rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — The Canton Chamber of Commerce met at the Chamber Building on Main Street on Thursday, May 5, at noon.
Those present included: President Eric Schoonover, Vice President Kim Bailey, Secretary Rachel Heitzenrater, Treasurer Amy Seeley, Robyn Cummings, Chris Boggs, Leon English, Lauren Schoonover Preston, Bridget Callahan, Misti Machmer, Janet Holmes, Jennifer Jones, Dean Vanderpool, Cassi Blaney and Robert Tomlinson.
Seeley reported a current 61 members in the chamber.
Treasurers report included $17,012.91 in checking and savings and $3,234.83 in gift certificate.
Both the meeting minutes from April and the Treasurer’s report were approved.
Tourism & Promotion Agency
Cummings reported an update on the digital passport, noting that it is finally completed. She also noted that the “Hungry Hiker” is completed now as well and features local parks and restaurants while giving users the option to win prizes, such as a “Hungry Hiker” pint glass.
The Regional Goods Guide will be completed by the end of the month. This guide features local agriculture, camping, events and more. This guide was partnered with the Endless Mountains Heritage Region.
The gravel and bike loop is a self-serve loop of 405 miles with charging stations. It runs through overlooks and downtowns in Bradford County. It also features emergency services locators. The trail will be completed by the end of the month.
Finally, Cummings concluded her report by reminding chamber members to get their events in the calendar on the website.
Business updates
Schoonover Preston noted for the Shade Tree Commission that anyone in the borough wishing to plant a certain type of tree may receive a credit of $150 towards that tree.
For the Garden Club, English noted that they are working on updating the flower barrels across town.
Seeley reported that the borough has three new potential business in town and that they were working on getting speeding signs up.
Fake money was another topic in this portion, with both banks confirming that there is “movie money” that is floating around.
Rialto Theatre
Callahan reported that Cass and the Bailout Crew will perform at the Rialto Theatre on Friday, May 20, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults and $5 children and can be found online or at the Canton Sentinel or Schoonovers Plumbing & Heating.
Callahan noted that the Rialto is still looking for volunteers for this event and others that are upcoming.
She said they are planning a wizarding event for the movie Secrets of Dumbledore, which is planned for sometime in July.
Aug. 6 the Rialto is planning an event at the fireman’s field for a fundraiser. They are still seeking ideas for this event.
She concluded her report by noting that the phone number for the Theatre will come directly to her, for days that the Theatre is not open. The number is 570-995-3032.
More information on the Theatre is added, as well as tickets. The website is www.rialtotheatrewesternbradfordcounty.com.
Buildings & Grounds
Schoonover noted two upcoming work bees for the building renovations. The first is a pre-work bee scheduled for May 14. The second is a demolition work-bee, scheduled for May 21.
Lights for the Main Street park are in process to be put in and should be done in time for the Canton Downtown Celebration, which is scheduled for July 9.
The fountain that chamber has will be incorporated into the park at some point. Indoor and outdoor designing is still in the works.
Upcoming events
Canton Downtown Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 9.
Seeley reported that the committee is currently working on sponsorships and posters will be made and distributed shortly. She said vendor applications are also in the works.
The committee will be welcoming any kids activities on this day, after noting that the Ministerium was interested in providing some fun activities.
The committee is seeking materials to fill goodie bags for the day of the event. Any chamber member is welcome to provide whatever, such as a coupon, information packets, or prizes.
Entertainment for the day will be Chasing Rabbits, Logan Route and the McNett Band for the block dance portion of the event.
Volunteers are always needed, especially for the day of the event.
The LeRoy Heritage Open House is Sunday, June 5, from 2-4 p.m.
The Classic Car Show is Friday, Aug. 5. Chair Dean Vanderpool noted that the Ministerium will be selling snow cones at the event, along with other vendors the Lions Club and the Women of the Moose.
The Motor Cycle Ride is scheduled for Oct. 1, in conjunction with the Pumpkin Festival.
Schoonover reported that a committee is needed for Small Business Saturday and Light Night to help plan for the events. He noted that it was discussed at one point to make the event a week-long event, rather than one day (on Saturday). A committee could help put together ideas on how to do this. The ministerium has some ideas for Light Night.
Cummings reminded chamber members of the joint chamber meeting with Canton and Troy Chambers, which is scheduled on Wednesday, July 6, at 5 p.m. at Alparon Park. Please bring a dish to pass.
The next Canton Chamber of Commerce meeting will be 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, at the building, pending that construction material is moved and the space is cleaned.