Hunter Chamber of Commerce to Rebuild

By Max Oppen

HUNTER — In the wake of the pandemic's impact on local businesses, the Town of Hunter Chamber of Commerce is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a group of business leaders led by Camp Catskill Business Owner Ryan Penny, the new interim president of the Chamber of Commerce's Board.

The former Chamber of Commerce has lain dormant since the pandemic hit the area.

In expressing the motivation behind the resurrection, Penny stated, "We felt the Chamber of Commerce needed to exist again. It's a lot of work." Recognizing the importance of financial stability and organized membership records, Penny emphasized the necessity of meticulous planning and execution in reforming the 501c3 organization.

Sydney Frazier, owner of SUNDRY. in the Village, played a pivotal role in communication strategies during the Chamber's revival. Penny acknowledged Frazier's contributions, especially in handling the communications side of the reform.

The businesses involved in the successful Holiday Stroll last December have spearheaded the reformation efforts. Penny revealed that the new Chamber plans to host similar events in the future, aiming to foster community engagement and support local businesses year-round.

Despite the absence of specific guidelines in the current bylaws for restarting a dormant Chamber, Penny highlighted the importance of seeking approval from former board members. He said, "We felt that having the approval of former board members was important."

The current interim board, consisting of 11 members, has recently opened up membership signups to the community. Penny wanted to have the Chamber up and running before their first open meeting, scheduled for March 27 at 6 pm at The Pantry on Main.

Membership fees have been temporarily reduced from $100 to $50 annually to encourage community participation. Penny mentioned that this discounted rate expires on May 31. He emphasized the benefits of Chamber membership, including community building, events, exposure, and awareness.

Penny outlined the focus: "Those pillars are what we'll focus on moving forward. I think that members will benefit." He highlighted the advantages of connecting to the business community and tapping into new ideas flowing into the area.

As part of the ongoing efforts, Penny is distributing flyers about the upcoming meeting to encourage business participation. He plans to update the Chamber's website and explore printing options for promotional materials.

Expressing optimism for the future, Penny emphasized the need for momentum in the Chamber's revitalization, stating, "We have a fair amount of work to do. It needs momentum because otherwise, it won't happen."

The March 27 general membership meeting is open to the public. It will allow businesses to sign up and vote on open board positions. Penny hopes the community's engagement will contribute to a successful revitalization effort.

Reflecting on his involvement, Frazier stated, "I decided to help in the revitalization effort because I firmly believe our business community deserves to have a functioning Chamber of Commerce." He emphasized the importance of building relationships between businesses and promoting the town's commerce community.

The Town of Hunter's Chamber of Commerce is undergoing a transformative period, with a dedicated group of leaders working collaboratively to revive and strengthen the local business community. The upcoming general membership meeting is a crucial milestone in this revitalization journey, providing businesses and community members an opportunity to contribute to the Chamber's future success. More information can be found online at www.hunterchamber.org.