Audible Executive Aisha Glover to Deliver Remarks at CenterState CEO’s Annual Meeting, April 29

Glover to share insight on how Audible is innovating and growing while driving positive social and economic impact

SYRACUSE, NY – CenterState CEO announces Aisha Glover, vice president of Urban Innovation at Audible, as the keynote speaker of its Annual Meeting, taking place virtually April 29, at noon. This event focuses on a theme of Commit: Progress through purpose-driven leadership, calling on the business community to lead with intention and commit to greater community consciousness to achieve economic growth, equitable prosperity and positive social change.

Audible is the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling. Its innovative business mindset is also applied to enacting positive change in the cities and countries in which it operates. Audible’s global headquarters is based in Newark, New Jersey.

“We are thrilled to have Aisha joining us for this event,” said Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “Audible’s commitment to bridging business, economic and community initiatives is creating true impact in Newark and can serve as a model for businesses and communities, like ours. Her message is particularly relevant as we advance our own workforce, innovation and community investment initiatives here in Syracuse and Central New York.”

Glover has more than 15 years of experience as a champion and change agent for economic empowerment and social responsibility. In her leadership role at Audible she works to develop innovative solutions to exemplify what a company can mean beyond what it does. Glover previously served as president and CEO for the Newark Alliance and Invest Newark. In both roles, she oversaw a range of innovative and community-focused economic development initiatives, in partnership with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. Glover led the city's bid to attract Amazon for selection of its second headquarters, helping position Newark as a major destination city, strengthening the small business ecosystem, supporting a thriving entrepreneurial base and attracting corporations, investors and developers.

“At Audible we’ve made it our mission to directly improve the lives of students, entrepreneurs and residents across Newark, as well as encourage employees to live, serve and play in the city,” said Glover. “I’m really looking forward to joining CenterState CEO and the Central New York business community to share the impactful work underway at Audible, and how companies can think more intentionally about the role they play in building stronger communities.”

Audible’s community initiatives help promote education and literacy, spur the innovation economy, and support local job seekers and business owners. With a focus on hiring local, buying local and living local, the newly created Global Center for Urban Development is focused on expanding the company’s community and economic initiatives. Last year, they launched Newark Working Kitchens (NWK) to support local restaurants and residents impacted by COVID.

Special thanks to speaker sponsor, KeyBank, which exemplifies this year’s event theme with its deep commitment to community investment. CenterState CEO’s Annual Meeting will also highlight the organization’s work in the past year to support its members and respond to the impacts of the pandemic, as well as its priorities moving forward as its members and the region continue their recovery. CenterState CEO’s Business of the Year award winners will also be announced during the event in five categories: Community Involvement; Nonprofit; Companies with Less Than 50 Employees; Companies with More Than 50 Employees; and Minority-owned Business, in partnership with the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance. See finalists.

Register for CenterState CEO’s Annual Meeting at www.centerstateceo.com/AnnualMeeting, or contact Lisa Metot at 315-470-1870 or lmetot@centerstateceo.com. The virtual program begins promptly at noon.

Presenting Sponsors of the 2021 CenterState CEO Annual Meeting are Equitable, Nascentia Health, Inc. and Tompkins Trust Company. Speaker Sponsor is KeyBank. Corporate Sponsors are Bowers & Company CPAs PLLC; C&S Companies; Harris Beach PLLC; INFICON, Inc.; SWBR, VIP Structures and Wegmans Food & Pharmacy. Supporting sponsor is The Bonadio Group. Media Sponsors are Central New York Business Journal; News Radio 570 WSYR Now on 106.9 FM, Such Chaos and Visual Technologies.

About CenterState CEO

CenterState CEO is an independent and forward thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships, planning and problem-solving. www.centerstateceo.com

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