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.”  

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting at the grand opening of the new location of Pie’s On,  an Italian and American Restaurant located at 1560 Rt. 739 in Dingmans Ferry, PA.

Pie’s On is a family owned and operated business by the Heaton Family, who have lived in the area for over 24 years.  “This larger, modern facility will better serve our customers and provide us with a permanent location for years to come,” said owner Brad Heaton. “You’ll find us affordable and professional.”

Pie’s On is known for their specialties like Mama Mary’s outstanding homemade lasagna, cannolis freshly filled to order and the largest pizza (18”) on the mountain.  The restaurant also features freshly prepared Italian food, burgers, steak, pasta, seafood, hot & cold heroes, ice cream, and real Italian ices.

“If you are looking for a friendly atmosphere, great food, comfortable and enjoyable evening or a quiet lunch, just visit us,” said owner Debra Heaton.  “We would be glad to serve you!”

In addition to the restaurant and take out service, on and off premise catering for events of all occasions is available.  For more information visit www.pies-on-italiano.com or call 570-828-9985.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Sidney L. Krawitz Scholarship of $500 to Tyler Savarese, a graduating student of the Delaware Valley High School.  A varsity football player and school record holder for pole vaulting, Savarese will be attending Mansfield College in the fall to major in Broadcast Communications.  He began volunteering at the chamber of commerce in 8th grade to full fill his community service requirement for his church confirmation.  “Each year the Pike County Chamber of Commerce looks to award this scholarship to a Delaware Valley High School student who follows in Sidney L. Krawitz’s values,” stated the Chamber’s CEO, Danielle Jordan.  “The Chamber is proud to support our local young adults who aim high and recognize the value in giving back to their community.”  Congratulations to Tyler and the graduating class of 2010!

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce has announced the postponement of the Saturday, June 26th, Community Expo & Tricky Tray to a later date in the year.  Due to numerous non-profit events scheduled for this Saturday, the Chamber felt that it was best to reschedule the date.  “I would like to acknowledge and offer gratitude to Pike County Light and Power for their sponsorship and our media sponsors; Bold Gold Media Group, The Pike County Dispatch and the Milford Journal”, stated the Chamber’s CEO Danielle Jordan.  “Please look for this wonderful event in the fall season!”

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce has taken a strong stance as the conduit for the collective voice of local Pike County businesses near the Matamoras bridge construction area.  Danielle Jordan, CEO of the Pike Chamber, went door to door to personally talk to every business located from the Delaware Valley High School up to the bridge.

A comprehensive report titled "Business Status Update Report with regard to the Matamoras / Port Jervis Bridge Construction" was created by Jordan to show the direct impact of the construction to these local area businesses.  With the information obtained from 44 area business owners or managers, the survey showed that 40 of these businesses expressed that since the construction began their businesses were being impacted, with some claiming up to a 50% decrease in revenue.

The Chamber has sent a letter with the report attached to all of the PA local, state and federal Legislators requesting their immediate assistance in finding a solution which is both safe for emergency personnel and business conscious.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce stated that they are fully aware of the imperative construction that must take place to maintain the safety of the bridge.  In addition, the Chamber appreciates that complex decisions have been made by Penn DOT regarding hours of operations and detoured traffic routes. The Chamber affirmed that it is imperative to the economic strength of the area that the construction traffic not cause a diversion to the area or severely back up causing major traffic waits.  In addition, the Chamber advised that they have received numerous calls of concern over the safety of the stopped traffic on Interstate 84 West, which is a popular tractor trailer route.

"Reducing the ability to navigate in this area has discouraged customers and tourists from visiting our region and our local businesses," Jordan concluded.  "This issue has made the struggling economic situation in this area of Pike County even more desperate."