Syracuse, N.Y. — CenterState CEO in partnership with the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance (UMEA) is pleased to announce Gwen, Inc. as its 2022 Minority-owned Business of the Year awardee. The Minority-owned Business of the Year winner, along with winners in four other categories, were announced at CenterState CEO’s Annual Meeting on April 26.
“On behalf of the UMEA Board of Directors we are proud that our member Gwen, Inc. has won the Minority Business of the Year Award,” said Calvin Corriders, president of the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance and regional president, Syracuse Market, Pathfinder Bank. “Gwen, Inc., led by President and CEO Gwen Webber-McLeod, has truly established itself as a leader in its industry and our community. Through these ongoing, challenging times, Gwen, Inc. has continued to expand its services to reach more clients, achieve outstanding client satisfaction and grow as a strong corporate and community partner throughout the Central New York region. Congratulations, Gwen,, Inc.”
“Congratulations to Gwen Webber-McLeod and her team for exemplifying business leadership, innovation and high standards of service,” said Me’Shae Rolling, executive director, Upstate Minority Economic Alliance. “We are truly proud to bestow this recognition on such a deserving minority-owned business.”
Gwen Inc. is a premier private sector leadership development corporation based in Auburn, with clients concentrated in New York, and work that spans the country. The firm specializes in leadership development consultation, organization development consulting, general executive coaching, strategic planning and diversity, equity and inclusion strategy development. The company has distinguished itself in its industry, notably developing a specialize executive coaching practice for emerging and established women leaders of color, and by being intentional in its commitment to the community and the clients it serves. Over the course of the pandemic, it has added additional capacity to the Gwen Inc. team to accommodate the increased demand for its services and expertise. Gwen, Inc. also donates thousands of dollars in support of nonprofits and emerging women and minority entrepreneurs since its inception.
UMEA member ACCESS Dental Laboratories was recognized as a Business of the Year finalist alongside Gwen Inc. for its role as a model of success within the minority-owned business community.
CenterState CEO recognized four additional Business of the Year Award winners for their outstanding achievements, including:
More Than 50 Employees
Raymour & Flannigan Furniture
Less Than 50 Employees
Wireless Business Group, LLC
Community Involvement
Kinney Drugs, Inc.
Nonprofit
Liberty Resources, Inc.
“We are proud to partner with UMEA to celebrate these leaders of the business community and present the Minority-owned Business of the Year award during our annual meeting,” said Robert Simpson, president, CenterState CEO and UMEA board member. “All of these finalists have made outstanding achievements and contributions to our community, and we extend our sincere congratulations to each of them.”
Videos from the event will soon be available at www.youtube.com/CenterStateCEO, including Business of the Year recognitions, remarks from Rob Simpson, and the event’s keynote panel, featuring Naria Santa Lucia, GM, Digital Inclusion and U.S. Community Engagement at Microsoft Philanthropies, and Jennifer Cruickshank, Head of Public Policy and Community Engagement, at Amazon New York. Download CenterState CEO’s 2021-2022 Annual Report at www.centerstateceo.com/AnnualReport.
Presenting Sponsors of the 2022 CenterState CEO Annual Meeting are Equitable, Nascentia Health, Inc. and Tompkins Trust Company. Corporate Sponsors are Bond, Schoeneck & King; Bowers & Company CPAs; Breeze Airways; C&S Companies; Harris Beach; INFICON; Saab; Stickley; SWBR; Thomson & Johnson; and Wegmans Food Markets. Supporting Sponsors is The Bonadio Group and SRC. Technology Sponsor is Visual Technologies. Media Sponsor is the Central New York Business Journal.
The Upstate Minority Economic Alliance (UMEA) is the only Chamber of Commerce in the Upstate and Central New York region for minority business owners and professionals of color. Its mission is to create greater regional prosperity through economic development and to enhance economic opportunities for minority professionals and business owners. www.upstatemea.com
CenterState CEO is an independent and forward-thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships, planning and problem-solving. www.centerstateceo.com
