NORWICH – Commerce Chenango, formerly known as the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce, has served the area’s business community for 50 years. They celebrated this important milestone with a gala event Saturday night.

“Today, we hold true to the original mission of the Chenango County Chamber to offer a foundation of benefits that can help member businesses grow and prosper and thereby promote the economic well being of Chenango County,” said Maureen Carpenter, president and CEO of Commerce Chenango.

The organization was incorporated on Jan. 17, 1959 when the Norwich Chamber of Commerce expanded its reach to encompass all of Chenango County. In doing so, it became the first county chamber in New York State.

Carpenter was joined in recognizing the chamber’s accomplishments by two of the organization’s past leaders, Tammy Carnrike and Marylou Stewart.

“It’s this organization which has really built this community out the way it has,” said Carnrike, who served as president from 1995 to 2005.