It’s the FRIDAY FIVE! This week, we’re featuring entrepreneur, community-builder, and founder of @cnywomensnetwork, Alex Canavan. Special thanks to our friends at @CrouseHealth for helping bring inspiring stories like Alex’s to life each and every week in the FRIDAY FIVE!

In just a few short years, Alex has built something pretty special here in Central New York. What started with a vision to better connect, promote, and empower women has grown into a community that is creating real relationships and opportunities across our region.

Through the CNY Women’s Network, Alex has brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and brands in a way that feels distinctly modern and collaborative. The Collective by CNYWN has grown to more than 110 members, while the organization has partnered with more than 75 companies and brands across Upstate New York.

She’s also the voice behind @alexcanavanpodcast, where she’s now shared more than 140 conversations with founders, executives, and community-builders, digging into the people and stories behind businesses and organizations making an impact.

As I got to know more about Alex while putting together this week’s FRIDAY FIVE, what stood out to me is how much of her work comes back to one simple idea: connection. Bringing the right people together. Creating opportunities for others. And building a stronger community in the process.

Alex represents a new generation of leadership in Central New York, and I’m excited to share a little more about the person behind everything she’s building.

#fridayfive #syracuse #centralnewyork #cny #community

It’s the FRIDAY FIVE! This week, we’re featuring longtime CNYCentral news anchor Michael Benny. Special thanks to our friends at @CrouseHealth for helping bring inspiring stories like Michael’s to life each and every week in the FRIDAY FIVE!

For more than two decades, Michael has been a trusted voice in homes across Central New York. Since making Syracuse home in 2000, he’s done far more than report the news. He’s helped tell the stories that shape our community, celebrating our successes, standing with us through difficult moments, and giving a voice to the people who make Central New York such a special place.

As I got to know Michael while putting together this week’s FRIDAY FIVE, I came to appreciate how deeply rooted he is in this community. Although he grew up in Scotia, New York, Syracuse has truly become home. His passion for local journalism and his genuine care for the people behind every story have earned him the trust and respect of viewers across the region.

What I admire most about Michael is that he understands journalism is ultimately about PEOPLE. Behind every headline is a person, a family, or a community, and Michael has spent his career making sure those stories are told with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.

I’m excited for you to get to know Michael beyond the anchor desk and discover the five things that inspire him.

#fridayfive #syracuse #centralnewyork #localnews #community

It’s the FRIDAY FIVE! This week, we’re featuring Syracuse entrepreneur, preservationist, and arts champion Harold Kyle. Special thanks to our friends at @CrouseHealth for helping bring inspiring stories like Harold’s to life each and every week in the FRIDAY FIVE!

If you’ve ever admired a beautifully letterpressed invitation, explored the incredible creative spaces inside @delavanstudios, or hiked one of our region’s scenic trails, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced Harold Kyle’s impact.

Harold is the driving force behind @boxcar.press, @bellafigura, and @delavanstudios, where he’s helping preserve the centuries-old craft of letterpress printing while creating opportunities for local artists to thrive. Through his leadership, Delavan Studios has become one of the most vibrant creative communities in Central New York and a home for hundreds of artists and makers.

As I got to know Harold while putting together this week’s FRIDAY FIVE, I came to appreciate that his passion extends well beyond the printing press. He’s deeply involved with @fingerlakestrail and @adk_onondaga_chapter, giving his time to help maintain the trails and wild places that so many of us enjoy. He also shares that love of creativity at home with his wife, author @debbieurbanski. It’s a great reminder that building a stronger community can happen in a print shop, an art studio, on a hiking trail, or through the written word.

Harold’s creativity, generosity, and commitment to preserving both art and nature have left a lasting mark on Central New York, and I’m excited to share a little more about what inspires him.

🎁 BONUS CHALLENGE!

Can you identify both the mountain peak and the waterfall featured in Harold’s FRIDAY FIVE videos?

The first person to correctly name both in the comments will receive a Boxcar Press & Bella Figura prize pack!

@haroldkyle @delavanstudios @boxcar.press @bellafigura @fingerlakestrail @adk_onondaga_chapter @debbieurbanski

#fridayfive #syracuse #centralnewyork #supportlocal #arts