Introduction:
The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a productive and impactful year in 2024, marked by successful events, strategic initiatives, and a deep commitment to supporting our local businesses and community. From celebrating our outstanding citizens and businesses to securing vital funding for local projects, we've worked diligently to foster growth and enhance the quality of life in Warrensburg. This report highlights some of our key achievements and demonstrates the Chamber's continued dedication to serving as a catalyst for positive change in our region.
Citizen of the Year & Business of the Year: After a five-year hiatus, the Citizen and Business of the Year awards committee was reinvigorated and underwent a significant restructuring. This dedicated group has worked diligently to revamp the selection process, ensuring a fair and transparent system that recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals and businesses within our community. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that this renewed effort will culminate in a fantastic celebration honoring our deserving winners at a banquet scheduled for early spring 2025. We eagerly anticipate this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements and positive impact of these key individuals and businesses that make Warrensburg such a vibrant and thriving community.
Annual Golf Tournament: While we had slightly fewer golfers and sponsorships compared to last year, we still covered our expenses, made a strong profit, and maintained its position as our second-highest grossing fundraiser. Everyone enjoyed a great day on the course, and we're already looking forward to 2025!
World's Largest Garage Sale: The World's Largest Garage Sale was another resounding success! We sold out of over 200 vendor spaces and secured an additional $2,000 in sponsorships. Our "Landowner Program" continued to expand, adding two new properties to the event. We also captured video footage for a 2025 promotional video and are planning a website update next year to enhance the experience for both visitors and vendors
Economic Development: The Chamber played a vital role in securing over $800,000 in funding for local businesses and residents. We participated in the award of over $500,000 through the NYS Main Street Grant Program, directly benefiting five Warrensburg businesses. Additionally, we facilitated $300,000 in funding through the NYS CDBG Program, supporting capital improvements for Warrensburg residents. A key focus of our economic development efforts this year has been addressing the critical need for senior housing in Warrensburg.
We are working closely with the town to develop the King Street project and are currently in discussions with two different developers to bring this much-needed housing to our community. We continued our strong partnerships with the Town of Warrensburg and Warren County to attract new businesses to the area, contributing to economic growth and vitality.
Board of Directors: In 2024 we welcomed welcome five new members to our Board of Directors: Samantha Newcomb (Arrow Bank), Jack Bartlett (Wells Beach Communications), Michael Bruce (Small Tales Early Learning Center), Yvonne West (On the Equator Sauna Rentals), Brittni Zimmerman (Cornerstone Victorian), and Ian Measeck (Adk Paint and Paper). Their diverse expertise and perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to serve the Warrensburg business community.
Membership: Our membership continues to grow, with 15 new members joining this year. We are actively working to expand our reach and welcome businesses from North Creek, Johnsburg, Brant Lake, and Lake George, fostering regional collaboration and growth.
Office Relocation: We moved our office to the Town Hall, further strengthening our relationship with the Town of Warrensburg and increasing our visibility within the community. This move provides greater accessibility for our members and fosters closer collaboration with town officials.
Services: Our print and design services saw a increase in revenue this year. We provided design support to several key organizations, including Warrensburg Beautification, Warrensburg Historical Society, North Warren Trail Blazers, and Warrensburg Chiropractic. Projects ranged from custom logo design and banners to business cards, booklets, and rack cards, showcasing our commitment to visual communication and branding for our community partners. Furthermore, we expanded our member services by offering online seminars in partnership with SCORE. These seminars provide valuable resources and training on a variety of business topics, further supporting the growth and development of our members.
Website: We launched an updated Chamber website featuring improved navigation, updated member listings, and bi-monthly blog posts. The updated website is designed to better serve our members and the community, providing easy access to information and resources.
This document outlines the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce's strategic initiatives for 2025, focusing on enhancing our support for small businesses, strengthening economic development, and enriching the Warrensburg community.
In closing, 2024 has been a year of significant achievements for the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce. From celebrating our community's best at the Citizen and Business of the Year banquet to supporting local businesses through grants and development projects, we've remained committed to our mission. Our successful events, including the World's Largest Garage Sale and our ever-popular golf tournament, continue to engage our community and provide vital funding. We've also strengthened our organization internally by welcoming new board members, growing our membership, and enhancing our services and online presence. We are incredibly proud of the progress we've made and look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.
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3797 Main Street
Warrensburg, New York 12885
(518) 623-2161