Chamber will elect new president on Wednesday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 May 2014 at 12:00 am

Palette project, $200K grant program on agenda for 2014

File photo by Tom Rivers – Stacey Kirby created this palette, which was on display in Bindings Bookstore in Albion, during last year’s Palettes of Orleans. The Chamber of Commerce plans to do the effort again this year.

The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce will elect a new board president on Wednesday, and at least two new members are expected to join the board.

The Chamber will have its annual meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday at its office, 102 North Main St., Suite No. 1. The meeting is open to the community, but the Chamber would appreciate an RSVP by calling 589-7727.

After two years of leading the Chamber, Cindy Robinson of Medina is expected to step down as president and be replaced by Brooke Pontillo of Toshiba, the current VP. Mark Merithew of Apple Blossom Florist is expected to become the vice president. Brett Hill of Albone & Hill Plumbing and Joseph OrganiÅ›ciak of Sandbox Union have agreed to join the board.

“We have a younger generation stepping up that believes in Orleans County, that wants to come back and raise their families here,” said Kathy Blackburn, Chamber executive director.

The Chamber plans to announce it will continue the Palettes of Orleans public art project this year. The program debuted last year with 73 palettes on display in businesses throughout the county.

The Chamber also is administering a $200,000 grant program from an anonymous donor that provides matching grants in Medina for building improvements at homes and businesses.