Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Minutes
In attendance: Lisa Wisely, Matt Krzyston, Abby Wilson, Dave Rama Sr. Jerry Pellegrino, James Arrufat.
Community Bank Balance 7/9/2024 $16,906.64
Delaware National Checking 5/31/2024 $33,113
· Holiday Weekend
o Overwhelming response from farmers market vendors and business owners was that it was a great holiday weekend. Farmers' Markets were sold out, restaurants closed early and/or turned people away cause they were so busy.
o Reports from Farmers' Market vendors was that this was the best day in revenue they have had to date, ever.
o The holiday falling on a Thursday was excellent for business. Lots of visitors and people with house guests.
o There was a feeling that there was a lot of new faces, people buying high ticket items and Jerry suggested we work on ways to get those people here throughout the year, not just over the 4 th of July.
o The board members discussed putting more money to marketing to promote Delhi as a destination to downstaters. Also to put money toward reaching people in Oneonta and drive markets identifying Delhi as worth the drive for food.
o Lisa will put together a marketing plan for 4th Quarter 2024 and 2025 where GDACC will spend money to promote events, dining, shopping, and more.
· Fair in the Square
o Great attendance. Wished we had more information than their Facebook page so people knew what was going on.
o GDACC promotes the Fair on the Square through social, email newsletters and all communication.
· Businesses Open Late 7/5 and 7/26
o The businesses hosted their stay open late event on 7/5 and everyone heard it was a success the businesses.
o They will do it again on 7/26 for the last Fair on the Square.
o Matt suggested we spend money to promote that any other "stay open late events"
o We will set up an ad for the 7/26/2024 event and also promote future open late events as they are organized.
· Next Mixer
o Next mixer is at Strickland Hollow Farm on Tuesday, September 10 th 5-7pm (or until the party ends)
o It will be just like the previous one hosted there. Jerry will invite chefs, it will be a fun party.
o Lisa will ask Julian to make the graphics and we will get the event into the calendars and promotion.
· Merchandise
o We all agreed that we were relieved that we did not make merchandise since we are now changing the logo but we would like to start the process.
o Lisa will ask Julian for a file with the new merchandise and Lisa would like to make a bag for the farmers' market in addition to T-shirts. These will be for sale with all proceeds going to support our initiatives and marketing for the businesses.
· New Board Members
o We decided to take nominations for new board members from now through our September 2024 meeting. This is a chance for people to say they would like to be involved. We will accept those nominations and we will determine who will join the board in our September 2024 meeting. We are excited to welcome anyone who is interested in participating in and collaborating with existing board and member businesses. A new board member will be expected to stay on for at least one year but we would prefer a longer commitment with the goal of any board member eventually being able to take on one of the four officer roles of the organization (President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary).
o Board members are expected to be at a board meeting every second Tuesday of the month for one hour and join the member meeting that follows.
o Board meeting head up and/or are a part of individual committees including mixer committee, fundraising committee, member growth, marketing and events to name a few.
· Advocacy
o The Bramley Mountain Fire Tower is still in limbo awaiting a meeting with the state variance committee and then a follow up with the County code enforcement officer.
o The Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce is in full support of the fire tower and think it of benefit to Delhi in many ways.
o James mentioned that they are seeking volunteers to serve as trail stewards when the fire tower is finally open.
· Member Meeting Notes
o Nini from Tay Tea came to the meeting to discuss some safety and security issues that took place at Tay Tea. She asked if there is any way the Chamber can get involved in making the area of her business safer and shared her story with the group to make sure business owners are aware of issues.
o Doug Perette and Jonah Shaw recommended having someone from FORDO come to talk to the members about how we can understand what is going on and mitigate any future issues or tensions with unhoused and recovery populations that use the resources available in Delhi. Abby Wilson is going to spearhead a group discussion with various organizations that are in charge of and/or working with those running these facilities and programs.
o Rachel Watson came to the meeting to discuss a new event that she and Janet Tweed are working on at Hoyt Park and the parking lot that will allow kids free space, free of cars every Sunday from 2-6pm. The first free play is Sunday, July 14 th. Rachel wanted to make businesses aware of this event which the Chamber is promoting.
o Doug from Delco discussed a marketing strategy to reach new students and their parents to introduce and build bonds with the businesses on Main Street as new students arrive on campus. If anyone is interested in working with Doug to reach students and their families, please contact him.
o Next Meeting Tuesday, August 8th, 2024.