River cruise will still be held in Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE – The annual Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce River Cruise will go on this year despite an increase in price from the Gateway Clipper Fleet. “We can’t afford to lose this cruise. It is the premier event in the community, not just for the chamber,” said chamber President Frank Ricco.
The Gateway Clipper Fleet had given the chamber an estimated cost for this year’s cruise that was about $1,600 more than last year’s cruise. The increase included fuel and staffing fees for bringing the boat from Pittsburgh to Brownsville, as well as for a band and bartenders.
“I told them we didn’t need the band and the bartenders, but they wouldn’t buy that. They said it was a package deal,” Ricco said.
Ricco said he is continuing to negotiate with the cruise line and is hoping to be able to cut the increase in half. Ricco said that by increasing the cruise tickets by $5 each, to $40, the cruise could still be affordable, though the chamber would still have a loss of $300 to $400 if only 150 people attend. Ricco said the chamber would need to work on increasing attendance for the event.
In other matters, chamber Executive Director Scott Bowman said this year’s Christmas ornament honoring area veterans and active soldiers sold well. He said there are still a few ornaments left and they are available at the chamber office.
The chamber voted to continue its support for the July 3 fireworks display. Ricco is seeking ideas for activities to bring people to the Patsy Hillman Park earlier in the day.
“We get a tremendous crowd, but it’s a late crowd,” Ricco said.
The chamber is once again requesting the Parkvale hot air balloon for the event. Free rides were given in the balloon last year.
Mike Evans, Brownsville General Hospital chief executive officer, reported that a public hearing and Orphans Court procedures for the sale of the hospital to a for-profit doctor’s group both went well. He anticipates approval of the deal to keep the hospital open within the next two months. The Gosai-Gandhi medical group, through a new entity known as Tricounty Health System, is in the process of acquiring the hospital.
“They’re going to be bringing in new programs and new equipment. I think the first six months (after the license transfer) will be very interesting,” Evans said.
Bill Johnson reported that the Brownsville Free Public Library received a grant that will allow it to purchase new computer equipment.
The library is applying to the same grant program to cover the cost of renovating the restrooms at the library next year.
Chamber members were reminded that a candlelight prayer vigil will be held this Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Hiller Reserve Center to remember the troops deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Parking at the Reserve Center is limited, so those attending the event are asked to park at the Hiller Fire Hall and take a free shuttle bus to the Reserve Center.