Sullivan County’s nonprofits, local businesses, and community organizations gathered at the Liberty Mall last Thursday for the Sullivan Business Exchange, an event designed to help organizations connect, prepare for the busy summer tourism season, and showcase their services.

Co-hosted by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and Sullivan Catskills, the event brought together a wide range of participants from sectors including finance, healthcare, hospitality, arts, workforce development, and recreation.

Held inside the Liberty Mall, the exchange gave attendees space to trade brochures, present their services, network with fellow business owners, and explore the resources available throughout Sullivan County, including those offered by the Center for Workforce Development.

Participants included healthcare providers, arts organizations, financial institutions, staffing agencies, tourism promoters, and local media outlets such as the Sullivan County Democrat. Organizations represented included the Chamber of Commerce, Sullivan Catskills, Hudson Valley Credit Union, Jeff Bank, Resorts World Catskills, Forestburgh Playhouse, the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, and others.

The event also highlighted smaller and emerging businesses, including specialty retailers, designers, artists such as Nyrithee, consultants, and food vendors like Casa Di Longobardi Café. Many used the opportunity to introduce new services, distribute marketing materials, and announce upcoming projects, including the Wurtsboro Board of Trade’s new Canal Park basketball and pickleball courts, which opened last Saturday.

A peachy-keen welcome

One of the newest businesses to make its Sullivan County debut at the event was The Wandering Peach, a Georgia-based mobile dirty soda and sweet tea bar. The business was welcomed in the parking lot just outside the mall, where Chamber officials and attendees gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Owner Christina Antizzo thanked those who came out to support her new venture and acknowledged the challenges of starting a small business—especially a mobile one—in Sullivan County. She expressed appreciation for the turnout and encouraged attendees to enjoy a treat, grab a drink, and take a menu.