Spring Progress Breakfast 4/20/2023

Sold-Out Progress Breakfast Highlights How Downtown Syracuse Amenities Influence Talent Retention and Attraction

 Syracuse, NY – The theme of the Spring Progress Breakfast, presented in partnership by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. and National Grid, focused on a series of transformational projects that have helped activate underutilized spaces and call attention to how a downtown location, with the variety of amenities offered, influences talent retention and attraction.

First, Norman Jemal, Managing Principal of Douglas Development Corporation spoke about the redevelopment of the 126-year-old former Onondaga County Savings Bank to what is now, The Treasury. Jemal spoke about his positive experiences working on projects in Downtown Syracuse and how it is one of the best places to do business.

Next, Peter Belyea, CEO of CXtec, shared the journey behind their upcoming move of 100 employees into 31,000 sq ft of new office space at City Center. Scheduled to move in later this summer, CXtec chose a Downtown Syracuse location because of the unique amenities it has to offer employees outside of the office. Belyea is excited for his employees to have a workspace that allows for more collaboration, fun and productivity, but also be in a location rich with Syracuse history, the arts and cultural opportunities.

Then, Rob O’Connor, Co-Founder of ELITE Gaming, announced his company’s new presence in Armory Square, taking over 12,000 square feet of space in the MOST Building in late 2022. O’Connor spoke about how his Esports gaming arena brings together the large and growing world of Esports and the gaming community, which is an industry, is bigger than the movie and music industries combined! In addition to being a gathering place for game lovers and professional gamers, the facility provides a platform where local students can earn credits towards higher education programs in graphic design, 3D modeling, CGI and so much more.

The Progress Breakfast series is known for providing ‘exclusive previews’ of projects and items that the community is buzzing about. Inviting presenters to share their stories behind these exciting initiatives helps build a deeper connection to Downtown Syracuse and provides insight into the growth underway.

“Listening to today’s presenters share why they continue to invest in Downtown Syracuse and how they see a continued vibrant future for our city center builds excitement. Their stories and passion demonstrate why Downtown Syracuse is a go to destination,” said Merike Treier, executive director of the Downtown Committee.

The Downtown Committee is proud to partner with National Grid to present the Progress Breakfast Series. National Grid, one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the US, serving more than 20 million people throughout New York and Massachusetts.

“National Grid values the vibrancy city centers bring to the region, that’s why our commitment to Downtown Syracuse remains strong. We are grateful for all the area businesses who join us in that commitment through supporting the work of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse in driving the vital role Downtown Syracuse plays for all of Central New York,” said Alberto Bianchetti, Regional Director/Customer and Community Management for National Grid.

The Progress Breakfast is held twice a year, in the fall and spring seasons. The event receives corporate support from Fust Charles Chambers and SWBR, and media support from the CNY Business Journal.  For more information about the Progress Breakfast, please visit DowntownSyracuse.com.

The Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, professional downtown management organization representing all property owners and tenants within the central business district.  The Downtown Committee undertakes programs to improve downtown's image, strengthen its economic base, increase its attractiveness, and assure that it's clean, safe and accessible. For more information, visit www.downtownsyracuse.com

National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the US, serving more than 20 million people throughout New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to the customers and communities they serve. For more information, visit nationalgridus.com