NBT Bank has donated $500,000 toward a new emergency room and walk-in center at UHS Chenango Memorial. Above: NBT Executive Vice President Joseph Stagliano, NBT President & CEO John H. Watt, Jr., and NBT Bank Chairman Martin Dietrich. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Chenango’s oldest financial institution has committed half a million dollars to UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s capital campaign.

“On behalf of NBT’s board of directors, executive management team and our dedicated employees, it is my great pleasure to announce that NBT Bank has pledged $500,000 to the Chenango Medical Neighborhood Campaign,” said John H. Watt, Jr., President and CEO of NBT Bank, during a ceremonial check presentation on Tuesday, September 10.

The pledge is the largest corporate commitment to the Norwich hospital’s capital campaign to date.

“The availability of quality medical care in Chenango County is essential to our customers and NBT families,” Watt said. “We are pleased to partner with UHS Chenango Memorial in their efforts to improve the health and quality of life for residents in the county we have called home for over 160 years.”

UHS Chenango Memorial President and CEO Dr. Drake Lamen commended the bank’s leadership for their depth of commitment not only to the campaign, but the community.

“So much of what makes this a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family is due to NBT’s commitment to Norwich and the surrounding area,” Lamen said. “We are grateful to NBT Bank for their leadership in this capital campaign, their continued support of UHS Chenango Memorial, and all they do to make this community a better place for all who call Chenango County home.”