The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and host La Cucina will be holding a business mixer on Thursday, September 15, 2011, from 5-6:30pm.  Join the Chamber and the Parillo family for an evening of networking and socializing with other business professionals. 

 “This family owned and operated restaurant offers wood-fired pizza and homemade soups and specialties,” states Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Membership Assistant.  “Enjoy an evening on the deck which features a full service bar mingling with business professionals.  This is also a great opportunity to see the progress of Bridge Street and Amsterdam’s Southside.”

 La Cucina is located at 1 Port Jackson Square, Amsterdam.  If you would like to attend this event, the Chamber asks that you RSVP to Membership Assistant, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs at 842-8200.

The Chamber is pleased to announce that they will be sponsoring their first “Big Buck Contest” this fall. A committee of local hunting enthusiasts and businesses involved in the outdoor sports industry have been working over the past several months to put together an exciting tournament to promote the wonderful hunting spots within Montgomery County (Charleston State Forest, Lost Valley State Forest, and Yatesville State Forest) and support the businesses that are involved in this popular industry.

The event will coincide with the hunting season and prizes will be awarded in the categories of bow, rifle, muzzleloader, female hunter, heaviest doe, and youth hunter.

The contest will conclude at the end of regular hunting season, December 20, 2011. Paid contestants will have a chance at winning a rifle and door prizes which will be presented January 7, 2012 at Loopie’s Pub in Tribes Hill.

All entries must be free-ranging whitetail deer of New York State origin, and must have been taken legally and tagged in accordance with the laws set by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Registration forms are available at the Chamber offices at 1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam; and from committee members Dick Andrews, Mike Auriemma, John DiCaprio, Tom Georgia, John Havlick, Ron Kolidziej, Brent Phetteplace, Brennen Parker, Chuck Schwartz and Rick Vertucci.

They can also be downloaded from the Chamber’s website at www.montgomerycountyny.com under “forms and applications” on the homepage.

Hunting licenses go on sale August 15, and are available at Frank’s Gun & Tackle Shop Inc., 3549 State Highway 30, Gloversville, and Wal-Mart, Rt. 30, Amsterdam. You can also contact Amsterdam City Hall and your local town clerks. Be sure to visit the chamber’s on-line business directory at www.montgomerycountyny.com for a list of member businesses that can provide hunting and sports equipment and supplies and visit http://www.dec.ny.gov for more information on hunting in Montgomery County and New York State.

Base registration for the tournament is only $25 with $5 from each registration form going toward the Chamber’s scholarship fund. The scholarship program was initiated to provide an opportunity for local students to gain access to higher education through FMCC, often the stepping-stone of many educational careers. To date, The Chamber has presented over $5,000 to local high school students throughout Montgomery County including the Amsterdam, Canajoharie, Fonda-Fultonville, Fort Plain and St. Johnsville school districts.

Because of generous support the Chamber has been able to assist several students from throughout Montgomery County over the years to pursue careers in various fields including healthcare services, education, criminal justice, and human services to name just a few.

For more information call The Chamber at 842-8200.

Over 50 restaurants in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding Capital District will offer special price deals and menus to celebrate the 142nd running of the Travers Stakes on Saturday, August 27 at Saratoga Race Course.

This marks the second annual Travers 1864 Restaurant Week, which runs from Sunday, August 21 through Thursday, August 25.

Over the course of the five days leading up to the 2011 Travers Stakes, diners have the chance to sample a three-course meal at participating restaurants for a fixed price of only $18.64 — in honor of the first running of the Travers back in 1864. The Travers Stakes is the oldest major stakes race in the nation for 3-year-old horses.

New York Racing Association Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Hal Handle said the organization is pleased to host the second year of the Travers 1864 Restaurant Week to bring the community together and celebrate Saratoga’s biggest and oldest race.

Below is the current list of confirmed eateries participating in this year’s Travers 1864 Restaurant Week:

• Antipasto’s in Clifton Park
• Aperitivo Bistro in Schenectady
• Bangkok Bistro in Colonie
• Bangkok Bistro in Schenectady
• Barcelona in Albany
• Black Watch Steakhouse in Glens Falls
• Buca di Beppo in Albany
• Café Nola in Schenectady
• Caputo’s Pizzeria in Saratoga Springs
• Cella Bistro in Schenectady
• Carney’s Tavern in Ballston Lake
• Charlton Tavern in Ballston Lake
• The Chocolate Mill in Glens Falls
• Circus Café in Saratoga Springs
• Cornell’s in Schenectady
• Crystal Ristorante in Amsterdam
• Dolce Vita Restaurant in Schenectady
• Dunham’s Bay Resort in Lake George
• East Cove Restaurant in Lake George
• Finish Line Restaurant and Bar in Malta
• Fortunes at Saratoga Raceway and Casino in Saratoga Springs
• Grandma’s Pies and Restaurant in Albany
• Jack’s Oyster House in Albany
• John Riccitello’s in Schenectady
• Loca Luna in Ballston Spa
• Londonderry Café in Albany
• Manhattan Exchange in Schenectady
• Marche at 74 State in Albany
• Market Restaurant at the Albany Marriott in Albany
• Nicolino’s in Amsterdam
• Nove in Wilton
• The Olde Post Grille in Lake George
• The Pasta Factory in Latham
• Pasta Pane in Clifton Park
• Paolo Lombardi’s Ristorante in Wyantskill
• Peaches Café in Albany
• Provence in Albany
• The Pub at Cooper in Glens Falls
• Raindancer Restaurant in Amsterdam
• Ravenous in Saratoga Springs
• Reel Seafood in Albany
• Salty’s Pub in Clifton Park
• Simpson’s Grill at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany
• The Stockade Inn in Schenectady
• Sunset Café in Ballston Spa
• Tesoro in Guilderland
• The Van Dyck Restaurant and Lounge in Schenectady
• The Vista Restaurant in Clifton Park
• Turf Tavern in Saratoga Springs
• Valentino’s in Amsterdam
• Water’s Edge Lighthouse in Schenectady
• Wheatfield’s Bistro and Bar in Clifton Park
• Wheatfield’s Restaurant and Bar in Saratoga Springs

($18.64 price may not include tax, gratuity and beverage.)

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2011 Employee of the Year and Volunteer of Year Awards to highlight the wonderful employees and committed volunteers throughout the county.

“Every day I hear stories about individuals within our community who’s passion for their job and desire to make a difference change our neighborhoods and positively impact our businesses,” comments Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer. “These awards and this event is an opportunity to recognize these individuals and applaud their efforts. Where would we be as businesses without our stellar employees? Where would we be as a community or organization without our volunteers? I invite our business members and the community at large to submit nominations for these awards.”

Businesses of all sizes and types, civic groups, tourist attractions, clubs and organizations, and non-profit groups are encouraged to fill out nomination forms.

The Chamber expanded the categories to make it easier for businesses making nominations including a tourism volunteer and junior volunteer. “We also added a junior volunteer this year for youths in our area ages 18 or younger,” states Brennen Parker, Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Young Professional Committee, TILT. “Youths are involved in making a difference in our community in a variety of ways: helping in community clean-ups, volunteering through scouts, assisting in fund-raisers, and participating in civic and church groups. We wanted to recognize their efforts as well, they are future community leaders. The nominations we received last year were extraordinary; it’s amazing to read about some of the efforts and involvement of our local youth.”

Nomination forms for the following awards are available at The Chamber office, 1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, or can be downloaded from their website at www.montgomerycountyny.com under forms and applications:
• Employee of the Year Small Business (Less than 100 employees)
• Employee of the Year Large Business (100 employees or more)
• Employee of the Year Non-profit
• Tourism/Community Volunteer of the Year
• Junior Volunteer of the Year (18 and younger)

Last year’s recipients included: Dr. Nancy Knudsen, St. Mary’s Hospital; Joe Pereicich, West End Wine & Liquor, Jeannette Stevens-Daury, Inman Senior Center; Paul Gavry, Waterfront Foundation; Amanda Auricchio from Amsterdam and Rusty Baumes from Palatine Bridge.

The Chamber invites the business community and residents throughout Montgomery County to thank their employees and volunteers by nominating them for these prestigious awards. All nominees and the businesses they represent will be recognized at the VIP Appreciation Celebration, sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital, September 29 at the Raindancer Restaurant. The deadline for submission is August 31, 2011. Call the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at 842-8200 for more information or download an application at www.montgomerycountyny.com under forms and applications.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Charlene Healey, proprietor of Tru Colors Creative Styling, will be holding a Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Open House to celebrate the relocation of her salon. Tru Colors Creative Styling is now located at 4755 State Highway 30 in Amsterdam.

The Ribbon Cutting will be held on Wednesday, August 17, from 5-6pm. Network and socialize with other business professionals and learn of all the services, products, and latest techniques Tru Colors has to offer. They also offer adorable Fire Truck and Airplane seats for you little ones to sit in while getting their hair cut. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

“I encourage members of the community to join us for this ribbon cutting and open house,” states Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks. “Charlene has done a wonderful job with the renovations of this new location. The salon is beautiful and the atmosphere is very professional.”

If you would like to attend this event, the Chamber asks that you RSVP to Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks at 842-8200.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Kwiat Eye and Laser Surgery Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Open House to celebrate the relocation of the business to 100 Holland Circle in Amsterdam. The ribbon cutting will be held on Wednesday, August 3^rd, from 5-6pm.

Kwiat Eye and Laser Surgery provides the highest quality eye care in the Capital Region in a timely and compassionate manner. Dr. Kwiat started his practice in Amsterdam due to the need for advanced eye care in Montgomery County. Individuals that previously needed to travel to larger cities now have access to top notch eye and surgical care at home. Their new location allows them to better deliver care with new instruments and a comfortable spacious environment.

The open house will showcase their state of the art diagnostic equipment that allows the best surgical outcomes possible. They will also be offering a 10% discount coupon for future Botox treatments. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by new chamber member, Lanzi’s on the Lake Restaurant.

“I decided to start a business in Montgomery County because it’s a great place that deserves access to high quality, advanced and compassionate eye care,” states Dr. David M. Kwiat.

If you would like to attend this event, the Chamber asks that you RSVP to Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks at 842-8200.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Frank Pullen will be holding a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration for his new business, Common Goods, located at 23 Main Street, Route 30A, in Fultonville.

Common Goods is located in an old general store in Fultonville and is like the old “five and dime” stores of the past. They sell everything from furniture, collectibles, clothing, toys, housewares, antiques, sporting goods, and musical instruments. They buy merchandise daily so you never know what you’ll find when you stop in.

The Ribbon Cutting will be held on Wednesday, August 24^th, from 5-6pm. Network and socialize with other business professionals and maybe find a treasure to purchase or consign your own goods. To buy, sell, or trade you may contact Frank or Sandra at 853-3171.

“I encourage members of the community to join us for this ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration to welcome another wonderful new business into the community,” states Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks. “Ribbon Cuttings are always a wonderful opportunity to mingle with colleagues and prospective customers.”

If you would like to attend this event, the Chamber asks that you RSVP to Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks at 842-8200.

Stephen and Karen Terleckey of Karen’s Produce, along with family members. Karen’s produce was the recipient of the Chamber’s 2011 Agricultural Award.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and host Karen’s Ice Cream & Produce, the recipient of the Chamber’s 2011 Agricultural award, will be holding a business mixer on Thursday, May 19, 2011, from 5-7pm. Join the Chamber and the Terleckey family for an evening of networking and socializing with other business professionals. This is a great opportunity to mingle with colleagues and prospective customers while picking up some in-season vegetables or enjoying and ice cream cone.

“The agricultural industry is a vital part of our economy,” states Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer. “Bring your family and join us to see some of the wonderful products grown locally.” Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

“I encourage fellow chamber and community members to join us for this mixer, and support one of our award winning, local agricultural businesses,” states Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks.

If you would like to attend this event, the Chamber asks that you RSVP to Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks at 842-8200.

The team from Rose & Kiernan, winners of the 2010 Chamber and United Way Golf Tournament, will defend their trophy at this year’s tournament on July 21.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Montgomery County announce that they are still accepting registration forms for their annual golf tournament, the NBT Mohawk Valley Classic.

Let golf work for you at this fun tournament, Thursday, July 21 at Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course, Upper VanDyke Ave., Amsterdam.

“The tournament will be packed with fun and prizes including a putting contest, great food and the chance to mingle with business people from throughout Montgomery County and the surrounding area,’ states Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Attorney Chuck Schwartz.  “I encourage businesspeople and recreational golfers to join us for this event.”

The tournament is a major fundraiser for both non-profit organizations.  “We hold this tournament on an annual basis as a key fundraiser for both organizations,” states Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer.  “It is a great opportunity to meet business colleagues in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while assisting us in fulfilling our mission of supporting the business community.”

“The tournament continues to be successful due to community, volunteer, and sponsor support,” adds Director of the United Way, Lauren Bibby.  “Through the United Way’s efforts, this event helps us support children through mature adults.”  The United Way of Montgomery County works on improving the lives of the young people and at risk individuals in our community through healthcare agencies, educational organizations, and youth oriented recreational outlets.

Golfers are provided a gift pack, lunch, prizes, dinner, golf and cart.

Sponsors of this year’s event include: NBT Bank, Time Warner Cable, Alpin Haus, Hays & Wormuth Insurance, Inc., Beech-Nut,  LCS & Z LLP, CPAs, The Recorder, Subway, Pleasant Cleaner’s, National Grid, The Schwartz Law Firm, West & Company CPAs, and Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc.,

“We thank our sponsors for their continued support of this event,” add Auspelmyer and Bibby.  “Many of them have been involved in this tournament since its inception, their contributions are invaluable.”

There are still openings available for the tournament.  Call The Chamber at 842-8200 for more information or go to their website at www.montgomerycountyny.com and download a registration form under “forms and applications”.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce it will be facing off against the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce in the Chamber Cup Challenge softball game on Tuesday, June 28^th. The game will take place from 5:30-6:30pm and will be held on the Amsterdam Mohawks field at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam. (Rain date is scheduled for Wednesday, June 29^th.)

Come out and root on your fellow Chamber members! Happy hour will be from 5:30-7pm, offering $1 beer and $1 hot dogs. Stick around after the game and watch the Amsterdam Mohawks vs. Newark Pilots. The first pitch will be thrown at 7:05pm.

“This is a great opportunity to network with our friends from the Fulton County Chamber in a fun, relaxed setting,” states Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Charles Schwartz.

“I am looking forward to sharing an evening of fun and sport while enjoying one of the great attractions in our mutual communities – Shuttleworth Park and the Mohawks!” states Chairman-Elect of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Brennen Parker.

If you would like to attend this event, free tickets to the game are available at the Chamber office located at 1166 Riverfront Center in Amsterdam. For more information contact, membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks at 842-8200.