Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
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Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
May e-newsletter
Chamber Advocacy
The Chamber is dedicated to taking positions on issues that build a stronger community.  The Chamber Board has recently taken positions on affordable workforce housing and rail trails.  The Chamber position on affordable housing has received considerable media attention in the last month.  To read the Chamber release click here.  On May 4, the Chamber will release a statement about the development of rail trails in Columbia County.  This statement will be available on the Business page of the Register Star and on the Chamber website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.
E-mail Protocol
Recently, an overzealous retail salesperson took a Chamber of Commerce membership book and created his own email list from it.  He put together a colorful promotional flyer and attached it to an email that he titled "Attention:  Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Member."  Within moments after he hit the "SEND" button, alert Chamber members were contacting the Chamber to advise them of the renegade email - also known as "spam".  The incident actually offers a great opportunity to review some of the basic rules of e-mail marketing.  Please click here to view the full article. 
Tourism Leadership Luncheon - May 10, 2006 - SOLD OUT
The Tourism Committee of the Chamber will host the third luncheon for local tourism leaders on Wednesday, May 10 at 12:00 pm at Bezalel Gables Fine Catering and Events.  A presentation by Chef David Robinson of Bezalel Gables will be given.  The committee is asking attendees to invite their County supervisors to be a guest at this event.  The two previous luncheons were sold out, so we recommend getting your reservations in early.  The cost is $15.  Please contact the Chamber to reserve today.
Business After Hours at National Union Bank of Kinderhook in Valatie - May 10, 2006
National Union Bank of Kinderhook will host a Business After Hours at their new office on Wednesday, May 10 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.  National Union Bank of Kinderhook operates four full-service offices throughout the County and offers a full range of consumer and commercial products.  The After Hours will be held in the Valatie Branch located in the Hannaford Plaza on Route 9.  Please click here for more information.
Pattern for Progress Forum - May 11, 2006
The Chamber will be hosting a special forum for local business leaders on May 11.  Michael DiTullo, President and CEO of Pattern for Progress will speak about the 21st Century Global Hudson Valley Initiative.  Pattern for Progress offers through the Global Hudson Valley Initiative a framework for educating for global understanding and for strengthening leadership and promoting new ways of working together.   The event will be co-hosted by the Columbia Hudson Partnership, County Planning Board, and the County Tourism Department.  The program will be held at Columbia-Greene Community College from 7:30 - 9:00 am.  The cost is $10 and includes a continental breakfast.   Please click here for more information.
17th Annual Golf Tournament - May 22, 2006 - Last Chance for Early Bird Discount
The 17th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 22 at Columbia Golf and Country Club.  The tournament will begin with registration/lunch at 12:00 pm and a shotgun start at 1:00 pm.  The early bird rate through May 8 is $135 for members and $150 for non-members.  Reservation includes golf, cart rental, lunch, open-bar cocktail hour, and dinner.  Reserve early as this event is likely to sellout.  This event is sponsored by National Union Bank of Kinderhook, First Niagara Bank, Midhudsonmedia, The Register Star/Chatham Courier, Germantown Telephone Company/Valstar, Inc., Mid-Hudson VIP, Pro Printers, COARC, Connor, Curran & Schram, PC, Sperry, Cuono, Holgate, & Churchill, CPAs, PC, Berkshire Telephone Corporation, Catamount Ski Area, Corporate Benefit Planning and The Independent Newspaper.  Please click here for more information.
Business After Hours at Columbia Golf and Country Club - June 1, 2006
Columbia Golf and Country Club will host a Business After Hours on June 1.  Come and see the recent renovations to the clubhouse.  The private club offers a superb golf course that is rated No. 3 in the Capital Region.  Membership openings are available for the first time in many years, so attendees are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to take a look at the facilities and golf course.  Please click here for more information.
Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP)
If your small business is faced with a technical challenge SATOP can provide up to 40 hours of FREE technical assistance for qualified requests, utilizing the vast engineering expertise of NASA and participating Alliance Partners (NASA contractors, sub-contractors or Universities).  SATOP is designed to speed the transfer of US Space Program knowledge and technology to the private sector, to provide economic benefits to the community, and to raise public awareness of the Space program.  Please click here for more information.

Member News

Business Updates

Chatham kicks off "First Fridays" on May 5, where participating members of the Chatham Business Alliance marked by balloons may opt to offer specials, discounts, sales or promotions.  Many shops will extend hours to accommodate after-work shoppers. The first "First Fridays" falls on Cinco de Mayo and Lippera's at the Chatham House is celebrating.  Both Chatham House restaurants will offer authentic Mexican food and beverage specials on Friday, May 5 including their famous chimichangas, margaritas with fresh juices and house-made red sangria.  For more information about Lippera's at the Chatham House call (518) 392-6600 or visit their website at www.thechathamhouse.com.

pi Florist and Gifts will host a Kids Class to make a basket of flowers for Mother's Day & card too on May 6.  There will be three sessions depending upon the child's age.  They are as follows:  ages 3-4 11:00 am, ages 5-7, 12:00 pm and ages 8 & up, 1:00 pm.  Sessions are for 1 hour and an adult must also attend.  pi Florist and Gifts is located at 44 Broad Street in Kinderhook.  For more information about pi Florist and Gifts call (518) 758-9355.

Stageworks/Hudson opens for the 2006 Mainstage season and will feature the 13th annual Play By Play festival of new one-acts is wondering about "choices" - and who ponders this phenomena better than the enlightened playwrights in this year's festival of World Premiere one-acts.  Some of the country's best contemporary dramatists look at the risky, comical inspiring and downright surprising ways we choose to stumble through life.  Play By Play will run May 17 to June 4.  For more information contact Stageworks/Hudson at (518) 828-7843 or visit their website at www.stageworkshudson.org.

The Columbia County Lodging Association has launched a new updated website.  The Columbia County Lodging Association is a member organization comprised of 40 great Inns, B&Bs, and motels in Columbia County.  Check out their new website at www.columbiacountylodging.com or call them at (518) 822-8218.

The Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York will be hosting the annual Memory Walk on Saturday, June 24 at Columbia-Greene Community College.  Registration is from 10:00 - 11:00 am and the walk kick-off begins at 11:00 am.  The walk will be followed by refreshments, entertainment and prizes.  The event is held each year  to help those coping with Alzheimer's disease.  Since 1989, the nation's largest event supporting Alzheimer's care and support services has raised more than $200 million.  For more information or to sign up for the walk, please contact the Alzheimer's Association at (518) 438-2217 or visit their website at www.alzneny.org.

Community Events

The Hudson Rotary Club will host their 10th Annual Auction on Saturday, May 6.  The auction will be held  at St. Mary's Gym located on 3rd and Allen in Hudson.  A preview will begin at 4:00pm and the live auction starts at 4:30 pm.  Come bid on great goods, services and other merchandise.  Or go home with a VIP.  This year they are featuring a great roster of VIP's who will be auctioning off a special talent or service.  Join them for fun as they raise funds to support community, national and international projects.  For more information contact Bernardina Torrey at the Columbia Hudson Partnership at (518) 828-4718.

The hills of Columbia County will come alive with the sights, tastes and treats of the eight Celtic Nations on May 6 at the Celebration of Celts festival.  The festival will be held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds located on Route 66 in Chatham.  The gates open at 10:00 am and opening ceremonies begin at noon.  For more information about Celebration of Celts call (518) 851-9670 or visit their website at www.celebrationofcelts.com.

School Information
On Saturday, May 13 from 10am to 4pm the campus of Hawthorne Valley School in Harlemville will come alive with the music and mayhem of the 32nd annual Spring Faire.  Plus this year they are transforming the campus into a Renaissance garden.  Everyone young and old should come to the Faire in all their finest Renaissance Regalia and enjoy hayrides, games, boat races, face painting, dunking booth, dragon run, banana pole, marble run, pillow jousting, hay jumping and much more.  For more information about Hawthorne Valley Association call (518) 672-7092 or visit their website site at www.hawthornevalleyschool.org.

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

 
May and June Chamber Events

May Events
Tourism Leadership Luncheon - May 10
12:00 pm
Bezalel Gables Fine Catering and Events
1896 County Route 9, Spencertown

The cost is $15.

Contact the Chamber for reservations by May 5.
Attendance will be limited.

Business After Hours - May 10

5:00 - 7:00 pm
National Union Bank of Kinderhook
Route 9 Hannaford Plaza, Valatie
Reservations are not required, but appreciated.  Please contact the Chamber if you plan to attend.

Pattern for Progress Forum - May 11
7:30 - 9:00 am
Columbia-Greene Community College
4400 Route 23, Hudson
The cost is $10 and includes a continental breakfast.
Please contact the Chamber for reservations.

17th Annual Golf Tournament - May 22
12:00 pm - Registration/Lunch
1:00 pm - Shotgun start
Columbia Golf and Country Club
295 Route 217, Claverack
This cost is $135 for members, $150 non-members
Early bird rate through May 8.  Contact the Chamber to reserve.


Please click here for our 2006 Chamber Calendar.

June Events
Business After Hours - June 1
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Columbia Golf and Country Club
295 Route 217, Claverack

Reservations are not required, but appreciated.  Please contact the Chamber if you plan to attend.

Chamber Excellence in Business Awards and Showcase- June 15

5:00 - 6:30 pm - Business Showcase

6:30 - 7:00 pm - Awards Ceremony
Stageworks/Hudson
41 Cross Street, Hudson
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  Contact the Chamber to register by June 9.

Nominations due by June 2.

Agriculture Awareness Tour - June 24
10:00 am - Luxury coach bus leaves Columbia County Fairgrounds Beer Pavilion
1:00 pm - Return to Fairgrounds for lunch
The Fairgrounds are located off Route 66 in Chatham.
This cost is $15 and includes a box lunch of local products.

Please contact the Chamber for reservations.
 
 ALL CONTENT HEREIN COPYRIGHT © 2005 COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE