Executive Director of the Northeast Classic Car Museum Robert M. Jeffrey, Sherburne Mayor William Acee, Congressman Marc Molinaro, Commerce Chenango President Salvatore Testani and Norwich Youth Bureau Director Anthony Testani at the Northeast Classic Car Museum. (Submitted photo)

By Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

NORWICH – Commerce Chenango welcomed Congressman Marc Molinaro’s at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich.

On August 29, Congressman Molinaro met with Executive Director of the Northeast Classic Car Museum Robert M. Jeffrey, Commerce Chenango President Salvatore Testani, Sherburne Mayor William Acee, and Norwich Youth Bureau Director Anthony Testani.

Molinaro and local officials discussed the changing business environment in the district and how he can help Chenango County capitalize on those changes.

The congressman sits on the Agricultural, Small Business and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. All three are central elements to the Chenango County economy. He was also instrumental in driving tourism in Dutchess County from his time as county executive for that county. Another area of focus for Commerce Chenango.

An important part of growing tourism in our region is the Museum District in Norwich. The Northeast Classic Car Museum is a perfect example of how to use the unique experiences in Chenango County to attract tourism and economic development.

“We appreciate Congressman Marc Molinaro taking the time to visit the Northeast Classic Car Museum and understanding the important role the museum plays in promoting economic commerce and tourism to the area,” said Jeffrey.

The group also discussed the shift from a manufacturing to service based economy that has been impacting Chenango County for decades. In 1990, the Chenango County Vision Plan declared 60% of businesses in the county as manufacturing. Currently, only 40% of them are such.

Communities throughout the county are adapting to this changing environment. The congressman plans to come back to the county and meet directly with area business leaders. Jeffrey he is working with Commerce Chenango to host that event at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in October.

Molinaro said he looks forward to continuing this important discussion and working directly with local businesses to help them address their needs. Commerce Chenango greatly appreciates Congressman Marc Molinaro taking time to visit Chenango County.