Meet the 2026 Business of the Year Winners
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Congratulations 2026 Business of the Year Winners!
CenterState CEO's Business of the Year Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of regional businesses and organizations in five categories. Winners were announced at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Visit CenterState CEO's YouTube channel to watch videos from the event, including Business of the Year recognitions, remarks from Rob Simpson, and the event’s speaker. Download CenterState CEO’s 2025-2026 Annual Report.
This year’s winners are:
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More than 50 EmployeesCommunity Financial System, Inc.CFSI is a Business of the Year winner for outstanding financial performance, regional expansion and extraordinary community impact. With $48.6 million in improvements and expanded Syracuse and Utica facilities, CFSI strengthened its regional presence. In 2025, assets grew to $17.3 billion, revenues to $818 million and net income by 15%. Customer satisfaction across CBNA, BPAS, OneGroup, and Nottingham remains exceptional. Innovation includes proprietary AI tools, branch expansion, and strategic acquisitions. Across the Central New York region, in 2025 CFSI donated more than $606,000 to 136 nonprofits, and contributed over 2,700 in employee volunteer hours., supporting major initiatives across education, financial literacy and community vitality—setting the standard for community‑first financial leadership.
Additional finalists: Black River Systems Company, Inc., Lotte Biologics USA, LLC |
Fewer than 50 EmployeesEastern Security ServicesEastern Security Services, celebrating its 50th year, is a Business of the Year winner for its legacy of dependable, community‑centered protection. With $1.5 million in investments and national industry awards, the company continues to deliver top‑tier security solutions. Eastern distinguishes itself through 24/7 monitored services, decades‑long client relationships, and outstanding retention supported by a 4.9 Google rating. In 2025, it achieved another top sales year. Eastern reinvests in training, technology and culture, helping the company to earn recognition as a Best Place to Work. The company actively supports local schools, nonprofits and public safety partners, reinforcing its role as a trusted protector and community asset.
Additional finalists: Taitem Engineering, DPC, Total Solutions |
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NonprofitClear Path for Veterans, Inc.Clear Path for Veterans is a Business of the Year winner for its expansive, life‑changing impact across 33 New York counties. In 2025, the organization advanced nationally recognized programs—including its ADI‑accredited service dog program, suicide‑prevention initiatives, peer support and Operation Socrates career transition services. Clear Path delivered more than 11,800 services to over 3,000 individuals while strengthening culinary, wellness and career programs. Strong financial stewardship fueled program expansion, major grants, and revenue diversification. With nearly half its staff being veterans and a culture of internal advancement, the organization exemplifies mission‑aligned leadership. Clear Path celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and continues to bridge the military‑civilian divide, expand access to critical resources, and transform veteran well‑being across New York and the nation.
Additional finalists: Devin's Rec Room, The Reading League, Inc. |
Community InvolvementSapphire Recruitment, Inc.Sapphire Recruitment is a Business of the Year winner for its exceptional workforce development, community leadership and growth. A women‑owned firm with 36 years of experience, Sapphire exemplifies people‑centered hiring, innovation and community partnerships. It expanded into Syracuse’s Inner Harbor in 2025 and delivered nation‑leading satisfaction scores. The company supported more than 25 nonprofits in 2025, including the Food Bank of CNY, David’s Refuge, Vera House, United Way, Catholic Charities, McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, the American Heart Association, Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Rescue Mission and Francis House, among others. It also led corporate fundraising for The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. In addition to its corporate commitments, employees contribute through board service, volunteerism and hands-on involvement throughout the year.
Additional finalists: Everson Museum of Art, Fulton Block Builders |
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Minority-owned Business, in partnership with UMEAChampions Gr8 Kidz After School & Summer CampChampions GR8 Kidz, founded by Carlos Tearney, has spent 10 years delivering high‑quality youth development programs that have served over 3,000 children across Central New York. Offering after‑school care, summer camps, martial arts, parkour and enrichment activities, the organization supports working families while helping kids grow socially, emotionally, and physically. In 2025, GR8 Kidz continued its growth and expanded its seasonal workforce by 30 employees. The company is deeply community‑focused, raising funds for local schools, hosting large family events and providing scholarships. With the launch of GR8 Kidz Thrive Inc. in 2026, the organization now brings its programs directly into schools and underserved communities.
Additional finalists: Rolling Enterprises, LLC, Who Want Smoke BBQ & Catering LLC |
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