Want to mix it up but money is tight? Take a cue from a smaller chamber of commerce, which does more with less in such a way as to be fun.
Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and mixers can be costly, but larger chambers are managing to handle the expense. For others, like the Southern Ulster Chamber of Commerce, its membership is small but loyal and shares a common denominator: The recession has made life even more difficult to get together.Â
To minimize expenses and maximize members”™ ability to mingle ”“ and introduce itself to prospective new members ”“ the Highlands-based chamber is holding a mixer that may become a trend in today”™s flattened economy.Â
Partnering with one of its members, Buttermilk Falls Spa and Inn in Milton, the Southern Ulster chamber members will mix it up at the resort with one important distinction: they”™ll be bringing their own bottle to the event on Tuesday evening, March 31.
Holly Schupp, the chamber”™s general manager and only paid employee, says the chamber has been trying to find less costly venues. It appears Southern Ulster has found a way to stay local ”“ and in the process, showcase one of its members at the same time.
“Buttermilk Falls is a member,” said Schupp, “but they don”™t have a bar so it”™s BYOB and the spa will supply the appetizers. We”™ve been trying to find different venues for our members to meet that aren”™t so expensive. This way, we not only help promote our member”™s facility but our members can get together without it costing too much.”
The 120-member business organization members work hard without chamber compensation. Save for Schupp, everyone, including the president, works on a volunteer basis. “I hope we start a trend, because I think it”™s a wonderful way to help your members and to help them showcase their venue if they have room.”
The Inn”™s owner, Robert Pollock, opened Buttermilk Falls almost a decade ago. When he decided to expand from a two-room cottage, he went all out, creating an eco-friendly spa complete with mineral baths, indoor pool and guest cottages that range from $225 to $650. Throw in a breathtaking view of the Hudson from the 70 acre retreat and it”™s a bit of heaven on earth.Â
“I”™m really looking forward to this mixer,” said Schupp, who”™ll be on hand to greet guests when the doors open at 5:30pm.
Even when the recession ends, Southern Ulster Chamber and its member, Buttermilk Falls Spa, may find that they”™ve introduced a new way to mix and mingle.
