Business and civic leaders listened intently to Bethlehem Supervisor Theresa Egan’s State of the Town message at the annual Chamber of Commerce breakfast held Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Bethlehem Historical Association.
Egan also used the gathering to announce that she would be seeking re-election in the fall.
A little over three years ago, we started on a journey for a new vision for Bethlehem, Egan said. `This is not a vision for just today or tomorrow, it’s a vision for the future.`
`The business community is a good resource for the town and Terri has been very good to the business community,` said Chamber president Marty DeLaney.
Egan once again highlighted the accomplishments of the past year, including many new studies under way along Route 9W and the waterfront, while at the same time looking toward the future.
`We’re not done,` said Egan. `We have lots to do.`
She mentioned the Delaware Avenue corridor study, Henry Hudson park master plan and new economic development initiatives as key to the town’s success.
`Economic development is clearly one of the biggest things we are looking at to provide taxpayer relief,` said Egan.
Those in attendance included Scott Lewis, YMCA director; school Super-intendent Les Loomis; and Albany County Executive Michael Breslin, D-Delmar.
`This is a magnificent town with an open, transparent government,` said Breslin. `If you get everyone working together, you’ll find there are many smart people around you can take advantage of to make the town better.`
The chamber also announced three events for 2007, including the annual Springfest at the Delmar Four Corners on May 19; the annual golf classic at Normanside Country Club on Sept. 17; and, in a new twist on an annual event, the Chamber’s 50th anniversary dinner will be held June 1 at the Bethlehem Town Park. This year’s anniversary event, chaired by new member Melanie Burns, will have a ’50s theme to celebrate the Chamber’s golden anniversary.
`This year will include a sock hop and classic car show with hula hoops and Frisbees,` said Burns.
Instead of a formal dinner, DeLaney said the 50th anniver-sary event will have an informal feel.
`We will try to get many families and children involved,` said DeLaney.
The 2007 Chamber of Commerce board of directors will see four new faces. They are Scott Lewis of the Bethlehem YMCA, Dennis O’Shaughnessy from Glenmont Car Wash, Kathy Lloyd of Sidney Albert Jewish Community Center and Rosemary Shader of Farm Family Insurance.“