Office space is available for rent in the lower level of  the Wayne County Visitor’s Center, Commercial Street in Honesdale.

Newly appointed Executive Director Donna LaBar says the 1000 square foot space could be kept as one office or easily divided into two if needed. “We’ll build to suit,” she said. The space used to display a D & H Canal and Gravity Railroad Exhibit, which has since been locally donated. LaBar said they’ll announce at a future date who the exhibit was donated to. She said the ticket booth area and small gift shop remain.
“Great location”

“We think this is a great location and would benefit the community for us to have that available for tenants,” said Wayne County Chamber of Commerce President Lewis Critelli. Monies gained would go towards paying the mortgage and other expenses, he said.

LaBar said they’ve extended their mortgage to cover the cost of a new water line, but declined to say how much it cost. She said it was a 10-year-old problem in need of a solution. The popularity of the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursion brings as many as 200-300 people per trip, she said. With all those patrons utilizing the facilities, the water supply was quickly depleted in past. Along with the new water line, LaBar says they plan to install more efficient commode fixtures in the bathroom that will utilize less water.

500+ Meetings held      
LaBar talked about the community room, recently named in honor of Netta DeYoung, who served as Executive Director for nearly 20 years. LaBar says the community room is heavily utilized by non-profit groups. Last year alone, it was used more than 500 times, Critelli said. “We open ourselves to them. So it’s a real asset to the community. But it’s an expensive asset to the community for us,” LaBar said. Asked if groups using the room make donations, LaBar said, “There are a few that give us donations, but most of it is free for non profits, members of course. And with that does come some cost.  I think that many people don’t realize just how open this is ...how many meetings we host here for people. ”

LaBar said she’s pleased to see so many groups using the room, “That’s what it’s for,” she said.

Other offices found at the Wayne County Visitor’s Center include State Representative Mike Peifer, Wayne Economic Development Corporation or WEDCO and the Greater Honesdale Partnership or GHP.

If you’d like to learn more about the available office space, call the Chamber at 253-1960 or e-mail LaBar at exec@waynecountycc.com.

More member benefits
Speaking of her vision for the Chamber, LaBar said, “I want to offer more benefits to the members. And so, I’m going to work on that. We’re going to just have some more things, like seminars and benefits, especially. Right now, we have health insurance. We have a good benefit package that we offer for people when they join the Chamber. We’re going to expand that. We’re going to work on updating the community room, the board room. We’re looking at some more additional technology things ...We do need some upgrades,” she said.

“It would be ideal to have this room installed with screens. Wireless technology would also very beneficial,” Critelli said. He said they’re always on the lookout for any technology grants that would help them.

If you’d like to make a donation to the Chamber, please contact LaBar at 253-1960. “It’s a huge community asset,” LaBar said of the community room. She said donations would benefit everyone who uses the building. 

Upcoming Chamber Events:
• Stourbridge Line Easter Bunny Run, March 15. “We can sell 350 tickets, and that’s usually always sold out,” says Netta DeYoung, Stourbridge Line Rail Excursion Manager. The Bunny Run is a quarter-century old tradition, a much anticipated trip with the Easter Bunny and chocolates for children of all ages. For more details, call the Chamber at 253-1960.

• April 12 is the annual Murder Mystery at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort in Tafton. This year’s theme: “Wayne County’s Got Talent.” Cost is $55 per ticket and includes a buffet, the murder mystery, casino night and dancing. “It’s a fun, fun evening,” said Executive Director Donna LaBar. “Gail Tucker writes the play and I can’t divulge anything else at this point,” she said with a laugh, “But it’s always fun.” LaBar said they have a $1,000 grand prize, amongst other prizes. LaBar said they can hold about 220 people and it’s always a sell-out.