Talk CNY

Hosted by CenterState CEO

Business

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Episodes

135

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Talk CNY by CenterState, presented by NBT Bank. Through this series, discover the latest news and information on topics ranging from community and workforce development, to policy and innovation. Each month features leaders from across Central New York to shine a spotlight on the growth and opportunities happening in the region. In under 15 minutes, you’ll get an inside look at the people, projects and planning moving Central New York forward, and be connected to resources you need to support your business’ growth. CenterState CEO is Central New York’s leading business leadership and economic development organization, committed to creating a region where businesses thrive, and all people prosper.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 26, 2026Episode 1623 min

Driving Meaningful Changes with Westcott Community Center

Partnership and collaboration is essential to so much of Center State CEO's work. It allows us to be more creative and find more holistic solutions to some of the region's most complex challenges. The Westcott Community Center has been a vital partner to CenterState CEO for years now, working to remove barriers to family sustaining employment. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we're joined by Westcott Community Center Executive Director Joan Royle and Center State CEO's Director of Workforce Innovation Emilija Postolovska to discuss a program that increases access to reliable transportation: Vehicles to Work. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Joan Royle LinkedIn Emilija Postolovska LinkedIn Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

August 19, 202621 min

Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - Bryan Blair: Innovation in College Athletics

In this episode of the Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Syracuse University Athletic Director Bryan Blair discusses his approach to developing ideas, leading organizational change, building teamwork and learning lessons from every experience. He also shares his vision to make Syracuse Athletics a Top 10 program nationally, from creating an unmatched Dome experience to leveraging Syracuse’s academic advantages and modernizing operations. It’s a candid conversation about leadership, resilience and the power of “we.”

August 12, 2026Episode 1516 min

Building for What's Next: NBT Bank's Regional Growth

On this episode, we welcome a very special guest, Dave Kavney, NBT Bank's President of Central New York, the Southern Tier, and Pennsylvania. NBT Bank is the presenting sponsor for this podcast, and the entire Talk CNY team is so grateful to them for all of their support of this series. On this episode, we discuss NBT Bank's recent growth and how they're playing an active role in our community's development. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Dave Kavney Linkedin Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

August 5, 202621 min

Quarterly Market Insights 2026 Q3: Market Volatility, AI Growth and Economic Resilience

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 Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann to unpack the biggest economic headlines. From oil prices to inflation and AI-driven growth, Ken explains why market volatility may be masking a surprisingly resilient economy.

July 29, 2026Episode 1425 min

United Way of Central NY's New President and CEO on Community Vision and Collective Impact

From connecting Central New Yorkers to essential services and preventing lead poisoning to building a love of reading among city school district students and empowering workers to build strong financial futures, the United Way of Central New York is helping to create a region where all people can find opportunities to thrive. Now with a new President and CEO, the United Way of Central New York is continuing its tradition of caring for the community and finding new ways to create opportunity. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we learn more about the current work of the United Way of Central New York from President and CEO Carrie Large. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube United Way of Central New York Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram Guest: Carrie Large LinkedIn Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

July 24, 202614 min

Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - Scaling with Intention

What does it take to scale a company without losing sight of its values? In this episode of the Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Community Financial System President and CEO Dimitar Karaivanov shares how one of Central New York's largest financial services organizations has grown into a national enterprise through intentional leadership, strategic planning and an unwavering commitment to trust, talent and excellence. This episode shares valuable insights on scaling with intention and leading through change. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Community Financial System Website | LinkedIn |

July 15, 2026Episode 1340 min

Strategies for Growth: CenterState CEO Leadership Team's 2026 Agenda and Vision

Learn about the strategies and priorities guiding CenterState CEO’s work directly from those leading it. This special episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, features CenterState CEO’s entire Corporate Leadership Team and is guest hosted by Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Elle Hanna. On this episode, the Corporate Leadership Team discusses the highlights of the last year and the big projects moving the Central New York community forward. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Rob Simpson LinkedIn Ben Sio LinkedIn Jess Abbott LinkedIn Andrea Hahn LinkedIn Elle Hanna LinkedIn Juhanna Rogers LinkedIn Kevin Schwab LinkedIn Honora Spillane LinkedIn

June 24, 2026Episode 1222 min

Celebrating ON-RAMP CNY's One Year Anniversary

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. Lacey on this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, to reflect on the work that’s been done and the next steps we need to take to further reduce barriers to in-demand, family sustaining careers in Central New York. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Dr. Carlene Lacey LinkedIn Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

June 10, 2026Episode 1126 min

Creative Housing Solutions for CNY

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 and what needs to be done to create meaningful change. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we speak with CenterState CEO’s Senior Vice President of Member and Business Experience Jess Abbott and Director of Policy and Research Jared Shepard about the important role housing plays in our regional economy and how we’re supporting creative, practical solutions. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Jess Abbott LinkedIn Jared Shepard LinkedIn Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

June 1, 202617 min

Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - The Power of Leading with Authenticity and Integrity

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 insights, hear how integrity and a commitment to service have strengthened partnerships across sectors and inspired meaningful change. CONNECT CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Evelyn Ingram LinkedIn