Press Releases
13 May 2011
CHAMBER AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Norwich, NY – Commerce Chenango has announced the 2011 award recipients who will be honored at the 10th Annual Report to the Membership Luncheon. The luncheon will be held on May 18th at the Fox Run Event Center in Sherburne.
The Ambassador of the Year award is presented to a member who devotes personal time and leadership to advance the mission and strategy of Commerce Chenango. This year’s recipient, Kerri Green, Celebration Creations, has devoted her time and talents to promoting the Chamber, its values and benefits.
The Woman-Owned Business of the Year award is presented annually to an active, established business owner with recognizable success and sustainability. Danielle Williamson, owner of Hoppie’s in Oxford, was chosen to receive this award because of her entrepreneurial distinction and faith in herself, her business and Chenango County.
The Employee of the Year is Kassie Golden, Canasawacta Country Club, for her long-standing dedication to her employer and her customers. Kassie provides top-quality customer service with a smile and high degree of professionalism.
The Non-Profit Organization of the Year award is presented to an organization that has provided a unique service to improving the quality of life in our County. The Chenango River Theatre presents an eclectic mix of comedy and drama, with an occasional musical, at an affordable price so everyone can attend. They have received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike for every production over their first four years.
Registration for the event, sponsored by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, Frontier and Integrys, will begin at 11:30. Chamber members wishing to attend are asked to call the Chamber at 334-1402 TODAY.
3 May 11
Interim President & CEO Announced for Commerce Chenango
Norwich, NY –Sewain Conklin, current Chairman of the Development Chenango Corporation, has been selected to serve as the Interim President & CEO of Commerce Chenango effective immediately. This action will assure that the management and oversight of the multiple business activities of the Chamber, Development Chenango Corporation, Chenango Foundation, Inc., and the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency will continue to operate efficiently during the search for a new President & CEO.
Maureen P. Carpenter, President & CEO for the past four years, has left the organization after accepting a position as Economic Development Coordinator with the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce. A Search Committee has been established that will work to fill the open position. They are: Betsey Baio, Jim Currie, Bruce Erath, Daryl Forsythe, Victoria Kappel, Luke Murphy, Scott Sutton, Tom Sutton, and Kevin Walsh.
Kevin Walsh, Past Board Chairman, Commerce Chenango, said “I am excited that these individuals have agreed to serve on this committee. I have a great deal of confidence that the breadth of knowledge possessed by this group will result in the selection of a candidate that not only best fits the qualifications for the position, but the needs of Commerce Chenango’s membership base and Chenango County as a whole.”
Sewain was chosen due to his past experience as Interim Director in 2007 and his active role in serving on Chamber committee’s and Boards. Walsh is confident that Conklin will have a positive impact on the Chamber members and staff and will be supported by Commerce Chenango board members during this time of transition. The team has expressed their desire to have a permanent leader in place by early summer.