NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – The Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors welcomed the new New Bethlehem Police Chief at their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, November 8. Tim Murray, Mayor of New Bethlehem, introduced Chief Robert Malnofsky to the Chamber.

Police Chief Robert Malnofsky (aka Chief Bob) visited the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce in New Bethlehem PA *Photo courtesy of TechReady Professionals & RedbankValley.org

Chief Malnofsky spoke briefly of his career and plans for the Southern Clarion County Police Department. He has 27 years on Law Enforcement, most of which was spent in Westmoreland County. For several years, Chief Malnofsky served as Chief of Police of the Borough of Seward. The Chief told the meeting that he thinks there are several adaptations that can be made in the near term to improve policing in New Bethlehem. Among the changes that he hopes to implement are, two officers per shift, one patrolling New Bethlehem and the other patrolling Rimersburg. He also would like to see the Borough move to more full – time and fewer part-time officers. Chief Malnofsky believes that full-time officers will help attract and keep, better officers. He would also like to develop a K-9 unit, both for drug interdiction and for public relations. People like dogs and little kids like police dogs! The K-9 unit would help improve the image of the police department in the region.

Following some routine business matters, the Board took up a discussion of accepting Electronic Payments and Credit Cards. The major income period for the Chamber is during January when most members renew their dues. If the Chamber is going to move to EP and CC payments, doing so before the January renewal period makes sense. There are questions and concerns surrounding the change. While it may simplify things for customers, there are drawbacks for the Chamber. Because of the threat of cyber-crime, extended liability insurance is recommended for new credit card merchants. Individual Chamber Board members could be held personally liable in the event of a cyber-crime, putting individuals at risk. The cost of the extended liability insurance, on top of the general merchant card fees, could make accepting cards a poor choice for the Chamber at this time. Diane Brothers moved that the discussion be tabled pending further study. Tyler Ruby seconded the motion.

Chairpersons reported on their annual events. The Gumtown Market had a good year, and vendors are planning on returning to the market next spring.

There has been a discussion about spinning off the Wine Walk from the Peanut Butter Festival and making a second, free-standing event, probably in the spring to help raise money for the 4th of July Fireworks. Some of the advantages of having the Wine Walk separate include allowing Chamber members to focus on one event at a time. The Board is considering expanding the Wine Walk to be a Wine and Craft Beer event, featuring local nano – breweries. Wendy Wyant pointed out that May is not all that far off and if the event is going to happen in May, it’s time to get started. The Chamber is looking at May 10th but will be making sure that this does not conflict with Prom at the high school. The Board scheduled a Wine Walk event meeting for November 13 at the Library.

The Halloween Parade was a great success. There seemed to be more kids in costumes this year than ever before. The Chamber Board thanked event chairperson Andrea Truitt for her leadership and management of the Halloween Parade.

The Big Buck Contest is coming together. Sponsorships are about normal for this close to the start of the season. Event chairperson Gordon Barrows, said that they hope to generate more sponsorships to help defray the cost of the new equipment purchased after last year’s contest.

December 1 is set for the Christmas parade in New Bethlehem. The parade is scheduled for 1 PM with a “Snacks with Santa” at the New Bethlehem Firehall immediately following the parade courtesy of the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company. There is some confusion as to when the Christmas lights can be put up. The Board is not sure if the Veteran’s Banners have to come down first or not. Chamber will coordinate with Roger Hillard of the New Bethlehem Borough Street Dept to try to get the decorations up as efficiently as possible.

The 2019 Chamber Membership Meeting is still in the early planning stages. The venue for the event has not be decided upon. There should be more information by the next Chamber meeting.

All Chamber members are reminded of a social get together “Nips & Nibbles” at EverMoore’s on December 6 at 5 PM. EverMoore’s is debuting their newly expanded dining and meeting area for this Chamber event.

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MEETINGS:
Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 12 noon, at the Redbank Valley Public Library on Broad Street. Folks may contact the Chamber’s office to be placed on the meeting agenda.

MISSION:
The mission of the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce is to represent the interests of our members and the Redbank Valley business community by:

• Facilitating strategic partnerships for the benefit of our community
• Educating the community on the benefits of economic development
• Advocating for local and regional competitive economic vitality
• Promoting civic leadership and community engagement

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:
To learn more about the Chamber’s Events & Activities, please visit: RedbankChamber.com/category/events Or visit their Facebook page please Facebook.com/pg/rvchamber/events

BECOME A MEMBER:
To become a member or view the Chamber’s membership benefits, please visit: RedbankChamber.com/members

CONTACT:
If you’re interested in volunteering or getting involved, please contact the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce at 814.275.3929 or [email protected]. You may also ‘like/follow’ the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for the latest news/announcements: Facebook.com/RVChamber

For more info, please visit the Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce website: RedbankChamber.com