November e-newsletter

November e-newsletter

Chamber Urges Members to Vote "No" on Proposal One
The Chamber Board of Directors has passed an official resolution opposing Proposal One, the Constitutional amendment on this year's New York State ballot which would virtually guarantee late budgets every year, increase the frequency of large budget gaps and lead to even higher taxes and debt. Please click here for more information.

Health Insurance Open Enrollment - November 1 - 30, 2005
The Chamber has appointed Mid-Hudson VIP as the new health and dental insurance broker effective January 1, 2006. This exciting new relationship will ensure that you receive excellent customer service that you have been accustomed to as a valued Chamber member. Erin Nevins from Mid-Hudson VIP will be at the Chamber office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm during the month of November. You may contact her at (518) 239-6933 or erin@midhudsonvip.com. Please click here for more information.

Economic Development/Government Affairs Committee Update
The Chamber Economic Development/Government Affairs Committee hosts monthly forums to discuss projects and initiatives that will impact business in Columbia County. On October 26 the committee hosted Andy Maniglia of Ginsburg Development Companies who discussed their concept of condominiums on the Hudson Waterfront. The Chamber encourages Ginsburg Development Companies to create an ongoing dialogue with all community stakeholders. The committee will host Jody Rael of Solaqua on November 30 to discuss the vision for the former Columbia Box Board Mill in Chatham. If you have a project you would like to discuss with the committee or are interested in joining the committee please contact David Colby at dcolby@columbiachamber-ny.com.

Chamber Supports Gulf Coast Region Chambers After Hurricane Katrina
The Chamber Board of Directors will support the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) initiative to help Chambers of Commerce in the Gulf Coast Region that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. ACCE asked Chambers across the nation to donate $1 per Chamber member. The Columbia County Chamber will donate $850. Please click here for more information.

"Educated Development Forum" - Catamount Development Project - Wednesday. November 16, 2005
The Columbia County and Southern Berkshire Chambers will host an "Educated Development Forum" on Wednesday, November 16 at Catamount Ski Area from 7:30 - 9:00 am. Attendees will hear details about the exciting Catamount Development project. Please click here for more information.

Holiday Business After Hours - Thursday, December 1, 2005 at National Union Bank of Kinderhook
The National Union Bank of Kinderhook in Chatham will host a Holiday Business After Hours on December 1 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. The Chamber will be introducing the 2006 Board of Directors and unveiling the 2006 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide and updated Chamber website. Please click here for more information.

Member News

Ribbon Cutting

Clear Channel Radio of the Hudson Valley
5620 Route 9 G
Hudson , NY 12534
Ribbon Cutting will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2005 at 12:00 pm.

Member Updates

The Alzheimer's Association will host an Alzheimer's Awareness Day on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 from 12:00 - 4:00 pm at Barnwell Nursing and Rehabilitation in Valatie. The day will feature exhibits on services available in and around Columbia County and presentations from the Alzheimer's Association, ADAC and Columbia County Office for the Aging. For more information contact Karen Bendt, Program Manager for the Alzheimer's Association at (518) 438-2217 ext. 204 or karen.bendt@alz.org.

360 Warren Street, LLC will host a Networking and Pampering Luncheon on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 11:50 am. The cost is $15 per person. The lunch is hosted by Cheryl Richardson from Mary Kay Cosmetics. For more information please call (518) 697-3360 or visit their website at www.360warren.com.

School Information
The Chamber is currently organizing a display case for Taconic Hills Central School District on business information in Columbia County. We would like to showcase different businesses throughout the year. If you are interested in displaying your business information or participating in any of our Chamber education programs, please contact Cheryl Meenagh at cmeenagh@columbiachamber-ny.com.

Community Events
On Saturday December 3, 2005 the Hudson Opera House will present "A Winter Walk on Warren Street" from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. This annual free event features brightly decorated shops, festive music, dancers in shop windows and good cheer everywhere. Winter Walk brings family, friends and visitors to Hudson's main commercial street to enjoy horse drawn carriage rides, carolers dressed in Victorian costumes and much more. For more information contact the Hudson Opera House at (518) 822-1438 or visit their website at www.hudsonoperahouse.org.

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

November and December Chamber Events

November Events
"Educated Development Forum" - November 16
7 :30 - 9:00 am
Catamount Ski Area
Route 23, Hillsdale

This is a free event for members. A continental breakfast will be served
Please contact the Chamber for reservations by November 11, 2005.

December Events

Holiday Business After Hours - December 1
5:00 - 7:00 pm
National Union Bank of Kinderhook
5 Depot Square, Chatham
Please contact the Chamber for reservations by November 28, 2005.

Please click here for our 2005 Chamber Calendar.