February06 e-newsletter

February e-newsletter

Chamber Board of Directors Announce Finalists for Crystal Apple Award Gala - February 24, 2006
The Chamber Board of Directors is pleased to announce the six finalists for the 17th Annual Crystal Apple Award Gala. The official slate of nominees include CMI-DRA Imaging, Finnish Line Fitness Centers, Furniture Plus, Lippera's at the Chatham House, Pro Printers and Stair Galleries and Restorations, Inc. The Gala will be held on February 24 at Stair Galleries from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. This event is sponsored by National Union Bank of Kinderhook, First Niagara Bank, Midhudsonmedia, The Register Star/Chatham Courier, Columbia Hudson Partnership, Fingar Insurance, Taconic Farms, Inc., Chatham Properties, Connor, Curran & Schram, PC, Dunn Builders Supply , Germantown Telephone Company/Valstar, Inc., The Independent Newspaper and Shallo, Galluscio, Bianchi & Fucito, CPAs, PC. Please click here for more information.

Save Money with the Section 125 Flexible Benefits Plan
Corporate Benefit Planning is the administrator for the Chamber's group Section 125 Flexible Benefits Plan. This new Chamber benefit will save the business and the employee money. If you are providing health insurance to your employees and you are both paying part of the premium, the business may be eligible for tax savings. This plan can be used for items such as: co-pays at the doctor's office, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, chiropractic treatment, daycare expenses and much more. All of this is paid with pre-tax dollars and setup in a separate fund. Please contact Deborah Grasso at Corporate Benefit Planning at (800) 223-3394 or dgrasso@cbpgroup.biz to set up an appointment to learn more about this money-saving plan. Please click here for more information.

Business After Hours at The Spotty Dog - February 9, 2006
The Spotty Dog Books and Ale will host a Business After Hours on Thursday, February 9 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. The Spotty Dog is located at 440 Warren Street in Hudson. The Spotty Dog is an independent bookstore and lounge/cafe that features a unique selection of new books, art supplies, gifts and toys as well as coffee, beer on tap and snacks. Please click here for more information.

Tourism Leadership Luncheon - March 8, 2006
This informal luncheon series is sponsored by the Tourism Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. The second luncheon for local tourism leaders will be held on Wednesday, March 8 at 12:00 pm at The Blue Plate Restaurant. A presentation will be given by Lindenwald. Curator Patricia West will share her perspective on the recent renovation of the Martin Van Buren home. A light luncheon will be provided. The cost of the luncheon is $15. Attendance will be limited. The next luncheon date will be May 10th. Please contact the Chamber to reserve today.

Agricultural Brunch - Farming in Columbia County: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow - March 15, 2006
The Agriculture Committee of the Chamber will host an Agricultural Brunch on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 from 11:00 - 12:30 pm. The brunch will feature a panel of speakers including: Weir Stewart, Mary Gail Biebel and Jessica Chittenden will be the moderator. The brunch will be held at Kozel's Restaurant. The cost is $15. Please click here for more information.

Business After Hours at Lippera's at the Chatham House - March 23, 2006
Lippera's at the Chatham House will host a Business After Hours on Thursday, March 23 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. The Chatham House is historic 1859 Railroad Hotel rebuilt and updated to a 21st century dining and shopping destination. The Chatham House houses both a tavern and fine dining restaurant. Lippera's at the Chatham House is located at 29 Hudson Avenue in Chatham. 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. For more information contact the Chamber or visit their website at www.spacetechsolutions.com.

Chamber Encourages Participation in Hometown Heroes
The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York will be recognizing ordinary people who do extraordinary things through their annual "Salute to Hometown Heroes". The Chamber encourages the businesses and communities in Columbia County to participate by nominating neighbors, friends, and professionals you know who go beyond the "norm" to make life better for those around them. Please click here for more information.

Member Feedback
We want to hear from our members. The 2006 year is in full swing and we want to help promote your business through Chamber benefits and events. If you have any ideas on how we can improve your partnership with the Chamber, please contact us today. We appreciate your support.

Member News

Member Updates

Mexican Radio will sponsor a month-long "Have a Heart!" fundraising campaign to benefit the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA. The campaign will culminate with a benefit dinner on Friday, February 24th at 7:00 pm at Mexican Radio. They are located at 537 Warren Street in Hudson. The campaign will consist of special "Have a Heart!" Valentines, created by CGHS and local schools which will be sold at Mexican Radio for $1 during the entire month of February. There will also be a place for people to drop off food and animal toys at the restaurant during this time. For more information contact Mexican Radio at (518) 828-7770 or visit www.mexrad.com.

Space 360 located at 360 Warren Street in Hudson invite you to attend their open house and Jazz event on February 11th and 12th to celebrate the opening of their new addition. They have specially designed a wonderful, large format space for your next memorable personal, family or business party or event offering the area's greatest chefs and most amazingly talented professional musicians. Join them on Saturday, Feb. 11th from 8:00 pm to Midnight for light refreshments and Sunday, Feb. 12th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for a light brunch. Both days will feature Jazz music of Leslie Pintchik, Scott Hardy and Mark Dodge-Drums. For more information contact Space 360 at (518) 697-3360 or visit www.360warren.com.

Housing Resources of Columbia County, Inc. announced their 2006 goal of delivering $400,000 in New York State "home" grant funds to first-time homebuyers in Columbia County. Homebuyer education is key to the success of the Housing Resources' First-time Homebuyer program. Orientation sessions are held twice a month throughout the County. The class equips the first-time homebuyer with what they need to know to make a solid purchase and financing decisions, and steers them away from problem properties, predatory lenders or unfavorable financing. For more information about the program or to sign up for an Orientation session contact Housing Resources at (518) 822-0707 ext 111.

The Alzheimer's Association is pleased to announce their Columbia-Greene Point of Service. The Capital District Program Manager will be present in the County on Fridays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm beginning February 3rd in the Columbia County Human Services Building located at 325 Columbia Street in Hudson. The Program Manager will be available to provide support, information, referrals and care consultation to anyone whose life has been touched by Alzheimer's, provide information and resources to professionals who work with individuals with Alzheimer's, and to provide educational programs to any interested groups or individuals. To schedule an appointment call (518) 438-2217 ext. 303 or email karen.bendt@alz.org.

School Information
The Taconic Hills Central School District is pleased to announce that the Spring 2006 Adult Continuing Education program is underway. Classes will be offered to members of the adult community at the school building beginning in February. A wide variety of instructional classes, investment and financial planning classes, creative art classes and personal development classes will be offered. For more information on any of their exciting workshops, or a copy of the brochure, please call (518) 325-0315 or visit their website at www.taconichills.k12.ny.us.

Dollars for Scholars of Taconic Hills is sponsoring a concert to raise money for scholarships. The Earth Angels will perform on March 24th and 25th at the Taconic Hills Performing Arts Center. The doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:25 pm. Tickets are $12. To purchase tickets please call (518) 325-0314 or visit their website at www.taconichills.k12.ny.us.

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

February and March Chamber Events

February Events
Business After Hours - February 9
5:00 - 7:00 pm
The Spotty Dog
440 Warren Street, Hudson
Reservations are not required, but appreciated. Please contact the Chamber if you plan to attend.

Crystal Apple Award Gala - February 24
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Stair Galleries
549 Warren Street, Hudson
The cost is $85 per person or $650 per corporate table of eight.
Please contact the Chamber to make a reservation by February 17th as this is a sellout event.

Please click here for our 2006 Chamber Calendar.

March Events
Tourism Luncheon - March 8
Presentation by Patricia West of Lindenwald

12:00 - 1:30 pm
The Blue Plate Restaurant
1 Kinderhook Street, Chatham

The cost is $15.

Contact the Chamber for reservations as attendance is limited.

Agricultural Brunch - March 15
Featuring Panelists:

Weir Stewart and Mary Gail Biebel
Moderator:
Jessica Chittenden

11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Kozel's Restaurant
1006 Route 9H, Ghent
This cost is $15.
Please contact the Chamber for reservations by March 10th.

Business After Hours - March 23
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Lippera's at the Chatham House
29 Hudson Ave, Chatham
Reservations are not required, but appreciated. Please contact the Chamber if you plan to attend.