Write a commentThe Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GOFCC), operated by CenterState CEO, yesterday hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego.
More than 200 people attended the event, presented by Constellation, to hear about how Oswego County’s growth is integral to the success of the entire Central New York region.
The event featured remarks from GOFCC Executive Director Sara Broadwell, who spoke about the pivotal moment Oswego County finds itself in.
“The growth and excitement in our community is a testament to the collective vision and dedication of this business community and the many partners working together toward a better future for Oswego County,” said Broadwell. “Our community is emerging as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for exceptional progress and regional development.”
During his keynote remarks, Oswego County Chief Administrative Officer and Budget Officer Phillip Church highlighted projects underway in Oswego County that will help to spur more business activity.
“The county has made it a priority to help advance initiatives that create an environment where businesses can grow and thrive,” said Church. “As we prepare for opportunities on the horizon that Micron will bring to this region, investing in priorities such as community-wide broadband, wastewater management and planning for the energy needs of the future will be critical as we work to ensure employers and residents are part of that future growth. I look forward to finding more ways to make the Oswego County business community even more successful along that trajectory.”
The celebration of the business community also included the presentation fo four awards during the event:
Small Business Award, presented to Cam’s Pizzeria. The award recognizes a small business for outstanding customer and employee relations, milestones, company growth, or for having made a notable impact through their dedication to Oswego County.
Impact Award, presented to the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. The award recognizes a non-profit that demonstrates excellence and has driven significant impact to Oswego County.
Community Investor Award, presented to CiTi BOCES. The award recognizes an organization that has invested in the improvement of Oswego County’s communities.
Nancy L. Premo Woman of Distinction Award, presented to Brandy Koproski, Executive Director of Integrated Community Planning. The award celebrates a woman in business whose service has made a positive impact in the community, in honor of Nancy Premo, CenterState CEO’s late vice president of Human Resources.
The event included the official launch of the Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund, which will provide financial assistance and resources to child care providers for expanding facilities and support training. The program will be funded through an initial investment of $100,000 from Constellation as part of the company’s Powering Change workforce development initiative, which will be leveraged to seek additional private and public sector support.
“As we witness Oswego County’s continued growth, it’s essential to focus on the community needs that are foundational to our success, such as the availability of accessible and affordable child care,” said Broadwell. “The Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund creates a sustainable foundation for addressing child care needs across the county. By making child care more affordable and accessible, we empower parents to engage fully in the workforce, driving economic growth while also contributing to better educational outcomes for our children. We’re grateful for Constellation’s partnership as we work to implement an approach that creates an environment where families thrive, as well as a sustainable foundation for our community’s progress.”
Constellation’s three nuclear plants in upstate New York, including Nine Mile Point and FitzPatrick Clean Energy Centers in Oswego County, employ about 1,800 full-time workers and provide about 50 percent of the state’s clean energy. The company was recognized in 2024 as a Fortune Best Workplace for Parents.
“We launched our Powering Change workforce development initiative with the goal of breaking down barriers to family-sustaining employment for individuals across the communities we serve,” said Susie Kutansky, executive vice president and Chief Human Resources Officer, Constellation. “Securing reliable, affordable child care presents a major challenge for so many working parents, and we’re proud to support the Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund to expand quality care options and reduce costs for local families.”
“Through the leadership of dedicated community partners, Oswego County is leading the way on this critical issue, implementing a model that can be replicated throughout the state,” said Broadwell. “I want to thank our partners in this effort—Austin Wheelock, executive director of Operation Oswego County; Rachel Pierce, executive director of the Workforce Development Board of Oswego County; and Brandy Koproski, executive director of Integrated Community Planning—for their commitment and vision for ensuring families across our county have access to quality child care services.”
“Operation Oswego County is proud to be an initial stakeholder in the Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund (OCCIF),” said Wheelock. “As the County’s authorized economic development organization, we fully support innovative public-private partnerships like OCCIF that will enable our residents to overcome barriers to participate in the labor force and support sustainable growth.”
“Investing in quality child care is an investment in the economic and social future of our community,” said Pierce. “As a workforce development professional and a mother, I am proud to see elected officials and private sector employers recognize the profound impact this initiative has on our workforce and Oswego County as a whole. By prioritizing accessible, high-quality child care, we are strengthening families, supporting businesses, and building a more resilient local economy.”
Special thanks to the GOFCC Annual Meeting event sponsors: Presenting Sponsor, Constellation; Business Sponsor, Oswego County FCU; Community Sponsors, Pathfinder Bank and Novelis; Networking Reception Sponsor, Community Bank; and Media Sponsors, Oswego County Business, iHeart Oswego, and Oswego County Media Group.
Read more about the GOFCC’s programs, initiatives, and accomplishments in the past year by visiting their website.
