Podcast
Talk CNY
Hosted by CenterState CEO · EN
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.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Quarterly Market Insights 2026 Q3: Market Volatility, AI Growth and Economic Resilience
2d ago00:21:53Summary readyIn 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.
SummaryUnited Way of Central NY's New President and CEO on Community Vision and Collective Impact
1w ago00:25:58Summary readyFrom 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
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Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - Scaling with Intention
2w ago00:14:09Summary readyWhat 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.CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeCommunity Financial System Website | LinkedIn |
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Strategies for Growth: CenterState CEO Leadership Team's 2026 Agenda and Vision
3w ago00:40:37Summary readyLearn 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. CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeRob Simpson LinkedInBen Sio LinkedInJess Abbott LinkedInAndrea Hahn LinkedInElle Hanna LinkedInJuhanna Rogers LinkedInKevin Schwab LinkedInHonora Spillane LinkedIn
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Celebrating ON-RAMP CNY's One Year Anniversary
Jun 2400:22:31Summary readyCenterState 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.CONNECTCenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeDr. Carlene Lacey LinkedInHost: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn
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Creative Housing Solutions for CNY
Jun 1000:26:03Summary readyOne 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
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Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - The Power of Leading with Authenticity and Integrity
Jun 100:17:12Summary readyWhat 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
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Meet the Winner of GENIUS NY Cohort 9
May 2000:15:54Summary readyCommunicating 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
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How GENIUS NY Helps Companies Grow in the Uncrewed Systems Industry
May 600:25:25Summary readyCentral 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
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Quarter 2 Market Insights: Understanding Labor Shifts, Inflation Signals and Consumer Strength
May 400:27:26Summary readyIn 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
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