SACofC Members Meeting Notes - 9/24/09 at Total Tennis

Meeting called to order by Kevin Brady at 7:00 p.m.

Kevin asked attendees to introduce themselves to the group.

Miriam Adams introduced the featured spaker for the meeting, David Lundquist of Ulster County Health Alliance.  David spoke of the recent merger of Benedictine Hospital, Kingston Hospital, Margaretville Hospital and the Woodland Pond facility in New Palt.  He addressed what this important merger means to the citizens of Ulster County and how it will bring quality health care to those who need it by sharing resources.  He emphasized the fact that because of this merger, our area will have some of the top doctors and specialists in the world.  He mentioned the importance of Gerontology and how it is impacting the medical community here in Ulster County as the population ages.

Next, Miriam Adams introduced Erin Nevins, the reporesentative from the available health insurance plans for Chamber members -- MVP and CDPHP.  Erin emphasized that the cut-off date for enrolling in either plan is Oct. 1, 2009.  She also announced that cummary sheets were available at the meeting if any members wanted one.

Next was the update on the Hors'n Around Saugerties event by Nancy Campbell and Mark Smith.  Nancy announced that the auction of the painted horses netted $56,000.00 which will be split among the Saugerties Area Council of Churches, artists and the Chamber.  She also mentioned that if the event was going to be held next year, the committee should identify and begin organizing sponsors and artists right away.  This year's three committee members, Beth Murphy, Nancy Campbell, and Mark Smith, have agreed to guide the new committee as they get started.  It was also mentioned that the SAGE ponies brought in $650.

Next, Peggy Schwartz introduced the manager of Total Tennis (our host business), Ellen Neeley, to the attendees.  Ellen said that they have facilities to accommodate 45 guests at the resort.

Mike Campbell said that the Chamber is now seeking volunteers to be on the Hors'n Around committee for next year's event.  He also mentioned that the proposed kiosk posting current happenings around Saugerties is moving along.  Solicitation of bids for proposals to design and build a kiosk will be sent out in the near future.  There were also suggestions for enhancing the kiosk such as landscaping.  Mike also spoke about the proposalto have mem bers-to-members discount cards, but said that so far, he has only received four communications from interested members.  He mentioned that he has more "I am an SACofC member" decals if anyone would like one.  Mike did an update on the upcoming GIANT Flea Market to take place Oct. 10th, saying that at this time there are 25 vendors registered of the 56 available, and asking attendees to 'spread the word' to get more vendors.

Kevin adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

Resectfully submitted, Mark Smith.