Come to the first Performing Arts Business Expo

Hudson, NY, – The Performing Arts Collective of Columbia County (PACCC), a newly formed committee of the Chamber is pleased to announce the first Performing Arts Business Expo – “Money Talks: There's No Business Like Show Business” on Thursday May 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Stageworks/Hudson . The event will feature a keynote by Philip Morris, CEO of Proctor's Theatre and Assemblyman Marc Molinaro will be the guest emcee for the evening.

The Performing Arts Collective of Columbia County is a group of Chamber members who have come together as an association of both professional and community-based performing arts businesses that have come together to promote and nurture the performing arts as essential to a healthy economy and cultural life in Columbia County. Any interested organizations are highly encouraged to contact the Chamber to become a member of PACCC.

The Business Expo will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the Gallery at Stageworks and will feature tabletop exhibits and hors d'oeuvres along with a beer and wine tasting. The Business Expo will give the business community the opportunity to learn more about the performing arts community and what's coming up for the season.

At 6:00 pm following the Business Expo a special presentation will be given in the Stageworks theater by keynote speaker Philip Morris of Proctor's Theatre who will address the audience about the economic impact of the arts. Morris was recently named New York State Tourism Executive of the Year by the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association. Morris was honored for his contributions to Schenectady's downtown arts district which includes a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of the historic Vaudevulle theater, revamped programming at Proctors' multiple venues, and a power plant that provides low-cost energy to the city's downtown. Morris is credited with helping to bring 350,000 visitors to Schenectady in 2007.

The program is pleased to welcome Assemblyman Marc Molinaro as the guest emcee for the event. Assemblyman Molinaro was elected to the Tivoli Village Board of Trustees in 1994. He is the youngest person ever elected to office in New York at the age of 18. The very next year, he became the youngest mayor in the United States . He was re-elected mayor five times and elected four times to the Dutchess County Legislature. Assemblyman Molinaro has many priorities as he enters his first term in state office. His main goal can be easily summarized by the statement that he wants to make New York – and especially the Hudson Valley – a better place to live, work, and raise a family. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2007 and represents the 103 rd District which includes parts of Columbia and Dutchess Counties.

Stageworks/Hudson is located at 41 Cross Street in Hudson . Parking directions for Stageworks/Hudson are to access parking through the municipal lot opposite Amtrak. Handicap parking is at 41 Cross Street.

There is no charge for this event, but attendees are encouraged to contact the Chamber for a reservation at 828-4417. There is also a special opportunity to bring along your children to this event. Tracy Schober, owner of Imaguration will be on hand to provide children's activities while you attend the event. Imaguration is a full-service event company offering themed parties and events that promotes the imagination, experimentation, social interaction, creativity and physical activity in children. They provide themed events for children's birthday parties, children's parties during weddings or adult events bridal showers, baby showers and more. Tracy is trained in adult infant and child CPR and standard first aid. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, an Associate's Degree in Recreation Leadership and is a student at Russell Sage in the Gerontology Masters program. This service is free for the event, but reservations are required by April 25.

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia County , providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members. Those seeking more information concerning the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.