The calendar tells us that today is March 5. According to tradition, March is the month that “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” That is, unless you live in Upstate New York.
At the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, this month is when we launch our annual slate of events, mixers and outings. Our 2024 schedule is jam-packed with networking sessions, learning opportunities and just plain fun.
We are also working with local members, municipalities and elected officials to address issues of concern throughout Otsego County. We are focusing on actions to alleviate workforce shortages, creative housing solutions, public and private partnerships, entrepreneurial spirit and investments in our collective future.
In January, we held our State of the County breakfast with a panel of local elected officials and more than 150 of our closest friends. February brought the beginning of our annual Leadership Otsego program where we work with a class of 24 business professionals to present sessions focused on leadership styles, servant leadership, emotional intelligence and the creation of teams. April will bring our awards dinner at Cooperstown’s historic Otesaga Hotel. June will feature the Pickleball Tournament and the return of the Summer Soiree at Creekside Station. We will be at the Hometown 4th of July in Oneonta’s Neawha Park, and August will bring our second annual Disc Golf Outing. September is the month for the 38th annual Chamber Golf Outing at Oneonta Country Club. To cap off the year, it’s our Membership Social and Awards Celebration at Foothills Performing Arts Center. And this list does not even contain our four quarterly Membership Mixers, the regular legal and HR trainings, investment webinars, etc. I told you the schedule was jam-packed!
We are also working with local chamber members, municipalities and elected officials to address issues of concern throughout Otsego County. We are focusing on actions to grow small business countywide, alleviate workforce shortages, create housing solutions, bring together public and private partnerships, encourage entrepreneurial spirit and advocate for investments in our collective future.
So now that you know what we do, we ask that you get involved. You can start by nominating community recipients for our Spring Awards. Just go to https://tinyurl.com/4red94sr and submit your favorites for the Eugene Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen Award, Business of the Year Award and the 2024 Breakthrough Award. But hurry, the nominations window closes in just over a week.
After you submit your nominations, we invite you to visit www.otsegocc.com for more information on upcoming events, as well as news from state lawmakers, local municipalities and area citizen leaders. And of course, we invite you to attend our mixers and events so that you can get to know us better. You can also speak to Katrina Van Zandt (our director of operations), Karen Laing (our director of finance and administration) or with me to get answers to your questions or to discuss the value of membership. We are here to serve.
Everyone at the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce looks forward to seeing all members and county citizens throughout 2024 as we crisscross the region for both business and fun. We have a lot to accomplish, and we can use your help. Do not be surprised when we ask, “How can we help YOU?” It is kind of our thing.