NORWICH – Staff members and volunteers of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County gathered at the organization’s 99 N. Broad St. location Wednesday for an annual meeting to honor volunteers and to highlight the year’s many successful programs.

The annual gala kicked-off with a meet and greet and was followed by a luncheon where members reflected on the organization’s progress over the course of the year. Special guest speaker New York State Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, who is also a former member and chair of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County Board, was in attendance to laud the extension and its state leadership role in agricultural education and the dairy industry.

During his time in the Assembly, Crouch has had a hand in improving farm viability and introducing legislation concerning agriculturalists statewide, including the state’s Farm Equipment Lemon Law, and flood relief for farmers both recently and in 2006.

“I’ve always enjoyed the extension,” Crouch told the group, recalling a long history with the Chenango County CCE and his experiences working with its affiliates. “I’ve been so proud and pleased to work with the extension and to bring a voice of agriculture to the New York Assembly.”