NORWICH – Approximately 150 local business officials and community leaders turned out to the Lt. Warren Eaton Airport in Norwich last night for Commerce Chenango’s 54th annual Dinner and Awards Celebration.

Each year, Commerce Chenango’s annual gala brings out the area’s foremost pioneers in business, local government and community agencies and institutions. And while the mission of Commerce Chenango is to promote business and community in every aspect, the spotlight last night shined particularly bright on this year’s Commerce Chenango award winners: Steven Palmatier, recipient of the Commitment to Community Award; Lisa Natoli, recipient of the Young Professional Award; and Golden Artist Colors, recipient of this year’s Distinguished Business Award.

According to Commerce Chenango President Steve Craig, the efforts of Commerce Chenango are by no means a simple operation, but rather a culmination of time and extraordinary work from its affiliates.

“This is a good chance to thank all the board members, who are essentially volunteers, for all their time and effort over the last year,” said Craig, also recognizing those who played a role in the relocation of Commerce Chenango to its new home on South Broad Street in the City of Norwich earlier this year. “We want to continue to make this a great place to work and to go to school because attracting people to work here, move here and grow here, is the best way for this community to be more prosperous.”