NORWICH – On Tuesday, May 1, Commerce Chenango will thank local businesses for their participation and support of the Chamber at the annual Report to the Membership Luncheon. Highlighting small businesses in honor of National Small Business Week, the event will take place at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich and is sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union and Preferred Mutual Insurance Company.

With over 100 Chamber members expected to attend, the lunch will serve in part as a recognition of retiring business owner Hal Skillin of Skillin’s Jewelers, for his many years of contributions to the Norwich business community. The third generation owner of his family’s 97-year-old store, Hal has been running Skillin’s since 1974. “Hal Skillin wrote the book on advertising and marketing for main street retail businesses. With a savvy mix of broadcast, print, and outdoor advertising, Skillin’s stayed front-and-center in the minds of customers. The store itself was always inviting, providing an intimate, service-oriented shopping experience,” says Steve Craig, President and CEO of Commerce Chenango. “While we are sorry to see Skillin’s close their doors, we congratulate Hal and wish him well in his retirement."

Commerce Chenango will also bestow two individual awards at the luncheon: the Commitment to Community Award and the Young Professional Award. Commerce Chenango is excited to announce that Andrew & Michael Lagoe, Gilligan's - Sherburne, is the recipient of the Commitment to Community Award, and John Antonowicz, community volunteer extraordinaire, will receive the Young Professional Award.

Mike and Andy Lagoe bought Gillian’s from their brother Matt in 2007. Their Wednesday Bike Night and Cruise-In has become a regional event with hundreds of participants weekly. If you dine with Gilligan’s on one of their fundraiser nights, you have the option of giving 20% of your purchase to a featured organization.

The Lagoe’s have provided fundraising help and/or ice cream to a variety of community organizations that include; Chenango County Airport Days, Save The Sherburne Inn Restoration Project (SSIRP), Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association, Sherburne Cooperative Nursery School, St. Baldrick’s, S-E After Prom Party, Earlville Free Library, Chenango Arts Council, Friends of Rogers, Chenango Health Network and so many more. Thanks to Andy and Mike who ‘give back’ to the Chenango County communities week after week.

John Antonowicz, an accomplished young professional, is enrolled in the 2018 Leadership Chenango class, and is affiliated with the Chenango County Historical Society, Hospice, Chenango Valley Home and is the youngest serving officer for the Chenango Chapter NYS Archeology Association in all of New York State. He is employed at Wilson Funeral Home and says, “I am proud to call this community my home.”

Elizabeth Monaco, executive director of the Chenango United Way, said, "After John finished high school, he asked to join the Chenango United Way Board of Directors and he was elected as our youngest Board member ever. In 2015, he led the creation of our Chenango-opoly game and to date we have sold more than $8,000 in games! For 2016 and 2017, John served as our Campaign Co-Chair. John is a joy to work with. We often say that he is an old soul…a reincarnation of one of our community’s best…a Mel Eaton or a Otis Thompson. He loves Norwich and would do anything for this community. He deserves this award.”

The Annual Report to the Member Lunch will also provide attendees with a look at upcoming Commerce Chenango initiatives and a brief presentation on the group’s accomplishments over the past year, particularly in the areas of boosting the local economy, job creation and tourism. Chamber members can call 334-1400 to reserve a seat.

Organized in 1959, Commerce Chenango is a not-for-profit, community based organization dedicated to enhancing the economic growth of Chenango County and the surrounding area. Visit www.chenangony.org for more information on Commerce Chenango services and programs.