The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce was recently made aware of a possible donation scam occurring within the business community of Montgomery County. The issue was brought to the Chamber’s attention through one of their members that was contacted by the Montgomery County Letter Carriers Association soliciting donations as a fundraiser. The caller reported that they were working with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and when the business person asked for a phone number, the caller hung up.

The Chamber contacted two post offices and to their knowledge this organization does not exist. While there appears to be a National Association of Letter Carriers and National Rural Letter Carriers Association that may have local chapters, the Chamber is not currently working with either organization. “We generally alert our members through letters, our newsletter, and emails when we are about to embark on a project in which our members might be solicited for advertising or promotion,” remarks Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer. “While we periodically ask our members for sponsorships of events and programs, it is never done through a third party without prior notification directly from The Chamber. Don’t hesitate to call us for verification of our participation in any programming or fundraising,” states Auspelmyer.

There are many valid organizations within Montgomery County that raise money annually. Following are simple guidelines you can follow to keep yourself safe.

• Do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions about money.
• If someone comes to your door, ask to see their identification. You do not have to let them in and they MUST leave if you ask them to.
• If you receive a phone call for donations, always ask for the name of the person you are speaking to and who they represent.
• Do not give your personal, credit card, or online account details over the phone.
• If you think the organization is suspicious ask for more information and do not hesitate in contacting local authorities.
  

Please contact The Chamber at 842-8200 with any questions or concerns.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce wants to remind you that the deadline to submit your events to be included in the upcoming the Fall and Winter calendar of events is July 30, 2010.

Typically, larger tourism related events are used in the printing of the calendar which will include any attraction in Montgomery County with upcoming events.  This also includes lecture, film, and concert series, farmers markets, festivals, holiday festivities, and winter sporting activities.  In addition, these events are listed on the Montgomery County tourism website calendar at www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com.  “I am encouraging all groups and attractions of any size to submit their events to me.  This promotion is at no cost to organizations,” states Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Tourism Director.

“Even if your event is not included in the print version of the calendar it will be on our website.  I then take the website events and e-blast them weekly to a wide variety of community groups.  Participants in the e-blast are encouraged to pass along the information to their friends, family and colleagues.  Events are also highlighted on our Visit Montgomery County Facebook page.  These promotional opportunities increase awareness and communication about the happenings in Montgomery County.”  To be added to DaBiere-Gibbs’ list e-mail her at tourism@montgomerycountyny.com with the subject line “Experience Montgomery County”.  To become a Facebook fan, search “Visit Montgomery County”.  Most of the events on the calendar are of no charge or a nominal fee and family-friendly activities.

45,000 copies of each of the 2009 Fall and Winter and the 2010 Spring and Summer calendars were printed and distributed.  The distribution includes businesses, newspapers, and information centers.  “The tourism department receives thousands of leads from major market promotions each year.  The calendars are part of a packet of information about Montgomery County tourism sent to these inquiries spanning the states from Maine to Florida to California and in between.  In 2008 we reached out to Canada and received a positive response.  Advertising in this market continued in 2010,” added DaBiere-Gibbs.  “The calendar is one resource of many that residents alike can use to learn more about events in their community.”  DaBiere-Gibbs stresses the importance of turning events in since various organizations are linked to tourism website such as I Love NY, the Central New York Region, the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission, and many local businesses and attractions.  “Our increased participation in online media and advertising over the past year has seen positive results as well,” adds DaBiere-Gibbs.

To submit your Fall and Winter events to DaBiere-Gibbs please e-mail them to tourism@montgomerycountyny.com, mail to Tourism Department, 1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or fax (518)684-0111.  Please submit the name of the event, contact name and phone number, where the event is held, a description of the event, dates and times, and admission fees; the more information submitted the better.  Any questions call (518)842-8200 ext. 12.  Please call if your business would like copies of the calendar to display.

Monsoon ribbon cutting

Attendees enjoyed the samples of the cuisine that is served at the restaurant and had positive remarks about the food and renovations that have been made to the restaurant and hotel. “I encourage the community to stop by during lunch to sample the buffet,” states Chamber Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks. “It offers a variety of Northern and Southern Indian cuisine and is the perfect opportunity to try different dishes.”

Proprietor, Tibu Chacko, has experience in the hospitality industry as his family also owns Royal India in Albany. The Chacko’s have been in the food industry for over ten years and are excited to bring an alternative dining experience to the area.

To see a sample of Monsoon’s menu as well as other chamber member restaurants, go the Chamber’s website at http://montgomerycountyny.com/restaurant-menus.cfm.

In the photo above, Monsoon celebrates opening by cutting ribbon with the Chamber of Commerce. Front row l to r: Chamber Board member and Ambassador, Carol Constantino of Noteworthy; Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer; Proprietor, Tibu Chacko; Chef Ali; Tourism Director, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs; and Supervisor Thomas DiMezza. Second row, l to r: Chamber Member, Maurice Farhart; Tony Chacko; and Chamber Ambassador, Dan LaBate, of Engines of Creation Web Design.

Deborah Auspelmyer presents donation to Supervisor Karl Baia

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce recently presented a donation for the Graffiti Fund to Supervisor Karl Baia after meeting with Supervisor Baia, Detective Tom Nethaway and Superintendent of the Amsterdam School District, Tom Perillo; regarding the graffiti situation within the City of Amsterdam. “The Chamber supports the efforts of the City’s officials, police department and Supervisor Baia in trying to control the tagging that is occurring on property throughout the area,” explains Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer. “The graffiti has a detrimental impact on the image and quality of life of our neighborhoods. Having to continually clean it up is an unfair expense to our business owners. We applaud the efforts of everyone involved in the continued clean-up and monitoring of these incidents.

“The city and county board have made great efforts to clean up our neighborhoods by following through with a successful demolition team to clean up derelict properties and neighbors have come together to do successful clean up efforts,” states Supervisor Karl Baia. “The graffiti is harming our image, our ability to move forward and is essentially harming our progress in becoming a clean business oriented area. Every avenue we can take in working together to remedy this problem is helpful to our overall goal of a clean, economically friendly and progressive city.”

The Chamber facilitated a brainstorming session with Superintendent Perillo, Supervisor Baia, and Detective Nethaway to review avenues to reach out to the community and students regarding the graffiti and the rewards that are being offered. Several ideas were brought to the table including reaching out to the students via morning announcements and putting together a potential panel discussion at the High School

“The graffiti in the city has taken a downturn in recent months and I believe the cause to be vigilance from the community as a whole,” remarks Detective Tom Nethaway. “The police, courts, city government, businesses, and residents have seen enough and each are doing their part to put an end to the problem. If we all continue to work together and keep the lines of communication open, problems like this one will have a shorter existence. “

Supervisor Baia will be holding a graffiti clean-up July 23 – 25. For information on how to participate in the clean-up or to make a donation to the graffiti fund, contact Supervisor Baia at 441-8249.

Chamber celebrates opening of Coffee Beanery with Ribbon Cutting.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of The Coffee Beanery at 128 Polar Plaza, Amsterdam, with a ribbon cutting and grand opening.

The Coffee Beanery is one of the newest businesses on the Rt. 30 corridor and has a wide selection of gourmet and flavored coffees, breakfast and lunch items, and a convenient drive-thru. They are open Monday – Thursday, 6 am – 9 pm; Friday – Saturday, 6 am – 10 pm; and Sunday, 6 am – 6 pm.

“The cafe also features a fireplace and wi-fi and is a nice new addition to the Rt. 30 business corridor,” states Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer. “I encourage the community to stop in to see the wonderful renovations that have been done and welcome them to the community.”

The Coffee Beanery’s menu can be viewed and downloaded from the chamber’s website at http://montgomerycountyny.com/restaurant-menus.cfm . To learn more about this business and other chamber members visit the website business directory at www.montgomerycountyny.com.

In photo, from left to right: Chamber Ambassador, Jeanne So; Co-owner Dr. Albert Fraser; Naomi Fraser; Olivia Faser; Eliana Fraser; Co-owner Michael Greco; and Chamber Board Chairman Charles Schwartz. Back row, l to r: Town of Amsterdam Supervisor, Thomas DiMezza, Tyese Fraser; Coffee Beanery Manager, Barbara Oliveri; Chamber Board Member, Vic Giulianelli; Ashley Greco; Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer; and Chamber Board Member Jim Partyka.

Proprietor Lisa Vertucci of Dolci excitedly cuts the ribbon for her new business

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of the area’s new bakery, Dolci, located at 51 Bridge Street, Amsterdam. A large crowd of business members and residents turned out to congratulate the South Side’s newest business.

“Owning and operating a small bakery has long been a dream of mine,” stated Owner Lisa Vertucci about her opening. “I am living proof that dreams really do come true! I can’t thank the Chamber enough for everything they have done for me. If you own a business in Montgomery County and are not a member of this organization you need to get involved now.”

The gourmet bakery serves cookies, gourmet and custom cupcakes, specialty coffees and Italian pastries and cookies. They are open Tuesday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 1 pm. They are closed on Monday.

“It is wonderful to see another new business open in the City of Amsterdam,” states Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer. “I encourage the community to visit Dolci and welcome them to the business community.”

To learn more about this business and other chamber members visit the website business directory at www.montgomerycountyny.com.