Chamber event draws big
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; mso-ascii- mso-ascii-theme- mso-fareast- mso-fareast-theme- mso-hansi- mso-hansi-theme- mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-} Visitors to the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce”™s annual Showcase of Champions were welcomed by a million-dollar makeover when they entered the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel Oct. 22.
The answer to the million-dollar question ”“ How deep is this recession? ”“ was more elusive.
One-hundred vendors enjoyed a steady stream of visitors. The chamber hosted a series of seminars throughout the afternoon.
From Web site strategies, hosted by Design Intervention Studio, to Peter Vigliotti of American Express giving business tips on managing cash flow more effectively, every topic touched on needs of business dealing with downturns in the markets, in demand for goods and services, and in consumer confidence.Â
The Business Institute seminar wrapped up its presentation with information on funding sources, with help from Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, the Small Business Development Center in Kingston, SCORE, the city of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County”™s Economic Development Corp.Â
The state Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities recognized several businesses that hire people with disabilities.
It was clearly a day for rethinking strategies. The economic climate, with the Dow sinking but the dollar rising in foreign markets, may help the import market, but exporters are taking a hit.
“That”™s the kind of economics we”™re dealing with right now,” said Rick Sherman, a magician from Valley Stream, who traveled to the Hudson Valley for the show. “Every day we”™re waking up to a new disaster ”“ there”™s no magic trick to fix that.”
The Chef”™s Showcase was the most popular event, an annual tasting of local restaurant offerings. “It”™s like ”˜Emeril”™ in the HudsonValley,” said chamber President Charles North, reminding the audience to “eat, drink and shop local.” Mahoney”™s Irish Pub served up corned beef and cabbage outside the tent while visitors waited to try chefs”™ offerings.
Most of the vendors, however, were concerned about the business climate. “We have a lot of people wandering in off the street,” said one. “The chamber is doing its best to help local businesses.” North”™s peers, John D”™Ambrosio of the Orange County chamber, as well as Joyce Minard, New Paltz”™ regional chamber president, came in to support local business.