 2024 already exceeds 2023. And there are no signs of slowing down. But the Syracuse Hancock International Airport is not only expanding commercial air service. It’s also innovating in the space of advanced air mobility and uncrewed aerial systems through a partnership with NUAIR, one of CenterState CEO’s organizational partners. Opened late last year, the NUAIR Center of Excellence is a hub fo...2024-02-2115 min