Commerce Chenango President and CEO Kerri Green tour downtown Norwich. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Commerce Chenango President and CEO Kerri Green hosted New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul in Chenango County earlier this week.

After stops in Watkins Glen and Owego to talk to officials about their individual Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects, Hochul made a stop at the Chenango County Historical Society Museum, and took a brief walk in downtown Norwich to learn more about business concerns in the area.

 

“It was such an honor to be able to provide a brief tour of Chenango County to Lt. Gov. Hochul. I wish we had more time because there are so many wonderful places, businesses and attractions throughout the county,” said Green.

“Thank you to Jessica Moquin, Executive Director of the Chenango County Historical Society, for providing a brief tour of the museum; the Lt. Governor noted her love for history and enjoyed the beautiful quilt display and marveled at the extensive collection available at the museum. I would also like to thank Kate Tefft, owner of The Cottage Bakery, located inside Creative Works on South Broad Street. After a walking through our bustling downtown, we enjoyed a visit with Kate and some of her delicious warm beverages,” she said.

 

Moquin said, “We were delighted and honored to host the Lt. Governor here at the Chenango County Historical Society. As we toured both the Community and Commerce Galleries, she was very receptive to learning more about the unique culture and heritage of our communities. The Lt. Governor seemed especially delighted by our model packet boat, “The Lillie,” and the story of the Chenango Canal. We are thrilled that she expressed interest in visiting us again in the future with her husband, and we very much look forward to that possibility.”

 

Green commented on her discussions with the Lt. Governor.

“To have an opportunity to discuss Chenango County needs and concerns in today’s climate and economy with the Lt. Governor was such a gift. Last fall I first met the Lt. Governor at The Raymond Corporation, which we toured. Even then she marveled at Chenango County and how this area has so much promise and opportunity. We continued that discussion during her visit this week, and discussed some ideas for our downtowns, small businesses, the struggles we are facing with lack of quality broadband, the need for a hotel and much more. I appreciate the time she took to have these important discussions with me, and I look forward to continuing these talks in the future.”

 

Serving as lieutenant governor of New York since 2015, Hochul said she continues to fight for working families. She supports a $15 minimum wage and paid family leave. As chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, she helped led efforts to lift up communities across the state and secured a record increase of workforce development funding, so all New Yorkers have an opportunity to find a good-paying job.

She said throughout her life, she has been committed to empowering women and has consistently placed issues that are important to women on the top of her agenda.

- From Commerce Chenango