CenterState CEO Announces Business of the Year Finalists

SYRACUSE, NY – CenterState CEO today announced finalists for its 2021 Business of the Year awards. The awards celebrate member companies and organizations that have achieved growth and gone above and beyond in the past year to distinguish themselves as leaders in the business community. Finalists were selected from a highly competitive pool of nominations.

2021 Business of the Year Finalists

Community Involvement

• CH Insurance
• Speach Family Candy Shoppe, Inc.
• Thompson & Johnson Equipment, Co.

Nonprofit

• Central New York Community Foundation
• Food Bank of Central New York
• Hospice of Central New York / Hospice of the Finger Lakes

Less Than 50 Employees

• ComSource, Inc.
• N.K. BHANDARI, Architecture & Engineering, P.C
• United Way of Central New York

More Than 50 Employees

• HealthWay Family of Brands
• MOWER
• Quadrant Biosciences, Inc.

Minority-owned Business

in partnership with the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance

• Dreissig Company
• Nick’s Landscaping

“During one of the most trying years, these companies have persevered–­achieving growth through new investments, adding jobs and expanding operations; finding new opportunities to serve their customers and constituencies; and showing their commitment and dedication to their community,” said Robert Simpson, president, CenterState CEO. “We are proud to honor these members for their outstanding success and the role they play in strengthening the region. We are also proud to partner with UMEA to present the Minority-owned Business of the Year award. We extend our sincere congratulations to all of these finalists for their achievements.”                 

“The Upstate Minority Economic Alliance proudly recognizes these minority-owned businesses for their outstanding success,” said Me'Shae Rolling, executive director, Upstate Minority Economic Alliance. “These companies have shown tremendous fortitude during the COVID-19 crisis and have driven impact and helped to strengthen our community.”

A single company or organization will be recognized in each Business of the Year category at CenterState CEO’s 2021 Annual Meeting, taking place virtually April 29, for their commitment to growth and creating tangible impacts on the regional economy and community. Through this year’s theme of Commit: Progress through Purpose-driven Leadership, the virtual event will highlight how businesses are called on to lead with purpose, push boundaries and engage in greater community consciousness to achieve economic growth, equitable prosperity and positive social change.

This year’s event will also designate Health Care Heroes awardees, in recognition of CenterState CEO hospital and health care services members for their front-line response during the pandemic:

• Crouse Health,
• Nascentia Health, Inc.
• Oswego Health,
• St. Joseph's Health,
• Syracuse Community Health Center,
• Upstate University Hospital,
• Upstate University Hospital at Community General and
• WellNow Urgent Care

Register for the event at www.centerstateceo.com/AnnualMeeting, or contact Lisa Metot at 315-470-1870 or lmetot@centerstateceo.com. The virtual program begins at noon.

Presenting Sponsors of the 2021 CenterState CEO Annual Meeting are Equitable, Nascentia Health, Inc. and Tompkins Trust Company. Corporate Sponsors are C&S Companies, INFICON, SWBR, VIP Structures and Wegmans Food & Pharmacy. 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