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SPRING MEMBERSHIP AND ELECTION DINNER TO BE HELD MAY 18
BUSINESS BINGO BEGINS FEBRUARY 4
HUGE CROWD ATTENDS CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK 2009
ALDEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST WINNERS
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK IS COMING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
7TH NETWORKING MIXER TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 10
WHISTLE STOP INN NAMED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2009
CHAMBER TO HOST 8TH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON
MEMBER APPRECIATION HOT DOG ROAST
11TH "TASTE OF ALDEN" BIG SUCCESS
11TH ANNUAL TASTE OF ALDEN COMING JULY 9TH
CHAMBER HOLDS SPRING MEMBERSHIP DINNER
SPRING MEMBERSHIP AND ELECTION DINNER TO BE HELD MAY 19TH
               EVE FERTIG TO BE NAMED "DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN”
FUN NETWORKING EVENT HELD MARCH 25TH
COME TO THE CHAMBER NETWORKING MIXER MARCH 25
EXCITING TRIPS OFFERED THROUGH THE CHAMBER

Members and friends of the Alden Chamber of Commerce are invited to the Annual Spring Membership and Distinguished Citizen Dinner on Tuesday, May 18 at the Whistle Stop Inn on Exchange Street in Alden. The Distinguished Citizen Award for 2010 will be awarded, as well as the election of five new nominees for the Chamber Board of Directors. More details to follow.

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The weather was perfect this year, with just a touch of snow to set off the beautiful lighting display entries. Judging was a challenge, as always. Choosing winners is very difficult when so much effort and time has been put to use in creating the brightly lit displays. There were ten residential and three business contestants in this year’s contest, sponsored by the Alden Chamber of Commerce. The judges wish to thank all those who entered their own or another’s display to be judged. All prizes are awarded in Alden Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates. First place winner of the Holiday Spirit Award was Ulbrich’s Garden Center, 11500 Broadway for the business entry. First place winner for the residential entry was Sue Lamb, 1870 Sandridge Road. Second place awards were won by H & R Block, 13186 Broadway for the business entry and Tom and Sue Roetzer, 1068 Three Rod Road for the residential entry. Third place winners were Naybor Land Surveying, 1490 Church Street for the business entry and Beth Quenzler, 1337 Town Line Road for the residential entry. Plan an evening to drive around the village and town to see all the beautiful lighting displays of the winners and contestants, along with the displays that were not entered. Be sure to include a ride by the beautiful lights lining the Village streets and in Firemen’s Park. The Chamber thanks everyone who participated and appreciates everyone’s efforts to help make our community beautiful during the holiday season. The residential entries were: Mark Bushen, 13252 Mt. Vernon Drive; Sebastian Cavalieri, 12958 Broadway; John Cieszki, 1395 Exchange St.; Meghan & Dennis Demblewski, 12844 Genesee St.; David Duszkiewicz, 3542 North Millgrove Road; James Kropidlowski, 2257 County Line Rd.; Sue Lamb, 1870 Sandridge Road; Beth Quenzler, 1337 Town Line Road; Thomas Roetzer, 1068 Three Rod Rd; and Mark Skimmer, 2299 County Line Road; Business entries were: H & R Block, 13186 Broadway; Naybor Land Surveying, 1490 Church St.; and Ulbrich’s Garden Center, 11500 Broadway.

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Mark your calendars for Alden’s biggest event of the holiday season.  “Christmas in the Park” returns for its 16th annual celebration on Saturday, December 5, 2009.  Sponsored by the Alden Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Alden Recreation Department, this year’s event promises a full day of activities for both young and old alike.  Many local businesses will be open from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. offering special discounts and free refreshments.  Activities will be held at the Fireman’s Bandstand Park, the Alden Community Center, the Alden Town Park and at ACTS/Beacon Café.  Free parking is available at the Alden Village Plaza, the Alden Town Park and at Alden State Bank.

Scheduled activities include Kids Crafts and pony rides at the Community center.  Children’s stories will be read at the Alden Library.  The Alden Kiwanis will provide kettlecorn and will have photos with Santa at the Bandstand. There will be strolling carolers and horse-drawn wagon rides, and there will be a living nativity at ACTS. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available, compliments of the Alden Lion’s Club and Tops and St Aiden’s Church will warm you with free Chili.  The Alden Historical Society will be open for tours.  Christmas tree lighting, judging and caroling will be at the Bandstand Park at 5 pm. 

New this year will be appearances from professional mascots. Already on the list is Buster Bison from the Bisons Baseball team, Buffalo Billy from the Bills and PerryWinkle from Perry’s Ice Cream. They will be available for pictures and autographs.
 

This year’s Christmas in the Park promises to be bigger and better than ever, so come on out and enjoy a wonderful celebration of the holiday season here in Alden.  For more information, call the Alden Chamber of Commerce office at 937-6177 or see the Chamber’s web site at www.aldenny.org.

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The 7th Chamber Networking Mixer will be held at Henry’s Candy & Gifts  on Tuesday, November 10, 2009. The holiday decorated store is located at 13237 Broadway in Alden.  Hosted by owner Doug and Paul Henry, the mixer will be enjoyed from 7 – 9 pm.  This is an excellent way to become acquainted with the delicious varieties of candies and unique gifts Henry’s offer.

Please bring your business cards to introduce yourself to other Chamber businesses.  Refreshments will be served and you may win a prize!  If you are interested in attending this Networking Mixer, we would appreciate it if you would please contact the Chamber office at 937-6177 with the number who will be attending.

This will be a great time for you to exchange ideas and concerns while you meet with fellow Chamber members in an informal gathering.  Come and join us! 

If you would be interested in hosting a Networking Mixer, please contact the Chamber office at 937-6177.  

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L-R Chamber President Nancy Hughes, Chamber Director Brooks Bowman, Whistle Stop Inn owners Doug and Terry Becker, and Assemblywoman Jane Corwin.

Members and guests of the Alden Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a delicious buffet at the Whistle Stop Inn on Tuesday, October 13, for the Chamber’s annual “Business of the Year” Luncheon.  Among the guests were family and friends of Doug and Terry Becker, celebrating the Whistle Stop’s selection as the 2009 Alden Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.  A beautiful plaque, from Laser Ace Custom Engraving, was presented to Doug and Terry by Chamber Director Brooks Bowman.  A Proclamation from New York State Senator Dale Volker was presented.  State Assemblywoman Jane Corwin personally congratulated the Beckers at the luncheon.

The Whistle Stop Inn has been a fixture on the south side of the Exchange Street railroad crossing for many years.  Known for having the best banquet facilities in the Village of Alden, the Whistle Stop hosts many meetings and special events.  They are known for promoting community involvement, being a good business role model, establishing good working conditions and involvement of employees, good quality service and product reputation in the area, and being recognized for consistent, fair, and honest business practices.  Doug thanked everyone for attending and thanked the staff for helping make the business succeed.
 
Karen Muchow, curator of the Alden Historical Society, gave a fascinating in-depth history of the black water bath hotel and other businesses previously located on the Whistle Stop property as well as those across the tracks and across Exchange Street.  She also brought photographs of several long-forgotten Alden businesses.  Brooks Bowman presented a brief history of the Chamber of Commerce, including its role in bringing medical professionals to Alden and the creation of the Industrial Park, along with providing the lighting for the sports courts and sponsoring the Taste of Alden, Christmas in the Park and the Farmers Market.

Chamber President Nancy Hughes opened the luncheon by reviewing recent and future Chamber activities, including the announcement that Christmas in the Park will be held on Saturday, December 5.

The Chamber would like to thank sponsors Alden Pharmacy, Alden State Bank, Carbone’s Pizzeria, Elwood- Jordans Agency, and Greatbatch Medical for helping to make the luncheon possible.  For information on the Alden Chamber of Commerce and its activities, see its web site at www.aldenny.org.

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You are cordially invited to attend the annual Business of the Year Luncheon on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at the Whistle Stop Inn, 1338 Exchange Street, Alden from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.  Held in celebration of National Bosses’ Day, this popular event awards a business chosen for their commitment to the community and to their employees.  A nomination form can be downloaded here and returned to the Chamber office by September 25.
Registration begins at 11:30 am, with the award being given to the new Business of the Year at 11:45 pm.  Luncheon follows at noon and a guest speaker will be introduced at 12:30 pm. 
Please confirm your reservation by October 5th by calling the Chamber office at 716-937-6177.  Broken reservations will be billed.
This informal event is a positive way for you to promote your business and network with other Chamber members and guests from the community.  Treat yourself and your employees to a tasty luncheon and networking opportunity.

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It’s time to come and join us again at the Market!  The Alden Chamber of Commerce will host their 6th annual Member Appreciation Hot Dog Roast on Saturday, October 3, 2009, during the Farmers Market at the Alden Village Plaza (beside Tractor Supply Co.), Broadway, Alden from 11 am – 1 pm.   
Members will be offered hot dogs, chips and a drink when presenting a coupon found in the July/September newsletter.  The coupon is limited to four of each combo. 
A costume and pet parade will be at the Farmers’ Market for your enjoyment.  Craig Wilkins will also be singing your country favorites.  PLUS a winner will be drawn for the second Chamber raffle basket, valued at over $850. The second chance basket of sports items (think autographed football) and other great items will also be raffled off to a lucky winner!   Come and enjoy this fun filled event and take advantage of another Chamber member benefit. 
The Alden Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank its valued members for their continuing support. Our Chamber members working together help make a strong business community.  See you there!

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A hot sunny afternoon brought a large crowd to attend the 11th annual “Taste of Alden” on Thursday, July 9. Sponsored by the Alden Chamber of Commerce, this event kicked off Alden Hook & Ladder Fire Company’s Heritage and Reunion Weekend and was another great success. A huge variety of foods were offered - from pizza to crab cakes, hotdogs to pulled pork, a large variety of desserts and much more by sixteen participants.

Volunteers manned the Chamber booth where tickets were sold to the hungry attendees, as well as tickets for the Chamber’s July 25th Farmers’ Market basket raffle and tickets for a 50/50 raffle.  The winner of the 50/50 raffle was Barb Hoskyns of Alden.   

Vendors for this event were A.J. & Son’s Catering & Pig Roast, Alden Hook & Ladder Fire Company and the Ladies’ Auxiliary, Alden Meals on Wheels, Alden Presbyterian Church, Alden Village Market, D&L Bakery,  Don’s at the Hilltop Inn, Elma Town Grille, Geoffano’s Pizzeria, John & Mary’s Restaurant, Kate’s Country Cousins, Kernel Kettlecorn, Kodiak Jack’s, MaGavin’s Restaurant & Pub, and Tops Market of Alden.

The Taste of Alden would never happen without the tireless efforts of chairperson Donna Carbone and the many volunteers.

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Presale tickets are now available

Loosen those belts and hide those bathroom scales, as the Alden Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again sponsor the 11th annual “Taste of Alden”, which will kick off the Alden Hook & Ladder Fire Company’s annual Heritage & Reunion Carnival.  The popular event will take place from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, July 9th in the Refreshment Tent Area of the carnival at the Alden Town Park, Main Street, in the Village of Alden.

Some of the wonderful foods to be available will include: roast beef sandwiches, salt potatoes, fries, ice cream, pizza, pastries, Greek food, salads, crab cakes, pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, pie, brownies, stuffed hot peppers, wings, seafood bisque, croissants, soups, chicken sandwiches, assorted beverages, beer, and wine, all scheduled to be provided by the following establishments:

• A J & Sons Catering
• Alden Hook & Ladder Fire Co
• Alden Ladies’ Auxiliary
• Alden Presbyterian Church
• Alden Village Market
• Alden’s Meals on Wheels
• D & L Bakery
• Don’s
• Elma Towne Grille
• Geoffano’s Pizzeria
• John & Mary’s Restaurant
• Kate’s Country Cousins
• Kernel Kettlecorn
• Kodiak Jack’s
• MaGavin’s Restaurant and Pub
• Tops Market (Alden)

Tables under protective cover will be available for eating. 

From July 8th until the day of the event, presale books without the bonus tickets will be available at the above locations for a price of $10 for a book of 20 tickets.  Tickets will also be available during the event at the Chamber of Commerce table, beginning at 4 pm, located near the entrance to the Refreshment Tent Area. 

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Town Supervisor Ronald Smith and Distinguished Citizen Eve Fertig

Members and guests of the Alden Chamber of Commerce enjoyed dinner and an evening together at the Whistle Stop Inn on Tuesday, May 19, for the Chamber’s Annual Spring Membership and Election Dinner.  Among the guests were family and friends of environmentalist Eve Fertig, recipient of the 2009 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award.  A beautiful plaque, from Laser Ace Custom Engraving, was presented to Eve by Chamber Director and Alden Town Supervisor, Ronald Smith.  Representatives from New York State Senator Dale Volker and Erie County Legislator Kathy Konst also presented proclamations.

The Park Street Singers entertain

Past President Christopher Gust awarding President Nancy Hughes

Next, Chamber President Nancy Hughes spoke of the Chamber’s accomplishments during the past year and outlined current and future activities.  Past President Christopher Gust then presented Nancy with a gift of appreciation for her year of service as Chamber president.   After Nancy thanked the retiring directors for their service to the Chamber over the past three years, Director Steve Weber introduced the nominees for a new three year term on the Chamber Board.  They are Michael Druding (Greatbatch, Ltd.), Noll Ferris (Doritex Corporation), Sue Galbraith (Alden Advertiser), Earl Gillen (Gillen’s Expert Auto), and Thomas Steffan (Cooke & Steffan, Attorneys).  The vote in favor was unanimous and the dinner drew to a close.

The Chamber met May 21 for its monthly Board of Directors meeting and elected new officers for 2009-2010.  Nancy Hughes will remain Chamber President and serve another one-year term, and John Drogi, from Drogi & Sons Automotive, will serve as Vice President.  Christopher Lukowski, from Lumsden & McCormick LLC, will remain as Treasurer.  Directors for 2009-2010 are William Dabb (Laser Ace Custom Engraving), John Drogi (Drogi & Sons Automotive), Myrna Foss (James N. Foss Inc.), Paul Henry (Henry’s Candy & Gifts), and Ray Stoos.  Directors for 2009-2011 are Brooks Bowman (Elwood-Jordans Agency), Christopher Dundon (MaGavin’s Restaurant & Pub), Nancy Webster Hughes, Jennifer Strong (Neill & Strong, Attorneys), and Steve Weber. The Chamber extends a big thank you to retiring Directors Donna Carbone (Carbone’s Pizzeria), Ronald Smith (Alden Pharmacy) and Past President Christopher Gust (Alden State Bank). For information on the Alden Chamber of Commerce and its activities, see their web site at www.aldenny.org.

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The Alden Chamber of Commerce will soon be presenting its annual Spring Membership & Election dinner.  This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, May 19 at the Whistle Stop Inn, 1338 Exchange Street, Alden.  Cocktails (with a cash bar) will begin at 6:00 pm with a buffet dinner to be served at 7:00 pm.  The Chamber will elect new members to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term and the 2009 Distinguished Citizen Award will be presented to Eve Fertig, co-founder of the Enchanted Forest Wildlife Sanctuary in Alden.  The evening’s events are co-sponsored by Alden State Bank, Carbone’s Pizzeria, Charles Meyer Funeral Home, EA Wireless, and Elwood-Jordans Agency.

This year’s dinner will also feature the Park Street Singers from Alden High School.

There are five nominees to serve 3-year terms on the Chamber Board of Directors and they are: Michael Druding (Greatbatch Ltd.), Noll Ferris (Doritex Corp.), Susanne Galbraith (Alden Advertiser), Earl Gillen (Gillen’s Expert Auto), and Thomas Steffan (Cooke & Steffan, Attorneys).

Directors whose terms are expiring and will not be renewed include Donna Carbone (Carbone’s Pizzeria) and Ronald Smith (Alden Pharmacy Inc.), as well as Past President Christopher Gust (Alden State Bank).

The cost for the dinner and the evening’s program is only $18.00 per person and reservations are required.  Please call the Chamber office at 937-6177 or send your check and the number attending to: Alden Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 149, Alden NY 14004.  All reservations must be made by Tuesday, May 12.  Broken reservations will be billed.  Come join the Chamber for an informative and entertaining evening with the ability to network with business leaders of our community.
The Alden Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1956 to actively support business, industry, institutions, organizations and individuals in an effort to enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Village and Town of Alden.  See the Chamber’s web site at www.aldenny.org for more information.

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Guests were treated to a demonstration of the technique for hand tying a bouquet during a presentation given by Country CrossRoads of Marilla Florist’s owners Mary Foss and Carrie Barnard. The new shop, located at 700 Two Rod Road in Alden, has a large gift shop area in front and a spacious work area in back. Tastefully Simple provided pasta, sauces, dips and more for delicious sampling. This informal gathering was an excellent opportunity for introducing and promoting businesses to other businesses. A big thank you to Carrie and Mary for hosting this event.

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The 6th Chamber Networking Mixer will be held at the newly relocated Country CrossRoads of Marilla Florist & Gifts on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. This newly built shop is located at 700 Two Rod Road on the corner of Clinton Street.  Hosted by owners Mary Nette Foss and Carrie Barnard the mixer will be enjoyed from 7 – 9 pm.  This is an excellent way to become acquainted with the product line Country CrossRoads offers and to meet the staff.

Please bring your business cards to introduce yourself to other Chamber businesses.  Refreshments will be served and you may win a prize!  If you are interested in attending this Networking Mixer, we would appreciate it if you would please contact the Chamber office at 937-6177 with the number who will be attending.

This will be a great time for you to exchange ideas and concerns while you meet with fellow Chamber members in an informal gathering.  Come and join us! 

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Tired of the long winter?  Satisfy your wanderlust by planning a unique vacation.  Even in these difficult economic times, two trips available through the Alden Chamber of Commerce are quite affordable.  Our Chamber is partnered with the Genesee County Chamber & the Western NY Chamber Alliance in providing these terrific adventures.

• New in 2009 is Tuscany, Italy – a ten day trip departing November 10th out of Buffalo or Rochester for $2,999. The first and last nights will be in Rome and six nights will be in Montecatini where travelers will take day trips – such as a cultural tour of Florence, a winery tour & tasting in the Chianti District, and a leisurely visit to picturesque Siena.  To ensure the price, the money has to be paid in full by early May.  This trip will be limited to 40 travelers initially, but other dates may become available if the response warrants.  Collette Vacations, the tour agency, will be making an informational presentation in the near future; watch for further information. 
• China – based on response from past trips, we’re traveling to China for the third time.  This nine day excursion departs October 30, 2009; an additional departure may be added depending on demand.  Visit amazing Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and Suzhou to see how Chinese economic reforms continue to transform this ancient land into an unforgettable fusion of the exotic and the modern.  All-inclusive cost is $1,899 per person, double occupancy, including airfare from JFK.  Registration fee of $200 is required & is refundable until July 17.  Total tour fare is due by Aug. 14.

Flyers with all the details about both trips are available from the Chamber office (937-6177).  Informational meetings regarding each will be held in the near future.

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