Energy Supplier Constellation Honored for Child Care Investment in Oswego County

TROY, NY (06/12/2025) (readMedia)-- The Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC) yesterday presented its Excellence in Business Award to Constellation, the nation's largest producer of carbon-free energy, for its leadership role in launching the Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund.

With an initial $100,000 contribution, Constellation served as the catalytic investor behind the fund, which supports expanded child care access and affordability in Oswego County. The fund was developed through a partnership led by Integrated Community Planning of Oswego County, with support from Operation Oswego County, Oswego County Workforce NY, and the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

"Constellation's commitment has shown how the private sector can help lead the way in solving urgent community challenges," said ECLC Executive Director Meredith Chimento. "This investment is unlocking partnerships and resources to support families and strengthen the local workforce."

The Baltimore, MD-based energy supplier has a strong presence in western New York, with facilities in Ontario and Lyons and the Northeast Training Center in Oswego. They have demonstrated strong commitment to community development, workforce programs, philanthropy, and equity.

The award was presented at ECLC's Annual Meeting and Luncheon in Troy, NY, a statewide gathering of leaders in child care and early education, workforce development, and business. The event also honored Westchester's Kathy Halas with the Excellence in Leadership Award for her decades of public service and advocacy. Keynote speaker Aaron Merchen of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation spoke about the importance of employer investment in child care as an economic imperative.

About ECLC

Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC)l is the coordinating agency for New York's network of Child Care Resource Centers (CCRCs). ECLC champions high-quality, affordable, accessible, and equitable child care and early education through training, innovative curricula and professional development, and advocacy. earlycareandlearning.org