Blue Sky Associates Dale Carnegie Team Wins Top Honor at CNY BESTPosted on December 23, 2025 |
 |
Blue Sky Associates Dale Carnegie Team Wins Top Honor at CNY BEST - celebrating the best in CNY’s talent development.
Syracuse, NY — November 20, 2025 — The Central New York Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (CNY ATD) annually recognizes outstanding achievements in talent development across the region. At this year’s CNY Best awards ceremony, held on Thursday, November 20, Blue Sky Associates’ Dale Carnegie franchise team earned the top award in the “For-Profit” category, standing out among 26 submissions.
Judging for the award is conducted by a diverse panel of 5–6 experts, including representatives from International ATD, National Advisors for Chapters, other ATD chapters, and past winners. Submissions are evaluated against the following criteria:
- Purpose and rationale for the initiative
- Design, development, and implementation
- Evaluation strategy: impact, outcomes, and results
- Alignment between talent development and organizational goals
- Ability to effectively tell the story
Blue Sky Associates’ winning submission highlighted a growth-focused initiative for a long-term client seeking to enhance communication, influence, and leadership across its organization. The program aimed to strengthen employees’ professional presence—helping them express ideas with clarity, confidence, and impact. Beyond individual skill-building, the initiative fostered improved collaboration, alignment, and trust throughout the business.
The cornerstone of this effort was the two-day High Impact Presenting training, which delivered measurable business outcomes, including:
- Increased confidence in presenting
- Enhanced communication and presentation skills
- Audience-centered delivery techniques
- Empowered leadership and influence
- A culture of growth and peer support
As a result, employees became more influential, better equipped to manage complex conversations, and capable of driving decisions that advance organizational goals.
The team behind this success included Ron Zigmont, Clark Merrill, Jess Brandt, and Alicia Natale, whose dedication exemplifies the spirit of CNY Best - celebrating the best in CNY’s talent development.
Pictured accepting the award on behalf of the team are Jody Frawley and Herb Escher.
Other Network News
August 13, 2026Oswego Health Foundation Raises More Than $34,000 to Support Care Management ProgramThe annual event brought together community members, families, healthcare advocates, local businesses and sponsors for a morning focused on wellness, family fun and supporting access to resources that can make a meaningful difference in… |
August 13, 2026Casting Release: The Boys Are Back, Syracuse! Tony Award-Winning Sensation Announces Complete Casting for 20th Anniversary TourLeading the company as the legendary ‘Four Seasons’ are Coby Oram as ‘Frankie Valli,’ Peyton Schoenhofer as ‘Bob Gaudio,’ Harry Sperduto as ‘Tommy DeVito,’ Owen McCredie as ‘Nick Massi,’ and Andrew Martin McGuire as ‘Frankie Valli, at… |
August 11, 2026Pinnacle Named No. 3786 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companieshe list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future… |
August 4, 2026Ride the Route: Free Interactive Bus Training Sessions Coming This SeptemberOswego County's Office of Mobility Management is offering two free "Ride the Route" interactive classes designed to help residents feel confident using public transportation. Learn trip planning, bus safety, and take a guided ride with… |