The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce has had a busy spring and summer in 2024. As this year’s warm season begins to wind down, this would be a good time to review what has been accomplished and what is on the horizon for our organization.
Many people ask us, “Just what does the chamber of commerce do?” Well, today’s column may help answer that question, but since I have a strict limit on the number of words for these submissions, it will not cover everything. Our highlights of note are more than enough for today, so here we go.
Our annual Spring Dinner was held at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown on April 25. In this historic venue, we bestowed awards on some great businesses and individuals located throughout Otsego County. Cooperstown All-Star Village was named Otsego County Business of the Year. Despite being great people and a community-focused business, they bring more than $95 million of economic impact to our region! Our Eugene Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Julie Dostal of LEAF. After decades of selfless service and passionate dedication to those suffering from addiction, she has decided to enter into well-earned retirement. Finally, Vesucre, a vegan sweets company begun by Oneonta native Sarah Hartman, was presented with the Breakthrough Award. The company utilizes Sarah’s great vision and the teamwork of local craftspeople, including individuals from ARC Otsego. It was a great night for all.
June 20 brought the return of the Summer Soiree. Absent from our calendar since before the COVID-19 pandemic, it returned to Creekside Station. This hidden gem is just outside of Hartwick and offers a first-class venue for family get-togethers, business events and weddings. At the soiree, the chamber gave a well-earned award to Cassandra Harrington of Destination Marketing Corporation for Distinguished Alumna of Leadership Otsego. Cass’s efforts have played a key role in growing our county’s vital tourism industry and she has grown to become a nationally recognized leader in her field. We were also honored to recognize the Rothenberger Family as Otsego County Volunteers of the Year. Since the tragic passing of their son, grandson and brother Lucas from addiction, the entire family has focused on raising funds to combat this growing scourge in our communities. Their annual Rothenberger Road to Recovery Run is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30 this year. We urge everyone who can assist by participating or donating. Visit www.RothenbergerRace.it’syourrace.com for details.
In other exciting news, the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce Foundation is now officially open for business. And when we say, “for business,” that is exactly what we mean. This new 501 (c)(3) foundation’s mission is to aid small to medium-sized businesses in Otsego County who need a helping hand. Many organizations seem to fall through the cracks of larger programs like DRI, New York Forward, Microenterprise Grants and Community Development Block Grants. Some do not qualify for specific reasons. Others may not meet credit criteria for publicly backed loan programs. Funding from this new foundation is designed to assist those recipients with brand development, marketing, business coaching, point-of-sale systems and other service-related assistance. We will also be there for businesses looking for signage, equipment or even something as simple as a new coat of paint. If you are interested in supporting the efforts of our foundation, you can participate in Mohawk Velley Gives Day of Giving on Sept. 20. You could also go to the chamber’s website at www.otsegocc.com and click on the “Foundation” link on the top of the page. You can also contact us directly at slewis@otsegocc.com to join the effort.
Sept. 6 is the date of our annual golf outing at Oneonta Country Club. Players will start their weekends early as they enjoy a great day on the links, valuable networking and the chance to win $10,000 with the first hole-in-one on the par-4 second hole! Other prizes will be earned for top team scores, closest to the pin, farthest drive, straightest drive and even the marshmallow drive. There are a few spots for teams of four and individual players, so reach out to us at info@otsegocc.com.
It has been a busy and productive summer with even more good news on the horizon. We are honored to serve the businesses, organizations and citizens of Otsego County, and will work to make our home region even better in years to come. Come out and join us.