Date:   February 27, 2008

Place: Village Pizza

Time:  6:30 pm

Kevin Brady opened the meeting announcing the election for Board of directors

Discussion:

4 chamber members are running for board positions/ 4 positions are available:

Mery Rosado             Café Mezzaluna

Barbara Budik           Economic Development Committee

Mark Smith                Pine Grove Lodge B&B

Sue Simmons            Saugerties Skate Park

Motion: Bill Kimble made to elect all four of those running for election

Second: Jerry Schackne

  Discussion:

Kevin indicated that the board will place more focus in trying to further develop the committees in 2008

Presented by chair Barbara Budik

This year committee developed a brochure which includes calendar of events, member names, addresses, and business by category

One major goal is to promote Saugerties as a town.  Chamber is asked to back events and decisions that are made by both the Town and the Village.  Being an active member of this committee allows you to have a voice.  This committee enables a business owner to speak on behalf of themselves as well as represent the area business community. 

Internal marketing business to business

Present New Ideas for example Sherry from Café Messalina suggested the Sunset Music Series along the Hudson.  This series is being developed in conjunction with the chamber marketing committee.  Concerts to be held this summer at 4 different locations

·        Tina Chovras Park

·        Kiersted House

·        Glasco Park

·        Cantine Bandstand

Distribution of brochures at various shows, festivals and throughout the community

·        I love NY campaign

·        Garlic Festival/Mum Festival

Alex Wade called attention to the Fulton Celebration on the Hudson next year, 2009.  Funds have been set aside by the state. 

presented by chair Heather Plonchak

·        Work with active members

·        Recruit new members

·        Produce the chamber newsletter

·        Arrange membership workshops

Membership Mixer will be held at Shelly K’s on May 28th. Chamber is hoping to reestablish a connection with those businesses that were members of the Saugerties Business Association

Presented by Barbara Budik in the absence of chair Mike Campbell

• Organize chamber affiliated events such as Holiday in the Village
• Connection to TV 23 (Shop local campaign)
• Work in conjunction with marketing committee to coordinate and organize chamber representation at events such as the Garlic Festival and Mum Festival

Presented by chair Kevin Brady

• Raise money beyond the membership dues.  Majority of membership dues are allocated to pay for brochures, membership mailings, newsletters, etc.
• Work in conjunction with the other committees if additional funds are needed
• Currently working with Special events on business commercials  “Shop Local”

Presented by Heather Plonchak in the absence of chair Justine Smythe

• Display and advertise information regarding area businesses that are chamber members
• Work in conjunction with web designer Kathode Ray to constantly improve website functionality and capabilities
• Increase number of hits the website receives
• Website accuracy and data base management
• Maintenance of  members affiliated web page as each chamber member is granted an entire page which is accessible via the chamber site

Discussion:

Richard Frisbee suggested that we look into the possibility of adding video (in conjunction with the campaign) to our website

Marjorie Block announced that the Saugerties Historical Society now has a website inclusive of a link to the Chamber.

Kevin interjected that the membership meetings will be much more active in the future.  The board is working on plans to include Key Speakers

Kevin addressed the membership and asked what type of things the membership like to see the board focus on in the upcoming months.

Membership suggested we have sign as you come off the Thruway which features access to Antiques, Cafes, Bookstores, Boutiques, Art galleries and etc.

Mark Smith is working on some signs for Catskill would be willing to work with the chamber to create signs.

Miriam Adams suggested that we elaborate on the idea and perhaps utilize the theme that Sherry  of Café Mezzaluna presented in previous meetings “Where the Mountains meets the River” in addition to area features

Discussion:

Mery Rosado suggested that we try to attract more publicity such as the Newsday Magazine article regarding the Lighthouse.  Based on her experience many tourists came to the area simply because of this article

Barbara Budik spoke of her conversations with figure heads at Publication Boating on the Hudson

Boating on the Hudson will consider printing articles about Saugerties and perhaps individual business if there are specific events.

Miriam Adams asked if reduced advertising is a possibility for Chamber members.  Barbara has agreed to look into the possibility.

Kevin convened the meeting.

All were in favor

Respectfully submitted by: