NORWICH – The greater Norwich region’s business and government sectors were well represented at a discussion of New York’s economic climate hosted by New York State Senator Tom Libous Wednesday.

About 25 executives representing Norwich Pharmaceuticals, NBT Bank, Raymond Corporation, Norse Energy, GHS Federal Credit Union, Mang Insurance – among other businesses – and non-profit, school and public officials from the city of Norwich and Chenango County met at Commerce Chenango’s offices in the Eaton Center. Natural gas development, new jobs, pension and mandate reform and government consolidation were some of the topics addressed.

The minority leader commenced by showcasing his Republican colleagues’ success in taking back the Senate this year with a commitment to “doing some things differently” and “not playing the party thing.” He said he genuinely likes Governor Andrew Cuomo’s leadership style, works well with him and is optimistic that the governor has the state on the right track.

“We have and are going to make some mistakes, but I think we are setting the tone for good business in this state,” he said.

The 23-year elected official described how the state’s legislature filled a $10 million budget gap with no new taxes and fees, slashed 3.5 percent from spending and capped tax increases at 2 percent this year, all while delivering an on-time budget.

“In the past, we’ve only cut future growth on specific programs. This time we cut into the bone.”