The holidays are coming and our local small businesses here in Claverack and beyond are counting on our support. Shopping local helps to support our local economy. Our local small business owners donate more to local non-profits and community organizations than the big retailers. Supporting local businesses helps the entire community!

This Christmas, make an effort to shop local..

Need a gift certificate for a great meal and night out... how about High Falls Pizzeria & Tap House in Philmont?

How about an updated family portrait by Photo-Art by Ken Bovat?

Need some light catering for a meal or holiday party... how about Mcnan's Variety Foods in Philmont (they're great!)?

Looking for a great gift for the gardener in your family? Visit AgwayNY in the hamlet.

Planning an evening out with a group? Let Michael S Johnston LLC's party bus transport you in style.

Choose Claverack Package Store / Wine and Spirits or Olde York Farm: Distillery & Cooperage for that perfect bottle of cheer!

Engraved gifts available from Next Gen Signs Inc and beautiful pieces of custom made furniture from KyTa Custom Furniture.

Let Ginsberg's Foods help with delicious food for your holiday get together.

This is just a sampling of the small businesses out there. There's lots here in Claverack and beyond.

​SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON!

As you know by now, Key Bank announced last week that they would be closing their branch in Philmont effective April 29, 2016.  This closure is likely related to the trend of large financial institutions moving away from brick and mortar spaces, focusing instead on electronic, mobile banking. It’s a sign of the times. It’s cheaper to run a website than it is a retail space. It’s more convenient for many to do their banking from their computers and smart phones than it is to go to a bank to process transactions. The problem is, for communities like ours, online banking isn’t necessarily the best option for large segments of the population. On top of that, many in this same demographic – like senior citizens – often do not drive, leaving them with few options to do their banking.
 
I recognize the affect this closure will have on Philmont and surrounding residents, and I – like those in Philmont village government – am determined to do my part to help mitigate this situation to the extent that government can. That said, I have already begun to petition and fight to bring a county shuttle bus service to Philmont. This system would provide residents with a means of transportation to-and-from Greenport to conduct banking and other business on a weekly basis. I am committed to making this happen for Philmont, and will fight to make it a reality.
 
Let me also say this. Key Bank’s abrupt closure of their branch in Philmont speaks to the value and benefits of small businesses.  We have already seen at least one small local bank show interest in helping the residents of Philmont in Key Bank’s absence. Small, locally run businesses care about the communities they operate in. Yes profit is important, indeed vital, to them as well – but so is the general wellbeing of the community.  So I would encourage all residents, now more than ever, to patronize and support our local small businesses. When possible, purchase your goods right here in Philmont and the greater Claverack area. Spending your money locally – to the extent possible – supports the local economy and helps to provide those precious local jobs.
 
Let’s all do our part. 
 
I will keep you updated on the progress of bringing the bus route to Philmont.
  
Kippy

The Columbia County Board of Supervisors and Congressman Chris Gibson are conducting a survey to gather needed information and data that will allow us to address the lack of access to high quality broadband. I know some of you may have completed similar surveys in the past, but please take a few minutes to complete this survey as it will provide us with vital information that will be used in attaining new and cost effective broadband accessibility throughout our county.

Take the survey here.