Chamber News & Meetings & Minutes

Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Minutes 3/10/2026

Delhi Chamber of Commerce

March Meeting Minutes

3/10/2026


Board meeting: 

  • Called to order 10:04AM

  • Attendance - Jerry, Christina, Doug, Jim, Mike, Hallie, Abby, Matt

  • Bank balances - Community Bank - $43K, Delhi Checking - $8K

  • Marketing committee:

    • update from Doug - it’s working well having Blue Spark help w/ certain aspects - newsletter, website maintenance, accounting, Facebook

    • Doug does Instagram - collaborates with Lisa to write the newsletter

  • Membership

    • Mike and Hallie taking the reigns on a newly formed member experience

    • Presenting Membership committee charter to the board + proposed member journey

    • invitation to join the committee and add your input to the member journey, the membership committee charter

    • recommendation from Doug - he would like to know in real time who is joining - look into MembershipWorks to see what’s possible for notifications, reporting, etc.

    • what are the actual benefits to membership? 

    • Should we look at a tiered membership system that includes hire priced membership that offers more benefits (i.e President’s Circle)

    • Abby and Doug potential new members

    • follow up meeting open to anyone who wants to come - Mike and Hallie will follow up with that date + sharing digitally out the 2 documents we shared at the meeting 

  • Delhi Beautification Committee they are requesting $10K sponsorship to update Main Street planters, holiday decor, etc. (last year we gave them $4500)

    • they are a 501(c)3 non-profit so they can fundraise on their own

    • proposing we sponsor 50%, $5K, 2 payment installments (spring and fall)

    • Motion by Jerry, Second by Hallie, unanimous approval

  • Next mixer May 19th - Stonewall Estate

    • Matt & Doug working on Scope of Work/expectation document for mixer hosts

  • Farmers Market

    • SNAP - Jerry working on getting the accounts set up and by our next meeting he will share the logistics so we can have this ready by June 1

  • Pellegrino Grant

    • 2 people applied, non-members, Lisa reached out to get them to join

    • we need a grant committee - someone from SUNY? - better to have a 3rd party - Cindie Smart + Dave Rama

  • Next months the kids from SUNY will come talk about the kiosk

  • Bridge Run June 6th

  • Farmers Market - Doug presented phase 2 of marketing it

    • includes tent design

    • banner 

    • Digital billboard suggested - target baseball families in Cooperstown

    • discussion of budget - proposal $7200 for design elements

    • Farmers Market revenue is approx. $23K/year

    • We need to make decision on sub-brand logo so we can use it for all other elements (banner, tote bag, etc.) - Jerry proposed, Abby 2nd, unanimously approve - Farmers Market Design Projects ~$3K worth of work

      • David will present options for logos at April meeting

    • idea to get rack cards/post cards etc to promote at local establishments, short-term lodging, etc.

    • Marketing goal/dream - getting firm in NYC + Philly to promote us

  • St. Patrick’s Day parade - March 21st

    • not our event - put on by Econ Dev.

    • presented as our event - is this a problem?

    • could the Chamber do a beer garden/kegs? Discussion about 1-day permit to service alcohol

  • Events we do:

    • Holiday Parade

    • Bridge Run

    • Harvest Fest

    • Winter event (coming soon)

  • Would like it to be on our website 

    • right now events have to be posted by members directly - through the website

    • realizing we need to communicate this more to members

  • Delhi Comprehensive Plan

    • survey coming out soon

    • when we have this document it helps us get larger grants

  • Harvest Fest 9/26/2026

    • Christina putting out call for vendors in April

    • making pricing round numbers ($40/$50/$60) depending on booth size and tent need

    • idea to add musical acts down the street/close off a street

    • stage in Tractor’s Supply parking lot?

      • could they be a sponsor?

      • no sponsors currently - could we add this in

  • SUNY Delhi Community Service Day 4/25/2026

  • SUNY Delhi Fundraising dinner 4/2/2026 - college scholarships, etc.

  • Legion has a new manager - Hope - she is very supportive 

  • Fair on the Square - we sponsor remote control cars

  • meeting adjourned 11:58AM

Upcoming Chamber Meeting: Tuesday, April 14th

The Chamber meets every second Tuesday at 11am at the E-Center which is located at 5 1/2 Main Street. Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 14th at 11:00am.

We welcome members to come discuss their ideas for strengthening our business community as well as share information on upcoming events and more.


Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Minutes 2/10/2026

Greater Delhi Chamber of Commerce Agenda
Meeting Notes—Tuesday, February 10th

  • February 10, 2026

    Board meeting attendance: Jerry Strickland, Mike Rama, Hallie Avolio, Doug Perrett, Christina Viafore, Valerie Nichols, Abby Wilson, Amanda Faulk, Jim Smart, Matt K

    General meeting attendance: Jonah Shaw, Nini O, Belinda, Lisa 

    • Board meeting called to order 10AM, adjourned 11AM; general meeting called to order 11:04 AM, adjourned 11:31AM

    • We have money! $12,753 (Community Bank) $43,431 (Delhi)

    • In active money in a savings account in Delhi - $6000; Jerry will take out and move to one of our active accounts

    • 2025 saw a $2000 loss overall on the PnL

    • Marketing committee figuring out what they need and want for the website, newsletter sign up, look and feel, etc.

    • Do we want minutes on the website?

      • once they’re approved, Hallie to e-mail them to Lisa to post on website

    • Membership - 70 members currently ($3690 in dues revenue)

      • goal to get $5000

      • Membership - Hallie & Mike working on plan to streamline the membership process - renewal & new members - primary membership push at fall mixer at the Farm

      • Elevator pitch - Be a member because you support the farmer’s market, the mixers, the Pellgrino grant (eligible for $2500 free money yearly), promotion on social media

      • create a one-pager that explains all the benefits - include a QR code for sign up/payment

      • If people sign up now, it’s automatic renewal - but there are people who have been members and not renewed because they signed up a long time ago

      • Can we send a reminder for automatic renewals

      • Designate a membership drive month

    • Marketing 

      • Doug shared info about billboard options 

      • could be a potential revenue stream if we sell this opportunity to members

      • Tourism Grant sponsorships - Jonah requesting sponsorship to make a new version of the outdoor map

        • another benefit of being a member, there is no limit to how many businesses we can sponsor

        • Board approved unanimously to sponsor (Jerry made the motion, Matt second)

    • Mixer

      • Jerry made a motion to offer a $750 reimbursement to business who hosts (increase from $500)

      • Discussion - if we increase the money, we increase the expectation - Matt will outline this for future mixers

      • $650 allocated food and beverage, $100 service

      • Matt K second

      • Board approved unanimously

      • Next event - May 19th? 

        • Jerry checking to see if we do it at Stonewall

        • Summer mixer - July/Aug

        • Fall mixer - September (at the farm)

    • Farmer’s Market

      • primary source of revenue for the chamber

      • Jerry working on accepting SNAP - working with Delaware Opportunities and will reach out to Desiree Keever at CCE

      • Tents - we have a bunch of them but it’s hard to get someone to put them up/distribute

        • suggestion - tiered pricing - highest cost for front row includes tent - needs more management 

        • could also just let everyone bring their own - and not worry about it

        • Jerry and Matt will work this out for this summer

      • do we want to regulate how many vendors sell which products? (I.e. too many bread vendors, etc.)

      • charge more for non-farmers

    • Pellegrino Grant - needs to be announced

      • marketing will take this

    • Kiosk

      • Jim met with architecture group at SUNY - at meeting in March he will be presented with new options

      • SUNY students will build whatever is decided on 

    • Winter festivities 

      • met last week - evolved into special events committee

      • Jim, Valerie

    • Beautification Committee

      • no updates

    • Bridge Run

      • Christina - getting sponsorship letters out now

      • first Sat in June

    • Old business - posting the minutes on the website

    • New business

      • board members sign confidentiality agreement

      • Tourism grant - promote farmers market

      • sponsoring DA playbook

      • this building will be sold in the next year - the town and village want to buy it - but the county also wants this - DCEC wants to buy the land in the back - Matt is asking us to support that the town and village get to buy the building - the current town hall and village hall buildings would be sold if they move into this building

      • Nini - talked about the party tonight - wear red! There will be good food, drinks (wine + mocktails), music

        • giving out the awards for business stars

      • SUNY Delhi Environmental Club 

        • screening of “Unfiltered” NYC watershed documentary 2/19 7P, on campus (open to the public)

      • St. Patrick’s Day Parade

        • Christina messaged Glen and he said he’s working on it

        • Chamber gives money to offset expenses

      • Delaware County collected 70% more sales tax than projected ($35M vs. $21M)

        • Matt K shared this - he is frustrated because they aren’t transparent about how the money is spent 

        • Delaware Cty doesn’t share sales tax w/ municipalities - this is unusual (most counties do share) 

      • Shire is closed - waiting on liquor license - should be open weekend after V-day

      • Lisa reached out to Todd Pascarella at County Chamber to figure out how to reconcile the dual membership system

        • maybe it can be integrated

        • we currently use Membership Works

          • can send e-mails from the system

        • could also use the system to collect farmers market payments 

        • we currently give them membership as part of the farmers market vendor


Upcoming Chamber Meeting: Tuesday, March 10th at 11am

The Chamber meets every second Tuesday at 11am at the E-Center which is located at 5 1/2 Main Street. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 10th, at 11:00am.

We welcome members to come discuss their ideas for strengthening our business community as well as share information on upcoming events and more.

Upcoming Chamber Meeting: Tuesday, February 10th at 11am

The Chamber meets every second Tuesday at 11am at the E-Center which is located at 5 1/2 Main Street. Our next meeting is Tuesday, February 10th, at 11:00am.

We welcome members to come discuss their ideas for strengthening our business community as well as share information on upcoming events and more.

Fall Chamber Mixer Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a Fall Chamber Mixer this past Tuesday, September 9th. It was a lovely evening hosted by the Greater Delhi Chamber President Jerry Pellegrino at Strickland Hollow Farm. Chamber Members and guests alike enjoyed food by the SUNY Delhi Culinary School, and local drinks such as Muddy River’s Cream Ale and Tay Tea’s Catskill Harvest spiked with Strickland Hollow’s Signature Gin. 

Photos by Renzo Guevarra for the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce

Jerry shared the rich history of the barn at Strickland Hollow and hinted at some exciting things to come from the Chamber of Commerce. New and old members of the Chamber shared news about their businesses and connections emerged as the night went on. Mixers are always a great opportunity to connect and network with the local business community.

We can’t wait to see you at the next one!

,

Fall Mixer at Strickland Hollow Farm

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The Fall Chamber Mixer is coming up this Tuesday, September 16th at 5pm at the gorgeous Strickland Hollow Farm in Meridale, NY! Food will be prepared by the SUNY Delhi Hot Food Team, signature cocktails will be served up from the Strickland Hollow distillery, and there will be plenty of mingling and mixing with business owners and community members. We can’t wait to see you there!

Beware of this Scam

Birthday Party Scam
A number of businesses in the community have received an email inquiry about hosting a Birthday Party at their establishment. This scam works by the scammer pretending to book a venue for a party and asking if the business accepts credit cards.  If you accept their credit card to hold down a deposit (for example), they will make fraudulent payment and then cancel, asking you to return the "overpayment". Scammers use techniques like phishing and spoofing to steal your financial information or personal data, which they can then use for identity theft or to make purchases.

How the Scam Works

1. The Initial Inquiry:
A person contacts your venue via email, requesting to secure it for a private party. 

2. The Credit Card Question:
They ask if your business accepts credit cards, often claiming they need to process a payment or will be sending you a payment. 

3. Information Stealing:

    • Directly Asking: The scammer may ask you to provide credit card details, account numbers, or other personal information directly. 

    • Phishing Link: They might send a link to a website that looks legitimate but is a fake (spoofed) site designed to steal your login credentials or financial data. 

    • Fake Payment: They could send a fake check or fraudulent payment for more than the cost, asking you to wire back the difference, which is actually your own money being sent to the scammer. 

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify the Sender:
Check the sender's email address and contact them using a phone number or website address you know is real and not the one provided in the suspicious email. 

2. Don't Click Suspicious Links:
Never automatically click links in unexpected emails or messages. 

3. Be Wary of Urgency:
Scammers often pressure you to act quickly or tell you there's a limited time to respond. 

4. Contact the Company Directly:
If you receive an email asking for personal information, go directly to the company's actual website or call their known customer service number to confirm the request is legitimate. 

5. Be Skeptical of Overpayments:
Be suspicious if someone sends you a payment that is more than what was agreed upon and asks you to return the difference. 

6. Use Security Software:
Install security software on your computer and mobile devices, and enable multi-factor authentication to add extra layers of protection. 

7. Report the Scam:
Report the phishing email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org and use the ReportFraud.ftc.gov to report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

This is just one of the many ongoing scams. Unfortunately, there are too many to list but since a number of members and the chamber received this same inquiry, we thought it important to share. Stay safe!

A Message to the Community, Harvest Festival 2025

Message to the community as it relates to the Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 27, 2025

Dear Friends,

We at the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce are grateful for all the organizations, businesses and people who have participated in the Delhi Harvest Festival, which we organize every year to support growers and makers. 

At our October 8, 2024 meeting, the Chamber Board voted (unanimously) in favor of adopting a policy that prohibits us from renting space to political organizations. This action was taken to bring consistency with the existing policy already applied at our weekly Farmer's Market and to uphold the intent of our annual event. 

We recognize that the Harvest Festival has become an important day for public engagement. We encourage interested groups to continue to take advantage of the day's foot traffic by setting up in adjacent areas. 

Thank you very much for your past participation and for understanding our policy.

Sincerely, 

Lisa Wisely
President
Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce

If you are not a politically affiliated organization and are interested in becoming a vendor for this year's Harvest Festival, please click here to register. 

Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting Minutes 04/08/2024

Greater Delhi Chamber of Commerce Agenda
Meeting Notes—Tuesday, April 8, 2025

  • Pellegrino Grant

    • Applications Closed

    • Discussion on Membership Questions

      • The board members can see the full list of applications. Please do not share with anyone else beside the board and those who are judging.

      • Lisa will look to see if we can find a list of previous winners but I don’t think any of these applicants have won in the last three years. 

  • Request for Judges

    • Lisa will reach out to the beautification committee to ask if they can be the judging body for the grant.

  • Farmers’ Market

    • Conversation with Meg

      • Matt met with Meg and discussed what she likes to do as Market Manager and how another role could be introduced to support her.

      • New Committee: Matt K, Jerry and Abby will meet and present the board with a job description, hourly rate suggestion and anything else they would like to propose for this role. 

      • This role would have to oversee the tent set up/strike each week. 

      • Meg would keep her free vendor space. 

      • This committee should also examine the farmers’ market vendor fees and see if there is a way to be more consistent with our revenue, provide accurate incentives for paying in advance and review how to make non-farm/non-local product vendors provide more revenue. Jerry mentioned the Baltimore Farmers Market system of charging different vendor fees for local vs. non-local example. The committee handling the job description will create options for new revenue models. 

      • This is very time sensitive because the market moves outdoors soon. 

      • It may be that this is not something that makes sense economically once we have all the factors. Will discuss as a board asap. 

      • Dave said to make sure our market staff are ‘independent contractors’ (not employees)  

      • Lisa to provide the committee with an annual revenue and expense breakdown. 

      • Jerry proposed idea of Summer intern to help with market in Summer

      • Jerry also mentioned if we can commit to enough hours, it could qualify for a scholarship (3 different sources, Doug and Jerry know). 

  • Tent Set Up 

    • We need to find a solution for the tent set up, whether this role comes online or not. 

    • Lisa will reach out to Griffin at Bloomville Tent to see if they might be interested in quoting us on putting up and taking down the tents every week. 

    • Lisa and Dave R. to try to meet/discuss with tent company. 

      • Update: Tent company can’t help. Matt K. is checking on another option and will report back. 

  • Benefit Program for Market 

    • Meg did not have any more information. 

    • Matt K. was going to go talk to Cornell Cooperative Extension. 

    • This may be a bit more administratively taxing than we had discussed, which is a great reason to consider this coordinator’s role.

  • Kiosk Update

    • Jim had discussed perhaps making the design a bit simpler. 

    • If going with the gazebo concept, suggesting bringing the Evening Standard print into the design

    • Matt M. said he spoke to Josh Morgan and there would be no problem. 

    • We should share a final design with DTC, Code Enforcement and the village so we have no issues down the road.

  • 2025 Events-Spring/Summer

    • St. Patrick’s Day Parade-Anything to adjust for future? 

      • Everyone said the event was great this year. Matt K. mentioned that people assume we run the event which is in part due to the wording on the ads. If anyone asks, point them Glenn Nealis at Delaware County Economic Development who does in fact oversee the event. 

  • Bridge Run

    • First Saturday in June. 

    • We are not the sponsors or hosts; we are the administrative group supporting the Run. 

    • Lisa Henderson is on the event and things are going well. 

    • We have been marketing the event, recruiting sponsors, vendors, and runners. 

  • Rock and Roll Racing for Fair in the Square

    • We have paid for this to be at the Delhi Fair on the Square for the last three years. 

    • The cost is $2,300 per year. 

    • While we did not vote on this, the take away was that we would do it again for 2025. 

    • A new committee formed with Doug and Matt M. to put together how to get more exposure as the Chamber including getting businesses to sponsor cars, better signs, and a car designated for just The Chamber. 

    • This committee will get more information from Chrstina who is in touch with the racetrack company and find out what is possible. The committee will come back to the board with a plan.

    • This committee also reviews how the chamber may get more involved in the soap box derby if possible and the board approves.

  • Ribbon Cutting

    • Hair of the Catskills has asked for a ribbon cutting

      • Lisa will check in with them to see when they want this. 

      • We need at least three board members to attend when the date is chosen. 

      • We will take photos and send them to local papers.

  • Next Mixer

    • We should have another mixer between now and Fall. 

    • Fall mixer to be at Strickland Hollow Farm Tuesday 9/16. 

    • Mixer committee to come back with suggestions on the mixer between now and fall.

  • Advocacy Updates 

    • None

  • New Business 

    • Member Lost Bookshop let us know they will be doing Where’s Waldo again in Delhi. This will be a July event. 

    • Lost Bookshop will also have an antique pop-up shop this summer on the second floor of their building. 

    • This and That is partnering with the Delaware County Historical Association for a large event at This and That on Saturday, August 16th. More details to follow but should be a big draw for lovers of antiques and history with proceeds going to the DCHA building. 

    • West Kortright Centre is hosting their 50th season with lots of events that we will promote. They offered tickets to the 4/19 show featuring Sesa and the Chamber will do a ticket giveaway next week on their behalf. 

    • Jerry asked about getting people to help clean up litter in the areas in and around (and outside of the village). He will tap into the resources of the college’s planned clean up day. 

    • Dave asked if we could consider helping with the sound system in town when there is an event, specifically the Memorial Day event. Matt M said he would investigate options for this event. 

    • Barb Jones has sent in suggestions for a Star Award. We are still working through the ones we’ve already approved and purchased plaques for but Lisa will bring a list for the next nomination process. 

    • Ribbon cutting for Fire Tower organized by the State on 5/2. A Chamber member should attend. 

Pellegrino Grant Winners 2025

Our goal at the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce is to make Delhi, NY, a great place to live, work, and play by helping area businesses flourish. One way we support local businesses is by offering two grants aimed at enhancing the appearance and overall beautification of their businesses. The two recipients of this year's Pellegrino Grant are The Lost Bookshop and Ninth of June!

The Lost Bookshop will restore its original exterior door, repair the stairs, add lighting, and incorporate historically appropriate hardware and architectural details to the building’s exterior. These updates will make the second floor accessible to the public for use as a space for pop-up shops and educational events.

Ninth of June will add awnings to their storefront to enhance the facade and visually distinguish the shop from neighboring buildings along Court Street. The awnings will not only add aesthetic appeal but also create a more inviting and recognizable storefront for passersby.

Learn more

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