BY ANDY GARDNER
North Country This Week

MASSENA -- The Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce may stay closed down for longer than anticipated.

In April, the chamber announced they were temporarily closing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

At the Wednesday, June 17 Town Council meeting, Councilor Sue Bellor updated the board on where things are with the organization. She is the board’s chamber liaison.

“The chamber does not have the means to bring back employees,” Bellor told the board, and they are “considering the county chamber consolidation plan as the best option for the future.”

She said the chamber isn’t able to bring back employees like their executive director and office manager.

“They do not see how they can operate the locks this summer,” Bellor said. She is referring to the gift shop at the Eisenhower Locks visitors center.

In addition, the chamber is also canceling their Concerts in the Park at Springs Park, and are considering a modified fall or early spring 2021 concert series, Bellor said.

She added that the chamber still plans to honor sponsorships for future dates.

The chamber has also had to deal with a funding cut from the village, from $21,500 in 2019-20 to $5,000 in 2020-21.

People can still donate to the chamber by mailing checks to 16 Church St., Bellor said.

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