Reflecting on 15 Years of CenterState CEO

The following is a reflection written by leaders in the business community on the creation of CenterState CEO and the organization's 15th anniversary. They, along with Kenneth Shaw, Mary Ann Tyszko, Jim Breuer, Marc Viggiano and Darlene Kerr, were part of the organizing and due diligence committee to establish CenterState CEO from its two predecessor organizations, the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Association of CNY. This piece was also published on Syracuse.com's editorial page:

Earlier this month, CenterState CEO marked its 15th anniversary—an important milestone for both the organization and the Central New York community. In this moment of progress and opportunity we should all take a moment to reflect on the importance of strong civic leadership and the value of alignment to our collective success. 

In 2010, Central New York was grappling with the aftermath of economic and demographic challenges. Resources were limited, and much of our civic energy was spent struggling to find opportunities for growth.  Both The Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Association worked independently and often at cross purposes.

Recognizing the need for change, business and civic leaders came together to launch CenterState CEO, aligning previously disparate factions of our business community behind a singular framework for regional growth. Fifteen years later, CenterState CEO and hundreds if not thousands of partners in public and civic life can meaningfully reflect on the importance of collaboration and strategy in driving a scale of progress that few could have imagined in 2010.   

The former Tech Garden, now the INSPYRE Innovation Hub, has become a catalyst for entrepreneurship, supporting hundreds of startups and helping to launch billion-dollar businesses from the heart of Downtown Syracuse. We've seen the rise of entirely new industries such as uncrewed systems, the growth of critically important sectors of our economy like manufacturing and we have secured billions in public and private investment driving the rejuvenation of our downtowns and our economy as a whole. 

Today, as we prepare for Micron’s historic investment—the largest economic development project in U.S. history— we are seeing the return of something long absent: hope. There is a renewed sense that our best days lie ahead, a feeling that was far from certain in 2010. 

CenterState CEO was founded on a simple premise – that nothing necessary for our regional evolution can be achieved absent partnership. So, at this moment of historic opportunity, we would like to extend our deepest and most sincere thanks to all of our partners in business, government, education, philanthropy, healthcare and civic life for their active support and collaboration over 15 of the most transformative years in our region’s history. 

Let us take a moment and celebrate our region’s success.  We are proud of the legacy CenterState CEO has built and even more excited for the transformational future ahead. At this moment of immense opportunity, we look forward to a continued united, focused and ambitious collaboration for our region.  This is what we must collectively commit to because past performance does not guarantee future success. Our accomplishments have proven unified we are truly unbeatable!  Central New York’s future is bright, and we are excited for the next 15 years to come.

Susan Crossett, Chief Executive Officer, Sapphire Recruitment, Inc. and Treasurer of CenterState CEO Board of Directors.

Stephen D. Fournier, Market President-Central New York, KeyBank, N.A. and Chair of CenterState CEO Board of Directors.

Patrick Mannion is a business leader and currently New York State Regent, 5th Judicial District