Silo Ridge - Harlem Valley Times

04/17/2008 - Expo lets residents explore businesses

Amenia
Expo lets residents explore businesses
04/17/2008
By: Jennifer Barry, Staff Reporter

AMENIA - The Harlem Valley Expo, sponsored by the Harlem Valley Chamber of Commerce, was held on April 13 at the Silo Ridge Country Club in Amenia to celebrate businesses in eastern Dutchess County.

Almost 40 businesses participated in the Expo.

"It's nice to see what a bright and vibrant business community we have here," said Town of Amenia Supervisor Wayne Euvrard while touring the Expo. "What the Chamber of Commerce does is fantastic for the community and for the businesses. "

According to Therese Stanford, who helped organize the event, a few hundred people attended the Expo throughout the course of the day.

"We had a stream of people from about 10 a.m. to about four," said Stanford. "It was just constant flow, which was wonderful. We were so pleased. "

"So far it's been a great turnout. A lot of people are finding out what we have to offer," said Lee Bates, owner of the Cascade Spirit Shoppe, at the event.

Mike Burns had come over from across the border in Sharon, Conn. , to see what the Expo was all about.

"It's very well done; very professional," he said. "And it's really good for all the local businesses. "

Overall, Stanford said that many of the exhibitors were very pleased with the contacts they were able to make during the event.

Stanford also helped run the spring craft booth for children, which was sponsored by the Bank of Millbrook and Freshtown.

"We had birdhouses and flower pots, which the kids painted and decorated," Stanford said. "I think we went through about 75 of each, so that's a lot of kids! We also gave out bulbs and soil for the flowerpots and birdseed for the houses, all compliments of Freshtown. "

There were also giveaways and raffles through out the day for items such as groceries and spa treatments.

Much of the money raised will go right back into the community, according to Stanford.

Some will go to the Webutuck Boosters Club, while some will be saved for scholarships for students.

"People were really pleased with the giveaways and the food. The food was great," Stanford said. "I was looking forward to La Puerta Azul's guacamole all day. "

"If you think of going out to buy lunch, don't," Mickey Prisco had said while manning the booth for the Bank of Millbrook. "There is enough food in this room. "

Already plans are in the works for another event in April 2009, again at the Silo Ridge Country Club.

"It was really nice that we were able to host our event there this year," Stanford said. "A lot of local families aren't able to go there often and see what they have to offer. To go there for free is a treat. "

Stanford says that meetings are already under way to begin preparations for next year's Expo.

"We hope to have many more businesses and non-profits come on board," she said. "As they say: a good time was had by all this year. We can't wait for the next one!"

The Expo was was sponsored by the Bank of Millbrook, Salisbury Bank and Trust, Freshtown, WQQQ Q103, Robin Hood Radio, Rooney Design, the Donald B. Dedrick Agency and the Silo Ridge Country Club.

The Harlem Valley Chamber of Commerce meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. For meeting sites or more information, visit the Web site www.harlemvalleychamber.org.