Last week on a beautiful summer day Commerce Chenango welcomed area professionals to a social gathering on the lawn of the NBT Bank headquarters in Norwich. More than 70 professionals attended the event. (Submitted photo)

by Sophia Root, Commerce Chenango

NORWICH - Commerce Chenango recently hosted a Young Professionals Social Mixer on the lawn of the NBT Bank headquarters in Norwich.

This event was open to anyone early in their career, learning, and eager to make an impact. Over 70 enthusiastic professionals attended the mixer to socialize with like-minded individuals.

Earlier this summer, Commerce Chenango hosted a CEO Summit with leaders from our county’s biggest businesses to connect them leaders of Chenango County businesses and Commerce Chenango on current initiatives and areas of focus.

One of the main recommendations coming from this meeting was the need to support young professionals in our area. This recommendation prompted the introductory social mixer and the announcement of a young professional coalition, aimed at connecting and supporting this demographic.

Tyler Oliver, Commerce Chenango Director of Economic Development, expressed that Commerce Chenango would facilitate the startup of this young professional group.

He hopes they will meet frequently and will become self-sufficient once it gains some traction. Oliver states, “Having engaged young professionals means more than filling jobs—it means building the next generation of leaders and decision-makers who will carry Chenango County forward. And we hope to do just that.”

If you would like to join this effort, please email your interest to info@chenangony.org. Leadership Chenango, another opportunity for young professionals, is kicking off the class of 2026. Applications are open now at commercechenango.com and there will be a recruitment event at the Commerce Chenango office on 19 East Main Street in Norwich at 4:30pm on September 8th.

Sponsored by NBT Bank, Norwich, an Alvogen Company and Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, attendees enjoyed networking, food and beverage by Nina’s Pizzeria and live music by Khalil Jade.