GREENE – Commerce Chenango and NBT Bank are proud to host the 2013 Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Harvey Stenger. The breakfast will take place on Feb. 13 at The Silo Restaurant located on 203 Moran Rd., Greene.

Stenger, a native of upstate New York, was appointed president at Binghamton University in November 2011. Prior to his appointment, he served as interim provost and dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University at Buffalo. A chemical engineer by training, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University in 1979, and his doctorate in the same discipline from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1983.

While his focus is on Binghamton University, Stenger has taken a role in the region’s revitalization as well, replacing Cornell University President David Skorton as co-chair of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council. (STREDC) The region was one of the top winners of the Regional Economic Development Council awards, receiving $91.1 million from the state program and a citation for one of the best plans. Currently the group focuses on revitalizing downtown communities and rural areas, and soliciting proposals that meet those goals.

At the Forecast breakfast, Stenger will share an overview of the University and his efforts to enhance economic development in the Southern Tier. He will also talk about the STREDC and its collaborative partnerships between industry, academia, and government to support innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development.  In particular, he will be looking at strategic development in areas such as efficient and renewable energy, transportation, healthcare, and rural resources.

STREDC award recipients Cascun Farms, Sunrise Family Farms and Purdy and Sons, Inc., will be providing sausage, yogurt and organic eggs at the breakfast. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Chamber members may attend for $25 and non-members for $35.

Platinum sponsor NBT Bank offers personal banking, asset management and business services. Development Chenango is the Gold sponsor for the event.

Organized in 1959, Commerce Chenango is a not-for-profit, community based organization dedicated to enhancing the economic growth of Chenango County and the surrounding area. Visit www.chenangony.org for more information on Commerce Chenango services and programs.