President & CEO of Commerce Chenango Sal Testani, Mayor of Sherburne William (Bill) Acee, and Owner of Lewis’ Restaurant Rich Lewis at a community gala honoring the business in June, 2023. Lewis’ Restaurant was recognized as the Commerce Chenango as Small Business of the Year in 2023. (Photo by Commerce Chenango)

by Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

SHERBURNE – This week is Small Business Week, celebrated by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Annually, the SBA recognizes small businesses and their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and contributions to the economy.

Commerce Chenango is happy to have many small businesses that help make Chenango County a great place to live and work. Many of these businesses have been featured in the weekly Community Spotlight articles published here in the Evening Sun.

In some cases, there are small businesses that have been in their community for generations and are a vital part of the identity of the community: such as Lewis’ Restaurant in Sherburne, the 2023 Commerce Chenango Small Business of the Year.

A vibrant small business culture is crucial for economic growth, job creation, innovation, and community identity. Small businesses act as a driving force behind employment opportunities and new revenue streams that stimulate and enrich Chenango County.

We are fortunate that small businesses add unique personalities to the towns of Chenango County, creating vibrant communities. Many of the small businesses in Chenango County show a vested interest in being involved in their communities, donating time, resources or funding to local groups or efforts.

Thank you to the Small Business Commerce Chenango Members, you help us make Chenango County a tremendous place to live and work. To learn more about Small Business Administration Small Business Week, visit www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week

If you would like your small business to become a Commerce Chenango Member, email membership@chenangony.org or call (607) 334-1400.