Talk CNY

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 customers across all 50 states.

From navigating manufacturing challenges to rapid scaling as first-time founders, Dr. Bitar shares the leadership decisions that helped bring Seen Nutrition to life.

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Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield  LinkedIn  | Website

Seen Nutrition Website | LinkedIn

Dr. Adrienne Bitar LinkedIn

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 episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, Joe Nehme, Senior Manager for External Affairs at Micron Technology, joins us to discuss the latest on the Micron project.

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Joe Nehme LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

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. 

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Rob Simpson LinkedIn

Ben Sio LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

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. Kathleen Avery Connell and Jim Connell, partners at Furthermore and Lindsay Mastrogiovanni, founder of ConsciousHR.

Learn more and join the CenterState CEO Network!

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Lindsay Mastrogiovanni LinkedIn

Kathleen Avery Connell LinkedIn

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 distinguished career as a physician, military officer, and healthcare executive, Dr. Stallone describes how stepping outside of one's comfort zone, embracing risk and focusing on the mission and vision can elevate leadership at every level.

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 CenterState’s team of experts to help them grow faster, innovate smarter and navigate change with confidence. Learn how the new network provides guidance that is responsive, practical and tailored to where you are and where you want to go.   

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Guests: 

Jess Abbott LinkedIn 

Honora Spillane LinkedIn 

Host: 

Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

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 uncertainty, Ken explains why the underlying data still points to a resilient economy. Plus, they examine what Micron’s groundbreaking and new housing development could mean for Central New York’s economic future.

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 an even greater chance to connect with other members of the business community and find new ways to work together for a community where all people can prosper.

On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, GOFCC Executive Director Sara Broadwell joins host Katie Zilcosky to talk about all there is to celebrate at the upcoming GOFCC Annual Meeting. 

Get your Annual Meeting tickets today!

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Sara Broadwell LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

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 that may keep them fully capitalizing on the region’s momentum. To ensure that all parts of our economy are able to benefit from this growth, CenterState CEO is finding new and intentional ways to help these businesses grow.

On this episode of Talk CNY Presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO Senior Business Advisor Brandon Mastrangelo joins us to talk more about the resources we’re providing to the business community.  

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Brandon Mastrangelo LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

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 this a vibrant community for all. 

On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO President and CEO Rob Simpson sits down with County Executive Ryan McMahon to reflect on the work that brought us to Micron’s historic groundbreaking and discuss priorities for the future.

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Rob Simpson LinkedIn

County Executive Ryan McMahon LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn