CenterState CEO Announces Business of the Year Finalists

Posted On
March 22, 2023

Image
Website Graphic  Congrats Boty Finalists 1200x630

15 companies named finalists

See who wins at CenterState CEO’s Annual Meeting, April 26

SYRACUSE, NY – CenterState CEO today announced finalists for its 2023 Business of the Year awards. The awards celebrate member companies and organizations for their outstanding success and the role they play in strengthening the region. These organizations have achieved significant growth, exemplified business leadership and have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the community. Finalists were selected from a highly competitive pool of nominations.

2023 Business of the Year Finalists

 

Community Involvement

  • Digital Hyve
  • National Grid
  • Oswego Health

Nonprofit

  • Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  • On Point for College
  • Symphoria

Fewer than 50 Employees

  • American Fashion Network
  • Chimera Integrations
  • M3 Placement and Partnership

More than 50 Employees

  • Air Innovations Inc.
  • King + King Architects 
  • Mower

Minority-owned Business,

in partnership with the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance

  • Collins Barber & Beauty Shop
  • JHP Industrial Supplies Co.
  • Melody’s

“It’s a privilege to annually recognize the outstanding impact and success of our members, and the role they play in strengthening the region,” said Robert Simpson, president, CenterState CEO. "During the past year, these companies have created jobs; made new investments due to growth; committed to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and have given back to our community with their time and treasure. At the same time, they are steadfast in their commitment to serving their customers and clients and being employers of choice. We congratulate all of this year’s finalists for their accomplishments. We are also proud to partner with UMEA to present the Minority-owned Business of the Year award.”

“The Upstate Minority Economic Alliance is thrilled to recognize these minority-owned business award finalists for their outstanding success, and we are exceptionally proud of these UMEA members for driving impact in our economy and community,” said Me'Shae Rolling, executive director, Upstate Minority Economic Alliance.

A single company or organization will be recognized in each Business of the Year category at CenterState CEO’s 2023 Annual Meeting for their commitment to growth and creating tangible impacts on the regional economy and community.

About CenterState CEO’s Annual Meeting

CenterState CEO's Annual Meeting is Central New York's premier annual gathering of business leaders. The event will explore the theme Amplifying Opportunity, focusing on the need to scale successful strategies, leverage partnerships and assets, and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset to ensure the entire community benefits from the multiplier effect of massive new investments and shifts in global economic forces shaping the region’s future.

The event features keynote speaker David Hall, Managing Partner at Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, who will share how communities like Syracuse are the future of tech and innovation and primed to rise as startup cities.

When: Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Program: 3 to 4 p.m.

Networking Reception: 4 to 6 p.m. Music sponsored/performed by Symphoria.

Where: Oncenter

For more information and to register visit www.centerstateceo.com/AnnualMeeting, or contact Lisa Metot at 315-470-1870 or [email protected].

Presenting Sponsors are Crouse Health, Equitable, Nascentia Health, Inc. and Tompkins Community Bank. Speaker Sponsor is Armory Square Ventures. Parking Sponsor is C&S Companies. Corporate Sponsors are Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC; Bowers & Company CPAs PLLC; EDR; INFICON, Inc.; M3 Placement & Partnership; R.F. Esposito, Inc.; Saab, Inc., Thompson & Johnson Equipment Co., Inc. and Wegmans Food Markets. Supporting Sponsor is Bonadio Group. Technology Sponsor is Visual Technologies. Media Sponsors are Central New York Business Journal and Such Chaos.

About CenterState CEO

CenterState CEO is Central New York's premier business leadership and economic development organization, committed to creating a region where business thrives, and all people prosper. Its vision is to be recognized as a visionary leader, effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for our community. www.centerstateceo.com 

# # #

Other
CEO News

Image
IIH 1 Year Celebration
CEO News | 09/17/2026

INSPYRE Innovation Hub’s First Year Fuels Growth, Connections and Entrepreneurial Success

In its first year, CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub has become a cornerstone of Central New York’s innovation ecosystem.

Image
2026-09-10-convo
CEO News | 09/11/2026

CenterState CEO Chief Executive Officer Rob Simpson Receives Upstate Medical University’s President’s Award for Distinguished Service

The award recognizes Rob’s longstanding service to Central New York and his commitment to building strong, collaborative partnerships across the region.

Image
GNY10 Finalist Graphic
CEO News | 09/09/2026

Empire State Development Announces GENIUS NY Round 10 Finalists

Finalists from around the world will compete in this milestone year for GENIUS NY, the world’s largest accelerator for drones and robotics.

Image
Whiz Kidz Group
CEO News | 09/01/2026

Whiz Kidz Summer Program Inspires the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Students spent a week at CenterState CEO's INSPYRE Innovation Hub turning everyday problems into business ideas, building brands and pitching their solutions.

Image
Craig-Witmer-WEB 2026
CEO News | 08/26/2026

Craig Witmer Hired As CenterState CEO's Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

CenterState CEO is excited to announce Craig Witmer as its Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Image
GNY9 Group graduation photo
CEO News | 08/20/2026

GENIUS NY Cohort 9 Graduates Yearlong Accelerator

The five companies making up GENIUS NY’s ninth cohort finished their time in the yearlong accelerator for uncrewed systems in August.

Image
Rob Simpson Power 100
CEO News | 07/27/2026

Rob Simpson Named to City & State's Upstate Power 100

The list by City & State New York recognizes 100 leaders who are driving new projects across Upstate New Yrk.

Image
Syracuse panoramic skyline
CEO News | 07/23/2026

CenterState CEO Selected to Take Part in Opportunity@Work and Brookings AI Readiness Lab

CenterState CEO is one of six regional economic development organizations that will participate in the the AIRLab.

Image
Kelly Tyrone Collage
CEO News | 07/20/2026

CenterState CEO Announces New Staff Roles

CenterState CEO's Kelly Fumarola and Tyrone Dixon take on new roles in the organization.