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Saugerties Area Chamber of Commerce - Monthly Members Meeting Notes June 25,2009
Location: Starway Cafe
- Meeting started at approx 6:40PM. Since Kevin Brady could not attend, Mike Campbell chaired the meeting.
- First on the agenda was the 'round-the-room' introductions of attendees.
- Next was the financial report by Chamber Treasurer Bob Cranston who stated that the Chambers bottom line is presently $4300. He also announced the new simplified membership fee structure that was recently approved by the Chamber Board of $125 regular membership if joining between January-June and $75 if joining between June-December. This motion was then approved by the attending Chamber members.
- The Small Business Loan Program was presented by M&T Bank. To summorize, this no interest loan program is available to small businesses to consolidate and pay off existing debt. Interested parties should apply as soon as possible since it just runs to the end of Sept. 2009 or until the funds are depleted.
- Update on the Sunset Concert Series by Mery Rosado & Cherie Lee. It was mentioned that the first concert of this years series was quite successful which was at Tina Chorvas Park. It was also pointed out that the committee thinks it is important to keep the concerts free.
- Susan Bolitzer spoke next of the great success of the recently held 'Docks & Decks' event which was sponsored by the Esopus Creek Conservency.
- Mike Campbell did an update on the recently held Saugerties GIANT Flea Market on June 13. It was also mentioned that the musicians who performed were terrific. The next and last Flea Market for this year will be held Oct. 10 at the old Grand Union parking lot on Rt. 212.
- Update on 'Hors'n Around Saugerties' community art event by Beth Murphy. Beth reminded members that the Merry-Go-Round Gala & Auction will be held Sept. 12 at the VIP Pavillion at the HITS Showgrounds. Tickets which are $25 are available at Smith Hardware, Sawyers Bank and online at the Chamber website. It was mentioned that there is a survey being conducted which is asking questions pertaining to shopping in the Village . . . the survey also asks for what horse is your 'favorite'.
- The vandalism of the horses was pointed out as on ongoing problem. Some people would like the horses taken in for the July 4th weekend . . . this is still being discussed and evalulated . . . or another way of reducing the possibility of damage to the horses.
- An upbeat moment was when Mike Campbell read a letter from a HITS participant, complimenting the Saugerties Area as a great place to visit and complimenting the Hors'n Around event.
- Nancy Campbell from the Saugerties Town Board announced that the Winston Farm Feasabiliy Study is proceeding to the next phase based on the positive feedback the initial survey produced.
- Mike Campbell announced that the Kiwanis Club is planning a series of events which should be fun for the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend.
- Mike also read a letter he wrote to be published (with Chamber Members approval) in local papers underscoring that the Chamber is backing the proposed Partition Street Project. The members voted unanimously 'yea' on the letter.
- Barbara Bravo reminded members of the upcoming Saugerties Artists Studio Tour planned for August 8 & 9.
The meeting ended at approximatly 8:50PM. Respectfully submitted, Mark Smith/Saugerties Area Chamber of Commerce Board member |
