NORWICH, N.Y. — BuildBlockCNY LLC of Sherburne will be receiving the “Excellence in Small Business” award from Commerce Chenango.

BuildBlockCNY is a national distributor for BuildBlockBuilding Systems and related modern green-building products in New York state and Northern Pennsylvania. The company says it specializes in insulated concrete forms.

BuildBlockCNY is among the companies that Commerce Chenango will recognize during its upcoming annual membership luncheon, which is set for early September. The event, which is being held during “Chamber Week,” is set for Sept. 9 at Hidden Springs Brewhouse in Norwich. 

The employees of BuildBlockCNY LLC “are passionate about helping homeowners, homebuilders, architects, and community planners build sustainable, energy-efficient, and disaster-resistant structures,” Dana Merkt, company owner, said in a Commerce Chenango news release.

Besides honoring BuildBlockCNY, Commerce Chenango will use the event to acknowledge the winners of the 2021 “Spirit of Chenango County,” “Manufacturer of the Year,” and “Non-Profit Agency of the Year” award winners. 

“I am looking forward to visiting with our members during the annual membership luncheon” Kerri Green, president & CEO of Commerce Chenango, said. “This luncheon is one way we can say ‘Thank you’ to the organizations that continue to support us. I look forward to celebrating some deserving organizations and individuals, as well as being able to provide an update on the projects we are working on this year.” 

Organized in 1959, the nonprofit Commerce Chenango is a community-based organization that works at “enhancing” the economic growth of Chenango County and the surrounding area. 

Additional awards

Founded in 1972, Chenango Valley Technologies, the recipient of “Manufacturer of the Year,” was originally established under the name of Chenango Tool. Founder Lloyd Baker specifically concentrated on the tooling aspect of the plastics industry. Under Baker’s direction, the company worked with local industry leaders to manufacture tooling for its molded parts.

Chenango Tool flourished as it continued to expand its customer base until an opportunity presented itself. In 1995, Chenango Tool acquired Madison Plastics in Verona. This acquisition broadened Chenango Tool into molded-plastic manufacturing. The merger of Chenango Tool and Madison Plastics formed Chenango Valley Technologies in 1996. 

As time evolved, CVT continued to reinvest in the company and its capabilities. Throughout the years, CVT has added or upgraded its tooling machinery, molding presses, and its facilities. They currently have more than 35 employees.

Lamb’s Quarters of Plymouth will be acknowledged as the “Not-for-Profit Agency of the Year.” Lamb’s Quarters, Inc. holds dbas for the “Lamb’s Quarters Organic Farm” and for the “Norwich Farmer’s Market.” 

Farm Credit East awards the organization an annual grant to help support local farmers who sell directly to the public. These funds help cover the costs of bringing nutritional programs to local consumers such as FMNP-Sr, FMNP-WIC, SNAP, and FreshConnect. FMNP is short for Farmers Market Nutrition Program. 

Sandy Pierce, the agency’s principal, sits on the Chenango County Ag & Natural Resource Development Council and is a proponent and advocate for providing local, organic, farm-fresh food to consumers throughout our area.