Advocacy
Your membership helps support the Chamber Advocacy efforts for local businesses. In the past month, Chamber President, David Colby spoke at two local planning board meeting to support member projects. On May 14, David spoke at the combined meeting of the Claverack and Ghent Planning Boards to support the proposed Ginsberg’s Project. Click here to read full article on Advocacy.
The Use of Color in Your Home – June 5
On June 5 at 5:00 pm at the Chamber. Learn how to use color effectively in your home and why different colors affect us as they do. Whether building, renovating or just updating a room in your home, many property owners struggle with paint color decisions. As an Architectural Color Consultant, Amy Krane Color advises clients on paint color selection for their homes and businesses, interior and exterior. Trained in the functional application of color in the built world, Krane’s training and expertise incorporate both aesthetic and scientific fundamentals which can make or break a color choice. Create the ambience you desire to make your home the sanctuary you always dreamed it could be. Get tips on how to choose the right colors for your home. Admission is free.
An Accident can stop your business…..Insurance keeps it going – June 11
On June 11 from 8:30 – 10:00 am at the Chamber Office. Let Mark (Mark Fingar of Fingar Insurance) & Derick’s (Derick LaTorre of MetzWood Insurance) Most Excellent Insurance Adventure help you navigate the insurance marketplace. You will learn how to best protect your business and get tips and tricks from experienced insurance professionals.
Business After Hours @ New York Golf Park sponsored by the Columbia County Young Professionals – June 12
All Columbia County business people and their families are invited to come and join in the fun at the New York Golf Park on Thursday, June 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm located at 5490 Route 23 & 9H. They have miniature golf, driving range and batting cages. Take advantage of this opportunity to network with fellow business professionals and have some fun. This event is open to everyone and there is no cost to attend this event. This family friendly event is sponsored by the Columbia County Young Professionals. Reservations are not necessary, but appreciated. If you have questions, please call the Chamber office at (518) 828-4417 or visit us on facebook.
Best of Columbia County – June 19
On Thursday, June 19 the Chamber and Register-Star will celebrate the first “Best of Columbia County” awards. Chamber members and newspaper readers voted for businesses from over 60 categories as “The Best of Columbia County”. A reception will take place at 5:00 pm with awards given out at 6:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 518-828-4417.
Mixed Networking Luncheon @ The Greens – June 25
You asked for it you got it. The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce will host a Mixed Networking Luncheon at The Greens at Copake Country Club on Wednesday, June 25 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Networking luncheons provide a great opportunity for area business men & women to promote their business to other professionals interested in what they have to offer or know someone who is. In a roundtable format, business representatives will have 2-4 minutes to promote their own business and distribute promotional and marketing materials. Following this structured networking, guests will be given time to network with the other professionals in attendance. The cost for Chamber members is $20 and $24 for non-members. The Greens is located at 44 Golf Course Road in Copake Lake. Please contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 to make a reservation by June 20.
Annual Agricultural Bus Tour – June 28
We invite you to join us to explore agriculture in Columbia County on the Annual Chamber Agricultural Awareness Tour on Saturday, June 28 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The tour will leave from the Chamber’s Office located on 1 North Front Street in Hudson at 10:00 am. The tour is open to Chamber members, as well as the public. Stops include The Berry Farm, Altobelli’s Farm and Dutch Hollow Farm. Tickets are $18 and include bus transportation and a lunch. Space is limited. Please call the Chamber to make a reservation.
Business After Hours @ Columbia-Greene Humane Society – July 10
Join the Chamber as Columbia-Greene Humane Society hosts a Business After Hours on Thursday, July 10 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Business After Hours’ offer excellent networking opportunities for area business people. All members of the business community are invited to attend this business event. Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar will be offered during the After Hours. Columbia-Greene Humane Society is located at 125 Humane Society Road in Hudson. There is no cost to attend, but guests are encouraged to contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417.
Special Early Bird Ticket Discounts for Chamber Member’s
On Monday, August 4th from 5 to 8 p.m., the region’s culinary event of the season – The Hudson Valley Bounty ‘Taste of’ Dinner – will take place at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham, N.Y. Celebrated area chefs will be paired with expert farmers to showcase a wide range of food grown and prepared in the Hudson Valley. More than 20 restaurant chefs will prepare dishes alongside tasting tables featuring local winemakers and brewers. Participants will feature ample “tastes” of more than 30 recipes including everything from appetizers and salads to main courses and desserts. Tickets are normally $75, but are discounted to $60 for Chamber members who buy them early. Call 828-4417 to reserve yours today!
Volunteers to Help Visitors
The Chamber is looking fro volunteers to help staff our Visitor’s Information Center on Saturdays. If you or someone you know would like to help greet visitors and direct them to local attractions, please contact Amy Kneller at akneller@columbiachamber-ny.com.
Chamber Celebrates B.E.S.T. Graduates
Chamber President, David Colby recently spoke at two B.E.S. T. graduation ceremonies. The Columbia-Greene BEST, Business Employment Standards Transition Program certifies the work readiness of students so that when they apply for local employment or admission to college they can easily demonstrate that they have the skills, behaviors and knowledge necessary in the workplace and/or college. Graduations were recently held at Questar III and Catskill High School. The BEST Certificate is based on standards set by local area businesses. It verifies student’s competence through an assessment of their academic performance, school attendance, community and career exploration activities. Each student’s experiences are complied into a portfolio that demonstrates the application of his/her skills. The BEST program has received the support of the Workforce Investment Board of Columbia and Greene Counties, Greene County Economic Development, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.
Promote Your Business in the July 2014 Chamber Connection Mailing
Are you looking for new connections? 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 summer and get a great return on your investment, while saving over $400 in postage. The next mailing will go out in July 2014. The deadline for materials is June 27, 2014. Please contact the Chamber if you are interested in promoting your business at akneller@columbiachamber-ny.com.
Business Finder
Learn About the New Business Finder for Columbia County! Let consumers find your business in a snap! This is an especially helpful tool for visitors to our area, and will easily put your business information into their hands. See attached link to learn more, or call the Chamber at 828-4417.
A Member Benefit That Can Put Money Back in Your Pocket
This, no out of pocket cost, program could provide you with a REFUND for past utility overcharges and save you money on future utility bills. Reviewable Utilities include Natural Gas, Electric, Propane, Water/Sewer, Telecom Svcs., Cable & Internet. The Chamber has partnered with Utility Refund Company to provide this valuable service for its members. Eligible business types include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Non Profit and Residential Facilities (Nursing Homes, Senior Living, etc.). Simply click on the link below, or at the top of our website home page, www.columbiachamber-ny.com, to learn the simple steps to take. You will also see that our personal Assessment Agent Mike Jablanski is available by email for any questions you may have.
Martin AV Chamber Member Offer
Martin AV Services knows that web based video advertising / awareness is the most cost effective, influential and powerful medium used today. Keeping up with the demands and expectations of consumers is challenging however, Martin AV Services knows that by adding a web based ‘business profile’ video to your website, you’ll be positioning yourself in-front of a greater audience and are more likely to get noticed.
With that in mind, Martin AV Services is offering Columbia County Chamber of Commerce members a 20% discount on the production of a video ’Business Profile’ that can be placed on platforms such as; your website, the chambers website, YouTube, facebook, Google, etc.
Martin AV Services is a full-service production company specializing in script-to-screen broadcast and web advertising for over 25 years. Our work has been featured on; PBS, PAX, Fox, WYBN, Time Warner, CNN, FoxNews, ESPN, TUFF TV, HLN, AMG, Yelp, YouTube and much, much more.
Click the link below for video samples and more information.
http://www.martinavservices.com/mavs_bus_profiles.html
Member Events & Information
The Two of Us Productions presents the sweeping drama of Les Miserables from June 6 through June 15 at the Performing Arts Center at Taconic Hills School. Les Miserables is an epic tale of broken dreams, passion and redemption against a nation seething with revolution. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.thetwoofusproductions.org.
Talk and slide show by Stained Glass Artist: Doris Cultraro on Saturday, June 7 at 4:00 pm at the Saugerties Performance Art Factory in Saugerties. Doris will discuss her extensive restoration of the late 19th century monumental stained glass window, entitled “Morning” and the art behind the artwork. For more information visit www.dcstudiosllc.com.
Berkshire HomeStyle announces deadlines for the July 2014 issue, published July 1st. This issue closes for space on June 9th, with materials due June 13th. Read the latest issue online at www.berkshirehomestyle.com.
26th Annual Columbia Memorial Hospital Ball on June 7th hosted by Steve & Renee Clearman and presented by Mid-Hudson Cable. “Paris” – in honor of Francis Greenburger. It will take place at the Catskill Point in Catskill. Black Tie optional. For more information or to make a reservation call 518-282-8239.
On Saturday, June 21 attend the Kinderhook Beer Hop hosted by Chatham Brewing from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Tastings from selected breweries: Chatham Brewing; C.H. Evans Brewing Company; Keegan Ales; Nine Pin Hard Cider Works and S & S Brewery. Come for the beer, market, music and food in the heart of the historic Village of Kinderhook. For more information visit www.kinderhookfarmersmarket.com.
Free Junior Golf: The Start to Finish Junior Golf Academy at New York Golf Park is offering 4 free clinics, and camps throughout the summer designed specifically for juniors of all abilities, ages 5-15. Beginners are welcome. Equipment can and will be provided at no additional charge. Clinics are designed to make golf fun for beginners and help those with experience become better players. Saturday, June 21; Saturday, July 26 and Saturday, August 9. For more information visit their website at www.nygolfpark.com.
Equine Advocates Open Day is Saturday, June 21 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Come spend a few hours walking around and meeting 85 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, most of whom were rescued and now enjoying their life at the sanctuary. Please feel free to picnic at the pond which is a beautiful spot. Please note all visitors will need to sign a release form. Sorry, but no pets allowed. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.equineadvocates.org.
Hudson Pride Weekend from June 20 – 22. Friday, June 20 take one of two boat cruises. Saturday, June 21 will be a day filled with fun beginning with a parade at 2:00 pm. A festival at the Hudson Waterfront Park that will run until 7:00 pm. Cabaret at Helsinki Hudson at 8:00 pm and a Dance Party at 10:00 pm. Sunday, June 22 there will be a Tea Dance at the Red Dot at 4:00 pm. For more information visit www.hudsonpridefoundation.org.
The Hudson-Chatham Winery‘s Tasting Room is open all summer Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 pm. They are also open for Happy Hour on Fridays from June 6 through August 29 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and Sangria Sundays in July from 12:00 – 5:00 pm. Along with other events throughout the year. For more information visit www.hudsonchathamwinery.com.
Horseplay Camp registration is now open for summer programs at High and Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center. A camp for all abilities with an emphasis on self development and team building. The camp incorporates a variety of equine activities such as riding, driving, horse handling, grooming and stable chores. Additional activities may include music, movement, drama, arts and crafts. Each camper leaves their unique “hoof print” on the farm (additions to the sensory trail, games for other campers, signage for our trail system). We emphasize responsible stewardship practices for our Earth. Scholarships available contact Laura Corsun at 518-672-4202. Register for one week or more: July 7-11; July 14-18; July 21-25; July 28- Aug. 1 or Aug. 25-29
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