Write a commentThe Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GOFCC) today hosted its 2020 annual meeting at the Lake Ontario Event & Conference Center in Oswego.
More than 200 people attended the meeting to hear GOFCC Executive Director Katie Toomey highlight the economic progress happening across Oswego County and how programs and projects supported by the Chamber will continue to drive momentum. In keeping with the event’s theme, Passion, Potential, Progress, companies that have embraced change to drive new opportunities for growth were recognized.
“As we celebrate this year's theme of Passion, Potential and Progress we are honoring people dedicated to our community, businesses making investments, and the leaders who represent an exciting new era for this community,” said Toomey. “This progress is the result of the community’s clear vision for what can be achieved. It’s reflected in Oswego County being one of the only counties in New York State to secure Downton Revitalization Initiative funding for two cities, Oswego and Fulton. These investments create a vibrancy that is attractive to young talent. In the city of Oswego the millennial population is up 24.5% from 2012 to 2018, according to American Community Survey estimates. Likewise other economic indicators point to a new narrative for the county. At 5.2%, the unemployment rate has been more than cut half since 2012. We have turned an important corner and now we must dig even deeper to make sure this continues.”
The event also featured a keynote address by Melanie Littlejohn, New York Vice President for National Grid, and Chair of CenterState CEO.
“Oswego County’s transformation is a great example of what can be done when business leaders and community partners work together. Everyone wins,” said Littlejohn. “It's thrilling to see the progress taking place right here in our own backyard and the investments that help put the region on the map. I'm honored to participate today and to celebrate your commitment to drive the ‘Passion, Potential and Progress’ for generations to come.”
The Chamber also presented three awards during the event. The Community Investor Award was presented to Bill Greene Jr., owner of the Oswego Sub Shop. The first “Nancy L. Premo – Woman of Distinction Award was presented to Reyne Pierce, vice president Residential and Consumer Lending at Pathfinder Bank. The President's Award was presented to Kerrie Webb, Executive Director of the Oswego YMCA, and Advisory Council President of the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
Presenting Sponsor: Exelon; Business Sponsors: Oswego Health, Pathfinder Bank and Novelis; Community Sponsor: Oswego County Federal Credit Union; Video Sponsors: KR Productions; Step One Creative; Centerpiece Sponsor: Elemental; Supporting Sponsors: AmeriCU Credit Union, Attis, Mitchell’s Speedway Press and SUNY Oswego.
About Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce advances the business and community interests of the region through advocacy, member services and community enhancements. The GOFCC is a fully integrated affiliate of CenterState CEO, enabling it to be strong chamber, dedicated to the needs of the Oswego-Fulton community, while bringing the area prominently into the overall growth and success of the region.
About CenterState CEO
CenterState CEO is an independent and forward thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships, planning and problem-solving. www.centerstateceo.com
