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CANTON — Canton Chamber of Commerce met at Greener Pastures on Thursday, July 2 at noon.
Those present included: Amy Seeley of Canton Borough, Robyn Cummings of Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Leon English of the Canton Garden Club and Village Improvement Association, Colleen Ritts of Stoll’s Flowers, Kim Bailey of Chemung Canal Trust Company, Frank and Glenda Watson of Watson Diesel, Chris Boggs of Boggs High-Tech Solutions and Steve, Nicole, Anson and Nora Harris, who hosted the meeting.
Chris Boggs noted that he has stayed busy during COVID and brought his new employee, Reed, who comes from Mansfield University and is interested in the subject. He has been working on surveillance systems and more.
Leon reported that the Garden Club met at Anita’s in which everyone got Irises. He also has been sharing with the Troy Garden Club. The club also finished the summer barrels in town.
Amy reminded members of the importance of the U.S. census. About $2,100 loss of funding for a borough if someone does not report their household. She said the library is offering to help anyone who want it.
“I want to also give a shout-out to Watson Diesel for helping me with brackets for the pool to hang our vacuum hose,” said Seeley, who has been working on getting the pool open for the summer. “Baldwin’s built our plexi-glass as well, so thank you to them.” The pool had opened at the end of June. There will be no season passes for sale, but a 10-day punch card for $15.
Seeley also reported that she offered Canton to be a site where an “emergency hotspot” for internet can be placed, stating that someone who may not have internet can stop at this spot and download and upload documents. “We know that’s an issue around here,” she said.
The Council of Governments, which Canton Borough is a part of, is attempting to work with Northern Tier to do an electronic dumping site. “Since they’re so far and few in between and we can’t do them locally,” she said, stating she’s hoping an event will take place in the fall.
Kim Bailey from Chemung Canal Trust Company reported that the bank is now open, but masks are still required to enter the building.
Robyn Cummings of the Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency spoke about the office being open, but with restrictions still due to COVID-19.
“The annual guide is out, with distribution going well,” said Cummings. “We’ve adjusted our focus from events and reunions to outdoor recreation: biking, kayaking and more.”
She spoke about re-adjustment of budget, advertising contracts and more, which have kept her busy.
The passport program is ready and done, however, completion of the passport requires attendance to events, so Cummings says they will hold onto those until the spring of 2021.
She encouraged chamber members to invite her do Facebook Lives because of the reach online they provide to help promote events and/or history of the business.
“Those online numbers are really starting to grow (thousands of views, lots of shares), so if you have an interesting story or want to share what’s happening in the area, new exhibit or display, please let me know. People are looking for things to do where they can be outside.”
Members talked about opening a certificate of deposit (CD), which is a low-risk savings tool that can boost the amount you earn in interest while keeping your money invested in a relatively safe way. Treasurer Amy Seeley asked Kim Bailey of Chemung Canal to look up some options for the group.
Chris Boggs spoke on behalf of the Rialto Theatre this month, stating that they are still having their drive-ins and popcorn fundraiser. He said there are a lot of guidelines to follow before people are able to enter the theatre again. “We are still waiting on a $6,000 part as well,” said Boggs. He also reported a new wireless microphone system.
Upcoming uncancelled events include the classic car show, scheduled for Aug. 7, Light Night/Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27,28.
Chamber discussed putting up new chamber banners throughout town and Seeley passed out possible options in a packet. Concerns about the Hometown Heroes banners’ quality arise in discussion as well.
The next Canton Chamber of Commerce meeting is Aug. 6 at noon at Minnequa Park.