CNY Regional Market’s new CEO ready to move forward after scathing report

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Will a new face at the top bring a big change to the bottom line?

The Central New York Regional Market is about to find out.

After a state audit criticized the market’s fiscal operations – the authority board voted to fire its executive director – and hire a new CEO.

NewsChannel 9’s Rachel Polansky talks with Bill Fisher, about his plans to move the market forward.

As he takes the reins as the market’s chief executive – Fisher has a tall order: regain the public’s trust.

“People in Central New York are very much ‘show me’ kind of people. I can say whatever I want. You can ask me questions, and I can give you answers, but they’re gonna want to come here and show up,” Fisher said.

That’s what he says he’s going to do – show up and do the work.

And it all starts with a detailed action plan to show they’re not busting the budget.

“We’re gonna show how we’re trimming things a little bit, by not filling some of the positions that have been recently vacated. We’re also gonna be showing how we’ve changed the budgeting,” Fisher said.

That budgeting under the ousted CEO was called “unrealistic” by the state comptroller – who also blamed the board for “not properly managing the authority’s financial condition.”

With a background that includes founding a software company and working as deputy county executive for Onondaga County, Fisher believes he can turn things around.

He also served on the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Board, which he said works similarly to the market.

How do vendors feel about a change in leadership?

“If they can bring in more customer base that’d be great, bring some more vendors in. It’s nice to have more variety,” Dale Haas, Haas Farms, said.

“Change is coming. And I welcome all change with open opportunity,” Matt Hoxie, The 3 For 5 Guys, said.

Their common complaint about the market is a lack of maintenance.

“Right in front of us is a cone over a pothole that hasn’t been fixed since a year ago,” Haas said.

“There’s potholes that need to be filled, there’s some infrastructure issues,” Hoxie added.

Fisher acknowledges the market’s need for repairs, calling it one of his top priorities.

“If we can revitalize some of the buildings, some of the land here, we think we can take some vacant properties and fill them with market-rate tenants,” Fisher said. “I think it’ll be a matter of 60 to 90 days before everyone feels reassured that we have a solid financial plan.”

Will a new face at the top bring a change to your shopping experience? You’ll have to see for yourself.

You can check out the Farmers Market on Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. May through mid-November and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round.

The Flea Market is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays January through April and Sundays 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May through December.

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