Scott Kingsley, President and CEO of NBT Bank shown speaking at the 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast hosted by Commerce Chenango and NBT Bank on Tuesday February 24, 2026 at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, NY. He acknowledges NBT’s strong foundation in Chenango County. (Photo by Rebecca Laibowitz)

NORWICH - An Economic Outlook Breakfast, hosted by NBT Bank and Commerce Chenango, shared local developments and economic predictions this week. The event featured keynote speaker Ken Entenmann, NBT Bank's Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist on Tuesday. Entenmann presented a detailed analysis of the nation's economic standing in 2025 and predictions for more stability going into 2026.

Entenmann, oversees about $6 billion in assets at NBT. He said, “I heard this term that we're in a 'boom-cession' which is a combination of a booming economy and a combination of a recession, depending on who you ask. And I think we need to take a deep breath and take a step back and kind of put things in perspective, because some of the economic data, while it's really negative, I think we have to take it with a grain of salt.” 

He urged listeners to diversify investment portfolios to shield from any negative impacts of market changes, technology dislocations, or poor returns.

“I think the equity markets are in kind of a corrective phase, kind of adjusting from the excesses of the Magnificent Seven and trying to figure out what it looks like, but I think the revenge of diversification is here, and I would encourage you all to think about your own personal assets, your 401ks,” said Entenmann.

Read a full article about the economic outlook presentation by Entenmann in Friday''s Evening Sun.

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