Warwick Chamber directors recharge and renew at retreat

WARWICK - Members of the Board of Directors of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce assembled for a “Retreat” at the Greenbriar Room conference hall in Mount Alverno Center on Friday, Jan. 11. The word retreat, used in this context, usually refers to withdrawing from day-to-day activities to reflect, evaluate and give members the opportunity to recharge, renew and decide a course for the future. Guest speakers were Orange County Chamber of Commerce President Dr. John D’Ambrosio and Vice President Carol Smith who facilitated the event. D’Ambrosio based his presentation on the course he teaches for SUNY Orange Institute for Non-Profit Management. He discussed the roles, functions and responsibilities of a chamber, its board members and individual directors. Board members, he advised, should develop a business plan and then work it. “Do not deviate,” he said. D’Ambrosio urged the Board members to have integrity, conviction and “fire in the belly.” According to Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, it was important to hold a retreat at the beginning of the year to update the organization’s vision and identify central issues. “This was a wonderful opportunity for us to step back, discuss our strengths and weaknesses and plan for the future of our chamber,” said Johndrow. “We all benefited.”