Statistically, Mahopac is made up of a robust group of pre-baby boomers who make an above-average wage and live at an above-average comfort level. But no one was spared when 2008 brought the walls of The Street crashing down.
During 2009, most communities throughout America had more empty storefronts than anyone wanted to count. Job losses accumulated ”“ and with it, mounting frustration for workers out of unemployment and patience.
With 95 percent of the U.S. business population made up of small businesses, it”™s no secret they keep economic wheels turning. The hamlet of Mahopac is no exception. Longtime businesses strived to stay open, and many new stores are dotting the formerly empty storefronts along the hamlet”™s main corridor ”“ Route 6.
“We”™ve been very fortunate to get through the last two years,” said Dale Phillips, a second-generation owner of Mahopac Marine, which sells and repairs boats.
“This year, things have been a bit better,” said Tom Pinto, general manager. “We”™re holding our own. Today, the (customer”™s) expectation is to have the (repair) part in stock and them out the door the same day. Customers want immediate service, and we do our best to make that happen ”“ or we wouldn”™t be here.”
An active chamber
The Greater Mahopac and Carmel Chamber of Commerce serves the community. “People may fuss over the pronunciation of the names of our towns, but the goal is to keep our 500-member organization as visible and interactive as possible,” said Peter Bardunias, president and CEO.
“It”™s a challenge for every business in Putnam, particularly our nonprofits. We”™ve started a listing of all of them in Putnam and underscoring their need for our support, particularly now, when the need is so great. They are being squeezed at both ends ”“ trying to do more with less money and finding more people looking for help, particularly those who are now unemployed and used to be the givers. Now, they are asking.”
He pointed to the “vitality and revenue nonprofits give to our community ”“ 24 percent of the county”™s total population works for a nonprofit ”“ that”™s nearly 6,000 people ”“ and they contribute $2 million in revenue every year. They are feeling the pinch, particularly from the MTA tax and loss of revenue from the state.”
The chamber has set up a special section in the Visitors Center for the new Non-Profit Council”™s brochures and contact information. “It is a way for them to get the word out about their organizations and share ideas,” said Bardunias.
Putnam”™s Visitors Center, built by Mahopac National Bank, serves as a visitors and community center, a senior meeting hall and offices for the local chamber of commerce. “They”™ve been great supporters and given a tremendous amount of time and financial support to this community,” Bardunias said.
“Our Visitors Center is multifunctional ”“ we serve local business, have brochures on business and travel for all over the Hudson Valley and further north and west, up to the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes region. Our seniors keep it open for us on Saturday, so there”™s a place for people to stop to ask directions ”“ they”™re amazed to find out how much we have to offer. We”™ve had visitors from Maine to Alabama. What we don”™t have is a hotel.”
But, Bardunias isn”™t deterred. “There are bed and breakfasts throughout Putnam, and we are a great daycation destination. Putnam has the best rail trails in the Hudson Valley, and we”™re happy to have those bragging rights.”
”˜A silver lining”™
Business is beginning to bloom, even with the recession. Six years ago, Domenic Zecca decided to go out on his own and form his own video production company, Alesca Video Productions. Despite the crushing recession, he”™s just moved into a new location with bigger offices and has orders for weddings, parties and TV ads lined up.
“What has the recession done? It”™s brought the community closer together, each business trying to help out the next one,” Zecca said. “That”™s what it”™s done that is good. You”™ve got to find a silver lining in it or you”™re doomed.”
He will have an opportunity to showcase his own business in Putnam”™s Street Festival, including “A Taste of Putnam,” in October, as will hundreds of Putnam businesses.
Last year, more than 5,000 people came to enjoy the sights, the smells and the vendors. “This year, we”™re hoping to break our own record,” Zecca said.
