News from the Noteworthy from Otsego County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Invites Community to ‘Take the Leap’

Hello readers of “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta.” My name is Sean Lewis, and I am the president and chief executive officer of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce. Welcome to Leap Day 2024. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to write to you on this special day that comes just once every four years. You can find my future musings on Memorial Day week and on Halloween this year, as we continue our mission to help bring about a better quality of place for everyone in Otsego County.

Since this is my inaugural submission, I think I should start by describing exactly who we are and what we do, so that you have a solid frame of reference. We currently serve more than 300 members of the chamber throughout Otsego County by providing help that is customized to their unique needs. Whether an existing business needs help with workforce development and recruiting, governmental liaison support, or legal or human resources information, we are there to provide those connections. New businesses and start-ups may need marketing advice, information on grant availability and assistance, or help with a business plan. We are there to make those connections for them.

And of course, the lifeblood of any chamber of commerce is providing networking opportunities and platforms so that members can exchange ideas, share common challenges and even have a bit of fun. We host a Spring Awards Dinner (this year at Cooperstown’s Otesaga Resort Hotel), a Fall Members Meeting and Awards Celebration (at Oneonta’s Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center). We have quarterly Membership Mixers, where members and non-members mingle and network at a local area business. This year, we are bringing back the Summer Soiree, which features live entertainment, food, drinks and fun. We also hold an annual Pickleball Tournament, Disc Golf Tournament, and our yearly golf outing. We can be found at the Otsego County Fair, the Hometown 4th of July, and various parades and celebrations, from Gilbertsville and Burlington Flats to Cooperstown, Richfield, and Cherry Valley. We understand that all work and no play makes us all dull women and men, and we are anything but dull!

So now that you know what we do, we ask that you take that leap of faith and get involved. You can start by nominating community recipients for our Spring Awards. Just go to https://form.jotform.com/info_info671_Chamber/2024-annual-dinner-award-nomination and submit your favorites for the Eugene Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen Award, Business of the Year Award, and the 2024 Breakthrough Award. Winners will be selected by the chamber’s Nomination and Governance Committee in partnership with you!

After you submit your nominations, we invite you to visit www.otsegocc.com for more information on upcoming events, as well as news from New York State lawmakers, local municipalities and area citizen leaders. And of course, you are invited to attend our mixers and events so that you can get to know us better. You can also speak to Katrina Van Zandt (our director of operations), Karen Laing (our director of finance and administration), or with me to get answers to your questions or to discuss the value of membership. We are here to serve.

Everyone at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce looks forward to seeing all members and Otsego County citizens throughout 2024 as we crisscross the county for both business and fun. We have a lot to accomplish. Who wants to make that clear decision to take the leap and join us?

Sean Lewis is president and chief executive officer of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce.