NORWICH – U.S. Representative Richard Hanna said he is thankful to retain Chenango County after redistricting in New York because of the highly-driven business and government leaders he reconnects with on his periodic visits here.

He particularly complimented City of Norwich Mayor Joe Maiurano for engaging his office so often.

“You just don’t see that every day. He does a great job for you,” the 24th District Republican told a group of about 30 Commerce Chenango members yesterday. Hanna was on a campaign trip through the county Tuesday, making stops in the morning at New York Pizzeria in New Berlin and at Fred’s Inn for a Chamber-sponsored luncheon.

Rep. Hanna recently received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award in recognition of his voting record in the House. He scored the highest in New York – 100 percent – on key votes to support economic growth and job creation, including the repeal of 1099 reporting requirements, the 3 percent withholding requirement from contractors and the president’s health care law.

“Supporting small businesses, working to help rebuild upstate New York’s economy and therefore putting people back to work has been a hallmark of my time in office,” he said.

Hanna employed more than 450 people at his construction business which he operated in nearby Marcy for 30 years prior to entering politics.