The Ulster County Chamber of Commerce has suspended and consolidated two of its most visible Facebook groups—Ulster Chamber Eateries United and Ulster Chamber Small Businesses United—after mounting criticism over moderation practices. Updates will now be shared exclusively on the Chamber’s main Facebook page.
Concerns had been building for months as community members alleged inconsistent enforcement of group rules and the routine removal of negative reviews. Critics argued that these practices presented an incomplete, and at times misleading, picture of local businesses. In response, Saugerties business owner Jason Bover created an independent Facebook group three years ago to allow residents to post unfiltered dining experiences in Ulster County.
Business owners also voiced frustration. Anton Kinloch, owner of Lone Wolf in Kingston, told The Kingston Wire that many of his promotional posts to the Chamber’s groups languished in approval limbo, never reaching the groups’ combined audience of more than 25,000 people.
For small businesses, social media remains a vital and low-cost tool for customer outreach. The loss of two large community groups is a setback for visibility, particularly for Chamber members who expect such access as part of their paid membership. The situation underscores a larger question: how well does the Chamber balance its duty to support business owners while maintaining fair, transparent communication with the public?
Business owners have a clear interest in guarding against unfair criticism, but credibility depends on allowing both positive and negative feedback to be visible. By consolidating its groups, the Chamber has closed one chapter of community conflict, but the broader issue remains unresolved. The organization’s effectiveness will ultimately be measured by its ability to foster open dialogue while upholding the trust of the community.
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