Alpine Ski Hut at 150 Main St. in Oneonta is closing its clothing retail business March 21 after 42 years in business, owner Ed Hofbauer said Tuesday.
The store is selling its remaining ski and swim apparel and equipment, and after next week, the business will continue its engraving services from the basement of the building, he said.
Hofbauer, who owns the building, said McLaughlin's Department Store will move from 112 Main St. in Clinton Plaza into the storefront space under a lease beginning April 1. The clothing store will remodel the space, he said.
McLaughlin's Shoes is at 146 Main St.
Hofbauer said he grew up in Germany, where he learned to downhill ski. Hofbauer found out about Oneonta from a friend who lives in Stamford. Hofbauer opened the local business with his wife, Ingrid.
``We've had a very good relationship with our customers and friends,'' Hofbauer said.
Closing the business will mean fewer work hours and more time on the golf course, he said. Engraving services and some bicycle maintenance will be available and customers can stop in, he said.
``I still enjoy working,'' Hofbauer said. ``Oneonta is good to us.''
Sidney Chamber plans activities
An open house, a fair and awards programs are in the works for this month, according to the Sidney Chamber of Commerce, and two deadlines for activities are Friday.
The Chamber will play host to a Business After Hours at the Super 8 Motel from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19.
Chamber members are welcome to the event behind at the motel, which is behind Pizza Hut off of Delaware Avenue. Tours, coupons and networking opportunities will be available, organizers said.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28, the Chamber will present the annual Tri-Town Business Expo and Community Fair, which is open to the public.
The event will be inside the Sidney Fire Training Center at 72 River St. in Sidney and is co-sponsored by the Bainbridge, Sidney and Unadilla Chambers of Commerce. The registration deadline is Friday and forms are available online at www.sidneychamber.org or by calling the Chamber at 561-2642.
There is a $25 fee to reserve a table space for Tri-Town Chamber members; it is a $40 fee for nonmembers. Admission is free, and food will be available, organizers said. The Sidney Police Department will give away bicycle helmets.
CDO Workforce representatives will attend to talk about job placement and the programs for job-seekers to attend school.
Also, the Sidney Chamber seeks nominations for its annual Business and Citizens of the Year Award. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday. Forms are at www.sidneychamber.org or choices may be submitted through e-mail to office@sidneychamber.org. Winners will be honored at the annual dinner June 5 at the Sidney Elks Club.
Otsego County Chamber opposes unfunded mandates'
The Otsego County Chamber has put its call to the state for accountability and relief into a formal agenda.
The Chamber urges the state to ``cease the plague of unfunded mandates that threatens our local governments and school system,'' according to a media release.
The Chamber board of directors' resolution calls for a level playing field for businesses; the reduction of burdensome cost of government; and cuts in spending.
The agenda also supports use of tuition revenue by State University of New York campuses instead of by the state to meet its ``spending habit.'' The Feb. 19 resolution also opposed unfunded mandates imposed on to local governments and schools.
The resolution was sent to area legislators, school superintendents, county representatives, mayors and town supervisors.
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To suggest a business story, announce a new business or changes to an existing one, e-mail drichardson@thedailystar.com or call Denise Richardson at 432-1000 or (800) 721-1000, ext. 213.
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