Cobleskill Partnership Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to improving the village’s downtown last Tuesday.
About 20 members and guests attended the organization’s annual meeting, held at Pizza Shack.
Formed in 1997––and now noting its 20th anniversary––CPI strives to continue making downtown a better place to work, live and visit.
“We are the only group trying to create events and opportunities to improve the quality of life for residents and tourists,” President Brian Kaiser said.
Committee chairs reported on their activities from the past year and what’s coming up.
Events Chair Jacqui Hauser pointed to CPI’s home and garden show, held in March, as a successful new event.
“It involved almost everyone here,” Ms. Hauser said.
CPI also held Cobleskill’s popular holiday celebration in December and is looking forward to a village-wide lawn sale and an artisans’ fair.
A Taste of Cobleskill, which features offerings from village restaurants, is also ahead, as is a poker walk in July and a family fun night, Ms. Hauser said.
“The number of people participating keeps getting bigger,” she added.
CPI’s popular music series, Arts in the Park, also begins in July in Centre Park.
Tim Snyder chairs the Streetscapes Committee, which handles decorations and maintenance along Main Street and side streets.
One project this year may be to add trash cans––as attractive as possible––along Main Street.
“If we can financially swing it, we’ll do it,” said Mr. Snyder, noting the cans are expensive.
Bruce Tryon, public relations chair, said his committee is stepping up outreach on social media thanks to Sarah Hoose, a CPI employee.
“She’s done a fantastic job,” Mr. Tryon said.
Jim Poole, membership chair, said CPI’s drive this year fell short of expectations. The drive will shift from December back to October this year, he said, so the effort doesn’t get lost in the holiday rush.
Eric Stein of the Audit Committee said his members handle CPI’s money––“where it comes from and where it goes”––and review insurance, by-laws, income tax filings, contracts and proposals from other groups wanting to use CPI’s non-profit status.
“Eric reports on the boring stuff, but his committee does the stuff that makes us a legitimate organization,” Mr. Poole said.
Mr. Kaiser closed by saying CPI seeks new projects and people to improve downtown.
“If you come with a good idea,” he said, “You’ll find people to support you.”