To Agro-Farma, which makes the Chobani Greek yogurt produced locally off Route 25 in Columbus. The yogurt is not only creamy and rich, it's made with milk from local dairy farms.
The dairy farmers have had a rough time in recent years, so it's encouraging to see a business asking for farmers to increase their herds so that it can stay in the area and contribute to the local economy.
Chobani is the fifth-best-selling yogurt in the country, and the first in the Northeast.
It was recognized as one of the best ready-to-eat foods by Prevention magazine, which described the yogurt in the June article as "luscious."
Agro-Farma President Hamdi Ulukaya launched the Chobani label in 2007, and it seems like he's committed to staying in the area.
Ground-breaking for the 150,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse was Aug. 26.
The warehouse is part of a $100 million, three-phase project that will add to production capabilities and improve the wastewater treatment plant on-site.
The expansion is likely to create about 100 more jobs, adding to a workforce of about 200.
We applaud Agro-Farma for staying local and wish it continued success.
To the organizers of and participants in Old Franklin Day, in particular, the dedication of a memorial at Franklin Community Park.
The memorial honors seven Franklin men killed in action, including Marine Cpl. Nicholas K. Uzenski, who was killed earlier this year in Afghanistan. Others memorialized died in World War I and World War II.
Our military servicemen and servicewomen deserve recognition for the efforts they made and make every day on the battlefront and the home front to protect us.
By honoring them with memorials and ceremonies, we can show our gratitude for making the ultimate sacrifice.
The Franklin community should also be lauded for donating money to help build the memorial and for presenting an event meant to foster a strong feeling of connection with the area.
To the events that honored Spc. Shaine Lymn of the Army National Guard, who died at 20 of a medical condition in April 2008.
A motorcycle run bearing his name, held Aug. 29, raised $1,800 to pay for telephone cards for deployed soldiers, and future rides will raise money for charitable donations in Lymn's name, organizers said.
Lymn also was memorialized by his church, Spirit and Truth Christian Assembly, which dedicated a youth center in his name in West Oneonta on Saturday.
About 80 people attended the dedication of the youth center and a special service in the church.
It is good to see the community remember this young man who held so much promise, and at the same time is helping out soldiers and area young people.
