May 9, 2012 1:37 PM
The Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce has decided not to allow Westhampton Beach businesses to set up shop at its farmers market, and that decision has angered at least one local merchant.
Erin Finley, the owner of Sydney’s “Taylor” Made Cuisine on Main Street, said it is outrageous for the chamber to exclude local businesses from making money at the market, which is held every Saturday in the spring and summer in the municipal lot near Mill Road in Westhampton Beach. Last Saturday, which was the market’s opening day, Ms. Finley said she was allowed to participate by sharing a table with another vendor, Steve Price of East Quogue, the owner of Dora’s Gourmet, who rents space at the market.
“I don’t understand it,” Mr. Price said of the policy change. “It... more
Erin Finley, the owner of Sydney’s “Taylor” Made Cuisine on Main Street, said it is outrageous for the chamber to exclude local businesses from making money at the market, which is held every Saturday in the spring and summer in the municipal lot near Mill Road in Westhampton Beach. Last Saturday, which was the market’s opening day, Ms. Finley said she was allowed to participate by sharing a table with another vendor, Steve Price of East Quogue, the owner of Dora’s Gourmet, who rents space at the market.
“I don’t understand it,” Mr. Price said of the policy change. “It... more
Ms. Finley runs one of the few successful business in the village. She has exposed the incompetence of the Chamber on numerous occasions and formed an alternative, and far more successful community model.
The chamber is acting like a jealous adolescent who is trying to get back ...more at someone they are mad at.
Ms. Finley should just show up, sell her goods, and refuse to leave. The chamber is powerless and can do nothing.
Poke the beehive? Don't whine if you get stung.