Chamber discusses next steps for holiday lighting committee, treasurer role ahead of departures
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - Christmas lights line South Main Street in Shenandoah, seen in November of 2017.
SHENANDOAH – It is safe to say that Mark Bernardyn will leave big shoes to fill at the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bernardyn, the branch manager at Shenandoah’s M&T Bank, also serves as treasurer for the chamber, as well as co-chair of the holiday lighting committee, chair of the farmers market committee, and more.
He retires Friday after 42 years at M&T and is stepping back, including stepping away from his roles at the Chamber. His co-chair on the lighting committee, Betty Ann Bugden, has also stepped away from that role.
While the chamber typically doesn’t meet in the summer months, they held a special meeting Thursday morning to discuss the next steps for each role.
As a banker, Bernardyn was a natural fit for the treasurer position, and the chamber discussed filling that role. President Lou Truskowsky asked the group if they knew of anyone who had accounting experience that could fill the position.
“When I leave here today, in all due respect, someone is getting these books,” Bernardyn said. He offered assistance in walking whoever may fill the position through the books.
Sasha Sherry, secretary, asked if it would be possible that, if a member could not fill the role, if someone could be brought in to fill the role, potentially on an honorary membership basis.
Regarding the holiday lighting, Mike Vernalis said Allen Palubinsky was interested in spearheading the effort and coordinating their installation.
Truskowsky suggested bring Palubinsky in for the September chamber meeting.
Bernardyn also spoke about running the downtown farmers market at Main and Centre and what goes into that effort.
The chamber will continue to discuss the efforts and the next steps moving forward at next month’s meeting.
Also at the meeting, Bernardyn presented a certificate of appreciation to Albert Victor on behalf of the holiday lighting committee for his fundraising efforts.
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