rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TROY — The Troy Chamber of Commerce met via ZOOM on Wednesday, March 3, at noon.
Members present included: President Zachary Gates, Vice President Veronica Seymour, Treasurer Elizabeth Card, Secretary Rachel Heitzenrater, Bonnie Seeley, Robyn Cummings, Lee Preston, Scot, Trish, Morse and Bryan Seymour.
Meeting minutes from last meeting and January were approved unanimously.
Elizabeth Card reported 62 returned memberships, with about 12-14 members sending in reduced or free dues.
Guest speaker this month was Heather McNett, from Supporting Area Families Everyday, or S.A.F.E.
Supporting Area Families Every Day, or S.A.F.E., is a non-profit that is dedicated to strengthening families and building a healthier community for Bradford County and the surrounding area.
The focus on the program is safety and providing safety measures for children of families who have history of domestic violence or drug abuse history, for example.
For more information on S.A.F.E., go to safebradco.com, call 570-250-7401, email safebradco@gmail.com, or stop at their location at 908 S. Main Street in Towanda.
Concerning events, President Zachary Gates asked the chamber their thoughts on a “welcoming back” event for chamber members.
The car show will continue this year, according to chair Veronica Seymour.
Elizabeth Card asked for member input on the ornament and building for this year.
Committee members did not have much to report or were absent from the meeting, so Gates asked that each committee head bring a report at the next meeting.
Gates went on to discuss the funds allocated by Western Bradford Development Corporation. There is a $5,000 that will be given to Troy Chamber provided they pick a project that will help benefit local businesses.
“Could be a variety of things but let’s be thoughtful about that and know there’s money available,” said Gates.
Robyn Cummings spoke about the Bradford County Tourism and Promotion Agency updates.
She started off the report noting that the outdoor recreation guide is now available. It’s a regional guide planned with the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and Business Bureau. It’s for hiking, biking, camping and more. It will be linked to their website, as well as the Local Goods Guide.
The Local Goods Guide identifies all the items in the county that are produced here in Bradford County, such as maple syrup, farmer’s markets, farms, and more.
“It’s a really neat resource,” she said.
This year, they had 62 producers in the guide.
The annual guide is also out.
Finally, Cummings spoke about the train car project and how she is looking for painters to help paint the mural. Currently, painters are wanted in Athens where it is located, but she plans to bring the job to Canton/Troy in the coming weeks and asks that anyone interested contact her. This can be individuals, school classes, art classes, anyone.
This is partnered with the Regional Arts Council. In the fall, it will be installed onto the train car.
There will be a grant workshop on Friday, March 12, via online. It will help answer questions on where to find grant money, how to apply and more.
For more information or to contact Cummings, go to www.visitbradfordcounty.com.
The theft of the fire department was brought into discussion, with Gates asking Cummings if there is anything the chamber can do to help. Cummings’ husband works for the fire department. Robyn will report back to Zach on that information.
Alparon Park is having the Maple Festival this year.
The Lions Club will have their lead-off fundraiser with a golf tournament in June. Cummings announced a couple of scholarships to students. It’s $1,000 a year for these four recipients.
Veronica said the Troy Sale Barn is still hosting it’s weeknight events.
“We seem to be picking up and doing well,” she said.
Gates reported that he will be participating in a call with TASD’s Matthew Schwenk about the grant opportunity the chamber supported that the school district received helping special education students job shadow.
The next Troy Chamber of Commerce meeting will be Wednesday, April 7, at noon. For more information go to www.troychamberofcommerce.com.