x
  1. Home
  2.  News
  3.  Local News

Business community year in review 2013

| 01 Jan 2014 | 07:52
    Country Chevrolet a few days before closing on Jan. 4, 2013.
    Country Chevrolet a few days before closing on Jan. 4, 2013.
    The Chamber continued to distribute new Visitor Guides. Executive Director Michael Johndrow with Corporate Impressions owner Janine Dethmers.
    The Chamber continued to distribute new Visitor Guides. Executive Director Michael Johndrow with Corporate Impressions owner Janine Dethmers.
    It seems that Applefest, WarwickþÄôs largest and most well attended event, has always enjoyed pretty good weather. Although, in 1989, the very first Applefest was almost wiped out by Hurricane Hugo, which struck this area in the early afternoon. Since then, however, itþÄôs generally been clear sailing. But on Sunday, October 6, a light, or, what they call in Ireland, a þÄúsoft rain,þÄù fell throughout the day. Was that a big disappointment. No, it was a bigger crowd, perhaps a record to date.
    It seems that Applefest, WarwickþÄôs largest and most well attended event, has always enjoyed pretty good weather. Although, in 1989, the very first Applefest was almost wiped out by Hurricane Hugo, which struck this area in the early afternoon. Since then, however, itþÄôs generally been clear sailing. But on Sunday, October 6, a light, or, what they call in Ireland, a þÄúsoft rain,þÄù fell throughout the day. Was that a big disappointment. No, it was a bigger crowd, perhaps a record to date.

WARWICK — Once again, despite continued slow economic growth and uncertainty in 2013, there were far more entrepreneurs throughout the Town of Warwick who decided to take a risk and expand or open new businesses than those who closed their doors.

And like most other years, the Warwick business community saw many new openings, expansions, a few closings, good news, sad news and an early snowstorm on a weekend in the middle of the holiday shopping season.

Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, reported attending 28 grand openings and anniversaries this past year.

And not all ribbon cutting ceremonies involved new businesses.

For example official ribbon cuttings with local officials and chamber members participating were in order when Garden State Koi opened its new greenhouse, when state Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt move her office from Goshen to Warwick, when Warwick Antiques and Crossfit moved to larger quarters, and when G's Restaurant completed renovations.

Moves and consolidations
Other moves, expansions, change in ownership and consolidations included those of Lady Luck Estate Buyers, 2 Mops, Magic Music Entertainment, Kate Case Arbonne and Warwick School of Music.

This was the year when WVT Communications, formerly known as the Warwick Valley Telephone Company, became Alteva.

Other events included Travelers Insurance honoring Seely and Durland for its 100-year association. Gallagher Solar was named Master Dealer for Solar Industries and Mount Peter Ski Area opened a new terrain and lift for beginners.

Closings
There were also closings, the most significant of which was Country Chevrolet, which closed Jan. 4. And when Warwick Body and Soul Total Fitness locked its doors it was a total surprise to employees as well as clients.

The Toy Chest discontinued its dance wear and closed the toy shop to concentrate on its T-shirt screen painting operation at the same location.

Openings
Although there were some closings, there were far more grand openings.

They included Linda Czubak Realty, Night Owl Taxi, Main Street Barber Shop, Bodies by Class, La Piazza, Scarlet's Way, Hudson Valley Dance Center, Marilyn All Occasions, Club Mani Yoga, Florida Subway, Cycle Fitness, Jacob Tuckfelt Law Office, Wine and Design, Alora Laser Spa, and Diva Dog Pet Boutique and Barkery.

Anniversaries
And there were quite a few significant anniversaries.

Plaza Auto Driving School celebrated its 50th anniversary and My Sister's Closet came close with 40 years in business. Sharlene's Hair Salon past its 25th year milestone and Edward Jones Investments celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Other businesses like Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe and Chrome Salon celebrated the important first year anniversary.

Other events didn't warrant a ribbon cutting but were significant nevertheless.

Mitchel Corners held its fifth "Block Party," Track 7 marked its seventh year in business after a year-long fund raiser for the Food Pantry with another announcement that it will continue that same fund-raising project as an ongoing commitment.

Kitchen and Bath Works spearheaded a program for businesses to provide matching donations to local schools.

Membership
The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and its Merchant Guild were especially active in 2013

In addition to signing up 87 new members, which brought its total membership to a record 572 members, the chamber continued sponsoring business mixers, networking and educational events, the new Tourism Initiative, Operation Clean Sweep, the Warwick Valley Farmers Market, the annual Tourist Guide, EXPO, a Taste of Warwick, Applefest and the presentation of awards to businesses and business leaders at its 74th Annual Membership Dinner held at Palacio's in Goshen. Members were also beneficiaries of state-of-the-art electronic marketing services.

Giving back
In 2013 participating merchants and organizations held the second annual Pink Friday to support breast cancer research along with traditional celebrations of the Sidewalk Sale, Ladies Night Out, Queen for a Day, the High School Job Shadowing Program, Free Music in the Courtyard and the second annual Gingerbread House Contest.

We know. We haven't mentioned everything but let's not forget the visits by Santa and the free horse and wagon rides and Home for the Holidays.

Happy New Year!

By Roger Gavan