NORWICH – The Norwich area will benefit from $50,000 in economic development money to make the case in the first round of the America’s Best Communities contest (ABC), a $10 million nationwide initiative to stimulate economic revitalization in small towns and cities.
The Norwich community is one of only 50 quarterfinalists across the U.S. in the competition. And with only four communities selected in New York (the other three being the towns of LeRoy and Webster, and Livingston County – each of which are in the Greater Rochester area), Norwich is the only city east of the Finger Lakes to be awarded in New York State.
The contest, launched in September of 2014, is for cities and towns with populations of 9,500 to 80,000. On Tuesday, the competition’s coperate sponsors (Frontier Communications, DISH Network, CoBank and The Weather Channel) publicly announced that Norwich has advanced into the quarterfinals of this innovative competition.
With the clock now ticking, Norwich and Commerce Chenango, along with their corporate strategic partner Chobani, have until November to complete their revitalization plans and compete for up to $3 million to bring their ideas to life.
Commerce Chenango President and CEO Steve Craig said, “This is yet another exciting opportunity to execute a plan for economic development within Chenango County.”
Craig pointed to a laundry list of items that would benefit from the seed money, chiefly the long-term effects. It would bolster economic development, including workforce development programs aimed at accelerating the local economy by putting local employees to work.
Currently Craig and Commerce Chenango are hard at work with Chobani executives to “drill down” and formulate a plan of action to sustain the momentum and shoulder the plan into the next round of the competition, he said.
While $35,000 of the $50,000 award was provided by the contest's corporate sponsors, an additional $15,000 was required from a local entity acting as a strategic advisor in planning, or “mentor.”
Norwich-based Chobani quickly stepped forward, grasping at the “opportunity to be a part of the process,” according to Michael Gonda, VP of Chobani's Corporate Communications.
In its roll as strategic advisor, Chobani will forge relationships with local leaders and together focus their efforts on successful implementation of the innovative business plans. In addition to the initial $15,000, Chobani has also devoted advisement from Chobani senior executives to see the plan though.
“We've been committed to giving back to the community that we live in from the very beginning, and when this opportunity was presented, we jumped at it with high hopes,” said Gonda. “We are absolutely excited at the opportunity to be a part of the process.”
While there's some room for celebration upon the announcement, Gonda echoed Craig's brass tacks admitting that “there’s no magic bullet for this plan to work,” and that the partnership will have to implement innovative thinking. Ultimately, Gonda said he believes that “the success of the program will come from working with people who care about Norwich, and who are likewise committed and focused.”
“Norwich has always been a place where new ideas have blossomed into important products and processes that have been commercialized to support employment in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, financial services, aerospace, agriculture, food processing and electronics, and this award presents a rare opportunity to nurture that culture of innovation and continue to create opportunities for business growth and employment into the future,” said Craig.
Claudia Maroney, General Manager for Frontier’s Central New York region, said, “The people of Norwich were determined from the start to succeed in this competition, and everyone came together to show how hard work and commitment build a great community.”
“I’ve spent much of my life dedicated to serving the residents and customers of Upstate New York, working side-by-side with everyone on special projects to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality. Today, I am especially proud to congratulate our great City of Norwich for advancing in the America’s Best Communities competition,” said Maroney.
In April 2017, America’s Best Communities will name its three competition winners. First place will receive $3 million, $2 million for second place, and $1 million for third place.
Norwich's plan for the next round of the best communities competition is to be completed by November. Judging in early 2016 will reduce the number of cities and towns to 15. Those winners will be awarded $100,000 to continue implementation of their plans.
Said Gonda, “Chobani is extremely excited to be in partnership with greater Norwich in this capacity, and we look forward to collaborating with members of the Norwich community.”