2009 CNY Economic Champions Celebrated

Mayor Matthew Driscoll and former Deputy County Executive Edward Kochian Honored

More than 500 Chamber members, friends and guests, including community leaders Assemblywoman Joan Christensen and County Legislator Tom Buckle, attended the 7th Annual Economic Champions Luncheon at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter on October 21.

Karen DeJoseph from the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce displays an Economic Champions certificate that was presented to an honoree during the 2009 Economic Champions Luncheon.

After greetings from Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce President Darlene Kerr, words of welcome were provided by Mayor Matt Driscoll and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney.

Two very special economic champions were recognized this year. Chamber President Kerr gave remarks honoring former Deputy County Executive Ed Kochian for his 28 years of public service. Ed’s legacy includes numerous construction projects (e.g. Alliance Bank Stadium, Convention Center at Oncenter, Justice Center, Central Library at The Galleries, etc.), negotiating public/private partnerships for the cleanup of Onondaga Lake, assisting in bringing the Syracuse Crunch to downtown Syracuse, plus assistance on countless other projects, boards, and services organizations.

Bill Pomeroy, founder and CEO of CXtec, cheers with members of his staff as they prepare to accept a 2009 Economic Champion certificate.

Former Deputy County Executive Ed Kochian reflects on his 28 years of service after being recognized by Chamber President Darlene Kerr for the positive impact he made on Onondaga County.

Chamber President Darlene Kerr honored Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll for his dedication to the business community during his tenure.

Members of C&S Companies enjoy lunch at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter during the 2009 Economic Champions celebration.

Mayor Matt Driscoll was recognized as well as he prepares to step down after eight years as the mayor of the City of Syracuse. The Mayor’s accomplishments are numerous and include bringing new accountability and cost savings to the city via the Syrastat system, spearheading the Airport Authority at Hancock International Airport, supporting High Speed Rail, Say Yes to Education and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, and most note-worthy are his green initiatives for which he has received many accolades and awards. Syracuse is known as the “Emerald City” thanks in large part to Mayor Driscoll’s dedication and hard work.

Master of ceremonies Doug Logan, general manager at Time Warner Sports 26, kept the enthusiastic crowd energized throughout the event. Upbeat music and the signature “clappers” made for a festive atmosphere. Doug also introduced Joe Charles, partner at Fust Charles Chambers, LLP, the presenting sponsor of the Economic Champions Luncheon.

The celebration was in high gear as Doug named this year’s champions and recognition was given to the honorees for their contributions to the economic growth of the Central New York region through their capital expenditures, hiring of new employees – even one, expansion or relocation due to growth, and for state or national recognition.

Doug congratulated all the “champions” for their role in improving the community. Collectively, the 228 companies honored created 1,596 new jobs, and invested over $238 million in equipment, facilities and new business starts. In addition, a total of 1,076,976 square feet of space was either added as an expansion or newly created by the honored businesses.

Thank you to Presenting Sponsor: Fust Charles Chambers, LLP; Corporate Sponsor: SRCTec, Inc.; and Media Sponsors: Clear Channel Radio – the official radio station for Economic Champions, The Post-Standard and CNY Business Journal.

Click here to view the 2009 Economic Champions »

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