The registrations are rolling in, and United Way’s Walk the Talk event is shaping up to be a great show of leadership for our community. Many thanks to everyone who has registered—we look forward to cheering you in on “race day!”

So far, the following executives and companies are participating in Walk the Talk:

Steve McCormick – Anheuser-Busch
Bob Goldman – Blasland, Bouck & Lee
Richard Shirtz – Citizens Bank
Bernie Corbishly – Dermody, Burke & Brown
Matt Holt – Dot Foods
Ray Curtin – Empire Federal Credit Union
James Smith – Excellus BlueCross/BlueShield
Allen Naples –M&T Bank
Randy Wolken – MACNY
Joe Ash – National Grid
Nicholas Pirro – Onondaga County
Ron Young – SUNY Upstate Medical University
Frank Discenza – Testone, Marshall and Discenza
Jim Beagy – UAW Local 624
Dr. Neil Murphy – SUNY ESF

You may not know that United Way agencies also run campaigns. Many agency executive directors have signed up to bring in their totals:

Tom McKeown – ARISE
Diane LeBeff – Aurora of CNY
Jim Czarniak – Boys and Girls Club
Brian Walton – Catholic Charities
Major John Morrison – Salvation Army
Mary Beth Frey – Samaritan Center
Tom Bazydlo – Syracuse Northeast Community Center

We’ve prepared a map to give you a better sense of the destination site at 518 James Street. The street will be closed off and participants will arrive from the east or west. Those coming from the north and south will want to turn onto James Street at a convenient point. Major cross streets include Salina St., State St., Townsend St., Lodi St., Oak St., Teall Ave., Midler Ave., and Thompson Rd.

James Smith is Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Regional President of the Central New York Region. Mr. Smith said he’s proud to accept Steve McCormick’s challenge and hopes that the Walk the Talk event will help business leaders realize the importance of supporting the community.

“I’m happy to join Steve and my peers in the community, step up and walk my talk,” Mr. Smith said. “United Way has always been able to count on the generous employees at Excellus BlueCross/BlueShield, and this is a great opportunity to show my employees that their contributions are important to me personally. We are proud to support the community through United Way.”

Mr. Smith has served as Excellus’ Regional President since 2002, and has worked in the insurance industry for many years. Last year, Excellus BlueCross/BlueShield won United Way’s Spirit of Caring Award for Volunteer Services, thanks in part to an initiative by Mr. Smith that allows employees a number of hours away from the office each year to volunteer in the community.

Mr. Smith resides in Fayetteville. He and his wife Vicki have three children, Ben, Nathan, and Abby. His hobbies include golfing, swimming and amateur radio.