December 11, 2006

Pike County Today becomes a member of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce

Pike County Chamber of Commerce recently helped celebrate the Grand Opening of their latest new member; pikecountytoday.com.  Owner Jude Wilkens stated, “last year we were only an idea and finally here we are, providing Pike County Residents and Visitors with important local information, we are pikecountytoday.com. Since our recent release this past November, Pike County Residents and Visitors log on to www.PikeCountyToday.com for their community updates. Developed and operated by a new publishing company and a member of Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Wilkens Publishing Company, is a family owned business, run by David and Judith Wilkens who recently moved in their newly built home (along with their two children and a puppy named Megan) in Conashaugh Lakes Community of Milford area.

On the website, residents can find just about anything that they are looking for in one easy to access location.  Visitors have 24 hour access to hundreds of products and services from local area businesses, upcoming local events, schools, churches, non-profit organizations, mom clubs & meet-up groups, shopping, money saving coupons, classifieds, real estate listings, and much more.

Our goal is to provide a quick reference guide to Pike County residents about our local community. We want to be the primary resource for Pike County, PA. Here you can find local Businesses, Services, Restaurants, Real Estate and so much more. We also offer residents FREE classified ads with photos such as personal real estate, cars, furniture or any personal household items that they’d like to sell. Employers can post job openings for FREE in our Local Jobs section. You can find events and things to do, or even share your stories with us.  PLUS, anyone can join our photo contest and win a PRIZE!

To post residents’ free ads or to list your business or real estate for an affordable yearly fee in our Business Listing, you will have to first register as a user. Registration is free and easy (This is a very family oriented website and strictly monitored, your privacy is important to us, we do not share your information with anyone or any third party vendor).

It’s time to join the online Pike County community.  Are you in? Visit us now at:  www.pikecountytoday.com or for more info or interested on business listing, call us at 570-686-1280 or email: info@pikecountytoday.com.

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December 4, 2006

A Milford Festival of Lights thank you 

Milford, Pennsylvania – The 9th Annual “Milford Festival of Lights” tree lighting ceremony was once again a great success!

The celebration was held on the lawn of the Pike County Community House on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:30pm. More than 300 visitors braved the chilly weather and watched the magical tree lighting. 

The crowd joined together to carol with the Dingman-Delaware Children’s Choir lead by Brian Krauss, music teacher at Dingman-Delaware Elementary School.

I would like to personally thank everyone who helped out: Gerry Hansen who emceed the event and provided some of the entertainment, Diane Vitiello, Milford Business Council President, and of Professional Financial Lending who provided refreshments; Mary Alice Petzinger of Wayne Bank and Rite Aid who provided candy canes for everyone’s enjoyment.  Special thanks also to Peter Larkin who provided all the electrical know-how to make the lights work; Ellen Schaffner who opened the Library for us; Bill Smith of Smith Party Tent’s and Special Events; Leanne Camarero who helps everyone at the chamber office; Dave Ruby and the Milford Fire Department for Santa’s arrival; Jim Quinn, Jeff Phillips and Bill Harkness of the Lions Club who string the lights and Mayor Merritt Quinn who lights the tree and star on the top of the knob.

Two thousand and six marks the Lions Club twentieth year lighting Milford. The Milford Business Council and the Lions Club formed a partnership in 1986 to create the “Festival of Lights”.

The Milford Business Council is part of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.  For more information about the Milford Business Council or the Pike County Chamber of Commerce please call 570-296-8700 or visit us online at www.pikechamber.com.

Sincerely,

Niki J. Jones, Chairperson
Milford Festival of Lights

December 1, 2006

Pike County Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Awards Banquet Huge Success!

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce recently held its 12th Annual Community Awards Banquet on Friday, November 10th, at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing in Matamoras, PA.  With over 250 people in attendance and 15 participating organizations, it was a great success.

The following volunteers were recognized:  Rob Kelley by A.D.A.P.T.; Bill, June & Sue Briggs by Bon Secours Community Hospital; Wayne D. Lunger by Carbon/Monroe/Pike Mental Health Mental Retardation; Ed Nikles, Sr. by Center for Developmental Disabilities; Brenda Snyder by Delaware Township/Dingmans Ferry Historical Society; Carole Linkiewicz by The Milford Garden Club;  Aileen Earl and Joe Fortin by Pike County Area Agency on Aging; Tauni Ruvolis by The Pike County Arts & Crafts Council; Mike & Rita Donlon by The Pike County Developmental Center; Daniel Davis by The Pike County Humane Society; Marianne & Ken Yeaw by the Shohola Railroad Society; Jim Stine by Survivors’ Resources; Barbara Anderson by Twin Cedars Assisted Living Center; Bob Veneziale by United Way of Pike County; and Eveline Temken by Wayne/Pike Adult Literacy Program.

The Chamber also made three presentations: Business of the Year to Ed Nikles Custom Builder, Inc., Director of the Year to Ken Winters and Volunteer of the Year to Cindy Wildermuth. 

Chamber President Ed Nikles, Sr. described this event as “a wonderful annual forum in which to celebrate individual volunteers as well as the spirit of volunteerism in Pike County”.    

For more information on the Pike County Chamber of Commerce please visit www.PikeChamber.com or call 570-296-8700.

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Photo Caption from Left to Right: Director of the Year Ken Winters, Cindy Wildermuth, Volunteer of the Year, Ed and Beth Nikles, Business of the Year to Ed Nikles Custom Builder, Inc.

October 24, 2006

Come Join the Annual Festival of Lights 2006 Celebration!

(Milford, Pennsylvania)  Catch the holiday spirit at the Annual Festival of Lights celebration presented by the Milford Business Council in co-operation with the Lions Club.  We will be striking up the holiday magic on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:30pm on the lawn of the Pike County Public Library in Milford, Pennsylvania.

Bring the whole family for great holiday fun when we light the tree on the lawn of the Pike County Public Library.  Children can meet Santa and the whole gang can enjoy the holiday-inspired music from the Dingman-Delaware Children’s Choir.  Refreshments and candy canes will be provided for all to enjoy!

You can find this great holiday event in Milford, Pennsylvania on the corner of Broad and Harford Streets.  For more information on this year’s Festival of Lights, please visit the Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.pikechamber.com or call the Pike Chamber at 570-296-8700.

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October 17, 2006

John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing – A Great Event!

Milford, Pennsylvania – This year’s John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing at the beautiful Woodloch Springs Golf Resort, presented by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Pike County Builders Association, was a great day for the 115 golfers who participated in the event.

This annual golf tournament raises money for the Pike County Chamber’s John Gouse Scholarship fund, created in memory of Gouse, a former chair of the event and a past president of the chamber, and the Pike County Builders Association’s scholarship programs for local students continuing their education in the building trades.

Congratulations to Mark Clapps, Don Loring, Joe Granville, Mick Mistysyn who were Men's First Flight Winners. Ken Winters, Sandy Winters, Mike McCarthy and Dave Isreal were our Mixed First Flight Winners. The winners got great prizes during the tournament including Woodloch Springs Gift Certificates!  The gift certificates were donated by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pike County Builders Association.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pike County Builders Association would like to express a special thanks to the following sponsors:

CORPORATE SPONSORS

84 Lumber                        
Pennstar Bank
BSI Builder Services Insurance       
Progressive Health of PA
Bon Secours Community Hospital    
Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald 
Eastern Propane              
The Cabinet Shop
Ed Nikles Custom Builder, Inc.        
Wayne Bank
The Lumber Yard                         
Newton Memorial Hospital    
Westminster Communities

TEE SIGN SPONSORS

84 Lumber
Aquarius Plumbing & Electric, LLC
BSI Builder Services Insurance
B & G Electric
Beecher & Chelak              
Beecher, Rose & Klemeyer
Bon Secours Community Hospital    
Dimmick Inn & Steakhouse
Eastern Propane
Fritz Brothers
GMAC Mortgage/Susan Hines
Geba Realty Associates Inc.
Gumble Brothers
Kathleen Hummel
LTS Builders
Lords Valley Towing & Salvage
The Cabinet Shop
Mesko Glass      
Mihail Renovations
Niki Jones Agency
Milford Urgent Care
Paul M. Brislin, E.A.
Pella Products, Inc.
Pennstar Bank
Roche Supply Inc.
State Farm Insurance – Doug Dillmuth
Sussex bank
Target Select Cable Advertising
The Lumber Yard
The Print Shop
Tom Scheuermann Garage Doors
USI Affinity Insurance Services
Wayne Bank
Westfall Car Wash            

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR
Milford Chrysler Sales

Towels were donated by Doug Dillmuth, Agent - State Farm Insurance.  Also, thanks to The Print Shop of Milford, Sign Here Sign Company, K-Mart and Wal-Mart.         

A special thanks goes out to the John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing Committee: Ken Winters – Chairperson, Lee Ann Camarero, Bette Eagen, Amy Gruzesky, Bill Kerstetter, Mike McCarthy, Billie Quadlin, John Shewchuk.

For more information on the John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing or how you can join in for next year’s event please call the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at 570-296-8700 or the Pike County Builders Association at 570-296-5589.

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October 12, 2006

October is Chamber of Commerce Month! 

Milford, Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Governor, Ed Rendell, has named October Chamber of Commerce Month!  Chambers of Commerce throughout the state are celebrating their ability to help build strong and prosperous businesses for our communities.  That’s why now is the perfect time to join the Pike County Chamber of Commerce or even take advantage of your membership benefits with the chamber!

This month’s edition of Smart Business Pittsburgh says joining a chamber of commerce is a great choice for businesses because of the educational seminars, networking opportunities, sales, lobbying efforts, advertising advantages and group heath benefits.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce has taken an extra step to make the advantages of joining the chamber even sweeter!  Joining the Pike County Chamber of Commerce gives you exclusive opportunities to save money through programs like member to member discounts and discounted long distance service.  In addition to the name recognition of being a part of the chamber you can network through Business Card Exchanges, boost your brand awareness through website advertising to thousands of visitors a month, and take advantage of sponsorship opportunities to the county’s best festivals and events and more!

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce exists to unite, guide, support and speak for those engaged in commerce, the professions, and economic and civic endeavors in Pike County and through private sector enterprise, seek to enhance the quality of life in the Pike County area.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization consisting of over 450 area businesses, professionals and civic organizations. Incorporated in 1962 the membership continues to grow and diversify, all with one common goal - to strengthen the business environment and enhance the quality of life in Pike County.

To learn more about the Pike County Chamber of Commerce or to join please visit www.PikeChamber.com or call 570-296-8700.

September 22, 2006

List Your Job Openings Online at PikeChamber.com! 

MILFORD, PENNSYLVANIA – In Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing efforts to make PikeChamber.com more useful to Pike County residents, visitors and businesses, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce has now added Job Postings to PikeChamber.com. 

Members may now list their job openings for a small fee that is less than using the newspaper and other job websites.  You can get candidates searching for jobs right here in Pike County!

To submit a job listing, please visit www.pikechamber.com/businesservices.html and click on the link for “submit a job listing.”  The cost for submitting a job is $25 and is due prior to posting.  You may mail a check to the chamber office or for immediate processing, pay by credit card over the phone by calling 570-296-8700.  All Job listings are subject to review by chamber staff, but information will be kept confidential.

For more information please call the chamber office at 570-296-8700.

September 12, 2006

PCCC Fall Business Card Exchange October 12

MILFORD, PENNSYLVANIA – Thinking of joining the Pike County Chamber of Commerce or need a great opportunity to network with other businesses in the area?  If so, join us at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Business Card Exchange on October 12 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Mount Haven in Milford, Pennsylvania.

Meet the business owners that do business in and around Pike County while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and music.  Be sure to bring your business cards to exchange and to submit for door prizes!  If you are interested in submitting a door prize, please call Lee Ann at 570-296-8700.

For more information about the Pike County Chamber of Commerce please visit www.PikeChamber.com or call 570-296-8700.

August 25, 2006

Reserve Your Spots Now for the John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing 

MILFORD, PENNSYLVANIA—Come out and support your local businesses while having a great time at the annual John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing on Wednesday, October 4^th at the beautiful Woodloch Springs Golf Course in Hawley, Pennsylvania.  This year’s format is Captain and Crew scramble. Reserve now, spots are limited! 

Registration starts at 11 am and the tournament will begin with a shotgun start at noon.  All players are invited to join us at 6 pm when we will hand out the day’s awards and have a complimentary buffet dinner.  Proper attire is required for the course and soft spikes only. 

The fee is $100.00 per person before September 20 and $110.00 thereafter; please reserve your spot by September 27. 

For more information or reservations please call the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at 570-296-8700 or visit the website at www.pikechamber.com or the Pike County Builders Association at 570-296-5589 or visit the website at www.pikecountybuilders.com.  

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July 10, 2006 

PIKE COUNTY - The Pike County Industrial and Commercial Development Authority and Pike County Chamber of Commerce are working with the University of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to assist local businesses affected by recent flooding.   

The University’s SBDC has a team ready to meet with impacted business owners about the resources that are available to them and can help them with loss documentation and applying for available financial assistance through the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Program.  

All local business owners need to do is ask.  All consultations are free of charge and confidential.  The SBDC will provide all necessary forms. 

Anyone interested in meeting with the SBDC team to find out how to apply for a Disaster Loan, should contact the Pike County Industrial and Commercial Development Authority at 570-296-7332 to register for assistance. 

An SBDC consultant will contact all applicants to schedule an appointment at the Pike County IDA/Chamber office at 209 E. Harford Street, Milford, at a mutually convenient date. 

Applicants will be asked to provide a brief statement on the extent of the damage and also be able to provide pictures of the damage incurred. 

For more information, call the Pike County IDA at 570-296-7332. 

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June 28, 2006 

Attract More People to Your Business -- Put Web Coupons on PikeChamber.com 

(Milford, Pennsylvania)   Offering a web coupon is great way to get visitors to stop into your business and even influence Pike County residents to buy locally! 

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s new Coupon Program will allow members to draw more business by submitting a web-based coupon that will be printable from PikeChamber.com. 

Once the program starts, the Chamber will feature its coupon-offering businesses in newsletters and even in e-mail campaigns.  

If you are interested in offering a discount, please print the web coupon application found at www.pikechamber.com/advertising/webcouponapp.pdf or call 570-296-8700 and we’ll fax it to you.  Please note, there is a $25 fee for participating in the program in order to cover maintenance costs. 

Once you have decided on your discount and agree to the terms of the application, please mail back the form and payment to the chamber office at 209 E. Harford Street, Milford, PA 18337.  Once payment is received, your application will be processed and your coupon(s) will be added to the website. Visitors to pikechamber.com can access the web coupons at www.pikechamber.com/discounts.html and will be available in a printable format.  We will create your coupon for you based on your application, however if you choose, we invite you to use your creativity to submit your own coupons in the style of your business.  Specific details regarding submitting your own coupons can be found at www.pikechamber.com/advertising/couponscreative.pdf.   

The web coupons will be updated at the beginning of each quarter and cannot be updated in between quarters.  Please see the application for other discount terms.   

If you are interested in advertising your business via a web coupon, print the application on www.pikechamber.com/advertising/webcouponapp.pdf or call 570-296-8700.

June 27, 2006 

Pike Chamber Offers New Member to Member Discounts Program 

(Milford, Pennsylvania)  The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is inviting all members to participate in its newest member benefits program, “Member to Member (M2M) Discounts.” 

As an M2M program participant, you can increase your sales and customer base by taking part in this new program being offered exclusively through your chamber. 

As a member business, you and your employees can save money just by being a chamber member! 

How does it work? 

The program is simple:  participating chamber members determine what type of discount they would like to offer and fill out the participant agreement form available online on the chamber’s new website, or call the chamber office for a hard copy. 

Participating members offer a minimum discount of 10% off a product or services; a free product or service with a minimum value of $25; or a waiver of cost with a minimum purchase of $25.  They will receive a sign to display in their place of business identifying them as an M2M outlet. 

Once the chamber has enlisted at least ten M2M participants, Chamber members and their employees will receive special discount cards that are shown at the point of purchase to receive the discount.   

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce strongly believes in promoting business between members and keeping our retail dollars in county. 

“This program will benefit everyone – participating members will experience increased foot traffic and customers, and member businesses and their employees will save some money simply by being a member and shopping regional member businesses,” said Amy Gruzesky, Executive Director of the Pike County Chamber.  

How we will market M2M Discounts. Participating members will be showcased throughout the year in our newsletters, emails and in our online discount database.  Discounts are for members only, so the information on the discounts will be held in the chamber’s password protected Business Services area on the website.  

How do I start?  To begin generating new business through the Member to Member discount program, please fill out the participant agreement form which can be accessed online at www.pikechamber.com/mtomdiscounts.html or call Lee Ann at 570-296-8700.  Please fax back the form to Lee Ann at 570-296-3921.  

How do I get a card? To start saving, simply fill out the card application that can be accessed online at www.pikechamber.com/mtomdiscountsapp.html or call Lee Ann at 570-296-8700.  Please note if you lose your card, there is a $5 replacement fee.  

For more information on the Member to Member Discount Program, please visit www.pikechamber.com/memberdiscounts.html or call Lee Ann at 570-296-8700.  

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June 20 , 2006 

Rate Hike…Who Cares?! 

MILFORD, PENNSYLVANIA- Do you feel powerless against the recent electric company increases that have been enacted in parts of Pike County?  Feel powerless no longer.  Join the Pike County Chamber of Commerce in its fight against the extreme energy rate increases.  The chamber is asking all residents of Pike County to fill out the Public Utility Commission’s complaint form regarding January’s 129% energy rate hike. 

At the present time, only 62 out of the 4,200 affected customers of Pike County Power and Light’s rate surge have filled out the complaint form.  To join in on the fight visit www.PikeChamber.com and click on the “Fight the Rate Hike” link or you can pick up a form at the Commissioner’s office located in the County Administration building in Milford.  

January’s astronomical energy rate hike is already starting to cause our county, particularly its residents and small businesses, to suffer economically.  “We want to see the stabilization of rates at fair, affordable amounts.  Energy companies cannot be allowed to simply raise rates to this degree and cause individuals and the business community this type of economic hardship,” said Amy Gruzesky, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “By filling out the complaint forms, we are showing that we are united as a county and we will not tolerate these increases.”  

Orange and Rockland owned Pike County Power and Light announced in December 2005 a 129% energy rate increase that would take effect in the next month.  Met-Ed has asked to raise rates 19% at the end of their regulation period.  These energy rate increases have had and will have far reaching effects across Pike County, a previously energy-regulated area.  We may also see school taxes increasing a proposed 6.3% as Delaware Valley School District’s energy and utility budget will increase by more than $600,000. 

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Pike County Commissioners are holding a public meeting to discuss what they are doing to lobby against the energy increases and there will be complaint forms on site that you can fill out and submit.  The meeting will be held at the Delaware Valley High School on June 28 at 7:00pm. Please bring copies of your energy bills, before and after the rate increase. 

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fighting for the benefit of Pike County.  In addition to the above locations, and the chamber website, forms can also be picked up at the newly relocated Chamber office, 209 E Harford Street in Milford.  For more information on the Pike County Chamber of Commerce please visit www.PikeChamber.com or call 570-296-8700.

June 14, 2006 

Spring Business Card Exchange Huge Success! 

(Milford, Pennsylvania)  Proving that business networking can be fun as well as valuable, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s recent business card exchange attracted more than 90 people to the newly renovated, beautiful Cliff Park Inn in Milford. 

Attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while enjoying the musical stylings of local musician Scott Weis. They also had the opportunity to submit their business cards for their chance to win one of 18 spectacular door prizes. 

The event, sponsored by Dime Bank, a premier sponsor of the event, and Milford Urgent Care, a co-sponsor of the event, was open to both chamber members and non-members.  Many non-members in attendance expressed interest in joining the chamber after attending. 

“Our goal is to continue to offer these types of social and fun networking opportunities for our members and their employees,” said Amy Gruzesky, Executive Director. “And gauging by the number of people that attended this event, these types of events are truly desired and enjoyed by the business community.”  

The Pike County Chamber would like to thank the generous sponsors of the business card exchange for their contributions, all of our members who submitted door prizes, and Angel Barnard and the Milford Music Festival for arranging the musical entertainment.  Special thanks also go to board members Sue Hines, Niki Jones and Lee Oakes for their help in organizing the event.   

The next Chamber Business Card Exchange will take place in the Fall.  Anyone interested in being a sponsor, donating door prizes or volunteering to help with the event should contact Lee Ann Camarero at 570-296-8700.

May 30, 2006 

John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing - Click Here for the Sponsor's Application

(MILFORD, PENNSYLVANIA)  The Pike County Builders Association and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce have announced their annual John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing date.  The outing will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at the Woodloch Springs Golf Resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania.  This year’s format will be “Captain and Crew Scramble.”  The event is limited to only 128 golfers- so hurry and register! 

Registration will begin at 11am and the shotgun start will be at noon.  There will be a complimentary buffet dinner at 6:00pm after the golfers have finished.  Early registration fees are only $100 per person and after September 20 the registration fee will be $110 per person.  Please register before September 27. 

For more information on the John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing please call the Pike County Builders Association at (570) 296-5589 or the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at (570) 296-8700. 

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May 16, 2006

Pike County Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange 

Join your colleagues at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange at beautiful Cliff Park Inn on June 8.    Whether you are an established business or just starting out, the business card exchange is a great way to meet new people and contacts in the area.  All members are welcome to attend and are invited to bring a fellow colleague or friend. 

This event is also a great opportunity for newly hired or promoted employees, as it provides opportunities to meet and network with others in similar or related fields, and will help executives as well as employees expand their professional circles. 

The exchange will begin at 5pm with music, hors d’ oeuvres and cash bar and will continue until 7pm.  Bring business cards or brochures to exchange and submit for prizes.   

For more information about the event call the chamber’s office at 570-296-8700.

May 8, 2006

Pike County Chamber of Commerce opposes construction of power lines

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce opposes the construction of the New York Regional Interconnect Project (NYRI) proposal based on the fact that the project provides no benefits to Pike County, or to Pennsylvania residents or businesses, and would have very negative impacts on our region, its economy and its residents.

Installing high-voltage power lines along the river through one of the most pristine areas in our region would not only detract from the area’s scenic value, but would adversely impact local and regional economies in Pike County, because of the potential decrease in visitation to tourism and outdoor recreation-related businesses. 

The Delaware River is a major tourist draw for Pike County, attracting thousands of tourists each year who come here for the pristine beauty, unique natural areas, small town charms and outdoor recreational activities.  These tourists also pump thousands of dollars into local economies.

Once installed, this project would forever change our region, and those changes would have a very negative ripple effect on our towns, businesses, historic and cultural attractions.

The PCCC is also concerned about the potential harm this project could have environmentally – to the rebounding population of American bald eagles, other wildlife, fish and fowl and their ecosystems, as well as to people residing in areas where these lines would be erected.

The PCCC is against this project and encourages our member businesses, most especially tourism-related businesses, to voice their opposition to this project as well.

April 19, 2006

Please Update Your Business Type  

(Milford, Pennsylvania) In the process of cleaning up our database for a more functional website, we invite our members to do some spring cleaning as well! Please take a moment to update your business type. These descriptions help website visitors find your business easily and quickly.

The PCCC has compiled a list of business type that our members will fall into. Please choose one business description. For additional types to be added to your membership listing, we ask for a fee of $10 per descriptor.

The descriptors can be found online at www.PikeChamber.com/descriptors.html or Lee Ann can fax you a descriptor listing if you do not have internet capabilities. If you wish to change your descriptors please email your choices to Info@PikeChamber.com. You will be mailed a bill for additional descriptors from the chamber.

In addition, please take a moment to update your business descriptions, which describe what your business does in more detail. Please be as specific as you possibly can to help visitors find your business. Great examples of descriptions include:

Marketing Organization Descriptor Sentence:
“A full-services Marketing organization specializing in advertising, marketing research, public relations, and website design”

Home Builder Keywords Descriptor:
“Home Builders, Full-Service Construction, Home Planning and Design, Remodeling”

If you have any questions on the change in business types and descriptions for members, please call 570-296-8700 or email Info@PikeChamber.com.

April 10, 2006

Walmart Donates to Pike Chamber

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce was one of the several recipients of a grant check from the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Routes 6 & 209 in Milford recently. The monies are from the Wal-Mart Foundation to help support the local Pike County Chamber efforts to support local community businesses. Pictured is Co-Manager, Kellilyn Auryansen presenting the $1,000 donation to the out-going Chamber Executive Director Dave Wilson. Mr. Wilson expressed his sincere gratitude to the Wal-Mart Foundation and said, “it always helps in small business communities when we are able to get extra support from our larger corporate members.”

(Photo Caption) Co-Manager, Kellilyn Auryansen hands check to Chamber Executive Director, Dave Wilson.

January 20, 2006

Pike Chamber Spring Workshop: Build your Business with E-bay

(Milford, Pennsylvania)  Book early for this years Spring Business Workshop, The Basics of Doing Business on E-Bay.  This program will show you how to effectively use the world’s marketplace to build your business.  You will learn buying research, selling strategies, photography strategies for maximum exposure, pricing strategies and more.

This program is designed for anyone interested in selling on E-Bay to “Build a Business”, anyone already selling on E-Bay but needs assistance with certain features of E-Bay or just an E-Bay hobbyist.  The program costs $25 for Pike County Chamber members and $30 for non-members, pre-registration for the 3-hour session is required.  Students will receive a course E-bay book.

Marketing via the internet has brought small businesses to the national level.  In an article “Small-Town Shops Bulk Up on the Web” written by Keith Schneider for the New York Times, some small-town businesses are getting a third or more of their revenue from doing business digitally.  Merchants in the article mention that preparing for the transition is not easy, but it can make or break your business.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce, also making strides to bring itself to the web, brings its members business services such as this E-Bay workshop many times a year. This workshop is co-sponsored by Delaware Valley School District and the Small Business Development Center.

The Workshop is offered on Wednesday March 29^th at 7:30am to 10:30am or 6:00pm to 9pm with a snow date of April 4^th mornings only.  Book early as seats fill up quickly. Pre-registration required. Limited seating available. Classes will be held at the Delaware Valley Administration Offices. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information on this workshop, please call 570-296-8700. 

For more information on how you can join the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, please call 570-296-8700 or visit www.pikechamber.com.

January 20, 2006

Don’t like the Energy Rate Hike, File a Complaint with the State

(Milford, Pennsylvania)  Pike County Chamber of Commerce wants all county residents to file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission.  After a month, the surging energy rates are already having a devastating effect on businesses and residents in the county.  Delaware Valley School District’s utility bills will increase by more than $207,000.  The school district’s increase in energy costs is expected to be reflected countywide through higher school taxes in 2007.

To fill out the complaint form you can visit the Public Utility Commissions website at http://www.puc.state.pa.us/general/informal_complaint.aspx.  The form can be filled out online or you can pick up a form at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s offices at 101 Route 209 South (Callahan House), Milford, Pennsylvania.  The more forms the community can fill out, the more effect it will have with the Utility Commission.  The Utility Commission needs to know the negative effect the sudden change in energy rates is having on our way of life.

On January 19^th at 11:00am the Pike County Commissioners along with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a meeting in the administration building, inviting public advocate Sonny Popowsky from Harrisburg to speak. More than 100 people showed up to hear Popowsky explain how they can fight against the sudden surge in energy costs. Business owners who spoke at the meeting asked about alternatives energy choices and wanted answers to the crisis.  Peter Regas owner of the Milford Diner said he will see an increase of more than $2,000 per month in his heating and electric bill for his business.  Matt Osterberg of Luhr’s Ace Homecenter’s said “his energy costs will go up $1,650 per month”.  Mr. Osterberg remarked, “We’re lucky, Luhrs is a big enough business to weather the increase.  How are our small businesses going to handle this?” 

Orange and Rockland announced in December that the rates on electricity in parts of Pike County will see a rise of nearly 73%.  The Pike County Chamber of Commerce, an advocate of business, has met with Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate Sonny Popowsky in interest of helping ease the burden of this significant energy increase.  For more information on the Pike County Chamber of Commerce please call 570-296-8700.