The Chenango County Chamber of Commerce and its associated agencies have consolidated under a new name, “Commerce Chenango,” and Economic Development Director Maureen Carpenter said the move should free-up resources and sharpen the focus in her department.
The transformation is merging two of the three economic development arms of the former Chamber, combining the Greater Norwich Local Development Corporation and the Chenango County Area Corporation. The third, the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency, will remain its own entity since it is a public authority guided by the state.
Carpenter said consolidating will greatly increase efficiency within the organization.
“We’ll have a more streamlined process,” Carpenter said. “This will give us a unified vision for moving forward.”
Carpenter said the new organization will consolidate local political and business leaders – who had previously volunteered to oversee two separate corporations – into one boardroom and onto the same page.
“It’s important that we go through this process ... doing more with less,” Carpenter said. “Otherwise it’s costing our volunteer’s time. The fact that we can consolidate that, save them time, and now they can do even more is important.”
Carpenter said the same services provided for new and current businesses under the chamber, such as Empire Zone programs, business loans, funding, retention assistance and referrals, will not change. Rather, she believes Commerce Chenango’s ability to provide these services will improve.
“When the consolidation is complete, we will be the better for it,” Carpenter said, “and all the hard work and will have been for a worthy cause.”
Commerce Chenango will also continue to stress its Chenango County Economic Development Strategic Plan, which focuses on downtown revitalization in local communities, business and workforce development, tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure.
James W. Diamond, owner of the Save-a-Lot grocery store in Norwich, said funding he received from Commerce Chenango helped him stay in business after heavy flooding last June damaged his store.
“The flood in June was a huge strain on our business,” Diamond said to Commerce representatives. “We applied for additional funding through the Business Assistance Loan Fund program and received a quick response to our needs. We survived the flood of 2006 thanks to your professionalism and service to the community.”
According the 2006 Chenango County Economic Development report, 42 percent of the department’s prospects successfully opened businesses in Chenango County and created 89 new jobs, while 33 percent are still in the development stages. The report adds that 2007 prospects include projects in alternative energy, medical technology, information technology, and the service industry.

Part IV of this series in Thursday’s Evening Sun will focus on Commerce Chenango’s tourism efforts.