DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce condemns systemic racism, sexism, and inequality of any kind wherever it exists. We cannot ignore the physical and emotional violence that people of color experience every day. Nor can we ignore that women, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ community experience abuses daily that perpetuate inequalities in our society. Our community has also witnessed criminal acts of anti-Semitism committed against our neighbors because of their faith. None of this is acceptable, and to remain silent in the face of it would be wrong.

Bigotry springs from many sources: local history, upbringing, parochialism, low self- esteem, fear, and anger. When generalized in institutions and policies, bias can lead to abuses of power that are hard to eradicate. We must acknowledge the history of bigotry in our society and be vigilant if we are to change things for the better. We must be brave enough to have uncomfortable conversations. In doing so, we must respect different opinions and engage every person of goodwill. The Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce is committed to this goal.

Because Cold Spring is a popular destination for visitors from around the world, business owners here encounter people of every type. It is important that we commit ourselves to welcoming everyone regardless of nationality, appearance, manner, or belief. We must make ourselves and our community aware of how easily any person or group can be made to feel excluded or maligned. The Chamber stands against discrimination and aims to create a commercial environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone.

RESOURCES

We encourage the members of the business community to reread the statement regularly.  The Chamber newsletter will henceforth include links to resources that may help readers combat personal and professional biases. Here are some great places to start:

READ:

• “How Companies Can Move From Words to Action to Address Systemic Racism” (from Cultivating Capital, Reimagining Business for the 21st Century)

• “How to Manage Your Team in Times of Political Trauma” (by Michelle Kim, Awaken Blog)

• “Leading During Traumatic and Triggering Events” (Diversity Equity Inclusiveness Consulting)

REPARATIONS FUND

After an incident of vandalism damaging the property of a Black business owner, on November 2, 2020, the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce and it’s business community members raised funds to establish the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce Reparations Fund. The purpose of this fund is to help cover the costs of repairing physical damage to property incurred by business owners who are targeted and vandalized because of the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, their ethnicity or cultural background, their religious faith, or their immigration status. Chamber members may apply for support from this fund if they feel they have been targeted by bigotry and it has caused monetary damage to their business or business property.

As long as systemic racism persists, we will need to put systems of anti-racism, such as this, into place to support equality and prosperity for all. We’d like to thank the members of the business community for making this fund possible with your generosity and support.

The Reparations Fund is made possible by the generous donations from the following people, businesses, and organizations:

Jacqueline Azria (Paulette), Regina Bei (Hudson House Inn), Tara & James Caroll (Old Souls/Barber & Brew), Caitlin Chadwick (Caitlin Chadwick Photography), Jacqueline Coumans (So French), Bruce Croushore & Michele Hilmes, Douglas Cunningham (Putnam County News & Recorder and Putnam County Courier), Julie Cohen & Deb Dilkara (Dilkara Design), Stephanie Doucette (Swing), Lori & Jim Ely (Riverview Restaurant), Francine Farnorotto (The Gift Hut), Linzi Jean Fastiggi (Spice Revolution), Tara Flagler (Sweet Harvest), Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, Juhee Lee-Hartford & James Hartford (River Architects), Martee Levi (Buster Levi Gallery), Robert & Anita Jacobson, The Highland’s Current, Bill Hussung & Mishara Canino (Bob McCaffrey Realty), Teresa & Brent Lagerman (Condensed), Kate Liberman & Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Jeff Mikkelson (Jeff Mikkelson Photography), Nat & Anita Prentice, Julisa Rincon-Tomizawa (Juanita’s Kitchen), Judiann Romanello (Damn-aged Vintage), Michelle Smith (Hudson Highlands Land Trust), Eliza Starbuck (Flowercup Wine), Sachi Starbuck, Maryann Syrek (M Studio Gallery Fine & Applied Arts LLC.), Henry & Joan Turner, and Grey Zeien (Grey’s Printing).

If you would like to donate to the Reparations Fund, please send checks written out to the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce to:

P.O. Box 36, Cold Spring, NY, 10516

Please indicate “Reparations Fund Contribution” in the memo line of your check.