On the right road…
This week I attended the CenterState CEO Economic Champions Celebration. This event celebrates our business world and companies that are doing great things. I was proud to see some of these stats which they shared:
- 4,800+ jobs created
- $1.4 billion in capital expenditures
- 1.3+ million square feet in expansion
- 94 new businesses and locations
I think these fantastic numbers really highlight how well we’re doing in Onondaga County. They reinforce we are heading in the right direction and more great things are to come. I’m proud to support economic development through initiatives at the county level, and to support small businesses in our district through county tax reductions and grants for improvements through our Main Street program.
A special shout out to Onondaga Community College and President Dr. Warren Hilton for being recognized with this year’s Community Visionary Award. What they are doing on campus is truly inspiring and I’m committed to supporting OCC. Earlier this year, I voted in favor of their 2025-2026 operating budget which keeps OCC one of the most affordable of all the community colleges in New York State. The county is responsible for funding a portion of the school’s budget, along with New York State and student tuition and fees, and this year, OCC asked for no increase from the county. They are adapting and expanding programs of study to meet the changing needs of today’s students and just opened their new Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab which will provide students with hands-on training for careers in the semiconductor industry, which is expected to bring many jobs to Onondaga County in the coming years. Congratulations OCC for being recognized!