Nominate a 2026 Business of the Year!

Posted On
December 15, 2025

Image
Business of the Year Awards 2026 - nominations now open

CenterState CEO is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Business of the Year Awards. The awards celebrate companies and organizations that have achieved growth and gone above and beyond in the past year to distinguish themselves as leaders in the business community in five categories:

  • Businesses with Fewer Than 50 Employees
  • Businesses with More Than 50 Employees
  • Nonprofit
  • Community Involvement
  • Minority-owned business (in partnership with UMEA, the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance)

Nominate by Jan. 30, 2026 to share your company or organization's success and impact in the past year, and your team’s commitment to excellence! Winners will be announced at CenterState CEO's Annual Meeting in April 2026.

 

Eligibility:

Membership in the CenterState CEO Network, which includes INSPYRE Innovation Hub clients and tenants, or in OUT Syracuse, is required for nomination in the Businesses with Fewer Than or More Than 50 Employees, Community Involvement and Nonprofit categories. Nominees in the Minority-owned Business category must be a UMEA member; UMEA Board Members are ineligible to be nominated.

Companies that have won within the last five award years (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021) cannot be recognized in the same category. Selection criteria and award consideration is not based on number of submissions.
 
For more information, contact Lisa Metot at 315-470-1870.

 

Other
CEO News

Image
CenterState Signal Graphic
CEO News | 09/30/2026

CenterState Signal: The Planning Trap

Understanding Central New York's current economic picture by analyzing national job data and local factors.

Image
DOL unemployment screen
CEO News | 09/30/2026

NYSDOL to Upgrade Unemployment System

An upcoming change to the New York State Department of Labor's (NYSDOL) Unemployment Insurance system. NYSDOL is retiring its 50-year-old unemployment processing system and replacing it with a modern platform that will include smartphone…

Image
cybersecurity stock inage
CEO News | 09/29/2026

Future-Proof Your Organization Against Cybersecurity  and AI Challenges

Hear real stories and solutions from industry experts on rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats, accelerating technology changes and the growing impact of artificial intelligence at the Future-Proof Your Business, Cybersecurity, Technology…

Image
Take the 2027 Ecnomic Forecast Survey
CEO News | 09/29/2026

Take the 2027 Economic Forecast Survey

Each year, CenterState CEO compiles its Economic Forecast for Central New York based on feedback and strategic insight collected from area business and community leaders. We want to hear your perspectives regarding the current year's…

Image
Constellation - Community Visionary Award Honoree
CEO News | 09/25/2026

Constellation to be Recognized with 2026 Community Visionary Award

CenterState CEO is proud to announce Constellation as the 2026 recipient of its Community Visionary Award.

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.