CenterState CEO Celebrates 2020 Economic Champions!

SYRACUSE, NY – CenterState CEO’s Economic Champions, presented by Fust Charles Chambers LLP, hosted a virtual celebration of 295 companies as 2020 Economic Champions for their collective hiring of more than 2,400 employees, 5.6 million square-feet of expansions, and $752 million in capital investments. At a time of tremendous economic pressure, 88 businesses were recognized for opening new storefronts, offices and facilities, and 40 were highlighted for celebrating a milestone anniversary, speaking to businesses’ commitment to the local and regional economy. Companies were nominated as Economic Champions for their accomplishments throughout the year by CenterState CEO, peers, employees and staff.

“We know that 2020 has been an unprecedented, challenging year for businesses across all industries in Central New York,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “We believe it is important to recognize the successes and bright spots that have emerged in the midst of it all - however big or small - because the tenacity and resilient spirt of our members is essential to our forward progress and emergence from this crisis. The accomplishments of these Economic Champions highlight the collective dedication of the business community to persevere through some of the most challenging of times. Working together this community is focused on building back stronger, and I am confident that we will celebrate even more Economic Champions in 2021.”

New this year, the event recognizes organizations that have demonstrated resilience and innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Innovation Excellence recognitions, sponsored by AmeriCU, acknowledge businesses and organizations that have made a significant innovation in 2020 in response to COVID-19 that contributed to growth or improved quality of life for the people of Central New York.

Resilient Response recognitions, sponsored by Dannible & McKee, acknowledge those that quickly adapted a product, service or program to respond to the COVID-19 crisis that exemplified its business resiliency and resulted in company growth or public benefit.

The CenterState CEO Community Visionary Award, sponsored by Wegmans Food and Pharmacy, was presented to the Allyn Family Foundation for embodying a vision of economic opportunity, and for its work to create a significant positive impact on community prosperity.

“Wegmans proudly recognizes the Allyn Family Foundation as the 2020 CenterState CEO Community Visionary Award recipient. With deep roots in the community the Allyn Foundation focuses its leadership and philanthropic resources to achieve permanent social change,” said Evelyn Ingram, director of Media and Community Relations, Wegmans Food & Pharmacy. “The Foundation has been instrumental in catalyzing initiatives such as Blueprint 15, the Early Childhood Alliance, and Work Train. Most notably this year, it advanced construction of the $25 million Salt City Market, a mixed-use building at an underutilized corner at the crossroads of downtown Syracuse and the south east gateway that will include a food hall, mixed income housing, and office space for nonprofits and the foundation. The project creates opportunity for diverse entrepreneurs through its partnership with CenterState CEO’s Up Start training program, and provides them with physical space to launch their businesses. We are honored to help recognize this incredible organization that is helping to move our community forward.”

“The Allyn Family Foundation appreciates the Community Visionary Award acknowledging our belief that our community possesses the human and social capital to build a more inclusive and prosperous community,” said Meg O'Connell, executive director of the Allyn Family Foundation. “Together, we can build strong families and vibrant neighborhoods in Central New York.”

CenterState CEO thanks the 2020 Economic Champions luncheon sponsors. Presenting: Fust Charles Chambers, LLP; Corporate: C&S Companies, CPS Recruitment, Lockheed Martin, National Grid, and SWBR; Community Visionary Award: Wegmans Food & Pharmacy; COVID-19 Innovation Excellence: AmeriCU Credit Union; COVID-19 Resilient Response: Dannible & McKee, LLP; Media: Central New York Business Journal, News Radio 570 WSYR Now on 106.9 FM, Visual Technologies. 

2020 Economic Champions