News
Chamber News & Meetings & Minutes
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, August 13th, 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.
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.
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, July 9th, 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.
Thank you to all who attended the Summer Mixer Happy Hour! We had a lovely turn out and a fantastic time. A huge thank you to Bizzy Bees Learning Academy and Delhi Work Station for hosting the mixer and another huge thank you to Strickland Hollow who provided delicious drinks and sandwiches!
We used the mixer as an opportunity to award this quarter’s Star Award. Amanda Faulk-Ghidinelli received a Community Business Star for her exceptional business, Bizzy Bees Learning Academy. Bizzy Bees offers a warm, nurturing, and educational environment with influences of modern learning such as Montessori and Waldorf teaching styles in the newly renovated building on Kingston Street. They are proud to offer a space where children feel safe and empowered but most importantly feel included. Families in the greater Delhi area have been positively impacted by Bizzy Bees Learning Academy, and the great reviews of Bizzy Bees keep on coming. The Chamber was happy to recognize Amanda Faulk-Ghidinelli’s hard work with this quarter's Star Award. If you don’t already know about the amazing resource of Bizzy Bees Learning Academy, learn more here.
Thank you to everyone who attended! We look forward to seeing you all at the next mixer.
A goal of the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce is to make Delhi, NY, a great place to live, work, and play. Helping the area businesses flourish is fundamental to achieving that goal. Each year, the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce Pellegrino Grant is awarded to two area businesses for the purpose of directly enhancing the charm and appeal of the greater Delhi area through exterior and interior business improvements.
We are proud to share that the two businesses awarded Pellegrino Grants this year are Maple Shade Farm and Hollow. Maple Shade Farm submitted a proposal for signage in line with their new branding and marketing efforts. The custom sign will highlight the entrance to the farm and will be made by local talent John Virga. The solid craftsmanship of Virga’s signs will complement the farm and scenic road where the farm is located. The signage will be the cap of recent improvements to the farm business including an updated marketing launch and capital improvements like recent paint and roof projects. Hollow will paint the exterior walls of their cafe on the corner of Main and Division Streets, as an effort to add visual interest and beautify one of the more visible corners in the village. Additionally, the cafe will also add signage and outdoor seating.
We are happy to support the beautification efforts of these two local businesses and look forward to seeing the improvements in the upcoming year! If you’d like to submit a proposal for a Pellegrino Grant in the future, applications go live each January. Join our mailing list to receive updates and reminders about the grant direct to your inbox.
May 2024 Board Meeting Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 10:00am
Meeting called to order at 10:06am
Lisa Wisely, President, presiding
Board members present: Matt Krzyston Valerie Nichols, Jerry Pellegrino, Christina Viafore, Matt Marchese, Julian Peploe, Abbey Wilson
• Financial position
o Community Bank checking balance as of 6/11/2024 $23,834.38
o DNBD- Foundation checking account balance as of 6/11/2024 $33,113.34
• Mixers/Events
o The next mixer will be at The Island which houses two businesses, Workstation and Bizzy Bee’s. The event will take place on June 20th 5-7pm. Parking for the event will be at Hoyt Park in the village parking lot.
o The fall mixer will be held at Strickland Hollow on September 10th o A raffle will be added to the upcoming mixers as it went over well with attendees at the last event held at Good Cheap Food. If businesses would like to participate in the raffle, bring your promotional items and they will be included.
o The Bridge Run event was a success. Some suggestions for next year: ▪ signs to promote/encourage spectators
▪ scholarship topic should specify the business/organization needs to be in Delaware County
▪ an admin fee should be allocated for future events
o The board unanimously voted to add a third scholarship as part of the Bridge Run event. The first two are $1,000 to the student and to a
business/organization. The third is in the amount of $500 to the student and business/organization. A total of $5,000 will be awarded.
• Pellegrino Grant
o The winners of this year’s grant are Maple Shade Farm and The Hollow. Maple Shade Farm is looking to improve signage and website upgrades. The Hollow is looking to make improvements to the exterior of their business by painting, adding outdoor seating, and improved signage
o The winners of the grant were selected by a third-party committee that was spearheaded by Barbara Sturdevant, a Village trustee.
o Each business will be awarded $2,500
• Harvest Festival – September 21st
o Registrations continue to come in for vendors
• Membership Updates
o New updates to the website include information on how to post a business event, Board meeting minutes are now located on the home page for easy access, past Star Award recipients, and the Pellegrino grant winners announced.
o The Board discussed adding/improving information on the Chamber’s website regarding transparency and the organization’s mission statement. • Advocacy Updates
o Matt K will work on getting better signage for the Village Parking located at Hoyt Park
• Everything else!
o The Board discussed a member concern regarding “Delhi” logoed apparel. The Board unanimously voted to drop the “.” to avoid any conflict.
o The Kiosk located on Main Street and the Chamber’s float will be getting an upgrade giving them a cohesive look with other advertising efforts.
Meeting adjourned at 11am. Next month’s board meeting will be on Tuesday, July 9th at 10am and membership meeting at 11am
May 2024 Board Meeting Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 10:00am
Meeting called to order at 10:05am
Lisa Wisely, President, presiding
Board members present: Matt Krzyston, Valerie Nichols, Jerry Pellegrino, James Arrufat, David Rama Sr., Christina Viafore
Financial position
Community Bank Checking Balance as of 5/14/2024 $28,736.39
Monies received from Bridge Run to date $5,391 (sponsorship & runners)
Monies paid to Bridge Run to date for expenses $401.40
Next Mixer
Discussed hosting the next mixer at Workstation/Bizzy Bee’s on June 20th
Discussed hosting the summer mixer at the College Golf Course at Delhi
Discussed hosting the fall mixer at Strickland Hollow
Farmers' Market Updates
The market is back on the square and attendance has been good despite the raining spring weather
Signage will be used directing traffic to the square
9-10 tents need new canopies – the board voted unanimously to purchase the new canopies. Once these are repaired, there will be a total of 27 tents available for events
Pellegrino Grant
Discussion on items that need to be clarified before next year
Applicant must be an active member
Applicant is required to be the owner/proprietor of the business
Winners of this years’ grant are still being determined
Bridge Run Updates
Approximately 150 registrations
Promoting the event is the primary focus at this time
The Town of Hamden is starting to plan their 200-year celebration and they are interested in hosting a similar event. Discussion on the potential of a run in Hamden, Downsville, and Delhi.
Harvest Festival – September 21st
Registrations are starting to come in for vendors
Christina voiced concerns with clarifying payment with registration. This will be looked into further in an attempt to streamline the process
Membership Updates
The new platform is active. This allows the chamber to track membership and dues
Received a list from the Delaware County Chamber of those businesses with a dual membership
Advocacy Updates
Matt K spoke of a request for landscaping around the new county buildings
Seeking input on how the concessions building located next to the pool should be structured/utilized
Everything else!
Lisa met with Julian regarding signage
New businesses
Pizzo’s Pasta & Gourmet Foods has relocated from Andes to 191 Main Street in Delhi
Baker’s Grimm is now open and is located at 116 Main Steet in Delhi
Memorial Day event to be held in the square
Fair on the Square vendor form is now available and the schedule is being drafted. The Chamber is interested in sponsoring the R/C cars again. FOS is not a chamber event but will promote all the activities and encourages local businesses to participate
Meeting adjourned at 11am. Next month’s board meeting will be on Tuesday, June 11th at 10am and membership meeting at 11am.
Save the date for our next Summer Mixer Happy Hour on Thursday, June 20th! From 5 pm to 7 pm, join us at Bizzy Bee’s Learning Academy and Delhi Work Station for food, drinks, and mingling with fellow local business owners.
PARKING: There is a spacious town parking lot located at Hoyt Park. Please park here for this event and know it is a great option any time you are parking in town.
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, June 11th 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.
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 12th 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.
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 12th 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.
February 2024 Board Meeting Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 - 10:00am
Meeting called to order at 10:05am via zoom
Lisa Wisely, President, presiding
Board members present: Matt Krzyston, Valerie Nichols, Jerry Pellegrino, James Arrufat, David Rama Sr.
Financial position
Community Bank Checking Balance as of 2/13/2024 $29,136.00
Recap/Debrief of the Mixer at Good Cheap Foods
Great attendance, food, and location
Star award recipient does helps drive attendance
Items to keep in mind for next event
More time to promote the event -planning stage to begin earlier to help with the promotion piece.
Clear expectations for food and drink in an effort to appeal to the majority of attendees
Next Mixer
Discussed hosting an afternoon mixer following the Farmer’s Market so vendors could attend. Summer mixer seems to be most appropriate. Possible locations sited – This and That or Strickland Hollow Distillery Tasting Room
Budget Review for 2024 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DP8fMSmBif9KoI0yK-m5RQYxhVa6yfj7/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=117446357579273959142&rtpof=true&sd=true
Farmers' Market Updates
Signs are being used each week to help promote the market in addition to the digital marketing
Matt K noted that vendors feel attendance is down. Traditionally our area seems to have less traffic this time of year – nothing to be too concerned about at this time
Bridge Run Updates
Lisa Henderson has sent out sponsorship letters
Membership Updates
The new platform is active. This allows the chamber to track membership and dues
Discussed the creation of a marketing piece that would allow for easy membership recruitment
Valerie will follow up with the County Chamber on getting a detailed list when members sign up with dual membership
Advocacy Updates
Matt K spoke of discussions being had to combine the Town and Village of Delhi Offices. A potential site mentioned was the old Wickham Garage
The Bramley Fire Tower project is continuing to gain momentum with a strong possibility of the tower being constructed this summer. Lisa will reach out the Ann Roberti – Friends of the Bramley Mtn Fire Tower as the Chamber would like to highlight this achievement with a ribbon cutting.
Beautification Committee
Lisa met with Belinda of the Beautification Committee to review how the Chamber can assist in their efforts. The Chamber will continue to support and promote their events. Lisa offered to build them a website which will help encourage community engagement.
Planning for Spring/Summer
Review of the following events the Chamber hosts or sponsors:
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Farmers’ Market
Bridge Run
Fair on the Square
Everything else!
James mentioned that the Chamber’s efforts to help promote local events are effective.
Lisa mentioned it might be beneficial to educate local businesses on how to utilize social media to its full potential
Parameters for donation requests will be drafted and reviewed before they are placed on the website
A second opinion will be sought on how the Chamber files taxes
Meeting adjourned at 11am. Next month’s board meeting will be on Tuesday, March 12th at 10am and membership meeting at 11am
One of the perks of being a member of the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce is that we do our best to promote your events on our social platforms. We do a weekly round up of events happening in the area on our Instagram Stories by sharing posts local businesses have created about their upcoming event. We share the Instagram post in our Instagram story so that interested participants can click on the post and find more information. We have heard positive feedback from local businesses about this process, saying some patrons credit the Chamber Instagram for the reason they found out about the event!
We love to see our local businesses flourish. If you have an upcoming event and you use Instagram, we recommend you always create an Instagram post on your feed and tag us. If you only use Stories to promote your event, not only does it disappear after 24 hours but it is not always easy for us or anyone else to share. Creating a post in your feed with all the details about your event gives us a place to bring people so they can get all event information easily and quickly. An added bonus, when we bring people to your profile by sharing your post, you are much more likely to gain followers.
We prefer to promote static posts in your Instagram or Facebook feed that does not contain music. Providing a static posts (not animated or video without sound) allows us for a greater capability to share.
Remember to add your events to the events calendar on our website! Find out how to add events here. Let us know if you have any questions. We are here to serve the business community and support the success of the Greater Delhi Area!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Winter Mixer Happy Hour, our first Chamber Mixer of the year! We had a great turn out and a fantastic time. A huge thank you to Good Cheap Food, hosts of the mixer, who provided a cocktail, delicious charcuterie boards, and hors d'oeuvres. Strickland Hollow Tasting Room & Bottle Shop graciously donated a variety of wine, and Kento Igarashi was there taking Valentine’s Day portraits.
We used the mixer as an opportunity to award this quarter's Star Award. James Bracci, of Mid-County Auto Body and Glass, accepted the award for the Exceptional Customer Service he provides the Greater Delhi Community. When he accepted the award he expressed his gratitude to the community, his passion for helping and connecting with others, and his sustained interest in being there for the Greater Delhi Area, of course all said with his distinctive humor and candor.
The mixer was a great opportunity to hear from Lisa Wisely, who is now the Chamber President. She announced the new Chamber Board members who are Dave Rama Sr., Jerry Pellegrino, and James Arrufat. Overall it was a wonderful way to start the year, meet new people, and celebrate the Greater Delhi Area. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!
Portraits taken by Kento Igarashi
In January, we implemented a new Events Calendar on the VisitDelhiNY.com website. The new event calendar works hand-in-hand with the new membership platform, and we hope this creates a seamless experience for all members.
Chamber Members can add events by signing in to their account and filling out the Add New Events form. Non-members must email hello@visitdelhiny.org with the Event Title, Start & End Date & Time, Event Description, Event Location & Address, Event link, and Images. Once we receive the email, we will add it to the Event Calendar.
Visit the events calendar here.
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions at hello@visitdelhiny.org
The Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite you to the Winter Mixer Happy Hour and Star Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, February 7th at Good Cheap Food. From 5pm-7pm, enjoy cocktails and hor d'oeuvres prepared from the great selection of items at Good Cheap Food.
This quarter's Star Award for exceptional customer service to our community will be awarded to James Bracci from Mid-County Auto Body and Glass. Mid-County Auto Body and Glass provides quality auto-body and collision services led by the charge of James Bracci who greets each customer with friendly professionalism.
Come have fun with us! RSVP to attend the Chamber Mixer and Star Awards to enjoy quality food and drinks, and to celebrate the vibrant community of the Greater Delhi Area. RSVP by emailing: hello@visitdelhiny.org
Save the date for the upcoming Chamber Mixer at Good Cheap Food!
On Wednesday, February 7th from 5-7pm, the Chamber will give away a Star Award and Good Cheap Food will provide food, cocktails, and will be offering Valentine’s Day Portraits! This is a great evening to mingle with the business community of Delhi while enjoying a sampling of food from Good Cheap Food.
January 2024 Board Meeting Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 10:00am
Meeting called to order at 10:03am
Lisa Wisely, President, presiding
Board members present: Matt Krzyston, Valerie Nichols, Jerry Pellegrino, James Arrufat, Matt Marchese, Julian Peploe, David Rama Sr.
Marketing Updates
Primary focus has been on the Farmer’s Market
4 signs were ordered which will be placed in four strategic locations on Wednesdays to enhance the awareness of the market’s location during the winter months. The frames arrived and Lisa will follow up on the statis of the inserts.
Events for 2024
Mixers
Committee formed - Jerry and Matt K.
Farmers' Market
Review of price structure to vendors, expenses associated, vendor growth, and how it is being facilitated. All agreed no committee needed as current facilitator does a good job
Payment sent out to County Workforce for setting up tents
Bridge Run-June 2024
Committee formed - Christina, Julian Peploe and Matt M
Fair on the Square-July 2024
Although this is not a Chamber event, discussion was had on how we can help support the event. Jerry volunteered to attend meetings
Harvest Festival-September 2024
Committee formed – Christina and Matt M
Holiday Parade-December 2024
Committee formed – Christina and Lisa
Discussion on ways to entice more participation
1st Quarter Mixer
Details still being finalized but slated to held at Quarter Moon Café in February
Star Awards
Quarterly awards honoring outstanding community members in the following categories: Community Volunteer Star, Community Business Star, Customer Service Star, and newly added Community Event Star
Awards to be presented at quarterly mixers
Nomination form to be added to our website
Budget Discussion
Tabled to next month’s meeting
Donation/Sponsorship Discussion 2024
Discussion on a budget and guidelines for donations
Donation request form to be added to our website
More details to come once budget discussion is had at next month’s meeting
DTC Voice Mail
This is no longer needed and will be removed
Committees
Marketing – Lisa and Julian
Events – broken out by event and members listed above
Fundraising - TBD
Membership – Jerry and Lisa but all will work on recruitment
Creation of a postcard and or rack card to be used during the recruitment process
Discussion on broadening membership beyond Delaware Academy School district
Meeting Minutes Process
Minutes will be posted on the chamber’s website
Meeting adjourned at 11am. Next month’s board meeting will be on Tuesday, February 13th at 10am and membership meeting at 11am.
We are beginning to use a new platform to manage Chamber Membership. This platform will allow us to track membership, accept membership payments and provide each member with a profile that you can edit at any time. You can add images, update business information, and add events. We will be switching over to the event calendar that is hosted through the same platform on January 1, 2024.
If you have already signed up as a member we have a profile started for you. This means you can Request a Password on the website. If this isn’t the case, please email us at hello@visitdelhiny.org.
Below learn how to Sign-In to your account and how to Add New Events. If questions arise, please email us at hello@visitdelhiny.org.
SIGN-IN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
-Go to visitdelhiny.com
-Click on OUR MEMBERS on the top navigation bar (If using a smartphone, find the navigation drop down menu on the top right)
-Click on MEMBER LOG IN
-Notice a request for your email address and password. If you do not have a password set up, click REQUEST PASSWORD.
-Check your email and follow the steps for password setup.
-Return to the MEMBER LOG IN page and access your account.
ADD AN EVENT
Members have the ability to add their own events to the Event Calendar. There are two ways to add new events.
Option One:
-First begin by signing into your account
-Once signed in, you will see your Membership Area with multiple gray tabs: “About,” “Profile,” “Additional,” and “Events.” Click on EVENTS.
-On this tab you will see a “Click here” option. That link will bring you to the Add New Event form. Fill out the form with as much detail as possible and add catchy, beautiful images to draw attention. There is not an option for recurring events. You will need to enter your event multiple times for recurring dates.
Option Two:
-First begin by signing into your account
-Once signed in, click on the EVENTS tab at the top of the visitidelhiny.com website navigation.
-Above the list of events you will click the gray “Add New Event” button.
-Fill out the form with as much detail as possible and add catchy, beautiful images to draw attention. There is not an option for recurring events. You will need to enter your event multiple times for recurring dates.
You will also start to receive automatic emails from the platform when membership is set to renew. You can choose to pay for one year and/or set up automatic renewal.
We are excited to introduce this new platform in hopes of having the most up to date information about all the members and additional tools to promote the business community and area.
If you have any questions, please contact hello@visitdelhiny.org.
We meet every second Tuesday at 11am at the E-Center which is located at 5 1/2 Main Street. Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 12th 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.
