Central New York’s business and economic development agency is starting a new chamber of commerce for minority-run companies.
According to CenterState CEO, the black and Latino communities in New York have $170 billion in buying power. That’s why, it says, it’s forming the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, the only one in the region.
The news was announced at CenterState’s annual meeting. Edward Cuello will lead the new Upstate MEA. He says its mission will be to harness the minority community’s business and buying power.
"With that power acting as a catalyst, we will bring greater prosperity to all," he said.
CenterState awarded its first minority-owned business of the year award. It was given to CHC Group, a construction firm that built Syracuse University’s new law school, among other projects.