Streamlining economic development efforts

The Chenango County Chamber of Commerce and its associated agencies have consolidated under a new name, “Commerce Chenango,” and Economic Development Director Maureen Carpenter said the move should free-up resources and sharpen the focus in her department.

The transformation is merging two of the three economic development arms of the former Chamber, combining the Greater Norwich Local Development Corporation and the Chenango County Area Corporation. The third, the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency, will remain its own entity since it is a public authority guided by the state.

Carpenter said consolidating will greatly increase efficiency within the organization.

“We’ll have a more streamlined process,” Carpenter said. “This will give us a unified vision for moving forward.”

Carpenter said the new organization will consolidate local political and business leaders – who had previously volunteered to oversee two separate corporations – into one boardroom and onto the same page.

“It’s important that we go through this process ... doing more with less,” Carpenter said. “Otherwise it’s costing our volunteer’s time. The fact that we can consolidate that, save them time, and now they can do even more is important.”