As this is my first edition of Chamber Notes since starting my term as president of the Back Mountain Chamber in January 2017, my first order of business is to extend sincere thanks to Jim Reino, who has been president for the past two years. Under Jim’s leadership, the Chamber grew considerably and continued to move forward in a positive direction. On behalf of the executive committee, the board of directors and all of our members, thank you, Jim, for all you have done and all you continue to do.

In December 2016, we had several noteworthy events. Our board of directors had its quarterly meeting on Dec. 15 and the following new officers and directors were elected: Tom Mosca, president; Cindy Post-Mitchell, first vice president; Igor Bodnar, second vice president; Carl Goeringer, treasurer; Jim Reino, ex-officio; Stacia Arnaud, board member; and Molly Lorenzen, board member. Immediately following the board meeting, we had our annual Christmas party at Huntsville Golf Club, which was enjoyed by in attendance.

Welcome to our new members: Ecumenical Enterprises, Matthew Cavanagh and Gardens at Lakeside.

This year, we are excited to offer something new for skiers, the Chamber Ski Club. On four successive Monday nights, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20, we are able to offer our members and their employees reduced prices for ski lift tickets and rentals at Montage Mountain. We encourage our members to take advantage of this great program by going to the Chamber website.

On Feb. 28, we will have our BMC Mardi Gras Awards Dinner at The Appletree Terrace. All are welcome to attend the dinner in honor of this year’s award recipients. Award winners this year are:

Business of the Year — FNCB

Volunteer of the Year — Sandy Race

Pride of Place Building — Blocks Learning Center

New & Emerging Business of the Year — G + ME Children’s Yoga

Hometown Business of the Year — J&J Deli

Above and Beyond Customer Service — Northeast Title and Tag

Young Professional Under 40 — Carla Reino

Commitment to Back Mountain Economic Growth — Yalick Farms

Community Involvement — Hilbert’s Equipment

Non Profit of the Year — Blue Chip Farms Animal Refuge

The annual BMC Expo will be held April 26 at Misericordia University. The 2016 Expo was a big success and the Expo Committee expects this year’s to be even better.

Last, but not least, the Cultural Event Committee has finalized its choice of the Band for the Back to Country event to be held at the Irem Pavilion on Sept. 9. The committee is thrilled to have selected Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band as the musical entertainment for the event. This band has performed in Nashville with Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, and Martina McBride, and was selected as best country band by Gigmasters for 2016, 2015 and 2013. The committee’s choice of honoree for the event will be announced in Chamber Notes next month. All raffle proceeds from the event will be donated to the Women with Children Program at Misericordia University. Save the date, as this is sure to be a great event again this year.

As always, if you wish to have your community event placed on the “BMC Events Calendar” on our website, email details to wleandri@aol.com, and we will include your event.

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Chamber Notes

Tom Mosca

Reach the Dallas Post newsroom at 570-704-3982 or by email at news@s24527.p831.sites.pressdns.com.