August08 e-newsletter

August e-newsletter

Chamber News

Support Your Local County DMV Office

When Columbia County residents think of buying local, they generally think of shopping at locally-owned stores, eating at locally-owned restaurants and using local contractors for projects. But there's another important way residents can support the county's economy, a way most people aren't aware of – by using the local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office instead of the Internet when purchasing vehicle registrations and drivers' licenses. For every vehicle registration and license application/renewal the county DMV processes, the county keeps 12.7 percent of the fees collected. The average monthly take at the DMV is $40,000. The total profit realized for 2007 was $448,000 – more than enough to pay the cost of running the department and have some left over for the county's coffers. If residents process their renewals on-line or send them into the Utica processing center the County does not retain any of the profit. Please click here to read the full article.

2009 Community Guide and Membership Directory - Reserve your space today!
In a tight economy, businesses can benefit from going "back to basics". Join over 70 Chamber members who find the Community Guide and Membership Directory an affordable way to reach new clients and to promote their products and services all year long. The Columbia County Community Guide and Membership Directory is the "go to" guide for doing business in Columbia County. It is a must have reference to the best that Columbia County has to offer, and is a comprehensive resource that showcases the County and our Chamber member businesses. This is why so many members participate each year. For more information contact Suzanne Johnson at 800-790-3511 or 828-4417 or by email at suzanne.v.johnson@cox.net.

Olana State Historic Site Business After Hours - August 13, 2008
Olana State Historic Site will host a Business After Hours on Wednesday, August 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Named for a fortress treasure-house in ancient Persia , Olana was the home of Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), one of America 's most important artists, a student of Thomas Cole, and a major figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Business After Hours' offer excellent networking opportunities for area business people. All members of the business community are invited to attend this business event. The After Hours will be held in the new Wagon House Education Center. Olana is located on Route 9G in Hudson. Please click here for more information.

Columbia-Greene Superintendents Brunch - August 21, 2008
The Columbia and Greene County Chambers of Commerce will host the 4th Annual Superintendents Brunch on Thursday, August 21 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. This special program will feature “Childhood Obesity-Community Partnerships in Action” and will discuss the critical importance addressing the rising prevalence of childhood obesity and encourage the implementation of programming that supports healthy lifestyle habits. Other topics discussed will include: an overview of Chamber programs including the B.E.S.T. Program and Pathways to Employment program. The brunch will end with a time for local education and business leaders to network. The brunch will be held at Columbia-Greene Community College. Please click here for more information.

County Supervisor's Reception/Business After Hours - September 10, 2008
All public officials and Chamber members are invited to attend the annual County Supervisor's Reception/Business After Hours on Wednesday, September 10 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The County Supervisor's Reception is presented by Rapport, Meyers, Whitbeck, Shaw & Rodenhausen. The Chamber will introduce the new candidates for the Gerald R. Simons Scholarship Fund for the Leadership Columbia County program. They will also be unveiling the "Guide to Navigating the Local Planning Process". The Chamber holds this annual event to express their gratitude to the Columbia County Board of Supervisors. We encourage members to take this opportunity to network with your community leaders. The event will be held at the Columbia County Department of Motor Vehicles at 560 Warren Street in Hudson and is free of charge. Please click here for more information.

Local 111 Restaurant Business After Hours - September 23, 2008
Local 111 Restaurant will host a Business After Hours on Tuesday, September 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Local 111 is located in the Village of Philmont at the geographic center of Columbia County — a rural area that is blessed with some of the best farms in the Hudson Valley. At the heart of their restaurant is the desire to use the wonderful bounty of these local farms in a setting that evokes the warmth and sense of community of a small town general store. Their commitment to using local produce is combined with their desire to provide excellent food and drink at prices accessible to everyone. Business After Hours' offer excellent networking opportunities for area business people. All members of the business community are invited to attend this business event. Local 111 is located 111 Main Street in Philmont. Please click here for more information.

Register for the Buy Local Business Expo - October 23, 2008
The Buy Local Business Expo will be held on Thursday, October 23 at Columbia-Greene Community College. The Expo will run from 4:00 - 7:00 pm and will feature over 70 booths to showcase your products and services to Columbia County businesses and residents. Reserve early as there is only a limited number of booths available. Booth prices start at $149 for members. Columbia County Bounty members can register for a booth for only $49 when serving food at the event. Sponsorship of the event starts at $249. Don't miss this opportunity to promote your business to hundreds of local residents. Please click here for a registration form.

2008 Sponsorship Opportunities
The Chamber is pleased to announce creative ways to promote your business in 2008. Don't miss this opportunity to promote your company to the Columbia County business community. Event sponsorship enables us to provide high quality programming for our members and promotion for your business. Click here for a 2008 Sponsorship Form.

Promote Your Business in the September 2008 Chamber Connection Mailing
Are you looking for new connections? The Chamber Connection is a great way to promote your business to over 1,000 Chamber members for only a $150. Promote your business this spring and get a great return of your investment. The next mailing will go out in September 2008. The deadline for materials is August 15. Please contact the Chamber if you are interested in promoting your business.

Chamber Stats
During the month of July the Chamber answered 525 phone calls, sent out 10 relocation guides and welcomed over 300 members to events. The Chamber website was visited over 14,292 times or an average of 436 times daily. For more information about your Chamber of Commerce contact the staff at mail@columbiachamber-ny.com.

Ribbon Cuttings

Monday, August 18 at 4:30 pm
World of Dance
300 Fairview Ave, Hudson

Member News

Clear Channel Radio has worked along with the Columbia County Chamber to offer a limited opportunity, member discount to you. It will provide a marketing program designed to help both members and the Chamber, market effectively and affordably, during these challenging economic times. Essentially, the radio stations has set aside inventory that they will sell to a limited amount of members, at greatly reduced (less than 50%) rates. Each commercial you purchase will include 48-50 seconds for your message and a 10-12 second message about your Chamber. Clear Channel is pleased to be able to offer this program on both 98.5 Lite FM/WCTW and 93.5, Crusin' Oldies/WZCR. If you are interested in learning more about this special offer contact Tina Chambers at (518) 828-5006 or tinachambers@clearchannel.com.

World of Dance is having a Grand Opening/Open House celebration on Monday, August 18 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 4:30 pm. Stop by to see the largest dance facility in Columbia and Greene Counties. View ongoing dance presentations, which will demonstrate World of Dance's guarantee that their dancers are taught the latest dance techniques and choreography. World of Dance is open to all ages. Both experienced and new dancers are welcome. Any perspective dancers who stop in during the Open House will receive a Free gift bag, valued at over $50. New enrollees will receive half-off of their first month's fee. For more information about World of Dance call (518) 822-1228 or visit www.worldofdancestudios.com.

Would you like to help people in the community who are in treatment for cancer? If you have been trying to think of a way to help others or get your children involved in the community, here is the perfect way. The Cancer Services Program of the Healthcare Consortium needs to increase its network of community volunteers. There are many cancer patients that need help beyond their medical care. Having a caring person available to help with the activities of daily living can really make a difference. Program staff connects cancer patients to volunteers who want to help with things such as emotional support, child care, meal preparation, house cleaning, grocery shopping, dog walking and transportation to medical appointments. For more information about getting involved in the Healthcare Consortium call (518) 822-8820 or visit their website at www.columbiahealthnet.org.

RSVP - Retired Senior Volunteer Program matches volunteers age 55 and older with community needs. Participants can choose what they would like to do and how often; once a week, once a month, or once in awhile for a special project. Placement in based upon experiences, talents, skills, occupations, professions, hobbies and willingness to pitch in. For more information about this program contact Columbia Opportunities at (518) 828-0251.

Winnovative Technology Consulting, LLC is pleased to announce the world-wide launch of Act! Premium 2009 during the first annual Fall Northeast Sales Automation Showcase, on Tuesday, August 12 at the Century House in Latham. The program will run from 9:00 am to noon. This event is the only live presentation of the world's #1 best selling contact and sales management tool, now celebrating its 20th year, for the Capital District Region this fall season. Marketing and sales automation best practices will be the primary focus of the morning program with inclusion of solutions from Swiftpage and HandHeld Contact. For more information about the Sales Automation Expo contact Winnovative Technology Consulting at (518) 822-8860 or visit their website at www.winnovative.com.

Space 360 and Musica is pleased to present Dinner and Jazz on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The evening includes a family style dinner including starter salads, pasta, meat, and vegetarian entrees and dessert. The price is $30 per person. For reservations or more information about Space 360 call (518) 697-3360 or visit their website at www.360warren.com.

Community Events

For the best deal in Columbia County, remember and relive the terrific sounds of the Fifties as The Theater Barn produces two of the most popular musicals of all time this August. "Forever Plaid" will run from August 7-17 and is a hilarious musical comedy that salutes the popularity and close harmonies of the "guy groups" that reached it's zenith in the 50's, featuring some of the most romantic songs ever written. Next is the record breaker, "Grease" from August 21-31, where you can revisit Rydell High in 1959, where Danny and Sandy fall in love, Kenickie drives his proudest possession "grease lightning", Frenchy drops out of beauty school and more! For tickets or more information about The Theater Barn call (518) 794-8989 or visit their website at www.theaterbarn.com.

The Hudson-Chatham Winery will host the Sangria Festival on Saturday, August 9 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. There's nothing better on a hot summer day than a cool glass of sangria. Visit the winery while they go South of the Border to celebrate this classic fruit-and-wine combo. You can try one of their blends or mix your own! Food will be provided by Mexican Radio and there will be live flamenco guitar music. For more information about Hudson-Chatham Winery call (518) 392-2598 or visit their website at www.hudsonchathamwinery.com.

End your summer fun by attending the Columbia County Fair. The Fair will open on August 27 at 5:00 pm and run through Labor Day. Enjoy great food, animals, exhibits, vendors, live music, midway, fireworks, demolition derby and much more. The Fair is jam-packed with a fantastic line-up of entertainment and non-stop action. Check out the website for more detailed information about what is happening each day. For more information about the Columbia County Fair call (518) 392-2121 or visit their website at www.columbiafair.com.

Check out the Chamber's Ten Things To Do This Month in Columbia County on the homepage at www.columbiachamber-ny.com. If you would like to add an event to the September list, please contact Cheryl Meenagh at cmeenagh@columbiachamber-ny.com.

If you would like to submit information for the member news section please email cmeenagh@columbiachamber-ny.com.

August and September Chamber Events

August Events
Business After Hours, August 13

5:00 to 7:00 pm
Olana State Historic Site
5720 Route 9G, Hudson
Reservations are not required, but appreciated.

Columbia-Greene Superintendents Brunch
August 21

11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Columbia-Greene Community College
4400 Route 23, Hudson
The cost is $15. Reservations are required by August 15.

Click here to view the 2008 Chamber Calendar.

September Events
County Supervisor's Reception, September 10

5:00 to 7:00 pm
Columbia County DMV Office
560 Warren Street, Hudson
Reservations are not required, but appreciated.

Business After Hours, September 23

5:00 to 7:00 pm
Local 111 Restaurant
111 Main Street, Philmont
Reservations are not required, but appreciated.