SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Central New York Sales & Marketing Executives (CNYSME) has selected Pierre Morrisseau, CEO of OneGroup, as the 47th recipient of its annual Crystal Ball Award.
CNYSME will present the award to Morrisseau on April 17 at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown during the annual Crystal Ball and Sales & Marketing Excellence Awards presentation and celebration.
Morrisseau leads Syracuse–based OneGroup, a risk management, insurance brokerage, and employee-benefits firm. Community Bank System (NYSE: CBU) purchased OneGroup in 2015, adding to its portfolio of services including wealth management, pension services, benefit administration, and more.
Morrisseau has led OneGroup to “unprecedented success,” with the firm growing from $4 million in revenue and 35 employees to nearly $50 million in combined revenue, with more than 250 employees and locations spanning across the East Coast, per the announcement.
“It’s a great honor to accept this award, especially among all of the amazing and impactful leaders in our community,” Morrisseau said in the CNYSME news release. “When OneGroup was formed 20 years ago, I knew that integrating our community into our business model was essential. Business and community thrive together, and by keeping our eyes open, we see the opportunity to do good for both. I’m fortunate to be able to intertwine my missions as an individual with the missions of the company, and feel privileged to be recognized by the Central New York Sales & Marketing Executives.”
About the Crystal Ball Award
Described as an “enduring symbol of the organization’s mission, the prestigious” Crystal Ball Award is presented annually by CNYSME to a local businessperson or group of businesspeople in recognition of their contributions to the sales and marketing profession and for their endeavors in the areas of community development and support.
The criteria for Crystal Ball Award recognition includes “but is not limited to:” a person whose visibility impacts the progress and prosperity of Central New York; a leader who demonstrates commitment to superior quality and professionalism; a person who fosters excellence in their industry; local involvement in community and civic organizations; and demonstrates and practices an appreciation of the sales and marketing industry.
“Pierre exemplifies the spirit and values behind the Crystal Ball award,” Rob Marino, president of CNYSME, said. “His highly impactful and positive role in our community, has been an inspiration to fellow community leaders throughout the years. Pierre’s commitment and compassion to the Central New York community is what makes him an exemplary addition to recent Crystal Ball recipients.”
Recent past CNYSME Crystal Ball Award recipients include Stephanie Crockett, president and CEO of Mower in 2023: Ed Riley of Brine Wells Development/Marriott Syracuse Downtown in 2022; Laura Serway, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and former owner of Laci’s Tapas Bar in Syracuse in 2021; Mark Re of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services in 2019; and Howard Dolgon, owner, president, CEO, and team governor of the Syracuse Crunch minor league hockey team in 2014.