There are no sacred cows in the ES newsroom. Anything and everything is fair game. With one exception, a topic which is so feared, that even whispering the word is considered taboo 10 1/2 months out of the year.
Progress.
For our readers and advertisers, this annual publication is something to look forward to, as it promises unparalleled coverage of our local businesses, communities and issues. It is a chance to get a look at the inner workings of our governments, at the manufacturing floors of local industry and the many things which makes Chenango County home to all of us.
For those of us who shed our blood, sweat, tears slaving over the 10-section publication, it is nothing short of hell. By the time Progress hits newsstands in January, our staff will be reduced from the jovial crew we are today to a mere shadow of our former selves. The glow of health and hope will have abandoned us, replaced by a sallow look which can only achieved by combining sleep deprivation, malnutrition, high volumes of stress and excessive quantities of caffeine. Let’s just say it won’t be pretty.
In stark contrast will be the thing of beauty which we have created, for that’s what Progress is. A masterpiece, resplendent with colorful photographs and those pithy stories I promised. It paints a much different picture of our county than many of us are used to seeing, because it highlights the dedication, commitment and drive of Chenango County’s entrepreneurs, volunteers, officials, working men and women, small businesses, large manufacturers, non-profit organizations, downtown merchants, farmers and the like.
Which is why, despite having lived through two Progress seasons, I find myself in a positive place when it comes to the 800-pound gorilla lurking in the newsroom. Oh, I’ve had some sleepless nights, don’t get me wrong. But the glimmer and magic of the holidays isn’t under the same pall as in the past. I’m anxious for our Progress assignments this year, but in a different way. I’m excited, actually, to see what businesses and organizations I’ll get to delve into for the (admittedly large number of) feature articles I’ll write.
You, and my coworkers, are probably wondering what made the difference. And no, I’m not on any medications. It was actually the Salute to Small Business dinner I attended last week. Sponsored annually by Commerce Chenango, the event recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit, expertise and contributions of the small businesses which make up the backbone of our local economy.
Six businesses were recognized. Three - B&D Pool and Spa, Rapp Signs and The Silo Restaurant - were honored as 2010’s Small Business Gems. Jim Fowler of the Sherburne Big M was given the Entrepreneur of the Year nod. Chentronics was named Small Business Manufacturer of the Year. And Blueox received the prestigious Small Business of the Year award.
