NORWICH – Commerce Chenango is looking for someone with business development experience and knowledge of the local workforce and business structure to fill a newly-created economic development position.

The new staff member will round out the organization’s business development arm, Development Chenango, which was formed by the merger of the Chenango County Area Corporation and the Greater Norwich Local Development Corporation.

The new economic development specialist position will report directly to Commerce Chenango President Maureen Carpenter, who also serves as executive director of Development Chenango.

They will be responsible for actively recruiting businesses to Chenango County and work toward developing the county’s industrial park and developing the infrastructure necessary to encourage and support that growth, said Carpenter.

The additional person is necessary for her organization “to really push forward and create opportunities,” she explained. With only one and a half staff members devoted to economic development right now, their role has been more reactive, she added.

“This is going to take us to the next level. It will allow us to be proactive in business retention and recruiting,” said Carpenter, who said she hopes to have the position filled by the end of January.