OTSEGO COUNTY IS BACK IN BUSINESS

OUR MISSION To continually improve the overall business climate in the region; to strive for an atmosphere which attracts investment; to build a positive, forward-thinking business community; and to partner with government, groups, individuals and institutions.

OUR VISION To be a proactive business organization in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, providing value and advocacy to our members with an influential voice dedicated to economic success and quality of life in Otsego County.

OUR CORE VALUES We are here to serve our members.

We believe in education and the value of programs and services that contribute to our members’ success.

We welcome opportunities for collaboration and cooperation, inspiring a community vision.

After a three-year journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, Otsego County communities have emerged energized, and we are ready for the future. While all residents, businesses and organizations felt the weight of this challenging period, our present and future look bright.

Tourism and hospitality businesses have fully reopened and over 400,000 visitors have flooded back to experience our natural beauty, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the numerous youth summer baseball camps and the unique towns and historic villages that have so much to offer. Hotels are once again buzzing with activity and local restaurants and taverns are serving local and traveling customers once more.

Our two institutions of higher education, SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, are fully open with thousands of students in attendance. This means that the local arts, music, and cultural scene are also back in full swing. The rebirth of the Downtown Oneonta community is symbolized by the beautiful tree-lined Main Street in full bloom.

Of course, local schools, local healthcare operations, charities, special needs organizations and municipal police and fire department employees never ceased working for the well-being of our communities and are stronger than ever. Their steadfast service to the citizens of this county is deeply appreciated by all. The term “essential personnel” never adequately described the dedication of these individuals in the past, the present and the future.

Otsego County is a place of community, volunteerism, neighbors, and friends. It is also a place of planning, growth, investment, and collaboration. It is exciting to be a part of this county, and I invite everyone to visit, fall in love with Otsego County, and join the thousands who have done the same and decided to stay. We welcome you!

Sean Lewis President & CEO Otsego County Chamber of Commerce