As manufacturing day approaches, Commerce Chenango would like to recognize our county’s manufacturers. More specifically, the efforts many of our manufacturers make to improve the community. Manufacturing produces more than jobs and products.

Most manufacturers have corporate social responsibility programs and strategies. Some do more than others though, and Chenango County is lucky to have a number of companies with robust CSR practices. They demonstrate the impact a company can have outside its walls.

Norwich residents are likely to associate CSR with Alvogen, due in large part to their annual Alvogen Day. Alvogen is a global pharmaceutical company whose 375,000 square foot Norwich facility produces a range of solid dose pharmaceuticals alongside packaging and other production capabilities.

For Alvogen Day the North Norwich facility shuts down production for the day and has all employees join in an effort to revitalize the City of Norwich downtown core by pulling weeds, raking leaves, washing storefront windows, and doing a variety of other activities.

Alvogen is the latest rebirth of Norwich Pharmaceuticals, a company deeply rooted in Chenango County history with its origin in Norwich dating to 1887. These ties keep the company in touch with the community in a way difficult to match for others with overseas headquarters. They have been a longtime supporter of the United Way and are one of the largest contributors to their annual campaign. They have employees on the Chenango Memorial Hospital and Commerce Chenango boards. In 2018 four Alvogen employees enrolled in the Leadership Chenango program, adding to the company’s roster of alumni.