NORWICH - Commerce Chenango is excited to announce the plans for an early learning center in the heart of downtown Norwich. Recently, the City of Norwich was awarded a million dollar Restore New York Communities Grant by Empire State Development.

“We’ve been talking about getting a daycare center here for more than 20 years. Without a safe, reliable place for their children, people won’t move here or stay here. Now we can change that,” said Chamber CEO Sal Testani, a key organizer of the project.

The Chenango County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to its new building on Wednesday, June 25 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for an open house featuring a preview of a transformative aid for working families: a full-time early learning daycare center for children under age three.

Blueprint plans for the future daycare center, which will occupy the building’s first floor, will be on display during the event. The project is the result of a multi-agency collaboration addressing what local leaders have long recognized as a critical childcare gap in Chenango County.

“For us to be able to build an early learning center here for 46 kids under the age of three is truly a game-changer,” said Testani.“This is not a babysitter. These children will receive the kind of early developmental education usually reserved for big cities.”

The initiative is supported by the $1 million state grant, the maximum awarded through the program, and stems from a coordinated effort involving the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), the Chamber of Commerce, the Development Chenango Corporation, and Executive Director of The Place, Sharon Vesely, who has a full business plan in place.

This early learning center will follow the mold of the Children’s Center at SUNY Morrisville.

The business will offer full-time early learning care with no building overhead cost, allowing for more focus on programming and staff.

Testani explained that the Preferred Mutual Insurance Company sold the building at a heavily reduced price in support of the community initiative. The IDA purchased the property, while the Chamber and Development Corporation agreed to lease the space and created a financially sustainable business model that could support a childcare business.

Vesley said “It is with immense pride and excitement that the Place has been part of the milestone achievement of the awarded RESTORE NY grant with the City of Norwich and Commerce Chenango. This award will have a transformative impact on early childhood education and the broader Chenango County community.”

“For years, The Place has been dedicated to supporting children and families by providing programs that foster development, learning, and growth. Now, thanks to the RESTORE NY funding, we are thrilled to move forward with the establishment of a state-of-the-art Early Learning Center, designed to serve 46 children under the age of three — a critical age for cognitive, social, and emotional development,” she said.

Commerce Chenango thanked Omar Sanders from Empire State Development for his efforts, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, and Eric Scrivener and the City of Norwich for their partnership.

Testani also explained, the benefits of this new early learning center will extend far beyond the families and children it will directly serve. Its impact will be felt by all who are living and working in Chenango County. By providing access to high-quality early education, we help build a foundation for lifelong success, strengthen the local workforce, and support working families who rely on reliable childcare options. Investing in our youngest community members means investing in the economic and social future of our region.

Planning and design have involved collaboration with Principal Design and Engineering and local code enforcement. The facility will include a secure play areas and classroom spaces. Testani said an important part of the proposal was the daycare’s close proximity to downtown employers, like NBT Bank, the YMCA and the Chenango County Office Building. “Imagine being over at the bank and being able to go spend time with your young child during lunch if you wanted,” said Testani.

Currently, Chenango County is designated a childcare desert, with limited licensed options for infants and toddlers said officials. Private in-home providers, while valued, are limited in their capacity.

“This shows what happens when public and private sectors align for a common goal,” Testani said. “We’ve built something sustainable, scalable, and absolutely necessary.”

Vesley also said, “This initiative is more than a building, it represents a commitment to equity, opportunity, and the continued growth of Chenango County.  With this grant, The Place will be able to offer working families much-needed childcare solutions, foster a thriving community, and ensure that education, workforce development, and economic vitality go hand in hand.”

The chamber is already supporting efforts to replicate the project in neighboring communities like Sherburne, New Berlin, and Greene. Testani said the early learning center represents not just a new service, but a signal of strategic growth for the region.

Residents and prospective chamber members are encouraged to attend the open house to learn more about Commerce Chenango and the early learning center.

- Sophia Root also contributed to this story