Talk CNY

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 CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO Rob Simpson breaks down 2026 priorities and shares what he hopes to accomplish this new year. 

Join the CenterState CEO team at the Economic Forecast Breakfast on Jan. 22 to hear about what’s in store for the regional and national economy. Purchase a ticket today! 

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Rob Simpson LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

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 changed, this conversation explores leadership, resilience, and the role community plays in creating real, lasting impact.

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

A Tiny Home for Good | Website 

Guest: Andrew Lunetta, Founder and Executive Director, A Tiny Home for Good  LinkedIn

Host: Brittni Smallwood LinkedIn

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, hear why “resilience” may be the word of the year—and why there’s reason to be optimistic.

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Host: Kevin Schwab LinkedIn 

NBT Bank LinkedIn 

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 episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO president and CEO Rob Simpson takes over as host and speaks with Mayor Ben Walsh and Mayor-elect Sharon Owens about the work that’s been done and their goals for the future. 

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

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 calm under pressure, building mental toughness and learning from challenging calls. Listen or watch the full conversation to gain practical and inspiring lessons from a leader dedicated to the greater good of his department and community. 

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Guest: Chief Michael Monds Website | LinkedIn

Host: Brittni Smallwood LinkedIn

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 discuss her journey and passion: Tanika Jones, founder and director of It Takes A Village Daycare.

CONNECT

CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

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 Executive Director of the CenterState CEO Foundation Kelly Fumarola about the impact giving can have in helping people achieve success.

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, helping students find confidence, community, and career opportunities through eSports and tech. From lessons learned from his father to the light-bulb moments he sees in kids every day, this conversation is inspiring and eye-opening. 

If you love gaming, innovation, or just seeing CNY thrive — you’ll walk away seeing both business and video games a little differently.

Elite Gaming | https://elitegaming.gg/

Brain Play | https://elitegaming.gg/brain-play/ 

The Underground | https://www.theundergroundsyr.com/ 

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 community ranges from major regional employers to dynamic and diverse small businesses. Their success is an important part of our entire region’s success. 

On this episode of Talk CNY presented by NBT Bank, we're joined by two Oswego County leaders that are guiding the strategic initiatives that are making regional impact: Sara Broadwell, executive director of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Rachel Pierce, director of workforce development for Oswego County.  

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Sara Broadwell LinkedIn

Rachel Pierce LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

On this Talk CNY quarterly check, we welcome back CenterState CEO President and CEO Rob Simpson. Rob joins us for this episode to share lessons learned during his sabbatical, his renewed goals now that he’s back in the office and what he’s excited about in the final quarter of 2025.

You can hear more on the power of reset from Rob and Syracuse Women’s Basketball Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack at CenterState CEO’s Economic Champions Celebration on Oct. 29. Get your tickets today!