Melodymoments

Women in Business Unite

It's Official, the new Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Council is up and running.  The first meeting of the group was a huge success. Over 30 women attended the lunch event and shared information about who they are and what they do.  Each woman grabbed a business card on the way out and was asked to contact that person before the next meeting on April 11.  We are putting together a newsletter about the group and what they hope to accomplish at future meetings.  Since the meeting, two weeks ago, we have added 12 new members to the group.    This is the first time a women's business council has been formed in Betlehem so we are making history.

Over the years I have found that women are often not too helpful to each other but are busy trying to reach over that woman only to be the chosen one.  Why do we compete against each other and not offer a hand to those who need it?  If women spent more time mentoring each other, we would all have a better business atmosphere.  Why can't we celebrate the other women's success, and be happy for what she has achieved instead of finding fault in something. Strange creatures we women are! 

busy week

This week I had the pleasure of sitting in on the Hudson Valley Economic Summitt in Ulster County and listened to plans for Stewart Airport.  There was an all-male panel discussion about the benefits of the changes to the airport. The new NYS Port Authority Director was the keynote speaker and spoke about their plans for the facility.  I was not sure how many of the members of the audience were there for the networking or the econmic impact. It seemed to me, many were there to find out what environmental impact the changes would have. 

As I listented to the discussion, I could not help but wonder what the impact Stewart will have on the Albany airport. If Stewart is to become the 4th jetport in New York State will it not become a large hub for cargo and an ideal location for "cheaper" airlines?  Location seems to be everything and since Stewart is so close to the City and easy to get to from anywhere, what is there to prevent people from the capital region catching their flights out of Stewart if they could save money.  The trip down the Thruway is easy and painless, I can't say the same about the trip up the northway and the congestion at Wolf Road.

The planners on the panel were also singing the "tech company praises", how is that going to affect what is going on here, in Tech Valley? 

give me a break

How could this happen, all of a sudden the conditions at VA hospitals are deplorable. Talk about jump on the bandwagon to get press.  All of these "politicals" now saying how terrible conditions are and they never knew anything about it.  How about the number of reps from both parties who have been to Walter Reed Hospital for photos ops over the last two years, they didn't notice then that the place was in disrepair and falling apart?  Shame on all of them to only speak about an issue when it becomes popular.  The soldiers who have been in the VA hospitals have been complaining for years about the conditions and treatment.  Now that it is a popular topic on the main stream media, do our vets, who by the way protect all of us so we can create blogs and read them, actually get any attention.  Reminds me of a politicians who uses someone's tragedy to increase his or her face value.

Bethlehem Chamber welcomes new business

The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce welcomed Panera Bread as a new business in the community on Thursday, March 1, 2007.  Panera Bread is now open on 9W in Glenmont. Panera Bread donated over $22,000 to the American Cancer Society as part of their opening ceremony on Thursday.   A great place to stop in and have a quick meeting and enjoy a cup of coffee.  I don't know about you but I'm delighted to have Panera in this community.  Not only is their coffee great but they make a good fuji apple salad for lunch.

bethlehem chamber selects firm for food at 50th anniversary

The 50th Anniversary Committee of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce selected Nicole's, Delaware Avenue, Albany, www.nicolescatering.com as the caterer for the hors d'oeuvre and dinner at the June 1 event.  Nicole's proposal included  some great choices for the cocktail hour and dinner.  How's this for hand passed hors d'oeuvres? - baked shrimp wrapped with fontina and prosciutto, mini chicken quesadillas with fresh cilantro chutney, asparagus and asiago phyllo, and a big favorite - bite sized lobster club sandwiches with crispy pancetta and basil cream.  Dinner selections included Jail House Rock Fillet, Sandra Dee Salmon, Thunder-bird Chicken - all in the theme of the event - the 1950's.

The committee will now concentrate on securing sponsorships for the event and honorary committee members.  Committee members include, Liz Bradt, Marty Delaney, Melody Burns, burnsmelody@yahoo.com Cathy Griffin, Rose Golden, JoAnne Vandeloo, Shoham Piorentino, Pam Dutcher, Dawn Russ, Heather Tangora, Bill Alston, and Marie Slaton.

The sockhop and classic car show begins at 4:00 pm and concludes at 9:00 pm.  All the fun is happening at the Elm Avenue Park, Delmar.  Tickets for the event are $50 per person.  The car show is open to the public.  It should be a great evening with community members receiving awards for Bethlehem Business Person of the Year. Citizen of the Year, Community Spirit Award.