2010 was another good year for the Chamber and its members! Following are some of the highlights:
Membership
· The Chamber’s success is reflected in its membership numbers. 66 new members have joined the Chamber this year. Our membership success substantiates the value of the Chamber’s programs and services.
· A growing membership translates into greater advocacy clout, networking opportunities and buying power for our members. It also enhances our ability to offer new programming by increasing the value of sponsorships, which are reaching an ever-increasing pool of prospects.
Networking
· The Chamber held two new seminars this year which were requested by the membership - an Energy Alliance Breakfast Seminar and a Membership Benefits Luncheon.
· The Chamber continued to hold its popular Power Networking Luncheons – a “speed dating” approach to networking for our busy members for whom time is at a premium. The Chamber also held three Business-After-Hours-Networking events at the Bavarian Manor Country Inn and Restaurant, the Catskill HoeBowl, and The Bank of Greene County, Cairo branch. In addition, the Women in Business group held a summer networking event at Fitness Concepts in Hensonville. Unfortunately, due to bad weather in September, the Chamber had to cancel the much anticipated ZipLine event at Hunter Mountain, but we plan on rescheduling it for next spring. All these events created many opportunities for members to make or strengthen business connections.
· Leadership Greene, in its fourth year, produced 10 graduates who are ready to move into leadership roles within their companies, communities, or local government. At a time when volunteerism and public service are critically needed, this program provides individuals with the necessary tools and training to make a difference in our communities.
· The 6th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament was held at Christman’s Windham House. We had the best weather and turnout ever!
Marketing
· Conducted the second annual Business Idol Contest, an exciting competition for Chamber members to win a variety of marketing collateral materials valued at $3,000. The Fairlawn Inn was this year’s lucky winner!
· Publicized grand openings, new members, and member news in the Chamber’s monthly e-Newsletter.
· Promoted new members and highlighted events and services such as the Chamber’s health insurance plans on Clear Channel radio for the first time!
· Partnered with Columbia County Chamber of Commerce on the Superintendents Brunch as well as for another successful Buy Local Business Expo featuring member businesses.
Recognition & Fun
· Honored Dr. Robert Schneider and Denise Kerrigan, as Business Man and Business Woman of the Year, respectively, at the Chamber’s annual Recognition Dinner, which had the highest attendance ever! At this event, we also recognized the true “gems” in our business community with the Chamber’s annual Emerald Awards. The 2010 winners included: Large Business: Empire Merchants North; Small Business: Windham Country Club, Inc.; Non-Profit Organization: Kaaterskill Care Skilled Nursing and Rehab.
Regional Strategic Planning & Feasibility Study
· In August, the Board of Directors hired the OpX Group to explore ways for the area Chambers of Commerce to creatively align in order to more proactively support the regional business community. Benefits of strategic alliances include: Better market positioning; a larger market share; a higher public profile; greater political influence; and better economies of scale.
· After interviewing the regional Chambers and community stakeholders, the OpX Group reported that there is a preponderance of interest in bringing the forces of the regional Chambers of Commerce together in some sort of alignment or federation to pool resources, build stronger business support, and increase political advocacy leverage for Greene County and the surrounding areas. The exact nature of these potential alliances has not been clearly defined, but the willingness to explore options has been definitively expressed.
· In 2011, we look forward to exploring ways in which regional Chambers and community stakeholders can work together, in a structured way, to further the economic and community development in Greene County.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your continued support and offer our best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year!
Tracy McNally, Executive Director
