SALEM AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING
DATE: 2/20/25 TIME: 9:00-10:00 AM
PRESENT: Susi Thomas, Laura Dunham, Noah Simon, Michael Maturo, Silvia Hernandez, Dawn Adams-Rea, Rosemarie Smith
PLACE: On A Limb Bakery
Everyone welcomed the new member Rosemarie Smith/Saratoga Federal Credit Union
Volunteer Opportunities: our first posting of non-profits looking for volunteers throughout the year. Dawn will meet off-line with others to create a list of area organizations that offer help to the community and need volunteers with specific skill sets
Membership Update: Memberships still arriving; those not received by February 28 will be removed from the Membership list. We currently have sixty-two members
Advertising: Discussion about expand our advertising area to include Rutland, Manchester, Saratoga, Glens Falls – encouraging visitors to explore Salem and Washington County and create area Brochure ( Dawn/Noosh’Anna exploring other area brochures ) Will need to increase the advertising budget using general funds
We encourage all members to follow/like the Chamber FB page. This engages visitors outside of our general area and encourages more visits to Salem, which can help boost all businesses.
Mixers: Fall Mixer to be held at The Georgi Museum & Park/Community Room September 18th 5:30-7. Spring Mixer TBD
Discussion was had re: how the government cost-cutting initiatives are affecting local farms/businesses i.e. dairies, Bread Tree Farm as grant payments are held. How can businesses help each other? How can we notify officials of the impact these steps are having on communities and businesses
Adding ‘environment’ to our mission statement. Noah asked how the Chamber supports the environment; Dawn shared that by supporting our local businesses who care for the environment we would be fulfilling the statement.
Noah suggested contacting area farms about joining the Chamber as a way to help show the diversity of business and a way to easily reach out to other farms
New Membership rewards: from the list of ideas, we chose to send out the Chamber LOGO for use on member websites and complimentary ad (see Mixer info)
Noah shared that he appreciates all of the benefits we offer; however, he most appreciates the sense of community and the ability to easily find a source.
Michael shared the Courthouse Community Center will be hosting a Spring grand opening April 6th at 3pm.
Silvia shared she is excited about her new business and was congratulated by all!
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Dunham