Central New York has a strong potential for job growth and economic improvement in 2018. That's the message more than 600 people were left with at the Centerstate CEO Economic Forecast Breakfast Wednesday. Brad Vivacqua shares how working together is the common bond for helping the economy across the region.

LIVERPOOL, N.Y. -- Syracuse mayor Ben Walsh was one of about 600 people who attended Wednesday's Economic Forecast Breakfast.

"We need to make sure that as a city we're taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented to as a region," said Walsh.

As a region, Central New York is showing promise in the new year. Wednesday's event allowed Centerstate CEO members to learn more about statistics, economic percentages and survey data.

While the local economy has its challenges, job growth and more opportunities will help it follow suit with both the national and global economies.

"The challenges are a lot to do with the labor force.  Workforce participation, having the right skills in our labor mix.  And, ‘how can we nurture individuals that maybe have to transition from one industry to another,’” said M & T Bank Regional Economist Gary Keith.

There is certainly quite a bit that can be taken from the event but one thing most would agree on is that team work and collaboration can only help improve the region's economy.

"The one thing that will guarantee that 2018 is a great year for Central New York is that if our community finds a way to come back together to set some of the past divisions and disagreements aside and actually work collectively to drive a higher level of economic growth for the region," said Centerstate CEO President Rob Simpson.

Past disagreements on future projects and divisions such as negativity toward new businesses are all hurdles that must be avoided.                       

"We need to do it together and if we do it together not only can we move the region forward together but we can also address the specific issues that have been holding back the city," said Walsh.

Officials said working together will financially strengthen all areas of the region.

You can get the full report presented at Wednesday's Economic Forecast Breakfast by visiting centerstateceo.com.