May eNewsletter
This month’s eNewsletter includes a letter from Board of Directors member, Calvin Campany, a featured trail on the LC33 Hiking Challenge, information about upcoming community events, and more! Don’t forget to check out our calendar for all upcoming events!
Letter from Calvin Campany, Chamber Board Member
I was so honored to join the Board of the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce last year.
Having been raised in Croghan, I moved away for several years, eventually opening a business of my own in Rhode Island. I was an active member of my local chamber there, and the support I received as an inexperienced and very naive business owner cannot be measured. Much of my success was due to the other entrepreneurs and resources I was exposed to through that organization.
When time and circumstances brought me back to the North Country, I was thrilled to “pay it forward” by supporting an organization that supports the business community here at home. This has been a great way to be reintroduced back into Lewis County. Our area is alive with vibrant small businesses: from family farms, fine craftsmen, to retail and services, (and so much in between!). So many entrepreneurs are taking advantage of everything that the North County has to offer. The hard work and all their efforts are making our community better and better, each day.
Initially working on the Tour de Lewis: Oswegatchie to Osceola Bike Ride, I am now helping with River Fest and New Member Benefits committees. I feel like I am getting back so much more than I am giving. I encourage everyone to get involved with the Chamber. Like so many things in life, you get what you put into it. We have a terrific resource with the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, with friends and neighbors pulling together to make our home a great place to do business.
Thank you,
Calvin Campany
Upcoming Events
Registration Deadline is May 12th
The Volunteer Transportation Center Foundation is excited to announce the return of the Black River Trail Run, a 5K/10K/15K race on the Black River Trail in Jefferson County. The event is hosted by Willow Running.
The Black River Trail Run will be held May 14 on the Black River Trail, beginning at the trailhead off State Route 3, just outside the village of Black River. It will begin with its 5K and 15K portions beginning at 9 a.m. The event’s 10K will begin at 9:35 a.m. Those wishing to participate in any of the races virtually may do so.
Online Registration Deadline is May 25th
The Tour de Lewis is a non-competitive Metric Century Ride through Lewis County’s scenic Adirondack Park, Black River Valley, and Tug Hill Plateau. Participation is open to recreational and competitive amateur cyclists alike. Riders of all abilities can participate in one of the three distances.
Rail bike rides and chicken BBQ- May 21st
The Railway Historical Society of Northern New York will be offering rail bike rides and speeder car rides from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Croghan Depot museum on May 21st. Chicken barbecue starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes until it is gone. A $5 individual or $10 family donation is required to ride and includes a free tour of our historic Croghan Depot museum. Donations benefit the Railway Historical Society of Northern New York. More information is available here.
Come join in on an evening of fun! Saturday, May 7th from 4-8pm at Garland City Beer Works in Watertown. The Kentucky Derby Social is an event filled with food, drinks, a silent auction, wine pull, 50/50 raffle, live music, and the horse races!
Professional Development Opportunities
Naturally Lewis is excited to host the Lewis County Economic Development Conference with the theme, Shift Back to Rural on Wednesday, June 15th at 3 Willows Event Center in Lyons Falls, NY! We are shifting the conversation to focus on successes in our rural economy, coming back to community and coming back to the humanness of working together as a means of growth. We are looking forward to a full day filled with leadership development, economic development updates, community building, and networking!
The North STAR Center for Professional Development provides professional development programming that maximizes limited resources, with a focus on building the capacity of individuals and organizations. We invite you check out our upcoming events!
Chamber members, check your email for discount coupon codes for these events!
LC33 Featured Trail
Looking to break in your hiking shoes on a family-friendly trail? Or maybe do a little fishing AND catch up on your local folklore? Green Pond Trail is a 1 mile out and back trail located in Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest in the town of Diana. Local legend, along with some historical fact, has it that Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother and his family escaped from Europe to this area after his famous brother was arrested.
The Green Pond Trail allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through MAPPWD. There is an accessible fishing pier on the pond.
Learn more about Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest
Check out the other LC33 Trails
Don’t forget to tag @adirondakstughill in your outdoor adventures!
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Looking for more upcoming events in the area?
You can find our events and other local events in our calendar!