To the Editor:
I am writing in regard to the article by Jesse Sommer “Making a Living is What Makes Life Worth Living” published in the July 13 edition of The Enterprise. I would like to thank Jesse for bringing Our New Scotland (New Scotland Business Community — NSBC) to the attention of so many people at one time with his article.

Our membership has been working to spread the word one-on-one with other businesses around the town — a slow process indeed as we try to run and build our own businesses, grow this new and exciting business community, and share all of it with everyone!

When I was invited to the initial gatherings as NSBC was launching I thought, “How exciting! What a terrific opportunity for our local businesses to share ideas and work together to learn from each other and thrive together.”

At the same time, I also thought, “Why was I invited? I have no storefront; few even know what I offer. My little side gig pales in comparison to what these others have accomplished.”

I was invited because I am a small-business owner, albeit, not in the traditional storefront situation but definitely as a traditional small-business entrepreneur who has something they are excited about, a product or service they believe in and want to share with others, and because all our businesses and our success matter just as much as any other businesses amongst us.

I am one of three direct-sales business owners who are current members of NSBC. We actively collaborate with recognized brick-and-mortar businesses, other home-based businesses, and well-established service businesses.

Together we work to move this shared effort forward to becoming the network and resource our New Scotland business owners will come to rely on for support to help them prosper and to which residents can refer for local solutions for their various household needs. 

Are you a New Scotland and/or Voorheesville School District business? Do not be held back by questioning if you should be a part of NSBC. We are just us — like-minded neighbors striving to succeed where it matters most: within our own community.

Be one of our building blocks. Check us out at https://www.ournewscotland.com/ and consider being a part of our upcoming Community Day on Aug. 20.

Everyone! Please plan to join us for Community Day, Aug. 20, at Jim Nichols Park behind Village Hall, 29 Voorheesville Ave., from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. (rain date Aug. 27). Come meet your local businesses in person.

See the face behind the wheel of that truck that goes by your home, experience up close the smile from that person behind the counter of a business that you stroll by on your walk, or discover who it is and what they do on the other side of the sign you drive by every day.

Many of us will be sharing what we have to offer via samples, drawings for our products or services, or a discount deal only available at the event. It is an occasion for all ages. In addition to your local merchants, there will be live music, a bouncy-bounce, story time, and more! We are so looking forward to seeing you!

Karen Finnessey

Independent Representative

The Gourmet Cupboard