February 2025 Board Meeting Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 10:00am
Meeting called to order at 10:00am
Lisa Wisely, President, presiding
Board members present: Valerie Nichols, Dave Rama, Matt Marchese, Matt Krzyston, Doug Perrett, Jerry Pellegrino, Abbey Wilson, Jim Smart
Mixers/Events
Next mixer is on February 18th at Picc’s Pub from 5-7pm. Star award recipients are Jim and Cindy Smart, Community Volunteer Star
St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Saturday, March 22nd at noon. The Chamber is a sponsor at $500
Farmers’ Market – there is an opportunity to add EBT as an acceptable form of payment at the market. More details are needed before the board votes on this but the cost of the equipment to process the payment is approximately $2,000. The board sees no issues with paying for the hardware but again needs more information on the logistics prior to approval. Meg, our liaison for the market, will also need to be included in the discussions.
Marketing
Membership push: emails went out on 1/15/25 with the next correspondence being a direct mailer with a focus on membership renewals
Pellegrino Grant – Lisa will circulate current criteria/application to all board members for review. Once the board agrees on the terms, the grant application/opportunity will be advertised.
Doug suggested a change to the panel that reviews the applications. His goal is to diversify the review panel. He will recruit and present a list of potential judges to the rest of the board. The board unanimously approved this motion.
It was noted that Jim Smart should be noted as a valuable resource for those businesses looking to apply but unsure of the approach
New Business
Trailer sale – The Chamber’s trailer that had been utilized in the past for parades is being sold. Matt M. will be spearheading this effort.
The Beautification Committee is currently restructuring members. Andrea has provided the Chamber with a list of projects and associated costs for 2025. The board unanimously approved to support half of the costs in the amount of $4,100
Discussion was held on a possible grant opportunity in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and Delaware Opportunities. This grant opportunity could provide funding to promote local food and products and enhance advertising efforts for the Farmers’ Market.
Advocacy
Matt K discussed several items happening at the Town and County level
Making local government more user friendly by allowing some applications and licenses to be available online
Tax sharing discussions continue to take place
Design criteria for the Village of Delhi – Matt would like to readdress this topic (previously presented to the Village in 2023). Matt and Jim will draft a design document to present to the Chamber Board before it moves on to the Village Board for review
The Village of Delhi has new parking signs for Hoyt Park.
Board Member Updates
Welcome newest board member Jim Smart!
The Board voted to make the following changes to bank account signatories:
Delaware National Bank of Delhi
Add: Lisa Wisely, Gerald Pellegrino
Remove: Hope Knapp, Laura Stewart, Gennaro Pellegrino, Tanya Fedo
Community Bank
Add: Gerald Pellegrino
Remove: Celine DeCarlo
Member Updates
Abbey discussed several events taking place at SUNY Delhi or in partnership with SUNY Delhi.
Regional Economic Council meeting on February 13th at 3:00pm held at Bluestone
Inauguration for SUNY Delhi President on April 3rd
Nini of Tay Tea discussed an event at her new location 84 Main Street
Red Party from 4-7 on Saturday, February 15th
Meeting adjourned at 11am. Next month’s board meeting will be on Tuesday, March 11th at 10am and membership meeting at 11am