The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (March 4, 2013) – The Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce held their Winter Mixer recently at Cracolici’s on the Green.The mixer began with an hour long meet and greet and continued with a brief welcome from Russell Reeves, Vice-President of the Liberty Chamber (photo left).

Reeves followed with a recap of Liberty Chamber accomplishments over the past year, which included helping to bring the Soap Box Derby to Sullivan County in 2012. He also spoke of the 53^rdAnnual Antiques in August, which the Liberty Chamber of Commerce took over from the Hospital’s Ladies Auxiliary in 2012. During this two-day long show, vendors sleep in local accommodations, eat in local eateries and shop local, which is the Liberty Chamber’s number one mission.

Allan Scott (at center in photo right with Dan Ratner Jr. – left and Charlie Barbuti – right), CEO of the IDA (Sullivan Industrial Development Agency) took the mike and discussed how IDA projects are funded, future projects such as a water park in the Town of Thompson that will bring tourism dollars into Sullivan County. He also discussed how the IDA helps businesses acquire, construct and equip their facilities and thus create and retain jobs, and provide for economic development, growth, and stability in the community. He also cleared up some of the crowds concerns and misconceptions of how the IDA Tax Abatement Programs work.

Many Liberty businesses were represented at the Mixer. County Legislators Cora Edwards and Kitty Vetter were in attendance, as well as many Liberty Town and Village officials including Town Supervisor Charlie Barbuti, Town Councilman Maurice Gerry and Village Trustee Joan Stoddard.

For more information on upcoming mixers and events, to join, or to volunteer, contact the Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce by phone at 845-292-9797 or e-mail at GreaterLibertyChamber@yahoo.com, or find them online at www.LibertyChamber.org and Facebook at Greater Liberty Chamber of Commerce.