We are so close to opening the doors to CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub. This 90,000-square-foot facility will be the largest innovation hub of its kind in New York state and one of the top five largest in the entire country.

The resources and programs at INSPYRE are designed with founders in mind. Offerings range from state-of-the-art work spaces and a new maker space to funded accelerator programs, mentorship opportunities and much more.

Before the public is welcomed into this facility, we wanted to share a few INSPYRE essentials. The CenterState CEO team has been featured across season 3 of Talk CNY discussing different parts of the INSPYRE Innovation Hub, from its name to its significance to the region.

On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we’re going back into the season to get the answers to some INSPYRE questions.

This episode features clips from:

Season 3, Episode 3: Project and Partnerships Impacting CNY

Season 3, Episode 7: Building the Largest Entrepreneurship Hub in NY

Season 3, Episode 8: Inspiring Growth Through Innovation

Season 3, Episode 9: Celebrating and Supporting Small Business

Season 3, Episode 14: CenterState Leadership Team Takeover

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INSPYRE Innovation Hub Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

It’s been just over a year since the New York SMART I-Corridor was named a federally funded Tech Hub. It’s the only Tech Hub focused on semiconductors in the country to receive federal dollars. When the award was first announced, we spoke with leaders from the convening organizations back when the Tech Hub was first announced to learn about its goals in creating a global semiconductor hub in upstate New York.

Now on this episode of Talk CNY presented by NBT Bank, we’re check back in on the Tech Hubs progress with those leaders: Dottie Gallagher, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Joe Stefko, President and CEO at OneROC and Ben Sio, acting president and CEO of CenterState CEO.

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Dottie Gallagher LinkedIn

Ben Sio LinkedIn

Joe Stefko LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

One of the ways that CenterState CEO is working towards its goal of creating a region where businesses thrive and all people can prosper is by supporting programs that help create greater access to in-demand careers in the community. The Bridge to Manufacturing Careers program is one such initiative. Thanks to the many community partners that have helped to make it possible, more than a dozen people are now pursuing a degree at Onondaga Community College that could help them to find a career in the region’s growing advanced manufacturing sector.

On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we are joined by CenterState's Director of Workforce Innovation Emilija Postolovska to talk about the program and its success so far.

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Emilija Postolovska LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

When Governor Kathy Hochul charged CenterState CEO with leading the One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships or ON-RAMP Syracuse planning process, one of the first things the team knew to do was look for an innovative, dedicated and experienced professional to lead this new organization.

They found her right here in Central New York. After conducting a national search, CenterState CEO appointed Dr. Carlene Lacey as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of ON-RAMP Syracuse.

On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, Dr. Lacey joins us and shares a little bit about her professional journey and her hopes for ON-RAMP.

Learn more about ON-RAMP on our website. Find out how to get involved by contacting Dr. Lacey (clacey@centerstateceo.com).

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Dr. Carlene Lacey LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

This episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, is a bit different. We’re passing the host mic to the CenterState CEO corporate leadership team for this episode, recorded at the Redhouse Arts Center in downtown Syracuse.

With CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson on sabbatical, the Corporate Leadership Team is taking charge of all the projects this organization currently has underway, from the INSPYRE innovation hub and new ON-RAMP site, to office renovations and staff development.

This episode is hosted by CenterState CEO’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Elle Hanna, she is joined by Acting President and CEO Ben Sio, Interim Senior Vice President of Strategy, Policy and Planning Kevin Schwab, Senior Vice President of Inclusive Growth Honora Spillane, Senior Vice President of Member and Business Experience Andrew Fish, Senior Vice President of Racial Equity and Social Impact Dr. Juhanna Rodgers and Senior Vice President of Administration and Human Capital Andrea Hahn.

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Ben Sio LinkedIn

Kevin Schwab LinkedIn

Dr. Juhanna Rodgers LinkedIn

Honora Spillane LinkedIn

Andrea Hahn LinkedIn

Andrew Fish LinkedIn

Elle Hanna LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

In this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky sits down with David Kavney, President of Central New York and Pennsylvania at NBT Bank. From supporting major economic developments to helping CNY leaders tackle the housing crisis, Kavney shares how NBT Bank is strategically aligning its services to drive innovation and regional impact.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about NBT Bank’s expansion into new markets and how they are well-positioned for emerging opportunities.

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

NBT Bank LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn

In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights, a special series part of the CenterState CEO’s Talk CNYpodcast, presented by NBT Bank, the conversation dives deep into the economic forces shaping Central New York and beyond in the second quarter of 2025.

NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann breaks down the market’s record highs, analyzes the easing of geopolitical tensions, and explores how potential tariff extensions, Fed rate cuts, and the Big Beautiful Bill could affect the economic landscape.

Also, tune in to this episode of Quarterly Market Insights to hear what business leaders should be watching this summer.

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Host: Andrew Fish LinkedIn

NBT Bank LinkedIn

From rising job numbers and wage growth to transformative capital investments by small business owners and major employers, this episode of Talk CNY explores why Central New York is poised for economic growth — more in the next three years than the last 16 in terms of GDP growth.

In this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky is joined by Jess Abbott, Vice President of Member Engagement, and Jared Shepard, Director of Research and Planning at CenterState CEO. Together, they unpack the economic momentum propelling Central New York forward.

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CenterState CEO Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Jess Abbott LinkedIn

Jared Shepard LinkedIn

Host: Katie Zilcosky LinkedIn