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.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce congratulates two new businesses that have recently opened in the area, Imagination Garden, and Manny Corners Liquor and Wine.

Imagination Garden, 1110 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, is a non-profit creative learning center, owned by Kristie Simonds, that provides FREE classes to inspire children ages 18 months to 5 years, and their families to learn about the world through imaginative play, songs, stories, art and movement. Their goal is to offer free programs to the community and to do their best to reach all families and children in need.  Classes have begun, with new classes and teachers being added in July.  They have also created a “Mini” Creative Creatures class and a “Mini” Busy Bees class, for children 18-36 months.  For more information on Imagination Gardens visit their website at www.myimaginationgarden.com.

“I am looking forward to the ribbon cutting,” states Kristie.  “Local businesses, professionals, and families are welcome to come and see the space and talk with me about the program.  The Chamber has been extremely helpful even before I became a member.  I look forward to networking with other members and staying current with local events.”

Join the Chamber for the ribbon cutting of Imagination Garden on Thursday, June 23, 5 – 6 pm.

Manny Corners Liquor and Wine, owned John Noga and run by both John and his son Paul, is a full service store selling an assortment of liquors and wines at competitive prices.  The store is housed in a unique renovated home at 236 State Highway 67, Amsterdam.  Hours of operation are 10 am – 8 pm Mon – Thur, 9 am -9 pm, Friday and Saturday.  Call them at 627-4221 for more information.  “I look forward to being part of the business community and meeting the community and members of the chamber through the upcoming ribbon cutting,” states Paul.

Join the chamber for the ribbon cutting of Manny Corners Liquor and Wine Thursday, June 30 from 5 – 6 pm.

“We welcome our business members and the community to these ribbon cuttings to congratulate these two new businesses on opening in our area,” states Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer.  “I encourage everyone to stop in and see the wonderful work these individuals have done in remodeling their space and opening their businesses.”

Call the Chamber at 842-8200 to RSVP for these two events and visit the on-line business directory of over 550 business members at www.motngomerycountyny.com

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Curves of Perth/Amsterdam will be holding a Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Open House, Thursday, May 26^th, from 5-6pm. Join the Chamber and proprietor, Darla DelSignore, for this celebration located at 4335 State Highway 30 North in Amsterdam. Darla has recently taken over the Amsterdam territory of Curves, adding to her existing Perth territory. She invites Chamber Members and the community to join her in celebrating her success and to explore what a Curves membership has to offer.

“I encourage members of the community to join us for this ribbon cutting and congratulate Darla in her success,” states Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks. “It is wonderful to see a business expand and grow in our community.”

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

Join the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and host Natural Bridge Farms, located at 778 State Highway 67 East in Amsterdam, for a business mixer on Thursday, May 19, 2011, from 5-7pm. Enjoy a hayride to view the Natural Bridge, and pick up some tips, from owners Bob and Susan Wojturski, for your spring planting, while networking and socializing with business professionals. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres catered by The Rockton House will be provided. Chamber members will also receive a 10% discount of their entire purchase.

“This is a great opportunity to mingle with colleagues and prospective customers while welcoming the wonderful weather and picking up your spring flowers and plants,” 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 Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Vino, the new wine bar located in Nicolino’s restaurant will be holding a Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Grand Opening Wednesday, April 27^th, from 5-6pm. Join the Chamber and proprietor, Antonella Casella, for this celebration located at 4515 State Highway 30 North in Amsterdam. Hors d’ oeuvres and refreshments will be provided from the brand new Vino appetizer menu, created to compliment the selection of wines being offered. Dinner service will also be available in the main dining area of the restaurant.

“I encourage members of the community to join us for this ribbon cutting and congratulate Antonella in her success,” states Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks. “It will be a wonderful opportunity to mingle and network with other Chamber and community members while celebrating the expansion of a business that has been a part of the community for 27 years.”

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 that their next Business Mixer will be held at the new Liberty Day Habilitation Center, 91 West Main Street in Canajoharie.

The evening, a joint event with the Canajoharie/Palatine Chamber, will offer opportunities to connect with the business community while offering tours and fabulous refreshments.

The facility is the first project of Liberty’s “Building Bright Futures Campaign”, supporting the people with disabilities in our community.

“We are thrilled to be able to showcase this new facility through a business mixer for Liberty,” states Chamber Membership Assistant, Andrea Brooks.  “Mixers are opportunities to get an inside look at the businesses within our region, meet other business owners and colleagues, and connect with prospective customers and clients.  Attending them is an easy way to meet people in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Reservations are required.  Call the Chamber at 842-8200.

The Chamber’s Professional Women’s Group, W.O.W. (Women of Worth) has scheduled a networking event on Wednesday, April 14, 5 – 6:30 pm at Nicolino’s, Rt. 30, Amsterdam.

W.O.W. is comprised of female chamber members that own or manage their business.  The group initially began in response to the large number of women that own or manage businesses locally and are involved in the chamber.  “We wanted to provide a venue for these business women to network and connect,” explains Chamber President, Deborah Auspelmyer.  “W.O.W. was formed for business women to open endless opportunities and forge new friendships within our business community.”

The next meeting will be a “Show and Tell” format where each attendee will have the opportunity to make a brief statement about their business.  Everyone is asked to bring an item that represents their business.  “This format was a tremendous success the last time we held this type of event,” adds Chamber Board Member, Carol Constantino of Noteworthy.  “One of the attendees even had an RV driven to the venue!  These women are a creative, fun, group of business professionals.  I encourage our members to take advantage of this opportunity and join us and check out the new wine bar at Nicolino’s, ‘Vino’.”

Reservations are $10 per person and include hors d’oeuvres.  Call the Chamber at 842-800 to make your reservation today as participation is limited.

The Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery Business Education Alliance is inviting the business community, students, and residents to a community forum Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Broadalbin-Perth school in the High School Auditorium.

The forum will include a panel that will discuss GLOBALFOUNDRIES, the anticipated impact on the Fulton and Montgomery County region, and the technology revolution that is changing our communities, schools, and businesses.

Panelists include:  Mike Russo, Director of U.S. Governmental Relations for GLOBALFOUNDRIES; Dr. Dustin Swanger, President, Fulton-Montgomery Community College; F. Michael Tucker, President, Center for Economic Growth; Stephen Tomlinson, Superintendent, Broadalbin-Perth Central School District; and Michael J. Reese, President, Fulton County Economic Development Corp.  The program will be moderated by David Rooney, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing of the Center for Economic Growth.

“We at GLOBALFOUNDRIES believe that the success of our business is directly linked to the success of the communities in which we operate,” states Mike Russo.  “As a native of this region, I’m proud of the incredible quality of life and leading educational system that exists here today.  On behalf of GLOBALFOUNDRIES, I am excited about the opportunity to participate in this important event as we work together to explore new ways to prepare our young people for the new opportunities developing in this region.”

The technology making this growth possible is not just impacting careers in science and math.  From food service and hospitality industries to careers in government, medicine, and communications, 21^st century technology has exploded and continues to change just about every imaginable career field.

“With our evolving innovation economy in upstate New York, it is critical that business and education leaders work together to educate and train a globally competitive workforce in our region,” states F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO, Center for Economic Growth (CEG).  ‘The opportunity to come together to develop a business focused workforce development and 21^st century education initiative is an important first step in this process. The Center for Economic Growth looks forward to discussing the impact that GLOBALFOUNDRIES and other major technology and manufacturing will have on our region so we can be prepared for future job growth.”

The HFM BEA is presenting this forum to increase awareness of the opportunities and facilitate discussion amongst businesses, parents, students, educators, and community leaders on how we can prepare our community, our workforce, and our students for the technology revolution.

About the Business Education Alliance: The Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Business Education Alliance (BEA) was formed to help promote and strengthen the career and job opportunities in our communities.  The BEA represents a unique working coalition of schools, economic development agencies, and chambers of commerce. This dynamic partnership between educational and business interests was formed to have a real and lasting impact on the future of this region. Working together, we believe we can help grow a skilled workforce, a strong local economy, and a vibrant place for all of us to live.  For more information about the BEA visit www.thebea.org

New York Oncology Hematology Office

Join the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and host New York Oncology Hematology for a business mixer on February 17, 5-7pm. The mixer will be held at the New York Oncology Hematology offices located at 1700 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam. Socialize and network with other business professionals while enjoying refreshments and hors d’oeuvres catered by Raindancer Restaurant. This is a great opportunity to mingle with colleagues and prospective customers while touring the facility.

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 would like to announce new member and business owner, Rodney Cooper, will be holding a Grand Opening celebration and Ribbon Cutting of his new redemption center, Terrapin Bottle & Can Return, located at 4303 State Highway 30 North, Amsterdam. The celebration will be held on Thursday, February 10, from 5pm – 6pm, with the ribbon cutting at 5:30pm. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and 6 cents per can/bottle will be offered during the grand opening celebration.

Terrapin Bottle & Can Return accepts all bottles and cans with a NYS deposit and are sorted and counted by hand by Terrapin employees. Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, 9am – 6pm, and Friday – Saturday, 9am – 4pm, closed on Sundays. Join the Chamber in welcoming this new business into the community.

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