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Commerce Chenango will host its Annual Membership Luncheon on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Hidden Springs Brewhouse in Norwich. This event, which is being held during ‘Chamber Week’ will be an opportunity to honor our members, who have chosen to make an investment in support of our mission. We will also celebrate winners of the 2021 ‘Spirit of Chenango County’, ‘Excellence in Small Business’, Manufacturer of the Year’ and ‘Non-Profit Agency of the Year’ award winners. This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, NBT Bank and Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, and look forward to providing an update on programs, initiatives, and projects as well as a look into 2022.

“I am looking forward to visiting with our members during the Annual Membership Luncheon” noted Commerce Chenango President & CEO, Kerri Green. “At Commerce Chenango we work tirelessly to support the businesses and communities throughout Chenango County. This luncheon is one way we can say ‘Thank you’ to the organizations that continue to support us. I look forward to celebrating some deserving organizations and individuals, as well as being able to provide an update on the projects we are working on this year. I can’t thank our members enough for believing in us as we continue to ‘Move Chenango Forward’.

The prestigious ‘Spirit of Chenango County’ award will be presented to Grayson “Gray” Stevens. Gray began working in education in 1973 as a guidance counselor in Canastota, NY, then Chittenango, South New Berlin and finally, Oxford. In 1987, Oxford Academy gave him the opportunity to become Middle School principal and, then, in 1994, was promoted to Superintendent. He retired in June of 2005, and in July went back to work as Interim Superintendent at Bainbridge-Guilford. Since that time, Grayson has been an interim in four other school districts and the DCMO BOCES.

In a message to the Otselic Valley CSD community a few years ago, Grayson shared, “I believe in the concept of team…working together we accomplish more than each of us working solo. I believe in communication and transparency…keeps the air clear. I believe we need to respect each other and I value civility. When not involved in an interim position I am a practicing grandfather, traveler, nonprofit volunteer and home renovator.”

He has provided strong leadership and guidance to numerous organizations and boards.  He unifies teams and groups yet is often the voice of reason.

BuildBlockCNY LLC will be receiving the ‘Excellence in Small Business’ award. They are a National
Distributor for BuildBlockBuilding Systems and related modern green building products in New York State and Northern PA. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are the way of the future and building green is an important part of the future. Building with ICF exterior walls require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than standard frame houses.

BuildBlock Insulated Concrete Forms are the most installer friendly ICF on the Market. Green and environmental friendly, they stay in place after construction for extreme energy efficiency. Owner, Dana Merkt says, “they are passionate about helping homeowners, homebuilders, architects, and community planners build sustainable, energy-efficient, and disaster resistant structures.”

Founded in 1972, Chenango Valley Technologies, the recipient of ‘Manufacturer of the Year’, was originally established under the name of Chenango Tool. It's founder, Lloyd Baker, specifically concentrated on the tooling aspect of the plastics industry. Under Lloyd’s direction, the company worked with local industry leaders to manufacture tooling for their molded parts.

Chenango Tool flourished as it continued to expand its customer base until an opportunity presented itself. In 1995, Chenango Tool purchased Madison Plastics in Verona, NY. This purchase broadened Chenango Tool into molded plastic manufacturing. The merger of Chenango Tool and Madison Plastics formed Chenango Valley Technologies in 1996. As CVT continued to thrive, it continued to reinvest in the company and its capabilities. Throughout the years, CVT has added or upgraded its tooling machinery, molding presses, and its facilities. They currently have 35+ employees.

Lamb’s Quarters is the recipient of the ‘Not-for-Profit Agency’ of the Year.  Lamb’s Quarters, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation holding d/b/a's for the "Lamb's Quarters Organic Farm", and for the "Norwich Farmer's Market". They receive a grant annually from Farm Credit East to help support local farmers who sell directly to the public. These funds help cover the costs of bringing nutritional programs to local consumers such as FMNP-Sr, FMNP-WIC, SNAP, and FreshConnect. Sandy Pierce, Principle, of the not-for-profit, sits on the Chenango County Ag & Natural Resource Development Council and is a proponent and advocate for providing local, organic farm-fresh food to consumers throughout our area.