positioning itself for a future that balances growth with quality of life. “We are an aging population that’s looking to make a comeback with our vast amount of manufacturing companies and rural resources,” describes Shane Butler, Director of Planning and Airport Administrator for the county. “We want to become a vibrant place to live, work and play.” A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE The Chenango County 2050 Vision Plan is a longrange strategy that updates the county’s earlier 2020 blueprint. One exciting project is a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant awarded to the city of Norwich. “Realistically, we’re trying to revitalize the entire county,” explains Butler. “Other areas and villages have also applied but have so far been unsuccessful. That isn’t going to stop us from really trying to keep pushing forward and revitalizing those areas as well.” As the official tourism promotional agency for the county, Commerce Chenango plays a central role in driving the visitor economy, an area that has seen impressive momentum in recent years. “Right now, that’s probably the biggest line item in our budget, and I’m proud to say that the biggest source of our funding from the county comes from people who visit, and the local bed tax,” says Sal Testani, President and CEO of Commerce Chenango. With support from both county and state resources, the organization promotes Chenango County as a destination for travelers across New York and beyond. He reports that visitor numbers are up 23% over the past two years, fueled by the county’s natural and cultural offerings, from 70,000 acres of state land, scenic gravel biking roads, and snowmobile trails, to a packed calendar of popular events like the Chenango Blues Festival, Unadilla Motocross, Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, Greene Apple Fest, and Golden Artists Colors Art Retreat. “We have some amazing things here that are part of the fabric of our community, and we need to do an even better job of marketing those to not only the people that are visiting here, but people that want to live here,” Testani emphasizes. “Why would 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 CHENANGO COUNTY, NY
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