Minutes of Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting – November 15, 2022

  • Home
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Minutes of Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting – November 15, 2022

ATTENDEES:  Jr Bogert, Jay Campbell, Dave DeClue, Matt Germond, Bruce Kellogg, Lori McGraw, Dolores Nabinger, John Payne, Tim Ryan, Teri Schunk, Chris Smith, Sal Testani, Phil Wade, June White

  1. Meeting called to order by Chamber President, John Payne, at 7:34 AM.
  2. Secretary’s Report:  motion to accept by Bruce, second by June, carried.
  3. Treasurer’s Report:  motion to accept by Phil, second by JR, carried.
  4. Welcome Sal Testani as the new President & CEO of Commerce Chenango. Sal grew up and lives in Norwich where he raised his family. Worked for ACCO for almost 30 years until he retired 2 years ago. He was looking for a position where he could give back to his community. If we need something or if Sal can help in any way, feel free to contact him and he will do what he can for us.
  5. Phil provided a Village Report. Leaves are still being picked up and unless snow comes, they will continue to pick up until next week – rake them to the curb and the Village will be around for pickup. Phil was one of five finalists invited to present his proposal for the NY Forward Grant Program. This is a $5.5 Million downtown revitalization grant. Phil should hear back by mid-December. Phil is hopeful that he may be granted a portion of these funds. Keep your fingers crossed!! The next grant Phil is working on is the “Restore NY Grant” which will address vacant buildings in the Village.
  6. Dolores provided a Town Report. The budget has passed!! They will be installing a new security system at the pool. Eight cameras with a monitor in the guard house. The monitor will allow them to access the footage from the cameras should something happen. Dolores also spoke about the Community Center. Roy is spending almost every day working to get the Center ready for Small Business Saturday – Thank you so much Roy & Dolores for all you have done!! Tina has advised that she has (30) vendors for Small Business Saturday and the feeling is that there is more than enough space at the Center considering we have had 18 at the Town Hall in the past which is a much smaller space, and everything went well. Regardless, we will make it work. The bathrooms will not be ready, so I have ordered a porta-a-potty which John has a certificate to cover the cost. Dolores will also be looking into getting a refrigerator and stove for the kitchen. She has the specifications for what is needed. She will be looking at a refrigerator in Masonville that is for sale.
  7. Tim Ryan spoke about BGCSD. A Community Meeting was held last night to discuss the Capital Improvement Project. He was very pleased with the positive feedback that he received. This project will have no impact on taxpayers. Many items have not been touched in years and need maintenance including the tennis courts, the track, fuel tanks, doors and items are needed for improvement such as the 102 parking spots that will be added next to the football field. Tim will be holding another meeting – a virtual coffee on 12/5 prior to the vote on this project that will take place December 7th at Greenlawn and Guilford from Noon – 9:00 pm.  June advised that Doug’s to Go will also be taking place that day at the Episcopal Church. This is through the Bainbridge Rotary. In addition, Tim is working with Judy Volkert to set up a Hall of Fame/Wall of Distinction for Alumni.
  8. June reported that the next Bainbridge Connects will be the Christmas Edition and it will be done for 4Towns Forward this year which will include all events happening during the holiday season in Afton, Bainbridge, Sidney, and Unadilla. Since Bainbridge Connects will be taking this on, Bainbridge will continue to be first page with the advertisers on the back side with the other towns in alphabetical order. This will go out to 8,200 households prior to Thanksgiving. 8,500 are being printed so we have extras to distribute in all towns for Small Business Saturday. Total cost is $1,700 for printing and mailing. Volunteers will be needed to batch these into groups of 50 to go to the Post Office for mailing. June will let us know when she needs help. Cost for the year will be approximately $8,000 which they will try to get a grant to cover the costs for the entire year.
  9. Teri spoke about 4TownsForward. They are moving forward with the Music Festival. They have invited (2) B artists and are waiting to hear back. They are also starting to work on the 4TownsForward Community Yard Sale that will take place in April again next year. WCDO will be sending out holiday greetings from all 4Towns. Letters to Santa will be taking place in Sidney @ Roasted Coffee House and in Bainbridge @ Bob’s Diner from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm daily. Drop off your letter to Santa with a self-addressed envelope and Santa will respond to all of them.
  10. This year’s Christmas parade is Saturday, December 10th – always the 2nd Saturday in December. As always, the Chamber will have a float and our Citizen, Business, Business of Distinction and Service Organization of the year will be invited to ride on it. Photos will take place at the back of Bob’s Diner this year, immediately following the parade. The first 4” x 6” is free and copies are $2.00 each after. Line up for the parade at 4:00 pm at Payne’s Cranes on Pruyn St.
  11. Christmas Caroling will take place on Sunday, December 11th. Meet behind Bob’s at 5:00 pm. Bring a blanket.
  12. 46 Christmas trees will be put out for businesses this Saturday. If you can help to distribute them, meet at 9:00 am behind Bob’s Diner.
  13. Our next Board of Directors Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 6th and the next General Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 20th at the back of Bob’s Diner @ 7:30 am.
  14. Motion to adjourn by June, second by Phil, carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:33 am.

Respectfully Submitted:  Christine Smith, Secretary