Kenneth J Entenmann, NBT Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer, giving a presentation at the Economic Outlook Breakfast hosted by NBT and Commerce Chenango, held at the Northeast Car Museum on Tuesday February, 24, 2026. (Photo by Rebecca Laibowitz)

NORWICH - This week's Economic Outlook Breakfast, hosted by NBT Bank and Commerce Chenango, featured keynote speaker Ken Entenmann, NBT Bank's Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist.

Entenmann oversees about $6 billion in assets at NBT and is a graduate of Cornell University with an MBA from the University of Rochester. Entenmann presented a detailed analysis of the nation's economic standing in 2025 and predictions for more stability going into 2026.

Expert economic expectations for 2026

During the presentation, Entenmann addressed the economic uncertainty many are all feeling with recent national announcements, “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 contrasts what people express they are feeling with consumer spending data.