Talk CNY

Hosted by CenterState CEO

Business

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Episodes

127

Latest episode

Jun 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.

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60 recent

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.CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeJess Abbott LinkedInJared Shepard LinkedInHost: 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. CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeEvelyn Ingram LinkedIn

May 20, 2026Episode 1015 min

Meet the Winner of GENIUS NY Cohort 9

Communicating with animals is not just something out of a storybook, but a reality for the GENIUS NY Cohort 9 grand prize winner. Flox Intelligence is a wildlife AI company that aims to minimize harmful interactions between humans and animals. The idea recently won them a $1 million grand prize at the GENIUS NY pitch finals during CenterState CEO’s annual Innovation Night.On this episode of Talk CNY presented by NBT Bank, we talk about winning this round of GENIUS NY and the problem Flox Intelligence aims to solve with Flox Intelligence cofounder Sara Nozkova. CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeSara Nozkova LinkedInHost: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

May 6, 2026Episode 925 min

How GENIUS NY Helps Companies Grow in the Uncrewed Systems Industry

Central New York is home to the world’s largest accelerator for robotics and uncrewed systems, GENIUS NY. Funded by Empire State Development and operated by CenterState CEO with support from National Grid, GENIUS NY has been bringing some of the most innovative uncrewed systems startups in the world to set up a headquarters in downtown Syracuse for nearly a decade now. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, CenterState CEO Director of Programs and Engagement Kara Jones and Investment Manager Brad Banikowski join us to discuss how GENIUS NY is keeping speed with the UAS industry. CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeBrad Banikowski LinkedInKara Jones LinkedInHost: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

May 4, 202627 min

Quarter 2 Market Insights: Understanding Labor Shifts, Inflation Signals and Consumer Strength

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’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann. From a strong jobs report to volatile oil prices, the conversation explores what the markets are signaling about inflation and growth. Ken breaks down shifting labor dynamics, inflation expectations and consumer resilience, while offering grounded insight on what it all means for markets, businesses and Central New York’s outlook.CenterState CEO | LinkedIn | WebsiteNBT Bank | Website | LinkedIn Kevin Schwab | LinkedIn

April 27, 202613 min

Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - From Purpose to Growth: How Seen Nutrition Scaled a Women’s Health Startup

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.Connect: CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield LinkedIn | WebsiteSeen Nutrition Website | LinkedInDr. Adrienne Bitar LinkedIn

April 22, 2026Episode 825 min

Micron's CNY Expansion: Site Preparation and Strategic Partnerships

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.CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeJoe Nehme LinkedInHost: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

April 8, 2026Episode 725 min

Expanding Leadership for CNY's Next Chapter

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. CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeRob Simpson LinkedInBen Sio LinkedInHost: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

March 25, 2026Episode 627 min

Building a Supportive Network for Entrepreneurs

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!CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeLindsay Mastrogiovanni LinkedInKathleen Avery Connell LinkedIn

March 20, 202613 min

Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - Leading Across Frontlines: Medicine, Military & Management

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.