NORWICH - Community and business leaders gathered Thursday, Sept. 18, at Rentals To Go in Norwich for Commerce Chenango’s 2025 Member Appreciation Night, which drew more than 120 attendees.

Commerce Chenango President and CEO Sal Testani praised the Brightman family, owners of Rentals To Go, for hosting the annual event at their ranch, and thanked NBT Bank, the event’s sponsor.

“We’re extremely fortunate to live in a community like this where we have the types of members that come together at events like this,” Testani said. “It truly is the endorsement of the work that the chamber tries to do and we’re extremely proud of that.”

Testani highlighted that chamber membership has doubled in the past three years, and said the growth reflects the strong partnerships between local businesses and the community.

The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Member of Distinction award to Brian Burton, NBT Bank’s Chenango County Retail Market Manager and vice chair of the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency. Burton, who has served with Commerce Chenango in various roles since 1996, including as chair of the CCIDA board, was recognized for his long-standing commitment to community service.

“He truly embodies what it means to care about your community and as importantly to give back,” Testani said. “Tonight we should celebrate that by recognizing somebody like Brian.”

Burton said he was humbled and embarrassed by the honor, he credited mentors, family and colleagues for encouraging his community involvement.

“One of the things I’ve always believed is that you can help your community if you get involved. If you sit on the sidelines that’s not going to help anybody,” Burton said. “I work for a company, NBT Bank, who the community is very important to, and they encourage you to get involved.”

He thanked his wife, daughter, and team at NBT for their support. “You don’t need money to help your community. You need to be able to get involved,” he added.

The evening also served as a showcase for Rentals To Go, founded in 2000 by Gary and Holly Brightman. Originally launched with 53 portable toilets and a single service truck, the company has since grown to more than 225 employees, offering nationwide services ranging from restroom trailers to bunk houses, mobile command centers and disaster relief support.

“On behalf of our entire RTG family we would like to welcome you to the 2025 Commerce Chenango Member Appreciation Night,” said Grant Brightman. “We’re especially proud that more than 100 of our employees call Chenango County home, and those people are the reason we’re able to serve our customers across the country while staying rooted right here in our community.”

Attendees participated in tours of Rentals To Go’s facilities and equipment after the ceremony and were introduced to a newborn calf.

Burton closed remarks by thanking members and encouraging others to become involved in efforts to make Chenango County “a better place to visit, work and live.”