When I think of Commerce Chenango’s Business After Hours events, I think of mixing and mingling with local business people over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. These events are usually all about networking. That wasn’t the case, however, at this month’s after hours: NBT’s Annual Holiday Spectacular.
Sure the crowds of business people were there, as well as a wide assortment of delectible finger foods. But on this occassion it was about much more than socializing; it was about the true spirit of the holidays.
The annual event, coordinated by NBT in conjunction with Commerce Chenango, was a show of support for not one, but four local non-profits.
Chamber members showed their support for Roots and Wings by bringing not only business cards, but armfuls of canned goods and other non-perishable food items to the after hours gathering.
Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County was on hand selling Pointsettas and ornaments for Light Up a Life, two of the organization’s annual fundraising initiatives.
Those that needed a tree or wreath for their home or office placed orders for their evergreen finery through The Place. Proceeds from the sale benefit the local children’s organization.
Those in attendance also had a chance to pick up a little something for their special four legged friend, and support the Chenango County SPCA in the process. The non-profits offerings included pet stockings, doggy christmas ornaments and even a few left-over Woofstock shirts.
Chamber members turned out in large number for the event, which took place in the lobby of NBT’s main branch in Norwich on Tuesday night. The branch’s staff members gave the space a holiday-inspired make over for the occassion, with evergreen garland and decorations in red and gold.
More than 120 people attended the event and supported the four charitable organizations, making the Holiday Spectacular was one of the Commerce Chenango’s largest events of the year.