Warwick struts its stuff
The town and villages that comprise Warwick have created an eclectic niche in the southern Orange county region. Although the area has traditionally been a magnet for tourism, many of its businesses hope the economy won”™t bottom out on them when warm weather finally hits.
Holding its first Warwick Valley Business Expo on Saturday, May 3, more than 80 store owners and service providers participated, focusing on the food and fun available in the area and hoping to lure both locals and day-trippers into spending their IRS stimulus checks at their restaurants and specialty shops.
The event was sponsored by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Town supervisor Michael Sweeton, who also owns The General”™s Garden Greenhouse, was on hand to welcome the more than 400 visitors to the regional business showcase. “It”™s raining today,” so I wouldn”™t be that busy anyway,” said Sweeton, who noted Warwick, like many other communities, has felt the pinch of the recession.
“We do have a niche, however, and a very strong business community that”™s connected,” Sweeton said. “People like to come and walk around. Whether they spend their money at our restaurants and shops, or stay at a bed and breakfast, that”™s what we”™re hoping will continue to thrive. Everyone”™s a bit nervous about the economy. We have to remain optimistic.”
Several smaller chambers of commerce took part in Warwick”™s Expo, including Greenwood Lake Merchant”™s Guild and the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, all displaying what”™s available in their communities. Like Sweeton, members hope rising gas prices and drooping dollars won”™t stop people from shopping locally.
“We do rely on each other for support,” said Dorothy Eumont, who was hawking the benefits of the Warwick Valley Farmers”™ Market, scheduled to start on Sunday, May 18, at the South Street Parking lot in the center of the village.
The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its networking breakfast at 7:45 a.m., May 20, at La Petite Cuisine at 20 Railroad Ave. in Warwick. The chamber Web site is www.warwickcc.org.