SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO recognized 302 companies as 2018 Economic Champions for hirings, expansions, and investments in the past year during a Tuesday luncheon at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter.
More than 1,000 people attended the event, CenterState CEO said in a news release.
Those recognized hired a total of more than 2,600 employees, added 1.2 million square feet in expansions, and spent nearly $750 million in capital investments.
CenterState CEO also recognized more than 80 new businesses and highlighted 68 for celebrating a milestone anniversary.
“In the 15 years since I’ve moved back to Syracuse, I have never seen the level of economic activity that we do now across nearly every industry sector. We are hearing from companies every single day about their plans to expand, hire, and invest in new products and new markets,” Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO said in his remarks at the event.
The list of those recognized included sole proprietors, retail operators, small and medium-sized firms, multi-national corporations, and key institutions and nonprofits, Simpson added
“The current macroeconomic environment is strong. It’s reflected in the fact that we celebrate a record number of champions today — 302 companies to be precise,” said Simpson.
The luncheon also included keynote remarks by Jeremy Garelick, who spoke about his vision to strengthen the region’s film industry and the progress “being driven by his film-production company, American High,” CenterState CEO said in its release.
In addition, CenterState CEO presented its Community Visionary Award to Cleveland, Ohio–based KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) for its “leadership and commitment” to community initiatives that “create greater community prosperity.”
CenterState CEO also presented its inaugural Community Champion Award to outgoing Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney for what the organization said was her “outstanding leadership and legacy of positive impact on the region’s economy and the citizens of Onondaga County.” Mahoney is stepping down to become COO of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a special advisor to SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com