Commerce Chenango launches workforce-development initiatives

NORWICH, N.Y. — Commerce Chenango, which serves as the chamber of commerce, tourism, and economic development entity for Chenango County, is working on a number of initiatives designed to encourage growth in the county with a focus on the visitor economy, workforce development, leadership, and more. With Chenango County serving as home base to a number of companies including Chobani, Raymond, and Golden Artist Colors, it’s no surprise that workforce development is high on the list of priorities. “I believe that’s our most important initiative we’re working on here,” Commerce Chenango President/CEO Sal Testani tells CNYBJ. The goal is to retain and grow existing businesses by ensuring they have an ample, well-trained workforce. To achieve that, Commerce Chenango has spearheaded a collaborative initiative between employers, area schools, and SUNY Morrisville to create the region’s first workforce-development courses on an array of topics. The first, a pilot program focused on basic manufacturing skills — created by working closely with GE Aviation — began Feb. 6 with 20 high-school seniors participating. The 12-week program will equip students with essentials for a career in manufacturing including certification. Planning is under way for courses on other topics such as essential employment skills — things like answering the phone, composing an email, and other basic work skills — with hopes to eventually add more courses focusing on various industries, Testani says. Eventually, the hope is to make the program available regionally and not just in Chenango County. Next on Commerce Chenango’s agenda is the upcoming second annual Chenango Women’s Leadership Conference from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 25 at the Canasawacta Country Club, 261 County Road 44, Norwich. “It’s quite quickly become our signature event,” Testani says. The event is completely developed by women for women and aims to be an inspirational event that helps women connect, network, and socialize. This year’s keynote speaker is Barbara Schindler, president and COO of Golden Artist Colors. Other highlights of the event include panel presentations from women living and working in Chenango County focusing on topics including leadership, wealth, and health, as well as networking opportunities. Tickets for the event are $60 per person, and Testani expects to draw a crowd close to 200 people. To register, visit the “events” tab at commercechenango.com. Training workers and cultivating the female leaders of tomorrow goes a long way to helping the county, Testani notes, but people can’t go to work if they don’t have childcare for their families. That’s why Commerce Chenango is working with The Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich, Inc., which does business as The Place, to use the ground floor of Commerce Chenango’s new headquarters at 19 East Main St., Norwich, to open a 46-slot childcare center for children under age 3. Finally, Commerce Chenango has engaged Jones Lang Lasalle for a nine-month study to help assess trends, identify growth opportunities, and improve infrastructure to help bolster the county’s tourism industry. “What would get you to want to come here?” Testani asks. That’s what the study aims to find out and then help Commerce Chenango act on those findings. While the various initiatives might seem separate, they really all work together and involve acting locally, but thinking regionally. “Our whole mission is to make Chenango County a better place to visit, work, and live,” Testani says.