August09 e-newsletter

August e-newsletter

Chamber News

Defining Your Chamber-
So, really what is your Chamber of Commerce?
The Columbia County Chamber is the leading voice of business in Columbia County , providing advocacy, promotion and benefit solutions to over 850 members. While that is the Chamber's mission statement, many people still wonder what exactly a Chamber is. Are they a County agency, funded by New York State , part of the U.S. Chamber? What type of work do they do? Your Chamber has four full-time staffers to fulfill member needs. Read on to learn more about what your Chamber does and how they can support your business. Please click here for to read the full article.

Best in Show Public Art Project Now Open

The painted dogs have returned to the streets of Hudson this summer! The City of Hudson is home to the second annual public art exhibition. Sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Best in Show 2009 features over 40 artist decorated fiberglass dogs displayed on steel pedestals throughout the Hudson Business District. The exhibition opened July 4th weekend and closes on October 8 in preparation for the Dog Gone! Gala Benefit Auction on Sunday, October 11. The colorful canines go to the highest bidders at the Gala Auction Brunch. This year beneficiaries from the auction will be Columbia County Council on the Arts and Perform Columbia.

Please click here for more information.

Leadership Columbia County Deadline Nears for 2009-2010 Class
Leadership Columbia County is looking for candidates for the Class of 2009-10. The Chamber Board feels Leadership Columbia County is vital to building strong future leaders that will work in the best interest of the community. This enhanced program includes some of the most popular historical components, but also features new cutting edge speakers, topics and host locations. The program brings together a diverse group of professionals from financial services, education, healthcare, the arts, community organizations, government and other sectors. We encourage all Columbia County businesses to consider sending an applicant to the program for the 2009-10 class. Deadline is August 10. Please click here for an application.

Production of Annual Chamber Directory Goes Local - Reserve your space today!

In an effort to live by its tenet of supporting local businesses, the Chamber has hired Millie Rossman Kidd : Design to produce the next directory. Drawing on her experience as creative director of Dinnerwhere , a magazine she co-founded with Bonnie Kurtz, the directory will be designed not just for newcomers but also as a way for people within our diverse county to connect. The annual publication includes a full-color section with information on all aspects of life in Columbia County plus a directory of local businesses and will be out in December of this year. For more information about the 2010 Community Guide call Millie Rossman Kidd at (518) 392-7913 or visit www.millierossmanridd.com/community guide.

Chamber Board Nominations

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Michael Sullivan, in accordance with Article III of the Chamber Bylaws, has appointed a Nominating Committee to prepare a ballot to fill vacant Board seats. The Nominating Committee includes John Maiuri, Mauri Mechanical; Martha Keeler, The Bank of Greene County; Cailin Brennan, Freeman Howard, PC; Nate Winch, Kinderhook Bank and Greg Fingar, Fingar Insurance. The Chamber is looking for individuals who are interested in taking an active role in upholding the Chamber's mission, as well as the direction and implementation of programs of the Chamber of Commerce. Please submit in writing any names for consideration, along with a brief description of the positive attributes the nominee could bring to the Board and the Chamber. Self nominations are welcome. You may reply by fax at (518)822-9539 or by e-mail at dcolby@columbiachamber-ny.com. All nominations must be received at the Chamber office no later than 5:00 pm on August 31, 2009. If you would like to discuss the nomination process, please call David Colby at 518-828-4417.

Mount Merino Manor Business After Hours - August 12, 2009
Mount Merino Manor will host a Business After Hours on Wednesday, August 12 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Enjoy the comfort of Mount Merino Manor, a luxury Bed and Breakfast in a private country setting. Drive through the stone pillars and up the tree-canopied drive to experience a sense of history. Innkeepers, Rita and Patrick Birmingham, invite you to share these tranquil surroundings and enjoy the Hudson Valley Region that is so rich with history, culture and natural beauty. Business After Hours' offer excellent networking opportunities for area business people. All members of the business community are invited to attend. Mount Merino Manor is located at 4317 Route 23 in Hudson. Please click here for more information.

New Member Orientation at Mount Merino Manor - August 12, 2009
Members that have joined the Chamber from January 1, 2009 are invited to attend the New Member Orientation on Wednesday, August 12. The Orientation will take place at 4:30 pm prior to the Business After Hours at Mount Merino Manor. Come and learn information about the Chamber's energy savings, medical and dental programs, networking, advocacy and promotion that are available as benefits of Chamber membership. This is also a great opportunity to meet the Chamber staff and Board Leaders. If you plan to attend the orientation, please contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or by email at cpatterson@columbiachamber-ny.com.

Columbia-Greene Superintendents Brunch - August 20, 2009
The Columbia and Greene County Chambers of Commerce will host the 5th Annual Superintendents Brunch on Thursday, August 20 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The brunch will focus on "The Future of our Local Economy". Other topics discussed will include: an overview of Chamber programs including the B.E.S.T. Program and Pathways to Employment program. The brunch will end with a time for local education and business leaders to network. The brunch will be held at Columbia-Greene Community College in the Student Center. Please click here for more information.

County Supervisor's Reception - September 9, 2009
All public officials and Chamber members are invited to attend the annual County Supervisor's Reception/Business After Hours on Wednesday, September 9 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The Chamber holds this annual event to express their gratitude to the Columbia County Board of Supervisors. We encourage members to take this opportunity to network with your community leaders. The event will be held at the Columbia County Department of Motor Vehicles at 560 Warren Street in Hudson and is free of charge. Please click here for more information.

Valatie Community Theatre Business After Hours - September 23, 2009
The Valatie Community Theatre will host a Business After Hours on Wednesday, September 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The Valatie Community Theatre exists to develop, encourage and produce theatrical talent and provide an opportunity for expression in the art of theatre. The purpose of the organization is to rehabilitate, preserve, develop, operate and promote the historic theatre on Main Street in the Village of Valatie. Business After Hours' offer excellent networking opportunities for area business people. All members of the business community are invited to attend. The Valatie Community Theatre is located at 3013 Main Street in Valatie. Please click here for more information.

Register for Buy Local Business Expo - October 22, 2009
The Buy Local Business Expo will be held on Thursday, October 22 at Columbia-Greene Community College. The Expo will run from 4:00 - 7:00 pm and will feature over 70 booths to showcase your products and services to Columbia and Greene County businesses and residents. Reserve early as there is only a limited number of booths available. Booth prices start at $149 for members. Columbia County Bounty members can register for a booth for only $79 when serving food at the event. Sponsorship of the event starts at $249. Don't miss this opportunity to promote your business to hundreds of local residents. Please click here for a registration form.

2009 Sponsorship Opportunities
The Chamber still has some great sponsorship opportunities available to promote your business in 2009. Don't miss the opportunity to promote your company to the Columbia County business community. Event sponsorship enables us to provide high quality programming for our members and promotion for your business. Click here for a 2009 Sponsorship Form.

Get Connected
Are you looking for new connections? Promote your business in the September Chamber Connection mailing. The Chamber Connection is a great way to promote your business to over 1,000 Chamber members for only a $150. Promote your business this fall and get a great return of your investment. The next mailing will go out in September 2009. The deadline for materials is August 15. Please contact the Chamber if you are interested in promoting your business.

Chamber Stats
During the month of July the Chamber answered 650 phone calls, sent out 12 relocation guides and welcomed over 225 members to events. The Chamber website was visited over 14,404 times or an average of 464 times daily. For more information about your Chamber of Commerce contact the staff at akneller@columbiachamber-ny.com.

Ribbon Cuttings

Thursday, August 6 at 4:30 pm
Columbia-Greene Dialysis Centers

2 Sherman Potts Road (new building off Route 66)

Ghent, NY 12075

Member News

Chronogram Magazine published an article about Hudson and Columbia County in their August issue. View the article at www.tinyurl.com/countrygem.

Kleeber Insurance Services, a Kinderhook Bank Corp. Company has announced that David Ramon has joined the agency. At the same time, the Valatie-headquartered agency has elevated Robin M. Kromer to the position of Account Executive. Established in 1851, Kleeber Insurance Services operates full-service offices in Valatie and East Greenbush. For more information about Kleeber Insurance Services call (518) 758-7123 or visit their website at www.kleeber-agency.com.

The Business Council of New York State publishes a monthly report about business issues in the state. It looks at issues important to Employer Associations from the Business Council. To read the August report visit http://www.bcnys.org/inside/chamberstatereport.pdf.

The Healthcare Consortium Kids in Motion program is a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program funded by NYS Department of Health. Their mission is to get kids moving more, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting less screen time (TV and computers). They are working with many of the summer programs at eleven recreation parks this summer to create programs that are fun and encourage healthy lifestyles. Look for their signature 5-2-1 logo everywhere this summer. 5 stands for how many servings of fruits and veggies a day you should be eating. 2 represents two hours maximum screen time children get each day and 1 equals the one hour of physical activity a child should be doing every day. For more information about the Healthcare Consortium call (518) 822-8820 or visit their website at www.columbiahealthnet.org.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Capital Region & Hudson Valley - It's not easy to balance a budget! Learn how at our FREE Community Financial Workshop Day, Wednesday, August 12, at The Bank of Greene County’s 288 Main St., Catskill location. Workshops: 12-2pm; 4-6pm. Appointments: 2-4pm; 6-8pm. A Certified Credit Counselor will be on hand to answer your questions and to review your personal financial situation. For more information and/or to make an appointment, please call 518-482-0203 or visit www.CreditHelpNY.org. Sponsored by The Bank of Greene County, www.tbogc.com.

The New York State Department of Labor has released information about requirements for posting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus) funded jobs. All jobs created using ARRA funds must include language identifying it as a job created using ARRA funds. ARRA funded jobs that are recruited through a local union hall must also be posted on the New York State Job Bank. However, the union job description must indicate that the position is being recruited out of the local union hall and the Internet applications from the public will not be accepted. To see the rest of the fact sheet or for more information contact the NYS Department of Labor at (518) 828-4654 or go to the following link www.labor.ny.gov.

The Theater Barn will feature "Romance Romance" August 13-23. This delightful, harmonious musical romp combines tow stories examining the roller coaster ride of love; the first set in 19th century Vienna, the second at a modern Hampton's seaside retreat. For more information about The Theater Barn call (518) 794-8989 or visit www.theaterbarn.com.

The Hudson Opera House will host a free community workshop entitled Hudson - IntegrARTE. This is a free innovative art workshop led by Bruno Pasquier-Desvignes, who returns to the Hudson Opera House this August. Working with eco-friendly materials such as cardboard, plastic, egg cartons, and other everyday discarded objects, this inspiring artist leads participants through the creative process culminating in an exhibition on August 28th. Open to all members of the community (at least 12 years old on Monday and Wednesday workshops and children ages 6 & up on Fridays), artists and non-artists a-like. Workshops will run Mondays, 4:00 to 6:00 pm; Wednesday, 10:00 am to noon; and Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Each workshop member participates in at least three sessions over the four-week span. Sessions run from August 3 through August 28. For more information about the Hudson Opera House call (518) 822-1438 or visit their website at www.hudsonoperahouse.org.

Three new members joined the Board of Directors of COARC, which is the Columbia County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. The board is representative of the Columbia County, NY, community at large. New members include Karen Blass, First Niagara Bank; Nelson Alford, Jr., Guterman Shallo & Alford, PPLC; and Donna Knight. For more information about COARC call (518) 672-4451 or visit their website at www.coarc.org.

You're invited to attend the 4th annual Rock, Rattle & Drum American Pow Wow & Spirit on the Mountain Festival on August 7, 8 & 9. The event will be held at Gardners' Field located at Rt. 22 & Rt. 43 in Stephentown. The event will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Daily admission is only $5, concert only in the evening is $10. Children 6-12 are $2, under 5are free. Veterans, Public Safety and Law Enforcement are free. For more information about the event call (518) 733-9227 or visit their website at www.healingwinds.net.

Community Events

Hudson-Chatham Winery will host the 2nd annual Sangria Festival on Saturday, August 8 from 12:00 to 5:30 pm. The winery will be going "south of the border" on this summer Saturday and featuring several kinds of sangrias. There will also be food from Mexican Radio, and music by Jose Miralles, a flamenco guitar player. For more information about Hudson-Chatham Winery call (518) 392-9463 or visit their website at www.hudson-chathamwinery.com.

Hot rods, muscle cars and classic automobiles are on there way back to Columbia County this summer! On Saturday, August 8, the American Joint Care Foundation will be hosting its 7th annual Car Show on the premises of the Whittier Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center in Ghent from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Car registration is $10. Entertainment by the "Route 66 Band". Art and craft vendors are welcome. Food concessions will be on site. Come enjoy a wonderful day! Event proceeds will benefit residents of the Whittier Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center and Whittier Place. For more information, please contact Eileen Pastore at (518) 281-1046 or by email at epastore@whittierhealth.com .

Columbia Arts Team will host Saturday Night Liv (sketch comedy/variety show) on Friday, August 21 at the Copake Park Building and Saturday, August 22 at Christ Church in Hudson. Both shows begin at 8:00 pm. Hosted by Liv Cummins, this special musical episode celebrates the backstage lives of CAT's staff as they produce events, brainstorm promotional concepts, and write, direct and perform in shows...all while they work "regular" full-time jobs. This new musical puts a funny face on the very real struggles artists encounter as they negotiate making their art and making a living. Tickets are $15, member $10 and kids are free. For more information about Columbia Arts Team call (800) 816-4802 or visit their website at www.columbiaartsteam.org.

Check out the Chamber's Ten Things To Do This Month in Columbia County on the homepage at www.columbiachamber-ny.com. If you would like to add an event to the September list, please contact Cheryl Meenagh at cmeenagh@columbiachamber-ny.com.

If you would like to submit information for the member news section please email cmeenagh@columbiachamber-ny.com.

August and September Chamber Events

August Events

Business After Hours, August 12

5:00 to 7:00 pm
Mount Merino Manor
4317 Route 23, Hudson
Reservations are not required, but appreciated.

Columbia-Greene Superintendents Brunch
August 20
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Columbia-Greene Community College

4400 Route 23, Hudson
The cost is $15
Contact the Columbia County Chamber to reserve.

Click here to view the 2009 Chamber Calendar.

September Events

County Supervisor's Reception , September 9

5:00 to 7:00 pm
Columbia County DMV Office
560 Warren Street, Hudson
Reservations are not required, but appreciated.

Business After Hours, September 23

5:00 to 7:00 pm
Valatie Community Theatre
3031 Main Street, Valatie
Reservations are not required, but appreciated.