The Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce and CenterState CEO will spend six months examining whether closer organizational ties could expand business support, under a memorandum of understanding announced Nov. 12.
The agreement sets up a review of resources, staffing, organizational structure and finances, according to a news release. It does not commit either organization to a merger, integration or other arrangement, and no outcome has been predetermined.
Review builds on Chamber strategic plan
The organizations will evaluate whether greater regional cooperation could improve access to business programs, connect employers with talent and partners, and strengthen advocacy for businesses and nonprofits.
The effort follows the Chamber’s recently completed 2026–2031 strategic plan, developed with CenterState CEO and input from local businesses, stakeholders and community partners. The release says that feedback called for a more proactive, accessible organization that helps businesses find resources, navigate opportunities and connect with one another.
“As the economic landscape around us changes, we have an opportunity to think bigger about how we connect our businesses to resources, relationships and opportunities, both within our county and across the region,” said Megan Popkess, chair of the Chamber’s board and assistant superintendent of human resources at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES.
The plan identifies five priorities: business leadership, advocacy and economic growth; countywide engagement and communications; organizational sustainability and membership growth; workforce, talent and leadership development; and partnerships and community connections. It does not prescribe an organizational structure or partnership model.
The organizations cited regional investments, including Micron Technology’s planned semiconductor manufacturing campus in Clay, as a reason to examine stronger connections beyond county boundaries. They said closer ties could give Cayuga County businesses greater access to suppliers, talent pipelines, capital, economic development initiatives, programming and advocacy while retaining the Chamber’s local presence and relationships.
Rob Simpson, CenterState CEO’s chief executive, said business-support organizations need greater capacity as the region grows. Stephen D. Fournier, chair of CenterState CEO’s board and KeyBank’s Central New York market president, said relationships and resources help businesses turn opportunities into growth.
The organizations said the review is intended to strengthen the work of Cayuga County’s existing economic development organizations.
Jessica Wrench promoted to Chamber manager
The Chamber also announced Jessica Wrench’s promotion to Chamber manager. Wrench has led Chamber programs since 2018.
She will oversee daily operations, strengthen member relationships and lead events, educational programming, Leadership Cayuga and the Finger Lakes Grants Information Center. She will work with volunteer leaders, members and partners to carry out the Chamber’s strategic priorities.
“Working with our dedicated volunteer leadership and partners, I look forward to building that capacity and helping shape what comes next for the Chamber and the businesses we serve,” Wrench said.
The six-month review will determine whether and how the two organizations could bring their resources and networks together.
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