Dear Friends,

‘Writer’s Block’ is a funny thing. Normally when I write my column it’s because I am inspired by something, someone, or an event that I can’t wait to share with you. My problem this week? There is too much to write about!

What’s the reverse of ‘Writer’s Block’? Is that a ‘Writer’s Flood?’ Or a ‘Writing Damn?’

Anyway, whatever that is, I have it.

It was a busy week at the office as we worked to finish our 2020 audits, financial reports, prepping for the Annual Board Meeting, election of directors, and getting ready to start the 2021 Awards process. I need to remember that March is crazy busy, and I shouldn’t plan anything “extra”. Last March was insane for a different reason, so I guess I didn’t really have anything to compare it with. Now, I know.

We did hold a great webinar this past week on the MWBE certification process, which was well attended. It was part of the Entrepreneurial Roundtable Series, sponsored by sfcu, and this was the second installment. We had speaker representation from the Small Business Development Center, Empire State Development, and a local certified women-owned business. If you missed it, check out our YouTube page for the link; it was a good discussion.

This past weekend, Rachael came home from college for Easter with “the boy” (who we met for the first time). Like a good Italian mother, I made all of her requested meals, and kept shoving food at the both of them … all day. I think there’s a fine line between Italians and Greeks. I love that move “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. There is a scene when they’re in the kitchen working on wedding plans, and the mom asks Ian (the guy her daughter is marrying) if he is hungry. He says “No, thank you, I just ate” and she walks away and says, “Ok, I make you something”. He looks defeated and says “Ok”. No point in arguing. That was basically the weekend here.

Not only did I feel like I needed to keep feeding the kids, but I sent them both back to campus with enough leftovers and frozen meals to get them through their last few weeks of their junior year. My grandmother would be proud!

This coming week is going to be just as busy, and we have some great meetings and programming for the community!

Coming up this week, we are hosting a meeting for event and festival organizers from Chenango County. We will be discussing the current state guidelines for larger events, the Excelsior Pass, and discuss as a group, how we could maybe still hold some of the outdoor festivals, and events this year, that Chenango County is known for.

We know that there is still a lot up in the air, but with more and more people getting vaccinated, there is a chance that we can still (safely) hold some of our events and programs. We just have to think outside the box, and maybe adjust our expectations a little. We cannot go into this season thinking everything will be as it was before, and our event organizers are motivated to try, and find another way. Together, with the Director of Communications and Marketing, we plan to talk, as a group, about what the rest of 2021 will look like. We will be sure to share more on this as we move forward. Commerce Chenango serves as the Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) for Chenango County, and we are committed to working with our tourism properties to help them understand the guidelines and promote the wonderful experiences Chenango County has to offer.

Later this week, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney will be visiting with us. I am looking forward to her visit and having the opportunity to share what we have been working on and what economic development initiatives we are focused on here in Chenango County. It should be no surprise that top of that list is the hotel project, broadband, childcare, relief, and programs for our business owners, and for our municipalities.

I encourage anyone who would like the opportunity to share their experiences (good or bad), concerns, and success stories to be sure to register to participate in the virtual town hall. This virtual event is open to anyone, and will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 8th. To register, just visit our website: commercechenango.com (under upcoming events) and we will email the link to all registered attendees on Wednesday afternoon. You can’t make change happen unless you get involved and speak up, so don’t miss this opportunity. Congresswoman Tenney is serving on the House Small Business Committee, so she is interested in hearing from our business owners about how COVID affected your business, the recovery, and how our government can help.

A couple of weeks ago we put out a call for anyone who may be interested in serving on a board or committee under Commerce Chenango. I was astonished by the response from new people, who just want to help, give back, and make a difference. To me, that is so encouraging and really shows what kind of area we live in. Dedicated people, who understand what we are trying to do, want to make a difference, and are willing roll up their sleeves to do the work. There is no better sign of an area ready to explode with innovation than one filled with people who step forward. It makes me even prouder to be leading an organization like Commerce Chenango!

It was most definitely a ‘Writer’s Flood’. Grab a boat, and let’s get moving!

Be well, Chenango.

~ Kerri