We have a tradition of publishing a Progress Issue right at the first quarter of the year. It’s a time we look at many of the key sectors of the economy and assess where we are.
You’d better believe it: the area is on the cusp of great economic development.
Just flip through the pages of this edition of Oswego County Business and check what “people in the know” are saying.
Clearly, the sense is that many parts are moving quickly and getting ready for big things. This is triggered mostly by the construction of Micron, a $100 billion project that has been in the works for a few years already. It seems that, finally, we’re about to see some construction going on this year.
The head of U.S. government and public affairs at Micron, Bo Machayo, tells writer Deborah J. Sergeant the plant will be partially operational in 2027. Altogether, the project should take several years to be fully implemented.
It’s expected to create 50,000 jobs in Central New York (9,000 of those are direct jobs).
“We are becoming a fast-growing community,” says Rob Simpsom, the chief executive officer of CenterState CEO, in an interview with Oswego County Business. “There is a noted shift in community mindset, from ‘is this real,’ to ‘we deserve to win.’ I hear it in meetings and it’s highlighted in the data shared in this year’s economic forecast report. In fact, 86% describe Central New York’s 2025 economic outlook as good or excellent.”
Randy Wolken, the head of MACNY — Manufacturers Association of Central New York, could not be more optimistic. He said, “The Central New York region is a hot spot for manufacturing. It is pretty exciting. We are very pleased that this is happening.”
Wolken estimates that the region will add 100,000 people over the next 20 years.
The momentum is here. We hope it continues.
For this issue, we interviewed dozens of sources: government officials, small business owners, plant managers, professionals, you name it. The idea was to get a glimpse of what they’re thinking about the economy. For the most part they are optimistic.
We also developed several feature stories, among them a profile of Rose Anthony, a tavern owner in Granby. What’s remakable about her is that at 99 years of age, she goes to work every day — no plans to retire just yet. Another story is about the growing number of churches for sale in New York state — 56, including one in Pulaski. Buyers can obtain that property for $99,000.
Another feature I find interesting in this issue is about the Thrifty Shoppers stores, operated by Rescue Mission in Syracuse. Their 17 locations generate $19 million in sales. Wow!
We always strive to bring as much information about economic development, the local economy and businesses as we can. I hope this edition shows that.
Wagner Dotto is the editor and publisher of Oswego County Business Magazine.
