Corrine Iurato is the new head of the Warwick Merchant Guild

WARWICK — An old proverb with uncertain origin is, "If you want something done, ask a busy person."
And that's certainly true of the Warwick Merchant Guild's new president, Corrine Iurato, who has been its treasurer and coordinator of the committee's numerous events while serving as manager of Peck's Wines & Spirits.
Tom Roberts, co-owner of Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe, has served as president of that organization for the past four years. And this year he stepped down to turn over the reins of that time-consuming position to Iurato, who will also continue to serve as event coordinator and treasurer.
Maintain a thriving local business communityThe Warwick Merchant Guild is a committee of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to maintain and foster a vital, vibrant and thriving retail business community in the Village of Warwick.
Members consist of merchants, restaurateurs and other business owners and employees, operating their businesses within the limits of the village.
When visiting downtown Warwick for special celebrations like the annual Sidewalk Sale, Ladies Night Out, Queen for a Day, Home for the Holidays or enjoying the free horse and wagon rides during that time of year, it's important to remember that these fun events and many others are the result of hard work by a select group of shop owners.
Seasonal events to attract and grow customersBesides maintaining a consistent communication network between the chamber and merchant community, the Merchant Guild plans and executes a series of seasonal events to attract and grow the retail customer base.
It also promotes chamber membership as an introductory step for new retail businesses and encourages cooperation among retail stores, restaurants, B&B's, and other tourism supported establishments for the betterment of the business community. .
"I think the goals that the Merchants Guild originally set up have been overlooked the past few years and I want to regain it's stability and maintain everything that it has established," said Iurato. "I want to go back to having regular meetings and follow up on all the ideas that merchants have come to us with.
"We have a very stable and successful gift certificate program," she added, "and I want to encourage more businesses to accept them. Our three events during the year have always been successful and I look forward to continuing as the event coordinator for them."
This year the Sidewalk Sale will be held July 13 and 14. Ladies Night Out is Aug. 22 and Home for the Holidays is Nov. 24 to Dec. 15.
- Roger Gavan