Business Notebook: Leo Kaytes Ford offers new incentive to join Warwick IBA

Warwick - For a $25 membership fee to join the Warwick Independent Business Alliance, local business owners and their spouses could save thousands of dollars on the purchase of an automobile from Leo Kaytes Ford. As of March 1, Warwick IBA members are eligible to receive the same deep discount pricing from Leo Kaytes Ford, Route 94, Warwick, that is available only to employees of companies and organizations that do business with Ford Motor Company. The Ford Motor Company’s Vendor & Employee Pricing is known as the X-Plan Advantage Discount Program. The plan enables these vendors and employees to buy a new or pre-owned vehicle at a set, hassle-free, below-market value price only available to X-Plan participants. According to Leo R. Kaytes, president of the dealership, an Explorer, for example, with a suggested retail price of $33,690, would be priced at $30,906 before any rebates through the X-Plan Advantage Program. The more expensive the vehicle, the greater the savings to the customer. X-Plan purchasers also are eligible for any additional consumer rebates or interest rates and other benefits offered by Ford Motor Company. “We decided to offer IBA members and their spouses the same low pricing available to Ford Motor Company vendors as an additional incentive to join this wonderful organization,” Kaytes said. “It is our way of showing strong support for the mission of our Warwick Independent Business Alliance.” High tea “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea,” stated author Henry James. Joanne Graney, owner of “Greetings and Salutations,” 9 Main St., Warwick, plans to use that quote in a brochure describing her new “Charlotte’s Tea Room,” located in a separate room to the rear of her gift shop. Another author, E. B. White, provided the inspiration for the name of the tea room with his children’s book, “Charlotte’s Web.” Graney is currently booking private parties and other events for the attractively decorated tea room. One upcoming event, for example, is a discussion of Anne Morrow Lindberg’s “Gift from the Sea,” sponsored by the Albert Wisner Library. Another is a get-together for a chapter of the “Red Hat Society.” The tearoom has also been a popular choice for children’s parties and other special occasions. Guests can choose from a selection of the same fine teas imported by Harney & Sons and served in upscale hotels such as the Ritz Carlton. Since serious tea drinkers know that loose tea leaves make the best cup, the tea comes in a sachet and can be enjoyed with a selection of seasonal tea sandwiches, biscuits, scones, sweets and other savories. Patrons will soon be able to select a special “Tea Room” cookie, created by Lisa’s Cookies. “This will taste so good,” said Graney, “that people will come here just for the cookie and the tea.” In the near future “Charlotte’s Tea Room” will be open daily. At that time a lunch menu will include soups, salads and wraps. Groups or organizations interested in reserving “Charlotte’s Tea Room” for any occasion should call 988-9499. Networking On Tuesday, March 14, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will sponsor speed networking for businesses during a buffet breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The Village Grille, 117 S. Main Street, in Florida, NY. For information and reservations call 986-2720. Notice - change the date Last week we reported that “Firefighter’s Family Day” at Mt. Peter Ski Area had been scheduled for this Saturday, March 11. That date has been changed to Sunday, March 12.