The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce (SCNY) brought together local business leaders, community partners, and residents on March 6, 2026, for its First Friday Networking Breakfast at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon. Sponsored by Villa Roma, the event provided an early-morning opportunity to connect, collaborate, and strengthen the county’s business community.
Celebrating Chamber partners
In his opening remarks, Matthew Sush, President and CEO of SCNY, acknowledged the Chamber’s network of partners and sponsors: “Our chamber, crusaders, Hudson Valley Credit Union, Frito Lay PepsiCo, Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association, Hudson Valley Advertising, Villa Roma Resort, Resorts World Catskills, Hurleyville Performing Arts Center, Garnett Medical Health Center…please join me in acknowledging these organizations and the commitment they have towards the Chamber and our business community.”
Sush emphasized the Chamber’s mission to foster collaboration and growth: “When you look around this room, you see people that keep Sullivan County moving forward. You are here to contribute to the strengthening of our community. Over the last several weeks, I’ve had the chance to meet many of you one-on-one, and what stands out is how much people care about our community—about the success of their business, their employees, their customers, and the future of our county. Events like this make that happen. Simple conversation can lead to new partnerships, new clients, new ideas. Take the opportunity this morning to introduce yourself to somebody new, continue building the relationship, and make the Chamber and our business community stronger.”
Sush also invited attendees to consider sponsorship opportunities, noting, “If you’re interested in sponsorship, it’s a great way to increase your visibility and connect with your brand and our members and the community throughout the year. Please see myself, Jerry, or any of our board members this morning after the program.”
Sullivan leadership class launches community project
A highlight of the breakfast was a presentation from the Sullivan Leadership Class of 2026, which develops emerging leaders across the county. Matt Rourke, President of the Class and Monster Golf Club representative at Resorts World Catskills, described their latest initiative: “A project is out providing local school districts in Sullivan County with comfort closets. We also partnered with a plethora of businesses in our community to host donation sites. What we’re asking is, if anybody would like to donate things like detergent, pods, clothes, underwear, clean shirts, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, detergent, please feel free to drop those off at any of our locations right now. We’d love for people to host donation sites or sponsor anything—just let myself or any of my class members know.” Donation sites include H Back Tango Cafe, the Arnold House, Hemlock Never Sink Canoes, A Hall, the Camden Meditation Center of New York, and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.
Villa Roma Resort welcomes guests
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Warren Zinn, General Manager of Villa Roma Resort, welcomed attendees and shared the resort’s long-standing ties to the community: “For generations, the Villa Roma has been the cornerstone of hospitality in the Catskills, welcoming visitors from near and far and continuing to invest in our community. We truly appreciate the partnership with the Chamber and their generosity in providing today’s delicious breakfast.”
Zinn described the resort’s offerings and recent developments: “We have a beautiful ski hill behind us, an 18-hole golf course, bumper boats, zip lines, go-karts, volleyball, basketball, bounce houses, racquetball, and indoor pools. We’ve opened a brand-new cocktail lounge, Altura, which is open year-round. Most importantly, we’re a very proud family resort, and we truly love to welcome families because of all the activities that parents can enjoy with their children. The Chamber’s work is so important, and hosting this event here gives people a chance to see our beautiful property and understand what we have to offer.”
Networking in action
Attendees shared insights on how the First Friday Breakfast series benefits both local businesses and the community:
- Mike Contaxis, Business Development & Marketing at SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan & South Ulster Counties, explained, “This helps bridge the gap with other businesses, and I get more business out of the area. Sullivan County is amazing, and the people here are amazing.”
- Shane Merone, Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc., added, “We’ve had probably 30 to 50 speakers come into our programs from the Chamber Breakfasts. It’s really good for the local business and community.”
- Toni Castillo, Community Outreach Coordinator at Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, highlighted their new Wellness Program for adults with mental health challenges: “It’s a class every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. to help adults through movement, journaling, and somatic practices. It’s all about supporting individuals through trauma and recovery and coming together as a community.”
- Monica Bennett, HPAC instructor, emphasized the power of personal connection: “I love connecting with like-minded people to make everything better. The more you give, the more you get. These events help create those connections.”
- Brad Rutledge, Board Chair, Callicoon Co-op, offered networking tips: “Be ready to talk about your business succinctly, like a 30-second elevator pitch. Tell them one thing you want them to remember. That’s the most effective way to make a lasting impression.”
- Geri Neumann, Membership and Operations Coordinator, SCNY, advised, “Bring plenty of business cards and make personal connections. Follow up after the event. That’s how businesses grow.”
- Janet Carey, President of New York State Women, Inc., encouraged attendees to engage with local professional networks, highlighting upcoming meetings and events in Sullivan County.
Strengthening the local business community
The First Friday Breakfast series, held monthly at rotating venues, is designed to help businesses, nonprofits, and professionals network, explore collaboration opportunities, and elevate their visibility. As Sush summarized, “The more people you meet, the more contacts you can make. That’s the most beneficial part of the breakfast.”
With an emphasis on collaboration, community engagement, and professional growth, the SCNY First Friday Networking Breakfast continues to serve as a cornerstone for Sullivan County’s thriving business ecosystem.
