The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announces the recipients of the Distinguished Business Awards.

NBT Bank is the recipient of the NYCM Insurance Distinguished Business of the Year. In 2017, NBT culminated its year-long relocation of 14 employees of its Mang Insurance Division to the bank’s downtown Oneonta Regional Financial Center on Wall Street in newly renovated space, helping support the city’s goal of bringing quality employment to downtown Oneonta.  NBT Bank also added a credit analyst and a cash management specialist for a total of 16 new full-time positions in downtown Oneonta.

 Simultaneously, NBT Bank helped coordinate with Treffeisen, owners of the Riverside Professional Building, and Catskill Area Hospice (CAHPC) to fill the planned vacated space on River Street Extension. This immediately filled the vacancy and helped CAHPC fulfill their desired goal to consolidate operations for needed efficiency.

 NBT Bank has 58 employees in the county, contributing millions of dollars in taxes, payroll, benefits and contributions/sponsorships. Many employees are key contributors to boards and organizations throughout the county.

 In 2017, NBT Bank marked its 20th business anniversary in Oneonta and Otsego County.

 The Distinguished Business of the Year is awarded to companies with 51 employees or more that demonstrate resilience, courage and commitment and the ability to find new solutions and way of working.

 The late Eugene Bettiol, Sr., is the posthumous recipient of the Eugene A. Bettiol, Jr., Distinguished Citizen Award, sponsored by Bassett Healthcare Network. Mr. Bettiol, Sr., passed away in late 2017. Since 2002 this award has been given to Otsego County citizens who have made a long-term impact on our region and who have given back to the community through their businesses.

These award recipients have enjoyed a close association throughout the years. Mr. Bettiol, Sr., was key in bringing NBT Bank to Otsego County as the bank’s first landlord for the bank’s first branch on Southside in January 1988. NBT Bank supported Mr. Bettiol and his companies in many impactful local projects over the years, until his recent passing. We are proud to honor both NBT Bank and Mr. Bettiol, Sr., as deserving recipients of these awards.

 The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host this celebration on Thursday, May 3, 2018 beginning at 5:45p.m. at The Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in the Wright/Wilber National Bank Atrium. The theme for the evening is “Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit in Otsego County.”

The Chamber’s business awards have showcased some of Otsego County’s best business talent, since 1999. The Otsego County Chamber will begin taking reservations beginning next week.

More From WZOZ