Cazenovia-area companies recognized for creating jobs, growth and expansion

CenterState CEO last week recognized 295 companies as 2016 Economic Champions for their collective hiring of 3,163 employees, more than 1 million square-feet of expansions, and over $650 million in capital investments. In keeping with this year’s theme, Celebrating Business Beginnings, 68 companies were also recognized for opening the doors to a new business.

The 2016 economic champions from the greater Cazenovia area included:

•Brae Loch Inn

•Cazenovia College

•Empire Farmstead Brewery

•Hampton Inn & Suites Cazenovia

•Knowles Cazenovia

•Laboratory Alliance of CNY, LLC

•Life of Reilley Distilling and Wine Company

•Marquardt Switches, Inc.

•Viking Cleaning Service, Inc.

Businesses recognized that have branch office or store locations in Cazenovia included AmeriCU Credit Union, Community Memorial Hospital, Key Bank and Kinney Drugs.

“This region is home to industries across sectors, businesses large and small, legacy companies and an ever-growing entrepreneurial culture,” said CenterState CEO President Robert Simpson. “This year we are celebrating the innovators, risk takers and new business owners who are making their goods and their livelihood in Central New York. They are among the many Economic Champions that make this region such a great place to grow a business.”

The Economic Champions Luncheon, presented by Fust Charles Chambers LLP and CR Fletcher Associates, brought together a sold out crowd of more than 600 CenterState CEO members, community leaders and guests on Oct. 20 to the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter. Honorees were recognized for their contributions to the economic growth of the region through capital expenditures, hiring of new employees, expansion or relocation due to growth and achievements such as major milestone or state or national recognition.

Companies were nominated as Economic Champions for their accomplishments throughout the year by peers, employees and staff. New this year, companies celebrating the opening of a new business or location were also recognized.

The luncheon also featured remarks from Wiley Cerilli, co-founder and CEO of Good Uncle, who spoke of his own experiences as a serial entrepreneur, and his latest startup venture.

“Starting any new venture can be a scary prospect. It takes focus, determination and risk,” said Cerilli. “But if you surround yourself with great people — whether it’s investors, other entrepreneurs, mentors and partners — that risk can pay off in dividends. At Good Uncle, as with any startup, we are constantly looking at new markets and new opportunities, and we are excited to be growing our new company in Central New York.”

The CenterState CEO Community Visionary Award, sponsored by Wegmans, was presented to St. Joseph’s Health. This award is given to a person, company or association that embodies the vision of economic opportunity and has had a significant impact on community prosperity.

“St. Joseph’s Health has exhibited the vision, commitment and leadership that are so critical to advancing opportunities to create greater prosperity in our community,” said Evelyn Carter, director of community relations at Wegmans. “Over the past decade, St. Joe’s has invested more than $250 million in its campus to help spur growth on Syracuse’s Northside, and it has been a leader in developing training and employment opportunities for the residents of its neighborhood, and beyond.”