Moriah Chamber welcomes new executive director

MORIAH | The Moriah Chamber of Commerce (MCC) has had a breath of fresh air blow through its office doors at 4317 Main Street in Port Henry. With a new executive director, as well as an office coordinator welcomed aboard within the last two weeks, the next chapter for MCC is about to be written. "We are here to support and help local businesses grow and support the community," said Ellen Cole, the new lady at MCC's helm. "We want to make sure the chamber is accessible and that we are in tune with what the community's needs are and help meet those goals." Cole stepped into the role of Executive Director this past September. After working in the accounting and management field for over 35 years, she semi-retired five years ago, but always sought out ways in which to give back to her community. When MCC was in need of leadership this past fall, Cole felt a calling to fill that vacancy. "We are very lucky to have such an organized and capable person," said former MCC President and current volunteer Cathy Sprague. "Ellen works well with members. She is the best thing to happen to the chamber in a long time." With the news that the Town of Moriah received $4.5 in State funding thanks to the NY Forward grant that was awarded, there seems to be a true sense of optimism that better days for the area are coming to the area. After years of being a sleeping Rip Van Winkle, Moriah is trying to wake up and wipe the malevolent spell from its eyes. And MCC intends to play a large role in supporting the business community as the town rouses from its economic slumber. Visible change within the office itself was almost immediate once Cole took over. In November, MCC opened a store with the specific intention of providing its creative members an outlet to sell their products, offering visibility and engaging foot traffic. "We started the storefront last fall because there are a lot of crafters who don't have a storefront of their own and they have no place to sell their wares except at a farmers market or local craft fair," Cole explained. Sargent, a small business owner herself, having founded ADK Impressions in 1998, has her products within the store for sale. Sargent, who brings expertise as a business owner herself, having founded ADK Impressions in 1998, has an understanding of what members need and are looking for in a chamber. Her products are also for sale within the store, and she is appreciative that the items she so lovingly crafts are now more readily available to the public. "People who don't have transportation appreciate being able to shop locally," she said. Creatives who belong to MCC are invited to display their products (for a small commission). "We started the store right before the holidays and got quite a few Christmas sales," Cole revealed. "We are up to seven local vendors now and seeing anything from honey to shirts to artwork to woodworking and local authors' books being sold." MCC has a variety of services that Cole and Sargent will be offering. For example, if a business owner is on the older side of the spectrum and doesn't have the necessary expertise or social media prowess for valuable self-promotion, the ladies at the chamber will gladly offer their assistance with your marketing. "We are happy to create content for our business' Facebook posts to engage their audience," Cole said. MCC can also help design advertisements for those in need of an artist's eye. "We will help promote your business in any way we can," Sargent promised. In her first six months on the job, Cole has made modifications to the chamber's website, introducing a comprehensive member directory with every manner in which to virtually and personally visit or connect with member businesses- web addresses, Facebook URLs, phone numbers, and emails. There is also a new member directory based on business category to make finding potential customers locating what they need much easier and more efficient. And it would appear that word is getting out that MCC is really extending its community outreach and revamping its business model. Prior to Cole taking the wheel, membership had fallen to a little over 30 members within the chamber. In six months, that number has doubled to 64."We are growing," Cole said. "We are also gaining members from our surrounding areas, even as far as Vermont. Any businesses in the area are welcome." And for the ladies, more members means more opportunity for member feedback, which is what they are so passionately seeking. So much so, they are asking members to attend the chamber's board meetings. "We are here for them, if they don't tell us what they want and need, we have a hard time coming up with ideas," Cole expressed. "The more members we can get to come help us, the better we can serve them. We want and need to know what it is they want and need from us." Events- new and old favorites- will continue to be a huge chunk of the MCC puzzle. "We are coming off of a very successful initiative for St. Patty's Day held at the Old Miner's Tavern, a karaoke night," Cole shared. "We sold raffle tickets for four different raffles, and proceeds went to Champ Day, the biggest event in August." In addition to traditional seasonal events that are the tapestry of the town, Cole said the hope is to throw in some new things, perhaps even some chamber mixers. "Some events have petered out over the last few years because of staffing issues," Cole acknowledged. "As we grow more businesses, we are hoping to do more events that bring those businesses together." A project that has caught Cole's eye and one she will be making a priority is the continued development of the Community Garden. Started last summer as a pilot project, the garden (located in front of the Moriah Town Hall behind the Amtrak Train Station) was planted and cultivated by dedicated volunteers to supplement mealtimes for residents, especially those in need. Cole, who has completed the Master Gardener Program through Cornell Cooperative Extension, would love to nurture the Community Garden to a bountiful harvest for all. "It's important for me near and dear to me to make produce accessible to those who want to have it," she noted. Volunteers for the garden are always welcome and wanted. Those who would like to lend a helping hand in the garden, who would like to become a chamber member, are encouraged to call the Moriah Chamber of Commerce at 518-250-1050. Individuals and crafters are $25 a year, small businesses (less than 10 employees) are $50, and large businesses are $100 annually. "We encourage anyone with questions to drop in and see us," Sargent said. "We would love to meet you." MCC is open Mondays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Visit MCC at https://www.moriahchamber.org/, and be sure to follow their Facebook page for upcoming events, updates, fundraisers, and more.

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Moriah Chamber welcomes new executive director

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