Talk CNY

From 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.

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Jess Abbott LinkedIn

Jared Shepard LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, presented by NBT Bank, Todd Muscatello, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, gets candid about a defining moment in his career. 

Todd began his journey with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in 2003. A year after being on the job, he made a strategic move that propelled him forward but also ushered in some of the toughest yet most rewarding moments in his career. However, through resilience, reflection and the power of intentional leadership, Todd built the foundation for long-term leadership success. 

Tune in to this episode of Talk CNY to hear Todd’s advice for rising leaders as well as his take on the importance of intentional leadership and growth. 

Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons is presented by NBT Bank. 

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Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Website | LinkedIn

Host: Brittni Smallwood LinkedIn

It’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 Housing Visions, discuss how they found success in building the housing our community needs.  

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Ryan Benz LinkedIn

Ben Lockwood LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

Every 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.

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Michelle Cruse Website | Facebook

Keeli Manning Website | Instagram

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

It’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 GENIUS NY. 

On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO’s Senior Busines Advisor Brandon Mastrangelo dives deeper into the role of small business in the community and how we can help them succeed. 

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Brandon Mastrangelo LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

In 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 coordinated efforts, he believes the region is poised to become a national model of creative and equitable economic development.

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Rob Simpson LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

Talk CNY - Quarterly Market Insights presented by NBT Bank features Ken Entenmann, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist for NBT Bank.

Ken joins us to share what's happening in the markets and how it impacts you.

Kenneth J. Entenmann is Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer & Chief Economist at NBT Wealth Management. Ken has over 3 decades of investment experience. Prior to joining NBT Bank, he served as Director of Investment Management at Alliance Bank.

In his current role, he oversees more than $6 billion in assets under management and administration in Trust, Custody, Retirement, Institutional and Individual accounts.

Entenmann graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in Applied Economics and Business Management. He also graduated from William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester with an MBA. He has also earned his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Ken is a former Board member of the New York Bankers Association and was the Chair of the Trust and Investment Committee. He has served on the board of the Central New York Community Foundation from 2006-2012. He currently serves on the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse's Investment Advisory Committee.

In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, presented by NBT Bank, serial entrepreneur Jeff Knauss shares the personal and professional philosophies that have shaped his dynamic career. As an angel investor, 4x Inc. 5000 founder and the CEO of Arcovo AI and Opin, Jeff reflects on what drives his business decisions and his passion for building things from the ground up and bringing them to life in ways that provide real value.

Beyond business, Jeff’s leadership is deeply grounded in personal values, especially his commitment to family and the intentional use of time. Tune in to this episode of Talk CNY to hear Jeff’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as his take on the importance of reverse-engineering big goals, taking a leap, and striving for daily improvement—emphasizing that regret is more frightening than failure.  

Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons is presented by NBT Bank. 

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Jeff Knauss Website | LinkedIn

Host: Brittni Smallwood LinkedIn

This 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. 

On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson discusses how the new name and look of the innovation hub captures the region’s legacy of innovation and the vision for the future.

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Rob Simpson LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn 

As 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 about this project—including new resources, new programs and a new name.

On this episode of Talk CNY presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO’s Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship John Liddy stops by to discuss the latest progress and future goals of the Innovation Hub.

Get tickets to CenterState CEO’s 2025 Annual Meeting!

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

John Liddy LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn