Greater Warsaw Chamber of Commerce

Annual Meeting  -  March 13, 2008

The annual meeting and dinner was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Jack Marsh.  The meeting was held at the Legion Hall in the Warsaw Village Park. 

Jack March, MC, invited everyone to attend the upcoming play “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” to be performed at the Warsaw High School.  Tickets remain available.

The meeting was preceded by a social hour from 5:00-6:00 p.m.  A buffet dinner catered by Laurie’s Restaurant followed.  Invocation was given by Kevin Carlson.  Approximately 46 attended.

Assemblyman Dan Burling.  He discussed the current crisis in Albany concerning Governor’s Spitzer’s resignation and the probability of working well with the new Governor Paterson.  He also felt the present budget would be passed before the deadline.

Business of the Year.  Secretary Rebecca Ryan presented the Business of the Year Award to Valerie Hoffman, owner of Yummies.  Ms. Hoffman was recognized for developing her ice cream store on West Buffalo Street and her steadfast training through the Micro Enterprise Business Ownership 12-week training program.  She developed her business plan and received financing before opening her store in record time.  During the training course, she brought the class samples from different suppliers to secure her classmates’ opinions.  She hired one of the classmates to do decorative wall painting.  Her endeavors are the definition of networking.

Alan Goodenow Award for Outstanding Service to the Community.  Treasurer Jack Marsh presented the award to Christie and Steve Gerasimchik for their many years of dedication to promote the Chamber and for development of such community events as the Octoberfest and assistance with Christmas in the Park. Christie graciously accepted on behalf of Steve and herself.  She spoke of her fondness for the Warsaw community, saying that she would miss everyone.  Christie and Steve’s move to New Hampshire is unavoidable due to the present business climate in New York State. She expressed confidence in and her best wishes for the Chamber.

Outgoing President.   Treasurer Jack Marsh presented Dolly Pierson a bouquet of flowers recognizing her three years of service as President of the Chamber

March 22, 2007, Annual Meeting Minutes.  Charlene Strain motioned to accept the minutes; Jonah Broughton seconded; the motion passed.

Financial Report.  The attached report showing a balance forward of $7,305.64 was reviewed.   Amy Clark’s motion to accept the report was seconded by Rebecca Ryan; the motion passed.

Scholarship Award.  Nicholas Murtha received the Chamber’s $500 award.

Historic Warsaw Alive.  The Chamber contributed $300 to first annual Historic Warsaw Alive. 

NOMINATION and ELECTION of 2008 OFFICERS and DIRECTORS.

President:  Rebecca Ryan, Pat Ryan Associates

Vice President: Charlene Strain, Bank of Castile

Secretary/Treasurer: Jack Marsh, W. S. Davis, Inc.

Incumbent Directors: 

Jonah Broughton, Bank of Castile

Susie Boyce, Five Star Bank

George Almeter, Warsaw Historical Society

Amy Clark, Health Insurance Administrator

Candace Hale, Candace R. Hale, EA

Kevin Zeches, Zeches Appliance & Furniture

Nominee Directors:  Valerie Duell

Susie Boyce motioned to accept the 2008 slate of officers and directors.  Charlene Strain seconded; the motion carried.

NY Main Street Awards.  Several downtown building owners who were awarded grant funds under the New York Main Street program attended.    The following received symbolic checks representing each award.  Each awardee discussed his/her plans for building improvements.

Laurie’s Restaurant., Laurie Casseri, $20,394 for interior improvements.

Ed Hulme, Inc;  Jen Clark, accepted in behalf of Hulme, $8,852 for façade improvements.

Healing Hands Massage and Spa, LLC.; Bridget Barnes, $8,086.5 for façade improvements; $5,858 for interior improvements

Warsaw Masonic Temple Association, Inc; Ted LaWall, representative, $1,900 for interior improvements

Two awardees unable to attend were:

Sands Inc., DBA Silver Lake Family Restaurant, $4,948 for interior improvements

David DiMatteo Law Offices, $10,000 for façade and $15,000 for interior improvements

Review Panel members; Amy Clark, Jack Marsh, Val Hoffman and Hugh TenHagen were recognized and thanked for their dedication and time put forth reviewing applications.

Entertainment.  About eight members of the cast of “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown” performed a song and sketch.  Warsaw School Music Director Suriani and piano player, Carol Smith assisted the students’ performance.   Everyone was invited to take posters, distribute and attend their upcoming performance at the Warsaw High School. The performance was very much enjoyed by all.

Speaker.  Paul Penner, owner of the WNY Performance Center (former Warsaw Cinema), discussed his plans to renovate the movie theatre into a live performance center.   He explained the concept of the Center becoming an anchor to draw visitors to the downtown through collaboration and cooperation.

Door prizes and gifts were donated by Ash Lin Florists, Zeches Furniture and Appliance and Pat Ryan Associates and handed out to winning ticket holders.

Jack Marsh motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Charlene Strain seconded the motion.  The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:30.

Respectfully submitted by,

Rebecca Ryan, Secretary