Multi-colored flannels and cowboy boots were seen all over Pleasantly Divine Stables for the Business Council of Greater Montgomery’s annual meeting and mixer held on Wednesday, Nov 2.

Besides the night of barbecue and fun, guests also heard the council’s annual report and the election of the following candidates for the board: Chris Miller, Chris Scaturro, Deborah Garry, Elizabeth Lounsbury, Harry Toromanides, Kirstyn Cerone, Matt Messing, Rachel Rosenwasser and Sara Hall.

Elected board member Deborah Garry, who is also the CEO and President of BBG&G, an advertising and public relations agency, said the board wants to set a lot of groundwork this upcoming year for student programs, as well as bringing different developers together with people of the town to support the youth and businesses.

One project the council is tackling is the ESP entrepreneurial success program, which the council originally took part in back in August with the Town of Montgomery.“The ESP entrepreneurial success program is going countywide in 2023,” said Garry.

This program was originally introduced using COVID relief funds and is targeted at people looking to open or create a new business. The program is 20 sessions and held over a 10-week period.

Executive Director Randi Picarello mentioned this in their annual report, stating it is in conjunction with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. They will be using federal grants to fund it.

Picarello further emphasized that the council is working hard to maintain a strong relationship with the Valley Central School District. “We are a committed partner keeping our district competitive and progressive in certifications of programming, assisting in workforce development from the ground up, and providing our students with adequate and current financial literacy workshops.”

On top of this the council has a power committee that Picarello mentioned provides opportunities for workforce and entrepreneurship resilience.

“We’ve been working with local labor unions, banks and businesses to launch a hybrid module program. In 2023 we will be using this program to build relationships with both the struggling and the growing industries in the greater Montgomery area,” said Picarello.

The module program will show emerging employment trends and will allow students to be exposed to real-life skills. “I know there’s a lot of small business owners in the room, and I think our children get to see things that maybe other kids don’t get to see. They see the reality, the finances and the commitments of growing a business.”

Picarello mentioned they will continue their relationship with the school to grow their financial literacy programs.

Other highlights include the success of the Tri-Montgomery Triathlon, which will take place again in 2023, as well as the fourth annual Small Business Saturday coming up in time for the holiday season.

The night went on with drinks, a photo booth and mingling afterwards, with awards given out for a local business, community partner, volunteer and board member. The business of the year is Licensed 2 Sell Team at Keller Williams Realty, First in New York. Walden Savings Bank is the community partner of the Year and the volunteer of the year is Don Berger. Board member of the year is Elizabeth Sollecito.

Information about the Business Council of Greater Montgomery can be found at threevillages.org.