NORWICH – Commerce Chenango has announced the recipients of the 2010 awards to be presented at the 51st Annual Dinner on April 14 at the Canasawacta Country Club. The Raymond Corporation will receive the Distinguished Business of the Year Award, Gary Brightman will be the recipient of the Commitment to Community award, and Michelle Manwarren will receive an award for Commerce Chenango’s Employee of the Year.

The Distinguished Business of the Year Award will be presented to The Raymond Corporation in Greene. This award recognizes a business organization that has shown consistent growth over a period of time; is considered a leader in their industry; makes continuous improvements to quality and innovation; and has made significant contributions to our community and its economy. Notably, The Raymond Corporation has provided 88 years of innovation, leadership and reliability.

As Chenango County’s largest employer, they have a rich and powerful history. From a small village in Central New York, to the farthest corners of the world, The Raymond Corporation has been the leading designer and manufacturer of superior electric lift trucks for the warehousing and distribution industry.

In 2009, Raymond was deemed one of the “Best Companies to work for in New York State” in the large company category, by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group. Most recently, the Raymond Corporation has consolidated its facilities from Brantford, Ontario, Canada, to the town of Greene, retaining more that 740 existing jobs and initially adding 100 new jobs. Several hundred more jobs are expected to be created for the area as the economy improves.