Write a commentEconomic and job development agency Operation Oswego County held its 72nd annual meeting on Thursday morning.
The well-attended breakfast meeting welcomed civic and business leaders from across the county and beyond to the Lake Ontario Conference and Convention Center. The actual business meeting was brief, and included a concise financial report from Operation Oswego County Board of Directors President Ellen Holst, who also hosted the meeting.
Holst introduced Constellation Energy Senior VP of Operations Joseph Pacher, who gave the keynote presentation. He spoke about his company's relationship with Central New York and Oswego County, its contributions to the local economy and the company's plans for the future.
"We are grateful to the people of Oswego County and New York State for stepping up when it looked like the Fitzpatrick plant was going to close," Pacher said. "We hope to honor your commitment to us by keeping these plants licensed and in operation far into this century."
Operation Oswego County Executive Director Austin Wheelock then took to the podium to address the gathering. He spoke about some of the highlights of the past year including the Highland Animal Hospital expansion in Central Square among many others. Wheelock then gave recognition to several members of the OOC Board of Directors, including some who are retiring, and thanked them for their service.
The presentation of the agency's annual awards was next. The 2024 Ally Award was presented to the Onondaga Small Business Development Center, accepted by its regional director Robert Griffin.
The 2024 Business Excellence Award was presented to Riverview Pediatrics of Fulton, accepted by its partners, Doctors Sarah Finocchiaro, Scott DeLaney and Carla Overton.
The 2024 Jobs Award went to The Broadwell Hospitality Group. Founder George Broadwell Sr and sons Shane Broadwell and George Broadwell Jr. accepted the award.
Dr. Ali Hawthorn of Highland Animal Hospital in Central Square received the 2024 Dee Heckathorn Entrepreneur Award.
The final presentation was the 2024 Martin Rose Economic Developer Merit Award Wheelock presented this award to long time development proponent H. Leonard Schick to honor the many accomplishments of his long career.
The 2024 Annual Meeting of Operation Oswego County was sponsored by Fulton Savings Bank, NBT Bank, and Pathfinder Bank.
