NORWICH – Commerce Chenango will host its Annual Membership Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Peila View Farms in Oxford.

This event will be an opportunity to honor our members, who have chosen to make an investment in support of our mission and celebrate this year’s award winners. This event would not be possible without the support of our presenting sponsor, NBT Bank, and supporting sponsor Preferred Mutual Insurance Company.

Commitment to the Community

The prestigious ‘Commitment to the Community’ award will be presented to MiBy Kim who is currently the owner of the Bohemian Moon and La Maison Blanche Bakery, both in Norwich. MiBy opened her first eatery, the La Maison Blanche Bakery in 2006. The Bohemian Moon came into her hands  three years later. In an interview in 2019 with Tom Lewis, Food Access & Development Coordinator of The Food & Health Network of South-Central New York, MiBy indicated she was not previously a restaurateur, and it took her “a little time to figure out what Bohemian Moon was growing up to be.”   Now, her goal is to “seat three generations of any family and have all of them find something satisfying in terms of taste and quality, whether they are local or well-travelled. This led to the eclectic menu.”

MiBy stated that, “I am learning daily about our food sources and our community, and we are trying to increase our own farm production as well, to support the two businesses.” As a founder of Chenango Links and the local food co-op, MiBy has inspired our communities to think broadly about the issues which can be addressed to help make our society a more equitable and caring place.

Not-for-Profit Agency of the Year

The Earlville Opera House, celebrating its 50th anniversary season is the recipient of the ‘Not-for-Profit Agency’ of the Year. The EOH has been the primary landmark, tourist destination, and economic catalyst for northern Chenango County. In addition to hosting live performances, gallery exhibits, and dynamic educational workshops, the EOH now administers a major NYSCA grant program for four counties. EOH is a community treasure, and it only seems fitting to honor the organization this year for the essential role it plays in the growth and development of Chenango County.

Tourism Award
The 2022 Tourism Award recognizes a tourism property, event or attraction that has made a significant impact to the positive growth & development of Chenango County. This award will be presented to the Chenango County Agricultural Society. The CCAS is a membership corporation registered as a not-for-profit corporation with a 501(c)(3) status. Incorporated in 1847, it has managed the Chenango County Fair throughout the years at different locations in the City of Norwich and Chenango County.

The society has made a significant impact on the tourism industry for decades and plays an essential role in the growth and development of Chenango County tourism. They are integral in the regular improvement of the fairgrounds - which is the primary location for many activities in both the agricultural industry and the general tourism industry as they host events such as the Chenango County Fair for 175 years and counting, Dairy Day, Chenango County Blues Festival, and the new Wine, Beer, and Food Festival to name a few.

Organizational Leadership Award

New this year, the Organizational Leadership Award will be presented to Melissa Stagnaro. Currently employed as the Executive Director of the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, Melissa is well-known in our area for the ability to create a positive work environment and culture for employees and co-workers both within the UHS organization and other organizations. Throughout her career she has taken on leadership roles with inspiration, kindness, and the belief that everyone has the ability to believe in themselves and others around them. Melissa makes everyone feel welcome and her passion is both seen and felt by others.

A brief presentation on project and membership updates will be provided at the event that begins at 4 p.m. at Peila View Farm on Kilroy Road in Oxford.

Organized in 1959, Commerce Chenango is a not-for-profit, community-based organization dedicated to enhancing the economic growth of Chenango County and the surrounding area. Visit www.commercechenango.com for more information on services and programs.

– Information from Commerce Chenango