Press Release: September 10, 2010

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Pike County Builders Association are joining together once again to sponsor the John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing.  The event will be held on Wednesday, October 6th, 2010 at the Woodloch Springs Golf Resort and includes a grand buffet lunch. 
 
John Gouse passed away suddenly on Father’s Day in 1999, leaving behind his wife Sharon and two daughters, Kendra and Sarah.  He was an active community volunteer and was especially devoted to the American Red Cross and the March of Dimes.  John was also a Board Director in both the Pike County Builder’s Association and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.  Both organizations honor his memory by raising funds for a scholarship given in his name. 
 
This wonderful event is open to the public with a fee of $110 per person and reservations are required by Friday, October 1, 2010.  Sponsorships are also still available.  Please contact the Pike Chamber at (570) 296-8700 or info@pikechamber.com.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is holding the 16th Annual Community Awards Banquet on Wednesday, October 20th at The Riverview Inn in Matamoras. The evening’s festivities will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00pm followed by a dinner and awards ceremony.

"This event is held each year to provide a forum to honor the volunteers and non profit organizations throughout our community", stated Danielle Jordan, CEO of the Pike Chamber. "Everyday these local heroes provide vital contributions which add so much to the quality of life in the Pike County area."

The evening is hosted by the Pike Chamber in partnership with the Service Organizations throughout the area. This year approximately 15 non-profit organizations will be on hand to honor their own and to showcase their commitments toward the worthwhile work that each does. The Pike County Chamber itself presents three awards: Chamber Director of the Year, Outstanding Business of the Year and Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.

The price of the dinner is $30.00. The deadline for reservations is October 12th and can be made by calling the Chamber office at (570) 296-8700.

Please come out and help us honor the volunteers of Pike County and support these very important organizations!

In Photo: Ronnie Biondo(left) – 2009 Volunteer Award Recipient; with her husband Joseph Biondo(right), Sr.

The Women In Business Committee of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a dinner at on Thursday, November 4th at Erhardt’s Restaurant.

"It is important for women in business to come together and gain strength from each other," said Philly Viscardo, co-owner of the Dingman Delaware Insurance Company and the Chair of the Women In Business Committee. "This dinner event provides an opportunity for us to share and inspire."
The guest speaker for this event is Lyn Jakobsen, who has earned a M.A. and Ed. D. in Psychology, and a Master of Divinity. She has 38 years of experience in therapeutic and spiritual counseling with adults and college students. Lyn has been a professor of Developmental Psychology and a leadership trainer of staffs in Universities nationally. She has used her theological training to serve in nursing homes as a hospital Chaplin. Currently, Lyn is a mental health therapist for autistic and troubled youth.

A 50/50 cash fundraiser will be held at this event with the proceeds being donated to Safe Haven of Pike County, a shelter and resource for women. A dinner buffet is included in the cost of $30 per person. All are welcome and reservations are highly suggested. Contact the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at (570) 296 – 8700 or info@pikechamber.com.

A State Legislative Breakfast will be held at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant on Friday, October 1 at 7:30am. The legislative panel will include Senator Lisa Baker, Representative Sandra Major, Representative Michael Peifer, Representative John Siptroth and Representative Edward Staback. The PA State Legislators will speak about important issues and projects in the counties, with particular focus on matters of interest to the business community. The guest moderator for this event will be Tim Downs from the Bold Gold Media Group.

The State Legislative Breakfast is being presented by the following Chambers of Commerce: Pocono Lake Region, Pike, Southern Wayne Regional and Wayne County. This joint chamber event is open to the public and is an excellent opportunity to hear first hand local updates on legislation and discussion of current issues.

A breakfast buffet is included in the cost of $12 per person. Reservations are highly suggested and can be made by contacting the Wayne Chamber of Commerce at (570) 253 – 1960.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce extends their appreciation to all involved in the early re-opening of the Matamoras / Port Jervis Bridge by the July 4th holiday weekend.  “As a public voice, the Chamber advocated heavily in the media on the bridge closure issue.  Therefore, it is also just as important for the Chamber to express gratitude for the accomplishments of a positive outcome just as loudly,” stated Danielle Jordan, CEO. 
 
The Pike Chamber acknowledges and gives gratitude to our local legislators including Senator Baker, Representative Carney, Representative Peifer, Representative Siptroth and the Pike County Commissioners for their recognition of the severity of this bridge closures impact to local businesses and for their support.  The Chamber also gives a tremendous thank you to Penn Dot for hearing the business community and taking the necessary steps of action to move the construction ahead of schedule.”  
 
The Chamber conducted a survey at the end of May regarding the impact of the bridge closure on local Pike County businesses.  “This survey woke up a lot of people up to the situation, including myself,” said Jordan.  “I knew it was a serious situation, but didn’t realize just how dramatic it really was until I personally spoke with the businesses and saw the survey numbers.”  The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is relieved and grateful that the bridge is now open in both directions.

Leaders of local chambers of commerce from across Pennsylvania addressed their concerns with legislators on various state issues at Chamber Day on Capital Hill.  Held in June, this annual collaboration of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce Executives brings local chambers of commerce to Harrisburg for a day of meetings with key state law makers. 
 
Danielle Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce attended to represent the Pike County area.  “Chamber Day on Capital Hill provides an opportunity to learn first hand about significant issues which are currently impacting or will in the near future effect businesses across our state, such as the pending unemployment tax,” stated Jordan.  “Our input as chamber executives was not only heard but valued.”   Attendees participated in a round table forum, legislative meetings and heard presentations from the Senate and House regarding the budget and job creation.  “In this economy it is imperative to recognize that most jobs will be created by small to midsize businesses,” concluded Jordan, “especially so in our area.”