Operation Oswego County held its 74th annual meeting on Thursday, June 18 at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego.
Peter Cullinan, president of the OOC board of directors, welcomed more than 150 representatives of businesses, government, education, labor and other community organizations to the meeting.
Keynote speaker Rich Barlettte, director, State Government Affairs of Constellation, joined OOC executive director Austin Wheelock for a fireside chat on energy, economic development and workforce growth. The discussion highlighted the critical role of nuclear energy in supporting economic growth and examined the partnerships necessary to prepare communities for future development.
Austin Wheelock reported that projects assisted by OOC and the County of Oswego IDA (COIDA) in 2025 resulted in the creation or retention of 1,422 jobs and over $196 million in capital investment, supporting 43 new, expanded or retained facilities. Wheelock also highlighted several significant economic development milestones and collaborative initiatives underway across the county.
Wheelock highlighted several major accomplishments achieved during the past year, including the village of Pulaski’s 10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award and the village of Mexico’s $4.5 million NY Forward award. He also provided updates on OOC’s Strategic Plan, the Oswego County Micron Strategy Steering Committee, the Oswego County Childcare Investment Fund, County infrastructure initiatives including the Southern Oswego County Regional Interceptor Sewer (SOCRIS), the expansion of the L. Michael Treadwell Oswego County Industrial Park, and new funding to support entrepreneurship through the Oswego County MicroEnterprise Grant Program.
The annual meeting also highlighted collaborative efforts of nearly 40 steering committee members and more than 90 partner organizations working to prepare Oswego County for growth associated with Micron’s projected $100 billion investment in Central New York. Wheelock recognized the continued support of key stakeholders, including Oswego County Government, COIDA, SUNY Oswego, Constellation, National Grid, Empire State Development, the Greater
Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Centerstate CEO and numerous regional partners whose collaboration continues to advance economic development opportunities throughout the county.
Three business organizations, a successful entrepreneur and a long-standing economic development advocate were also recognized during the meeting for their outstanding contributions to economic development, job creation, entrepreneurship, and community investment throughout Oswego County.
The Ally Award for 2026 was presented to TDO (Train, Develop, Optimize) in recognition and appreciation of the outstanding and technical assistance they provide to local manufacturing and technology companies across the CNY region including Oswego County. TDO has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to helping regional manufacturers while also collaborating on numerous occasions with Operation Oswego County on economic development initiatives, including the Oswego County Manufacturing Summit. Through their expertise, partnership, and unwavering support of local industry, TDO has become a valued partner within Oswego County’s economic development ecosystem.
The Business Excellence Award for 2026 was presented to N.E.T & Die in recognition of 60 years of manufacturing excellence in the city of Fulton and Oswego County. As a third-generation family-owned and operated business, N.E.T. & Die has continually adapted and evolved to meet changing needs like with their recent acquisition and renovation of the former K-mart property into manufacturing space. Their support of local organizations, including Fulton Block Builders and the ALS Association of Upstate New York, show their commitment and contribution to the growth of the city of Fulton and the Central New York region.
The 2026 Jobs Award was presented to Daldrop, SBB, LLC in recognition and appreciation of their significant contribution and economic impact in Oswego County. Through an $11 million investment in the construction of a new state-of-the-art cleanroom component manufacturing facility at the Oswego County Industrial Park, Daldrop SBB, LLC has demonstrated its commitment to the county’s future while creating 30 new manufacturing and engineering jobs.
Mike Tormey & Family received OOC’s 2026 Dee Heckethorn Entrepreneur Award in recognition and appreciation of exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and dedication in redeveloping the former Miller Brewery complex in the town of Volney into the Oswego Energy & Rail Park. Through their investment and leadership, they have helped attract and retain industrial businesses in Oswego County. Mike Tormey has demonstrated a strong commitment in partnership with Operation Oswego County and the County of Oswego IDA to the County’s future economic success.
Jan Tighe was honored with the 2026 Martin Rose Economic Developer Merit Award in recognition and appreciation of her outstanding record of leadership, support, vision, and dedication to the economic and community development of Oswego County. As mayor of the village of Pulaski for more than five years, also serving as deputy mayor and Village Trustee, and participating as a member of the Pulaski Economic Development Task Force, Jan has championed initiatives that have strengthened the community and enhanced quality of life for residents through improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure, municipal energy efficiency upgrades, sidewalk improvements and local park enhancements. Her leadership helped secure Pulaski’s designation at the first Pro-Housing Community in Central New York and played a key role in securing a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award for the village in 2025. Through her commitment to public service, Jan Tighe has made a lasting impact on the future of Pulaski and Oswego County.
The OOC Board of Directors elected Susan Cole of National Grid and Maria Hudson of Constellation to three-year terms. Sara Broadwell of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce was elected to a two-year term and John Murray of EJ USA was elected to a one-year term. The board also re-elected Shane Broadwell, Pete Cullinan, William Galloway, Tricia Peter-Clark, James Ransom and Michelle Shatrau to three-year terms.
The OOC Board of Directors also elected Pete Cullinan to a new two-year term as president, John Sharkey IV to a new two-year term as vice president and Eric Behling to a new two-year term as secretary.
Retiring from the OOC Board of Directors were Daniel Murphy after 18 years of service, Ellen Holst after 17 years of service, including service as board president and Chena Tucker after seven years of service. OOC expressed its appreciation for their dedication, leadership and lasting contributions to the organization and community.
For more information about economic development services in Oswego County, call OOC at 315-343-1545 or visit www.oswegocounty.org.
