Highland Animal Hospital Celebrates Business Expansion, New Facility with Ribbon Cutting
Highland Animal Hospital recently celebrated the opening of their new 7,200 sf state of the art facility with a ribbon cutting and reception.
Highland Animal Hospital has been a long-standing veterinary hospital in Central Square, operating for over 27 years. Dr. Ali Hawthorn purchased the business in 2019 and within a few years, outgrew the 3,000-sf hospital space. The new facility, at 14 Gertrude Dr. in Central Square, will more than double the veterinary hospital’s space and add much needed veterinary urgent care services. The building architect and general contractor was Rowlee Construction of Fulton, New York.
“I would like to commend Dr. Ali Hawthorn and her hardworking team at Highland Animal Hospital that made this expansion possible. Dr. Hawthorn had the vision and saw the opportunity to grow her business while persevering through significant project budget increases and other obstacles during COVID-19, which was no easy feat,” said Austin Wheelock, executive director of Operation Oswego County, Inc.
The event was well attended including State, County and local elected officials and representatives, project partners, as well as friends and family. In addition to the ribbon cutting, Dr. Hawthorn and staff were presented with a certificate of achievement from the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce and CenterState CEO.
“On behalf of the Oswego County Legislature, we want to thank you for expanding and providing these much-needed animal health services here in Central Square. Your efforts to bring new jobs and millions in investment to Oswego County is appreciated and we wish you great success,” stated Legislator Edward Gilson.
The $3.5 million project will create new 14 jobs. Financial assistance was provided by the County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency, TD Bank and the US Small Business Administration (SBA).
Dr. Ali Hawthorn and Highland Animal Hospital were recognized earlier this year by the SBA as the woman-owned small business of the year for the 34-county district of Upstate NY.
“I’ve been planning this since I was a girl, this is truly a dream come true and I’m so thankful to be sharing this moment with many of you who were instrumental in helping me to achieve my dream,” Dr. Hawthorn commented.
