President and CEO of Commerce Chenango Kerri Green (left) hosted the Sofa Soiree, a virtual award ceremony honoring local businesses and individuals in Chenango County. President and CEO of NBT Bank John Watt (right) opens the ceremony with a speech about being stronger together. (Screenshot from virtual event)

NORWICH – Commerce Chenango held a virtual "Sofa Soiree" award ceremony last night where they recognized seven individuals and businesses for their efforts and contributions to the community.

The event was hosted by Commerce Chenango President and CEO Kerri Green, with special guest speakers President and CEO of NBT Bank John Watt and Commerce Chenango Board Chair Pegi LoPresti.

Earlier this year, Commerce Chenango sent out an email to it's members asking them to nominate individuals and businesses for each award category. They then created a ballot and had all the members vote.

The award categories were emerging professional of the year, commitment to community, non-profit of the year, the good neighbor award, new business of the year, entrepreneur of the year, and employer of the year.

Watt opened the ceremony with a few words about the importance of community working together.

"At NBT we have a phrase we use, it's almost a mantra, it's "stronger together". We know when we collaborate and stay connected even from a distance anything is possible. Commerce Chenango has embodied this same sentiment and we could not be prouder to be aligned with you and to work with you."