Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Chamber of Commerce to Host Networking Event

Hidden at the bottom of Main Street, Tarrytown/ Sleepy Hollow’s Chamber of Commerce building appears anachronistic—as if it were a relic from Washington Irving’s time. 

But despite the technological innovations that have rendered many other local chambers obsolete, Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow’s office is more active than ever, co-sponsoring a multi-chamber networking event on January, 28. 

“A Chamber of Commerce is the main vehicle of communication between a town’s businesses and residents,” said John Sardy, executive director of the Tarrytown/ Sleepy Hollow chamber. “It’s a shame that more people don’t understand how a Chamber of Commerce functions—some people even call it a cult. But it can be the best means of promoting local business.”

Sardy, who also works part-time as a realtor, recognizes the need for local businesses to forge a web of solidarity during these difficult economic times.  Chambers of Commerce strive to promote local, independent businesses—encouraging dues-paying members of the chamber to refer clients to other members before sending them to larger franchises. 

 “This month’s event is purely for networking purposes. There won’t be any speeches or presentations; it’s just an opportunity for business owners to slap on a name tags and introduce themselves to other business owners,” Sardy said.

In addition to promoting local business, the Chamber of Commerce is also responsible for promoting tourism, keeping local businesses abreast of any changes in the community, and making sure the town maintains its aesthetic quality. 

“A Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization,” Sardy said. “In order to keep it running you need to have a group of people who take a vested interest in the community.  I’m the chamber’s only paid employee—all board members work on a volunteer basis.”

Sardy also admitted that, besides technology, politics can be the driving force behind a chamber’s undoing.

“Local politics can get messy, and this makes it very difficult to maintain an active chamber.  For example, when Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow’s chambers merged into one body, there was a lot of friction.  For this reason, the board has co-presidents and co-vice presidents, one from each village,” Sardy said.

Although certain industries lend themselves to networking, others have traditionally been more reluctant to participate in chamber-sponsored events.

“Restaurants are notoriously bad at networking,” Sardy said. “They see networking as intimidating because they don’t want to mingle with the competition. But they’re crazy—it would be good for them to put a face on their business."

He also notes that the annual dues--$175.00--may also deter local businesses from joining the chamber.

Besides organizing straight-forward, “old school” events and street fairs, Sardy aims to introduce technological innovations into his work.

“Recently I was contacted by a technology company that is sending coupons via text message,” Sardy said.  “I think that’s a great way to use technology to promote business.”

Now, especially, with all local businesses struggling to make ends meet, Sardy believes that it is more important than ever for small business owners to work together.

“The way people act during a recession is the same now as it was 100 years ago,” Sardy said. “We just have new devices to bring about the same means.”  

To participate in January, 28^th’s networking event at Hudson Harbor Condominiums, contact John Sardy at jsardy@sleepyhollowchamber.com or call 914-631-1705.

Attendance is limited to 175 participants.  There is a price discount for Chamber of Commerce members.