Columbia makes a comeback, shop local
HUDSON – Columbia County Tourism and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Columbia County Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), announce a county-wide Shop Local Initiative to drive more sales from patrons in the county to local community businesses as part of Columbia Comeback.
The tri-agency partnership is working together to maintain a growing list of businesses offering take-out, delivery, online shopping and curbside pick-up in alignment with state guidelines. The aim of the initiative is to offset the loss of in-person revenue through increased online sales, take out, delivery, and curbside pick-up channels, which many businesses are utilizing to stay afloat during this unprecedented time.
Along with the use of local media and social media, the message will be on signs throughout the county indicating Columbia County Comeback and to Shop Local.
To access a growing list of restaurants, shops and businesses offering online and pick-up services visit one of the following websites: Columbia County Tourism (www.columbiacountytourism.org) the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce (www.columbiachamber-ny.com) or Columbia Economic Development Corporation (www.columbiaedc.com).
If business owners who would like to be added to the ongoing list referenced above, or update your business information, contact Columbia County Tourism at tourism@columbiacountyny.com with your business name, address, phone number, website and online ordering or pick-up options.
If you have questions about safely reopening, visit www.columbiacomback.com.
Community members can help spread the word and promote this effort by sharing the updates that the partnership organizations will be periodically sending out via Facebook and email blasts.
Contact info@columbiacomeback.com with any ideas.
Crowell now leads CABA Board
CHATHAM—The board of CABA (Chatham Area Business and Arts) has accepted the resignations of both the group’s president, Debbye Byrum, and longtime Secretary Steve Campbell. A press release from the board expressed regret at their departure.
Former board Vice President Tom Crowell, co-owner of Chatham Brewing, has stepped up to the position of president. Melony Spock has taken on the role of vice president and Cathi Bruneau, who recently became a CABA board member, will take over as secretary.
Ms. Byrum cited a family health situation as her reason for leaving the board; Mr. Campbell noted both business and personal responsibilities.
Ms. Byrum, who joined CABA in 2016 under the name of her Main Street store, Willow & Oak, became president the following fall. In her resignation letter she noted that she had initiated the monthly CABA breakfasts, as well as serving as liaison to the Village of Chatham Board of Trustees.
“As we slowly emerge from the pandemic crisis, CABA will be needed more than ever to rally our community together. I am sad that I will not be able to be a part of that effort, but I am confident that the current board will provide the leadership needed to help shape the future of our community,” she wrote, adding, “I am proud that we were able to provide opportunities for us all to celebrate our community and support each other”
Mr. Campbell, owner of Video Visions on Hudson Avenue, said he cannot remember how long he served as secretary to both the original Chatham Business Alliance (CBA) and its later renaming as CABA. “Everyone on this board is putting in an enormous amount of time to improve the organization and the community,” he said. “The board is a group of doers and should be proud of what they are accomplishing.”
There are now two vacancies on the CABA Board. Interested applicants should go to the CABA website and look under “About CABA” for an application form.
The board meets every other month at the Community Bank. For more information on CABA and CABA membership, go to visitchathamny.com.
Hudson residents partner with city to stop the spread of Covid-19
HUDSON – The city of Hudson has teamed up with two local organizations to develop a civic health campaign to promote safe physical distancing as a way of showing love for Hudson.
The campaign is called Hudson Safe, and was created by Hudson residents Peter Spear and Jonathan Lerner of FUTURE HUDSON, and Alison Matheny of BEST Creative Studio.
The Hudson Safe campaign kicks off with new signage at parks. The signs give clear direction of actions that people need to take, infusing a positive, community-minded tone.
In the coming week, more posters will be going up around town encouraging residents to “Do Your Part. Stay Home. Stay Six Feet Apart. Wear a Mask.”
Until there is a vaccine, the most effective way of stopping the spread is for individuals to take responsibility for the health and well-being of their neighbors.
The goal of Hudson Safe is to inspire civic pride and reinforce basic safe behaviors — staying home, keeping distance, wearing masks, according to a press release.
Printing costs were generously covered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Columbia County Emergency Fund.
The campaign was inspired by The City of Rochester’s “Six Feet Saves” campaign created by Partners + Napier and made available to the public.
The three organizers were encouraged by the Mayor’s Office and worked with the city on clear messaging. The campaign also has the endorsement of the County Health Department.
Anyone can help support the campaign by wearing a Hudson Safe button, displaying a poster in their window, or posting on social media.
Anyone who would like a poster for their window, has ideas on how Hudson Safe can further support the community, or would like to know more, email Peter Spear at peterbspear@gmail.com
