Oswego-Fulton Chamber Director Looking Ahead to a Good Year
By Stefan Yablonski
“We’re excited and looking forward to our 2024 annual meeting, which explores the theme Momentum and speaks to the many opportunities ahead of us — from the historic investment and impact of Micron, to so much other growth we are seeing in our community,” said Sara Broadwell, executive director of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
“It also pays homage to the businesses and cornerstones of our community that set the foundation that supported Micron’s decision to choose Central New York.”
The GOFCC’s annual meeting is set for noon on Feb. 29 at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center, Oswego.
Business and community leaders will celebrate the impact that small local and community-minded companies have throughout Oswego County.
The event is presented by Constellation.
It will feature keynote remarks from Joe Nehme, senior manager of external affairs, Micron Technology, Inc. Nehme will provide an overview of Micron’s New York megafab project, its community and workforce commitments and how the impact of this significant investment stands to benefit all of Central New York, including Oswego County.
The GOFCC will also honor members and community leaders, presenting its:
• Small Business Award: Recognizing small business owners for outstanding customer and employee relations, milestones, company growth or made a notable impact through their dedication to Oswego County.
• Impact Award: Recognizing a nonprofit that demonstrates excellence and has driven significant impact to Oswego County.
• Community Investor Award: Recognizing an individual or organization that has made a substantial investment in and commitment to the improvement of Oswego County’s communities.
• Nancy L. Premo Woman of Distinction Award: Celebrating 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.
“We’re focused on building connections, fostering collaboration opportunities and retaining talent,” Broadwell said. “Last year, we launched and hosted a pilot talent and attraction program in partnership with the Oswego County Workforce New York Career Center and Operation Oswego County, with the support of local sponsors.”
The unique opportunity brought new hires and recruits at local employers to network and engage one-on-one with industry and community leaders, she added.
Key stakeholders from public, private and nonprofit sectors participated to showcase Oswego County as an attractive place to work and live.
Recruits and new hires were able to network with top public and private employers; local nonprofits; realtors; higher education institutions; tourism and community development agencies; childcare agencies; financial institutions and health and wellness providers.
The event was “a great success” and the GOFCC is looking forward to building this out more in 2024 by hosting several specific to Oswego County and possibly expanding the program regionally across CNY with the support of CenterState CEO, she added.
“We will continue growing the Novelis Employee Discount Program and have expanded a similar program to another large employer in our county, which we will name at the annual meeting,” she said. “This program offers hard-working community members the opportunity to receive discounts at local businesses and encourages workers to shop locally, keeping spending in our local economy.”
She will continue to serve on the Oswego County Micron steering committee, heading the hotel, restaurant and tourism sector. It provides an opportunity to bring forward challenges and help outline solutions as we prepare our community, workforce and economy for what’s to come with Micron.
“It’s truly impactful to sit on this committee to bring the voice of small businesses to the forefront of conversations and preparation,” Broadwell said.
