Meet the Finalists: Minority-owned Business

Posted On
March 27, 2024

Image
Minority Owned Business BOTY

Congratulations 2024 Business of the Year Finalists: Minority-owned Business!

This award is in partnership with the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance (UMEA). It recognizes a UMEA member that exemplifies business leadership, innovation, customer/client satisfaction, high standards of service, and overall growth in the past year.

Join us at the 2024 Annual Meeting at the Oncenter on Thursday, April 11 to celebrate all the finalists, and see who wins!

Image
 

Brackens Financial Solutions Network

Brackens Financial Solutions Network is a top choice for financial planning, investment management, and wealth-building strategies. Its dedicated team focuses on key areas to help clients achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future. Brackens’ commitment to providing exceptional service is what sets them apart in the industry. It focuses on creating sustainable income for retirement and protecting their clients' wealth and legacy shows the company's dedication to the long-term success of its clients. Bracken Financial Solutions Network has helped countless individuals and families achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.

 

 

Image
 

Cocoa's Candle Bar

Cocoa’s Candle Bar is committed to providing luxury products that go beyond just candles. Its products are carefully curated with natural ingredients to promote relaxation and a sense of remedy, creating a cozy and purified atmosphere in the homes of their customers.  This past year, owner Youlanda Johnson opened her brick-and-mortar shop on South Salina. Setting the business apart is its dedication to using natural and organic ingredients, and all of its products are handmade and hand-poured, ensuring the highest quality and experience for customers. Cocoas Candles' carefully curated line of relaxation-inspired scents is designed to help customers unwind, de-stress and create a relaxing and purified atmosphere in the home.

Image
 

La Liga

La Liga, also known as the Spanish Action League, has a long-standing commitment to serving underserved communities in Onondaga County. Since 1969, it has worked tirelessly to bridge the cultural and experiential gap for Latinos and other underserved communities. La Liga is an “unsung hero” in the Central New York community, delivering crucial services to the LatinX community, by providing programming, assisting local families affected by hurricanes a few years ago, coming to the rescue of victims of local trafficking, and more. As of 2018, its affiliation with Acacia Network has enabled it to expand its reach and continue its essential work providing integrated, culturally responsive services to more than 150,000 individuals every year throughout New York State and beyond.

Image
 

SGTR LLC

SGTR is an award-winning full-service construction company that specializes in federal contracting, demonstrating excellence in construction, inclusivity and community involvement. The company is leading the multimillion The Tech Garden expansion project and several others throughout the county, including at Fort Drum and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine. It is focused on hiring from within the community, fostering a supportive work environment, and is dedicated to excellence and making a difference in its industry and community. SGTR has multiple federal and state certifications, showcasing its commitment to quality and safety. SGTR workers are OSHA 30 certified and provide expertise in construction management, demolition, site work, janitorial services, and post-construction clean-up.

Other
CEO News

Image
AM2026 Speaker Graphic 2
CEO News | 02/25/2026

Micron Executive VP of Global Operations to be Keynote Speaker for 2026 Annual Meeting

CenterState CEO will welcome Manish Bhatia, executive vice president of global operations at Micron Technology as keynote speaker for the event.

Image
CenterState Signal Graphic
CEO News | 03/31/2026

CenterState Signal: The Central New York Economy May Never Look Like This Again

CenterState Signal is a quarterly column by CenterState CEO's Jared Shepard that takes a closer look at economic trends and their impact on the regional economy.

Image
Micron CIF Announcement
CEO News | 03/27/2026

Micron Announces New Investments in Central New York Community

Micron joins Empire State Development to announce Central New York community investment funding.

Image
Minority Business Study Graphic
CEO News | 03/25/2026

Oswego County- Focused Minority Business Support Study Shares Ways to Strengthen Inclusive Growth

Oswego Minority Business Needs Study to share critical steps toward expanding opportunity in Oswego County.

Image
Rob Speaks at Gov. Hochul Rally
CEO News | 03/25/2026

Gov. Hochul Rallies With Upstate Leaders to Deliver State Budget Agenda

Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse to share her State Budget agenda with community leaders and elected officials.

Image
Generic NUAIR graphic
CEO News | 03/18/2026

NUAIR Names Craig Marcinkowski as Next President & CEO

Craig Marcinkowski has been named the organization's next President and Chief Executive Officer of NUAIR, effective April 1, 2026.

Image
Construction Careers Info Sessions
CEO News | 03/17/2026

Learn About Construction Opportunities During Micron CNY Community Week

The community is invited to learn more about the growing number of construction and building trades opportunities in Central New York.

Image
CenterState CEO Leadership Update
CEO News | 03/11/2026

CenterState CEO Announces Key Leadership Changes and Promotions

The CenterState CEO Board of Directors today voted to approve leadership changes for the organization designed to position it for continued growth and impact at a transformative moment for Central New York’s economy. The approved changes…

Image
Cleantech Accelerator 2026
CEO News | 03/05/2026

Cleantech Accelerator Powered by National Grid Introduces its 2026 Cohort

CenterState CEO launched its Cleantech Accelerator powered by National Grid at the start of 2026 with four teams.