New York State Assemblyman Joe Angelino, R-Norwich, presents a certificate to R.C. Woodford during Commerce Chenango’s Membership Appreciation Party Thursday, Sept. 24, at Rentals to Go Ranch in Norwich. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH — Commerce Chenango honored long-time public servant R.C. Woodford with its 2026 Member of Distinction award Thursday, during the Membership Appreciation event at Rentals to Go Ranch, recognizing his decades of service to Chenango County.

“Thank you again to all of you for being here,” said Sal Testani, president and CEO of Commerce Chenango speaking to a tent full of business leaders, volunteer groups and public officials. “You're incredibly important to our community, and you're incredibly important to the chamber.”

“We're here tonight for a very special purpose. We're here to honor somebody that's been talking about the future of Chenango County for over 30 years. We're here to honor R.C. Woodford,” he said. “In addition to being a huge part of that community, he's pretty much dedicated his entire life to serving the county. He's had a variety of roles.”

R.C. formerly served as Chenango County’s Clerk of the Board for many years and is now the Chairman of the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency after retiring from government service.

Testani recalled trying to get Woodford involved when they first met. “He knows everything about county government. He would be a huge addition to our board.”

“I made an appointment, I went into R.C., I gave him that same speech. And he said, geez Sal, I really do have a great deal of respect for the chamber. I used to be deeply engaged. But I gotta tell you the truth, I don't know you and the jury's still out.

“So he said, I'm gonna pass on this opportunity. And I walked out of his office more sure than ever, he was the right guy to take that role,” said Testani.

“So six or eight months later when we had another opening, I went back and tried again. And thankfully, I was able to talk him into it. And while the jury might be out on me still, it's definitely not out on R.C. Because we get him involved in everything we do,” he said, “His fingerprints were on almost every initiative that the county was engaged in.”

Woodford retired after more than 30 years working for Chenango County, including nearly 20 years as clerk to the Board of Supervisors. His career took him through environmental health and the Planning Department before he joined the board’s staff.

In accepting the award, Woodford spoke about working with two generations of the family and now serving on a board with Grant Brightman at Rentals to Go. He also expressed appreciation for working with the Commerce Chenango staff.

“I’m very honored. I certainly appreciate, greatly appreciate the recognition,” Woodford said. “I’m not in it for that. I appreciate it.”

Woodford’s service included improvements to municipal water systems and serving as a liaison between the Board of Supervisors and county departments. Before entering public health work, he operated a restaurant and catering business in the Cortland area.

Originally from Truxton, Woodford attended SUNY Morrisville and SUNY ESF, earning a degree in forest biology. Testani said Woodford moved to Oxford more than 30 years ago and raised his family there with his wife.

Testani described Woodford as someone he regularly turns to for advice and assistance. A request to stop by the office often becomes an hourlong conversation, he said.

“I don’t think there’s a day that goes by where I don’t text him or call him,” Testani said.

Commerce Chenango Economic Development Director Tyler Oliver also credited Woodford with providing guidance during Oliver’s two years with the organization. Oliver said the annual gathering celebrates members while recognizing those who give back to the community and Commerce Chenango.

The Rentals to Go ranch hosted the gathering for a third consecutive year. NBT Bank and Kerry sponsored the event, with food and beverages provided by Nina’s Pizzeria.

Rentals to Go

Rentals to Go Manager Grant Brightman also spoke at the event and announced major developments. He said the company added eight locations over the past year and increased its nationwide workforce from about 225 employees to about 330 through hiring and acquisitions. About one-third of those employees live in Chenango County.

“And as always, we will always call Chenango County home,” Brightman said.

Guests were invited to view equipment used for disaster and emergency response, construction and data center projects.

Brightman also discussed the ranch investing in the local community, recently taking over a used-car business.”

“We recently took over and started revitalizing Cars and Credit just down the road. So, yes, the Brightmans are used car salesmen now,” he said.

RTG also recently purchased the Service Pharmacy building on Broad St. in Norwich. He invited ideas for the pharmacy property, saying its future use had not been determined.

“If anyone has a good idea for Service Pharmacy, let us know. We don't know yet. I did get a call last week of a guy wanting to put in a marijuana dispensary. I politely declined,” said Brightman.

Also returning was RTG Chenango Cactus Cowgirl, the longhorn born on the day of last year’s gathering. Brightman recalled the naming game held at that event and said she had celebrated her first birthday the previous week. Guests could visit the ranch’s animals and take tours after the presentations.

Oliver thanked the Brightman family for supporting community events through donations, staffing and equipment, saying the family’s commitment to Chenango County had continued as the company expanded.