rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce met at noon at the chamber building on Main Street on Thursday, Feb. 3.
Those present included: Janet Holmes, Frank Watson, Robyn Cummings, Colleen Ritts, Mary Beth Schoonnover, Chris Boggs, Eric Briggs, Vice President Kim Bailey, Secretary Rachel Heitzenrater, Treasurer Amy Seeley and President Eric Schoonover. Online included Jennifer Jones, Michael Smithers, Tami Bethune, Angie Schoonover and Bridget Callahan.
School District
Dr. Eric Briggs noted that the school’s drama production is March 18 and 19.
He also announced that the wresting team made District 4 duels.
In the near future, there will be a public presentation on how the district spent COVID grant money since the pandemic started. He says that concerning the district, the district is almost “back to normal” when it comes to COVID and contract tracing. However, the health and safety plan can still be found on the district’s website.
In April, the district will have PSSAs. Graduation was also mentioned.
Tourism & Promotion Agency
Robyn Cummings began the Tourism report with noting that the room tax grant was the best since 2014.
She also mentioned that the Tourism Agency is planning a regional “farm to you” guide that will feature local farms, goods and more. This guide will be produced in conjunction with the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and the Visitor’s Bureau to help promote agriculture in Bradford County.
Cummings updated on the planning for the gravel path, noting that they had a recent meeting and that local EMS officials need to be involved in the path in case of emergencies.
A June event in Sullivan County has been noted as well, called the GrindUro. The event will take place on the weekend of June 11 in Forksville and will include bicyclists from all over the world coming to Sullivan County to enjoy a 60-mile trail. There will also be food, camping, entertainment and more. The chamber will brainstorm on how to be included in the event.
Also in the works is a Penn State “Craft Brew Trail.” More details on this will be provided when available.
Finally, Cummings noted the Feb. 18 grant workshop the tourism agency is hosting with the EMHR. To register for the event, go to emheritage.org.
Rialto
Mary Beth Schoonover, with Bridget Callahan noted upcoming events at the Rialto Theatre. The first will be Sunday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Rialto, a fundraiser for the Canton High School Varsity Football Team. They will host the event on the big screen with foods available for purchase. The second event is Sunday, Feb. 20, hosted by the youth football and cheer teams. The fundraiser will take place at the Rialto at 2 and 6 p.m., with food, snacks, drinks, popcorn for sale. It’s a $5 suggested donation at the door with entertainment.
The group is planning more events upcoming, with something scheduled in April. They can always use more volunteers for events.
Callahan is planning to attend the grant workshop provided by the Tourism Agency.
The advisory board meets every month at the Rialto.
Boggs has created a new website for the Rialto Theatre, www.rialtotheatrewesternbradfordcounty.com.
Membership
There are currently 42 members to date in the chamber. Please make sure to turn in your form and money to Seeley.
Buildings & Grounds
The chamber noted in the buildings and grounds portion of the meeting that a fee structure needs to be in place for rentals of the building.
A buildings and grounds committee is somewhat established and they plan to meet soon. Anyone interested in joining the committee can contact Eric Schoonover.
Mary Beth Schoonover made a key suggestion in which someone holds the key for the chamber and is available for providing it to a possible rentee.
Seeley thanked Mary Beth Schoonover and Ritts for keeping the building decorated for holidays.
Logo for the building front is currently being created and will hopefully be approved to send to Hope Thompson soon.
Boggs noted the AV modifications and showed the chamber the system with cameras pointing at the meeting for the online viewers. He suggested that in the future, there may be more mikes, a “speaker location,” and tables for meetings.
Mary Beth Schoonover noted that if the building will be rented out, chamber needs to consider a hiring a cleaning person or take turns cleaning the building to make it more presentable.
Business news
SAFE parenting classes have began and the next round of classes will take place in Athens.
They are also trying to organize a color run.
The borough is seeking staff for the pool this summer. Applications will be received at Canton Borough, 4 North Center Street, PO Box 174, Canton, PA 17724. For further information, contact Amy Seeley at (570) 673-5700 or cbadmin@frontiernet.net. While applications will be accepted at any time, lifeguard classes are typically held in February/March of each year at the Towanda High School and sign ups fill quickly.
Heitzenrater reported that the Canton Sentinel/Troy Gazette Register are now working with the Troy and Canton Home pages and noted that she along with her coworkers are excited to be working with Veronica Seymour and Tanya Route, anchors for Troy and Canton.
Upcoming dates
Seeley reminded the chamber of some upcoming important chamber dates. Canton Downtown Celebration is Saturday, July 9. The annual car show will be Friday, Aug. 5. The now annual adventure bike event will be two days - Oct. 1 and 2. The Halloween parade will be on Oct. 29. Light Night will be scheduled for Nov. 25, with Small Business Saturday following on Nov. 26.
The next Canton Chamber of Commerce meeting will be at the building on Main Street on Thursday, March 3, at 8:30 a.m. as of right now, though the school may be hosting a meeting.