Commerce Chenango and NBT Bank hosted their annual Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Canasawacta Country Club this week. (Submitted photo)

By Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

NORWICH - On Tuesday, Commerce Chenango and NBT Bank hosted their annual Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Canasawacta Country Club.

The event featured remarks from Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani, NBT Bank President & CEO Scott Kingsley, and a detailed presentation by NBT Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist Ken Entenmann.

Entenmann manages $6 billion in assets, and offered global economic insights discussed hot topics such as tariffs, taxes, and governmental regulation and reform.

Testani states, “We are incredibly fortunate to have a bank like NBT and an economist of Ken’s pedigree.” He continued, “Ken gives a tremendous opportunity for Chenango County to learn about how global events impact us, without going to Wall Street.”

Entenmann delivered an engaging presentation and framed the data as it pertains to NBT assets and clients.

While many worry about impending tariffs, Entenmann told the audience to take a deep breath and to manage their expectations as he explained that the uncertainty has not made financial markets more turbulent.

According to Entenmann: economic growth is near long-term potential of 2%, the labor market is slowing, but unemployment remains historically low, equity market valuations are stretched, and market concentration remains a concern. As always, the timing, frequency and size of next cuts/hikes in the market are uncertain.

Testani emphasized, “Opportunities like this, to have over one hundred people in a room discussing common financial issues are one of the things that makes Chenango County a better place to visit, work, and live.”

Commerce Chenango thanks NBT Bank and NBT Insurance, the Canasawacta Country Club and Ken Entenmann for making this signature event possible every year.