SIGNATURE MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENTS

Contact Breakfast

Held the third Wednesday of every month at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel at 7:30 a.m., with an average of 250 guests consisting of professionals, bankers, business owners, not-for-profit executives, corporate executives, decision-makers.  This is a structured event that provides an opportunity to network with the guests at your table, recognize and welcome new members, and listen to a keynote speaker on a topic relevant to the business community.  The sponsor has exclusivity and is recognized as well as given the opportunity to provide promotional material to each guest.

Business After Hours

Held the fourth Wednesday every month at a different member restaurant or catering facility each month from 5-7:30 p.m.  This event provides a more relaxed networking atmosphere with an average of 125 in attendance consisting of professionals, small business owners, not-for-profit representatives, corporate representatives, sales reps.  The sponsors are recognized and given an opportunity to speak about their services and products at a designated time and an opportunity to provide promotional material to each guest.

MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY EVENTS

Business Education Seminars, Workshops, and Networking Events

Sponsors for each of the events below are recognized on emailed and/or printed invitations to new members with recognition at the event and an opportunity to speak about your services and products.

Educational Workshops and Informational Seminars (monthly)

Tailored for the new member to help get acquainted with the Chamber resources; for the small business owners and business professionals.  These events are provided by local member professionals, experts in their field.

Network With A Purpose  (quarterly)

Members of the Ambassador Committee assist the facilitator as coaches for the attending guests and provide networking tip and a portfolio of reference material especially for new members.  Approx. 40 guests in attendance.

New Member Luncheon (quarterly)

New members (within each quarter) are invited to a luncheon specifically designed for them to get acquainted with the staff and the Chamber offices and are given a brief presentation from the CEO on Chamber involvement as well as an opportunity to network with approximately 35 new members.

Maximize Your Membership (quarterly)

Designed for new members as well as a refresher for existing members or new company reps to learn how to effectively utilize Chamber resources and learn how to create a marketing plan through the Chamber.  Approximately 45 in attendance.

SBA Days (monthly)

An SBA representative avails himself for the day to small business owners or to anyone who is interested in starting a business, members and non members, on the products and services that are provided by the Small Business Administration.  A complimentary lunch is provided for approximately 20 guests and a bank rep, designated for SBA loans is also available to assist in the application and eligibility process. 

Business Institute (annual)

A full day of informational workshops for the entrepreneur as well as the business owner who wants to increase his business.  Workshops include: how to start a business; business and marketing plans; how to apply for government funded small business loans; marketing strategies; website optimization.  Attendance is approximately 65.  Sponsor has the opportunity to speak at the beginning of the workshop series and have a table with promotional material.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS EVENTS

Legislative Action Breakfasts/Luncheons (quarterly)

An opportunity for the business community to be able to listen to and communicate with our elected officials in all levels of government (federal, state, county, local) in a relaxed setting with no media in attendance.

ANNUAL EVENTS

February

Annual Gala

The Event of the year to be seen.  Each year businesses and individuals are recognized for community spirit and community service as well as recognizing businesses and the next generation.  An average attendance of 425 guests in formal wear, an evening of camaraderie, excellent cuisine, and lots of fun.  Many levels of sponsorship are available depending on the theme of the event.

April

Forty Under 40

This event demonstrates how rich our region is with talented, successful, charitable and community oriented young people.  This annual celebration highlights those movers and shakers of the business community by or before the age of 40.  Attendance consists of 800+ business professionals from top Hudson Valley businesses and not for profit organizations as well as the general population

April 

Headliners Awards

This program was created to recognize and celebrate outstanding companies and not for profit organizations located in Dutchess County.  Each year winners are selected as exemplary in the following categories: Leadership in Organization and Community; Outside-the-Box Innovator; Green-Friendly Organization; Continued Growth in Current Economy; and Customer Service.  Nominations can be made by members of the community including employees, customers, friends, neighbors or the organization’s leaders.  Winners, chosen from these nominees by a committee of Chamber members, are saluted at the April Contact Breakfast.

June

Breakfast in the Barn

This popular breakfast takes place in a Dutch barn from the pre-revolutionary period at the Mt. Guilian Historic Site – the colonial homestead of the Verplank Family.  Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century, chamber members enjoy scenic views of the Hudson River while having the ultimate brunch experience.

Breakfast of Champions

This event has become a tradition in Dutchess County. Held on the third Wednesday of June at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in the City of Poughkeepsie, what better way to jumpstart your day than by enjoying a complimentary sampling of menu specialties prepared by over 50 of the area’s top restaurants and caterers.  This annual event draws a large crowd.  Guests will enjoy meeting restaurateurs while mingling with friends and associates and enjoying the displays of our sponsors.  It has proven to be the ultimate in networking for members of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. After the official start of the event with the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting, business professionals, elected officials and community leaders mingle with corporate CEO’s and sole proprietors as well as representatives from the commercial, financial, industrial, professional and not-for-profit communities.

Floating Business Break

This event takes the place of our traditional Business After Hours at one of our local area restaurants.  A boat ride on the Hudson for three hours is enjoyed by 150 guests including sponsors and their representatives.  Food is provided by a local caterer as well as entertainment by a local DJ.  A perfect evening of fun, friendship and great networking with a captive audience for three hours.

July

Mid-Hudson Hot-Air Balloon Festival

This annual event is hosted by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce held during the July 4th weekend.  This event proves each year the tremendous pride the community has in its cities and towns.  It has grown and expanded demonstrating the enormous collaboration among leaders, businesses, schools, organizations and residents within our community.  
Hot air balloons are launched four times throughout the weekend with a mass balloon launch at 6AM on Saturday and Sunday, and 6PM launches on Friday and Saturday at different locations throughout the Mid Hudson Valley. This festival has known to bring in over 10,000 people to the City of Poughkeepsie and the surrounding areas, not including the thousands visiting the surrounding areas.  Sponsors have high visibility and exposure throughout the weekend.

September

Work Local First Job Fair

This event was created to provide local jobs for our residential community and to be able to keep our area college graduates in the Hudson Valley in local jobs.  This event takes place immediately following the September Contact Breakfast.  Hundreds attend at no charge and approximately 50 businesses with available job openings participate and accept resumes.  This also gives the job seekers the opportunity to network.  Complimentary workshops are also provided during the Job Fair educating job seekers on effective resume writing, brushing up on interview skills, etc.

October

Business Expo

Annual premier trade show providing opportunity for Chamber members to showcase their products and services.  It is open and free to the Hudson River Valley business and residential communities.  Sponsors are promoted via a mirage of media marketing as well as on a designated web site.  This web site also provides incentives, special discounts for the public to take advantage of through the holiday shopping season.

WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE (WLA)

International Women's Day

International Women’s Day, March 8th, is both a celebration of women around the world, and an opportunity to educate people about the plight of women in other countries. The WLA is organizing this event for our community and will enlist community groups, colleges, non-profits and individuals alike who feel that women’s rights are an important cause, to attend the walk on the Walkway Over the Hudson and bring hundreds (if not thousands) of women together in solidarity. The event is about solidarity, and also about education.   This will be open to everyone in the Hudson River Valley

Educational Forums

Two forums scheduled, one in the Spring and one in the Fall.  The audience benefits from well known community leaders who share their expertise and knowledge.

Table Top Expo (May)

An opportunity for the members of the WLA to showcase their products and services; sponsors have the opportunity to do the same and be promoted prior to and during the event.  A workshop is also scheduled during the expo where the speaker is chosen to present on a topic of interest that is dominant for professional women as well as women business owners.

HUDSON VALLEY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Educational Workshops Series

These educational events are hosted with the focus on expanding young professionals into the business community, through hands on training, skill building, networking practice, and interaction with other young professionals. 

There will be three workshops series:  Etiquette – “You’re invited, Now What”, An etiquette event for the meticulous professional - how to present yourself at business events “on the job”; a Board Training Discuss panel. This idea stemmed from the success of ENERGY’s Board Training Program. This program places young professionals as associate/no-voting board members as well as full voting board members on various not for profit Boards of Directors; Investing in your future as a young professional. This will help guide young professionals questions about investment options. 

The sponsor of the series is highlighted and recognized throughout the entire year on all promotional material that is released for these events as well as recognition on our website with a hyperlinked banner ad throughout the year.
Office Chair Challenge – A fun event hosted by the Chamber’s Young Professionals Group (aged 18-40) bringing together all ages from the business community participating in challenging obstacle races.  Food and prizes are provided. 

STUDENT RELATED EVENTS

Golf Mentoring Day (May)

A half day event where students from Poughkeepsie City High School are matched with business professionals.  The students learn the basics of golf and how business networking and transactions take place on a golf course.  The day completes with lunch at a local college and each group shares their experiences.

College Campus Tour (October)

Two tours are scheduled for three area colleges for each tour.  Students are chosen from local public schools and are given the opportunity to learn the possibilities of enrolling in our local colleges.

Students Making Connections (November)

This is a networking event that derived from the Chamber’s Network With A Purpose.  How to be effective during college entrance interviews as well as job interviews.  Approximately 60 high school students participate from local schools and Chamber member’s business professionals in the appropriate fields facilitate and coach this event.

Youth Leadership 

CHAMBER FOUNDATION EVENTS

The proceeds from each event funds the scholarships that are distributed to local students as well as local residents who would like to continue their education in various areas of education.  The Foundation also provides educational programs that encourage leadership and community development.

Cosimo DiBrizzi Celebrity Servers Dinner (April)

This event funds scholarships for interest in the Culinary Arts.

Bowling Tournament (May)

This event funds scholarships for Technology and Engineering.

Nussbickel Golf Tournament (June)

This event funds scholarships for the college of the recipient’s choice.

Twisted Gala (July)

At this event, community businesses and/or individuals are recognized for their commitment to the Hudson River Valley community.

Leadership Dutchess (September - June)

A quality leadership program that better equips our area professionals with the skills needed to take on leadership roles that will result in making positive, long-term changes in our communities and in the world of business.  This nine month program provides each participant the unique opportunity to learn new concepts and explore alternative ideas, engage with expert instructors and gain practical knowledge on selected topics.

ATHENA Awards (DECEMBER)

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP EVENTS 

These events bring awareness to the business community of specific issues (including health), challenges and concerns.

Go Red for Heart (February)

with the American Heart Association.

Astor Services Public Policy Breakfast (March)

Anderson Center for Autism Public Policy Breakfast (April) 

Think Pink/Breast Cancer Awareness (October) – with American Cancer Society

PUBLICATIONS

Government Guide

A very popular resource guide that provides contact information for elected officials on the federal, state and local levels, as well as contact information for government agencies.   This publication is listed electronically on the Chamber’s web site as well as the ads that are placed in the publication with hyperlink to the sponsor’s web site. 

Relocation packages

Approximately 40 packages are mailed each month to businesses and individuals who intend to move to Dutchess County.  Information inside the packages include demographics of Dutchess County, general information of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, a list of our members in specific industries, such as, hospitality, financial institutions, moving companies, realtors.  Members may include promotional material in these packages for the year for a nominal fee.

Inserts

These inserts are supplements in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, the Bottom Line.  Distribution is 2,100.  The member is to provide the Chamber with 2,100 copies of the insert with a fee to insert it in each newsletter.  The Chamber also provides the service of creating and printing the insert for an additional fee.

Subscription to Membership List

Electronic listing of entire Chamber membership with one free upgrade within a year’s time.

Custom Ribbon Cuttings

– Special post card invitations created, printed, mailed, RSVP to the Chamber, and follow up to invitation list (the list is predetermined between the Chamber and the member) for a fee.  The Chamber serves as the member’s event planner.

Internet Marketing

Monthly Email Blasts

Sponsor banners are placed on the Chamber’s weekly email blast to approximately 3,600 member emails for one month for a fee.  The banners are hyperlinked to the sponsor’s web site.

Chamber Website Banners

These member banners are placed on a page on the Chamber’s website for the year with hyperlink to the sponsor’s web site.  Creation of the banner is included in the annual fee.

Member Website Listings

Marketing opportunities to highlight a member’s listing on the Chamber’s website including, company log, listing highlight, company ad at the top of the business category.

Submit a request for a Member Development Session by emailing Director of Member Services Nancy Amy.