As we inch closer to the start of summer, I can almost feel the anticipation in the air grow.
The days are longer, kids are out of school, and the whole Hudson Valley seems to have exhaled at once. For our team at the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, this stretch of the year is a catalyst for community connection.
On May 17, we held our annual Stars Along the Hudson Gala at The Briarcliff Manor, one of my favorite events of the year. It's our chance to honor the individuals and organizations who make our chamber community shine. This year's honorees were:
Young Professional of the Year: Isabella Cotto, owner of Tu Sei Bella Salon
Volunteer of the Year: John Iorio, owner of Funtime Amusements
Quality of Life Award: Black Diamonds Academic Success Program
Business of the Year: Fino Restaurant, a beloved Croton-on-Hudson staple
Chairman's Award: Street Beatz Dance Studio
If you ever need a fresh cut, a bouncy castle, or a bowl of pasta, now you know!
After the gala, things slow down just enough for us to actually breathe. We get out of the office, visit our members and get a glimpse of their day-to-day. And in between those visits, there's no shortage of things to show up for.
Sportime Pickleball in Yorktown is kicking off combined Mahjong and pickleball lessons on June 10 through July, which is exactly the kind of unexpected pairing that drives interest and subsequent returning customers. And then on June 20, the Yorktown Fam Jam returns with live music, food trucks, lawn games and scholarships on the line. Bring the whole family.
We're also proud to be part of the Juneteenth celebrations in the Town of Cortlandt and the City of Peekskill. The diversity of this region isn't just something we appreciate; it's something we want to actively support, especially for the business owners building something here.
Throughout the summer, Whispering Pines Nursery and Garden Center is hosting local markets and paint nights, the kind of low-key, good-for-the-soul events that remind you why small businesses matter.
And from July 15 through the 19, head to Verplanck for the Italian Feast. Our member, the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, puts this on every year with a full carnival, incredible food and live performances. We come together as chamber members and just enjoy the festivities together. It's one of those nights that doesn't need much explaining once you're there.
I can't convey enough that everything happening reflects the intention and hard work of self-starters throughout our community. We're thankful for every person who believes the Hudson Valley is worth investing in, and proud to be alongside them.
Carole Voisey is the executive director of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce.
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