by Austin Wheelock | ooc@oswegocounty.org
On Oct. 15, the Cayuga Community College Fulton Campus Event Center buzzed with energy as Oswego County’s manufacturing leaders gathered for a full day of learning, collaboration and connection.
The Summit: Oswego County Manufacturing 2025 brought together business owners, operations leaders and industry experts to share insights, explore resources and discuss strategies to help the region’s manufacturing sector grow and thrive.
For those of us at Operation Oswego County, it was inspiring to see more than 70 participants from Oswego County and beyond, actively engage in discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing local manufacturers. The day offered a mix of panels, interactive Q&A sessions and a keynote address that together created a comprehensive look at the tools and programs available to support businesses of all sizes.
One of the most dynamic sessions focused on workforce development, highlighting a variety of training and supportive service programs, including initiatives like ACT WorkKeys and the certified work ready community.
Panelists explored how these programs help align workforce skills with employer needs while providing resources for job seekers. Attendees gained practical strategies for recruitment, retention and long-term workforce growth.
Rachel Pierce, executive director of Oswego County Workforce New York, emphasized the importance of connecting manufacturers with programs that meet immediate workforce needs while also shaping long-term solutions, noting that the Summit brought these efforts together in a meaningful way.
Manufacturers also had the opportunity to address questions about global trade in an interactive session on managing tariff changes. Panelists shared the latest updates and offered strategies to help businesses adapt and remain competitive in an evolving market, giving attendees practical tools and insights to navigate complex trade environments.
For those looking to expand their operations, the financial incentives panel explained how local and state programs can help bridge capital gaps. Representatives from the County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency, Operation Oswego County and Empire State Development outlined the process for accessing funding and other resources, leaving attendees with a clear roadmap to move expansion and new projects forward.
The day’s keynote by Joe Nehme, senior manager of external affairs for Micron, provided a forward-looking perspective on the opportunities emerging in the region.
Nehme shared insights on Micron’s historic investment in Central New York and what it means for local manufacturers, illustrating how businesses can position themselves to benefit from one of the most significant technology investments in U.S. history.
Reflecting on the day, it’s clear that The Summit achieved its goal: connecting Oswego County’s manufacturers with the knowledge, resources and partnerships they need to thrive.
The conversations, questions and connections throughout the day reinforced the resilience, innovation and potential of our local manufacturing community.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, AmeriCu Credit Union, NBT Bank and Cayuga Community College, whose support made the event possible and to all the attendees and panelists who shared their time and expertise.
At Operation Oswego County, we remain committed to helping our manufacturing sector grow and succeed and we look forward to seeing the ideas and partnerships from The Summit translate into tangible results across the region.
Austin M. Wheelock, certified economic developer (CEcD), is the executive director of Operation Oswego County, Inc. For more information, call 315-343-1545 or visit www.oswegocounty.org.
