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
RFP-Graphic-ON-RAMP
CEO News | 01/21/2025

Request for Proposal (RFP) for National Search Firm to Identify President/CEO for ON-RAMP

CenterState CEO is seeking proposals from qualified national search firms to assist in the recruitment and selection process for a President/CEO for a new start-up nonprofit organization.

Image
Business of the Year 2025
CEO News | 01/17/2025

Business of the Year Award Nominations are Now Open!

CenterState CEO is now accepting nominations from members for its 2025 Business of the Year Awards. Deadline is Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Image
Rob Simpson Statement on State of the State
CEO News | 01/14/2025

CenterState CEO President Robert Simpson Comments on Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address

Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse, issued the following statement following Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address.

Image
11th Annual Premo Clothing Drive
CEO News | 01/13/2025

11th Annual Mark J. Palumbo Memorial Clothing Drive, honoring Nancy Premo

CenterState CEO is hosting the 11th annual Mark J. Palumbo Memorial Clothing Drive in honor of Nancy Premo. Bring gently used items, such as winter coats, hats, sweatshirts, gloves, scarves, sweaters and warm socks to CenterState CEO's…

Image
GENIUS NY Email Header_app open
CEO News | 01/09/2025

Empire State Development Announces Application Window for GENIUS NY Round 9 Now Open

The world's largest business accelerator for uncrewed systems is accepting applications through May 28, 2025.

Image
Rob 2024 Trailblazers
CEO News | 12/19/2024

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson Featured in City & State's 2024 Trailblazers in Economic Development

The list puts a spotlight on 100 New Yorkers who are on the front lines, creating jobs and spurring economic growth at the local, state and national level.

Image
Syracuse, NY skyline at night long exposure
CEO News | 12/11/2024

CenterState CEO & CNY Community Foundation to Support Micron’s CHIPS Workforce Strategies

Micron has named the Central New York Community Foundation to serve as the lead intermediary to help steward the investment of $65 million in federal dollars awarded by the Department of Commerce as part of Micron’s overall CHIPS Act…

Image
Simpson Statement on CHIPS & Sience Agreement
CEO News | 12/10/2024

CenterState CEO President Robert M. Simpson Comments on Finalized CHIPS and Science Act Investment for Micron

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson shared the following statement on the finalized historic CHIPS and Science Act investment for Micron Technology’s expansion plans in Central New York.

Image
Up Start Graduation November 2024
CEO News | 11/25/2024

Start It Classes to be held with Northside Learning Center and Blueprint 15

CenterState CEO’s Up Start Start It! program will expand in a new, but familiar way this winter. Rather than centralized at the Salt City Market, the next Start It! cohorts will operate on a neighborhood model with support from trusted…