Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
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Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
January e-newsletter
Hugh Johnson to Kickoff Chamber Year with Economic Outlook '06 Forum - January 18, 2006
The Chamber announces the Economic Outlook '06 Forum featuring Hugh Johnson on January 18.  Hugh Johnson serves as the Chairman of Johnson Illington Advisors, LLC.  In that capacity, he manages nearly $624 million of equity, fixed income and cash investments for individual and institutional clients and serves as a consultant to over $900 million in institutional assets.  He also serves as the Consulting Investment Strategist to First Albany Companies.  Mr. Johnson is a noted financial expert and is a regular guest on CNBC.  He has also been featured on NBC Nightly News, ABC World News Tonight, and the CBS Evening News.  The event will be held at Columbia-Greene Community College in the Arts Center Theater at 7:30 am.  We expect this event to be highly attended and encourage members to reserve as soon as possible.  Tickets for the event are $10.  This event is sponsored by National Union Bank of Kinderhook, First Niagara Bank, Midhudsonmedia, Dunn Builders Supply and Shallo, Galluscio, Bianchi & Fucito, CPAs, PC.  Please click here for more information.
Crystal Apple Award Gala - Nominations accepted until January 13, 2006
The Chamber is seeking nominations for the 17th Annual Crystal Apple Award Gala on February 24, 2006.  The event will be held at Stair Galleries on Warren Street in Hudson.  The Crystal Apple Award is presented to a Chamber member business to recognize an extraordinary contribution to economic progress, community improvement and the quality of life in Columbia County during 2005.  This event is sponsored by National Union Bank of Kinderhook, First Niagara Bank, Midhudsonmedia, Fingar Insurance, Taconic Farms, Inc., Chatham Properties, Connor, Curran & Schram, PC, Dunn Builders Supply and Germantown Telephone Company/Valstar, Inc.  Please click here for more information or a nomination form.
Chamber Publications
The Chamber is pleased to introduce a new publication in 2006.  Members will receive a new look  for the "Commerce News" newsletter in the Chamber Connection mailer in January, April, June and September.  We hope that this publication will be interesting and useful to help inform and promote the membership.  Members will also receive the 2006 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide as part of the January Chamber Connection mailing.
Tourism Luncheon - January 11, 2006
An informal luncheon series will be sponsored by the Tourism Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.  The first luncheon for local tourism leaders will be held on January 11 at 12:00 pm at Columbia County Council on the Arts.  They are located at 209 Warren Street in Hudson.  The featured speaker will be Lori Selden of Mexican Radio.  A light luncheon featuring local products will be provided by Renner's Creative Celebrations. The cost of the luncheon is $10.  Attendance will be limited.  Future luncheon dates include March 8th and May 10th.  Please contact the Chamber to reserve today. 
Chamber Ski Nite - January 26, 2006
The Chamber and Catamount Ski Area will host a night of discounted skiing and snowboarding for Chamber members and the public on January 26 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm.  Lift tickets are $13, rentals $13 and lessons $8.  Entertainment will be provided.  We hope you will join us for this fun event and support business in Columbia County.  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.

Member News

Member Updates

The Columbia Hudson Partnership graduated its final class of the 21st session from the MicroBusiness Seminar Series.  Ten individuals successfully completed the series, eight new businesses are already in the start-up phase throughout Columbia County.  The MicroBusiness Seminar Series consists of eight weeks of classroom training by accountants, attorneys, bankers and others.  Technical assistance is provided at no charge to everyone who completes the series.  The cost of the program is $150, which is refunded upon completion, in the form of either a one-year membership to the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce or a gift certificate to an office supply store.  The next series begins in March 2006.  To request an application, please contact Martha Lane, Small Business Counselor at 828-4718 or visit their website at www.chpartnership.com.

The Columbia County Lodging Association is pleased to announce their 2006 Directors.  Patrick Birmingham of Mount Merino has been elected President; Steele Andrews of Silvanus Lodge, Vice President; Deborah Bowen of the Inn at Green River, Community Liaison; Nancy Audino of the Inn at Silver Maple, Secretary; and Mona Berg of the Berkshire Mountain House, Treasurer.  For more information about the Columbia County Lodging Association visit www.columbiacountylodging.com.

The Hudson Valley Business Journal is offering a free listing in "A Guide to Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising" to be published in March 2006 to any Chamber members involved in advertising, marketing and public relations.  Please send a brief write-up and photograph to hvbjmail@aol.com.  For more information contact Gene Malis at Hudson Valley Business Journal at (845) 298-6236.

School Information
Dollars for Scholars of Taconic Hills is sponsoring a concert to raise money for scholarships.  Albert Cummings, rhythm and blues guitarist/vocalist will be performing on Saturday, January 7th at the Taconic Hills Performing Arts Center.  The doors open at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $15.  To purchase tickets please call (518) 325-0314 or visit their website at www.taconichills.k12.ny.us.

The Doane Stuart School will host an open house for any families interested in nursery through grade 12 for the 2006-2007 academic year or beyond.  A special program and tours of the campus will be given.  Childcare is available for children ages 2 and up.  The open house will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 10:00 am (snow date 1/22/06 at 1:00 pm); Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 10:00 am (snow date 3/12/06 at 1:00 pm); and Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 10:00 am.  For more information please contact The Doane Stuart School at www.doanestuart.org.


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

 
January and February Chamber Events

January Events
Tourism Luncheon - January 11
12:00 pm
Columbia County Council on the Arts
209 Warren Street, Hudson
This cost is $10.
Please contact the Chamber for reservations.

Economic Outlook '06 Forum - January 18
Featuring Hugh Johnson
7 :30 - 9:00 am
Columbia-Greene Community College
Arts Center Theater
Route 23, Hudson

A continental breakfast will be served
Tickets are $10. 

Chamber Ski Nite - January 26
5:00 - 9:00 pm
Catamount Ski Area
Route 23, Hillsdale
Lift tickets $13, rentals $13, lessons $8
Lift tickets can be purchased at the gate on January 26.

Please click here for our 2006 Chamber Calendar.

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.
Please contact the Chamber to make a reservation as this is a sellout event.
Nominations will be accepted until January 13.
 
 ALL CONTENT HEREIN COPYRIGHT © 2005 COLUMBIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE