May Membership Meeting Minutes

Date: May 14, 2008

Time: 6:30 PM

Place: Shelly K’s

Kevin Brady opened the meeting and welcomed featured guest speakers, Tom Struzzieri and Chris Mayone of HITS.

Tom Struzzieri provided and update regarding the recent purchase and plans for the Cantine Paper Mill property, on Partition Street.

Struzzieri's plan calls for a 500-seat catering call, 150-seat restaurant and 30-unit hotel, along with 18,400 square feet of retail space - all on the former Cantine Mill site at Partition and Dock streets, next to Krause's Candy.

The plan also calls for 16 residential units and a kayak marina.

Tom is hopeful that the proposed $15 million venture is to be aided by a $780,000 grant from the state's Restore-NY economic development program,

Tom and Chris Mayone encouraged all area business to participate in the HITS Block party scheduled for Saturday, June 14 from 6 pm to 10 pm.  .

Both Main and Partition Streets will be closed to traffic for the HITS Saugerties Block Party which will be the grand finale of the spring series of horse shows. In addition, both Main and Partition Streets will be decorated with actual jumps that are used in the show ring. Block Party activities include a live band, ponies, a bounce house and an on-site broadcast by The Wolf 94.3/97.3

Tom encouraged local merchants to stay open late and provide fun and entertainment in their stores as this is an opportunity to showcase area businesses to the patrons of HITS.

Shelly K offered to share space with businesses that may not be located in the Village that were interested in attending the event.

Tom agreed that HITS and the area businesses need to work together to ensure success and based on feedback this event came to life.

Chris Mayone provided his contact information and offered the services of HITS to area businesses.

Shelly K introduced her services and products to the fellow chamber members/attendees.

Each attendee had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business.

Announcements were made regarding future meetings.

Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted by Miriam Adams