Norm Poltenson, founder of CNYBJ, dies at 82

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Norman Poltenson, founder of The Central New York Business Journal (CNYBJ), died late Sunday afternoon at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer.

He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Poltenson will be buried in Israel this week.

Poltenson founded CNYBJ in 1986 and grew it over the years to include multiple business newspapers, a business news and research website, digital publications, and an events and networking business.

Serving as publisher for 28 years, he was dedicated to providing the Central New York business community with news, information, data, and research that they could rely on to help them grow their businesses.

Poltenson and his wife, Joan, sold CNYBJ in March, 2014 to their daughter, Marny Nesher.

Following the sale, Norm Poltenson transitioned to a full-time position as regional staff writer for CNYBJ for several years before retiring. He traveled the roads of the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley to meet with business owners and CEOs to chronicle the stories of their companies.

Poltenson had more than 50 years of business experience, mostly in the printing and publishing industry. Before starting The Central New York Business Journal, he was formerly the owner and publisher of Adirondack Life magazine.

Poltenson was born and educated in Syracuse — a graduate of Nottingham High School. He had a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Lawrence University and a master’s in history from the University of Wisconsin. He served in the Army on active duty in Germany in the 1960s.           

Poltenson was active in the community, with affiliations including St. Lawrence University board of directors, president of Syracuse Jewish Federation, president of Menorah Park Campus Foundation, president of Menorah Park Campus Nursing Facility, board chair of Junior Achievement of Central New York, board member of Inter-Religious Council, board member of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, and more.