PERSPECTIVES

A new undertaking is well underway within Putnam County with the potential to have a huge impact on independent business. With all the buzz surrounding the formation of a countywide Chamber of Commerce for Putnam, it’s understandable that there are questions as to the organization’s mission and the effect it will have on business in local communities. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated individuals from throughout Putnam, the new Chamber is going to benefit us all!

Putnam is blessed with seven distinct localities within its borders, each unique and filled with charm, history and a strong sense of community. Each is represented by a local Chamber of Commerce, but until recently there has been little effort for these organizations to work together in meaningful ways. This puts Putnam at a very real disadvantage compared to every other county in the Hudson Valley. These counties bring the best qualities of their towns together, forming countywide or large regional chambers of commerce which are excellent networking venues, powerful advocates, and conduits for state, federal, and private sources of funding for business development. We may be justifiably proud of the individuality and uniqueness of our local towns and hamlets, but often it takes a much stronger (and well-organized) voice and resources to facilitate real progress, or even just to get the attention of elected officials and media. Hence the discussions, begun in 2009, to build unity and cohesiveness between our seven communities through a countywide Chamber of Commerce.

Clearly there is a need for balance between individual i ty and teamwork, and the group which assembled early last year to work on this project is keenly aware of this. Over the course of a year, intense discussions were held to develop a vision, mission and goals for the new Chamber. And a framework within which it will operate, to avoid misunderstandings that will adversely affect any of the smaller, existing Chambers. So what will the countywide Chamber do? One thing it won’t do is supplant any of the existing Chambers or the individuality of those business communities. Its stated goals include a better understanding of member businesses’ needs and concerns; educational forums; expanding income potential of existing businesses and attracting new businesses; advocating in favor of activities that will help its members and against those that are to their detriment; creating networking, advertising, and marketing opportunities for members at reduced cost; taking an active role in local, State, and Federal legislative affairs where they impact member businesses.

The new Chamber is expected to become a very influential entity in countywide business and political circles. Says Nat Prentice, President of the Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, “the most important benefit is the opportunity to come together as strategic partners to have numbers and one unified voice in favor of or against pending legislation.” Adds Henry Boyd, President of the Carmel-Kent Chamber, “the Putnam County Chamber will allow better business opportunities and provide better clout with our County government.” And Steve Ross, of the Putnam County Independent Business Alliance (PCIBA), says a countywide Chamber “assures a healthy economic environment in Putnam County by keeping our government officials informed about the challenges and needs of our local businesses.”

Noting the increased opportunities a countywide Chamber provides for face-to-face networking, Patterson Chamber of Commerce Vice President Debra Boccarossa notes, “communities will be made aware of the services that are available to them. It is going to open up more revenue for our businesses throughout the county. There is going to be much more networking among the businesses and communities allowing everyone to prosper.” Rich Osmers, Treasurer of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, agrees, pointing out that “more businesses will be exposed to more services throughout the community of Putnam.” Jennifer Maher, President of the Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce, sums it up: “Putnam County is the smallest county in the Hudson Valley yet the most scattered when it comes to business services and resources. All businesses, large and small, will benefit from an organization which has as its mission the desire to create opportunities for everyone.”

The Putnam County chambers of commerce have put considerable effort in to creating an organizat ion that will benefit all seven communities of our County, and be equally desirable for the people of Cold Spring/Garrison as it is for Patterson, for Putnam Valley as it is for Mahopac, for Carmel/Kent as it is for Brewster. This is still very much a work in progress, but a work that we can all indeed be proud of.

Pete Bardunias is Executive Director of the Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce and an ex-officio member of the Putnam County Chamber Exploratory Committee and its act ing Board of Directors.