2017 State of the Chamber Address

It has been a privilege for me to serve as President of this organization and I am happy to report we are stronger than ever!

Advocacy, membership value and collaboration have been our focus over this past year and will remain key components of our continued success.  In 2017, our management team will look to improve targeted outreach, foster member connections and involvement and yet again increase the significance of membership.

Our Board of Directors is comprised of business professionals who serve because they share a vision to improve the Hudson Valley business community. I would like to take a moment to personally thank and recognize John Davies for serving as Chair of the Board of Directors in 2016. John’s continued dedication to this business organization does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.  And in 2017, I am pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside – both new and returning board members led by our newly elected Chair, SBA Business Sales Officer for KeyBank, Ms. Rita McPeck.

In an effort to establish a board of directors reflective of our diverse region and changing local economic environment – our Nominations Committee has invited representation from both small and large employers to lead us at the board level.  This year we welcome: from Royal Carting Service Company Evelyn Constantino, from Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies Larry Holzapfel, from Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel & Conference Center Maureen Kangas, from Health Quest Michael Samuelson, and from Marshall & Sterling Insurance Frank Smith.  We also want to welcome Scott Pawenski from EmbroidMe and Bill Francis from FFB onto the Executive Board.
On the digital screen to my left you will see a full listing of the 2017 Board of Directors and at this time I ask all of our board members to please stand for recognition.
I give you your 2017 Board of Directors.

To all who have volunteered, Sponsored, or otherwise supported the Chamber in 2016: Thank you!  This year, under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President Rich Kleban, our Corporate Sponsorships have once again surpassed previous years, making this the best annual sponsorship year, yet!  I’d like to draw your attention to the full listing of annual Corporate Sponsors and Partners on the banner above and on the digital screen.

I would like to thank the 42 returning and new organizations for pledging their support. You are enabling us to deliver tremendous value to our members and community. Most importantly, I would like to acknowledge our Corporate Leaders: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Health Quest, KeyBank, and MidHudson Regional Hospital for their renewed commitment to the Chamber. Please join me in thanking all of our 2017 sponsors and partners.

We continue to listen to the needs of our membership.  Last year we implemented a comprehensive member survey in conjunction with outreach calls to all members – simply to say “thank you” and ask what we can do better.  Efforts like these ensure we are in constant communication with our members and reacting to the ongoing needs of our business community.  This past July, we created a new position at the Chamber to act as a conduit for communications and resource to our members.  Advancing Nancy DeWitt to the position of Director of Business Services, enables our organization to have an individual who is solely focused on membership value.  Additionally, Nancy ensures members are taking advantage of Chamber benefits and is now the point person for connections, referrals and resources. Through the vision of our County Executive, Marcus Molinaro, and under an agreement with the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business – Nancy will also work closely with their CEO, Sarah Lee to conduct a needs assessment survey with existing employers in the county.  This, in an effort to confirm organizations are aware of, and taking advantage of, the resources available to them.  The success of our existing businesses is vital to the economic strength of our county and is paramount to our future growth.

Your feedback has inspired additional changes to both our website’s user-friendliness and the opportunities to promote your business. Our responsive website is now easier to navigate across all platforms, registering for events has become intuitive, the enhanced directory listing feature enables your organization to standout from crowd, businesses can offer promotions and discounts via the Hot Deals portal, and in the Member’s Only section you can participate in a social networking opportunity for increased member-to-member interaction.

I am pleased to announce here for the first time, we are expanding our partnership with the Poughkeepsie Journal Media. Beginning on the Monday, February 6th and every Monday thereafter, our Chamber will be delivering the ‘Hudson Valley Business Scene’ to the Poughkeepsie Journal Print and E-editions. This weekly full page feature will highlight our members, events and provide a much-needed source of LOCAL business news – once again adding an exceptional value to being a Chamber member.
For this tremendous opportunity and partnership, I would to personally thank the President of Poughkeepsie Journal Media and the Burlington Free Press, Mr. Jim Fogler.  Please join me in recognizing and thanking the Poughkeepsie Journal Media and Jim Fogler for their continued partnership.

In 2016, Chamber events saw an increase in support, higher-than-ever attendance, and added a superior value to sponsorship. And this year’s events will be more modern, more creative, and more customized.

We’ve reshaped a targeted networking event: ‘Chamber Network, Present, and Refer’.  In a face-to-face, controlled networking atmosphere, members will share their organization information with non-competing professionals – allowing the opportunity for each individual to speak and the chance for two ten minute presentations. We’re also focusing on membership education with a quarterly Master Your Membership Lunch and a special Chamber 102 - Business Education Seminar, planned for May. We want to ensure our members know exactly what their dues provide them and how to best invest their time, energy and resources.

I am proud to highlight the work of our Chamber committees.  The Women’s Leadership Alliance and Hudson Valley Young Professionals continue to grow programming and expand their outreach.  Whether you volunteer for our Gala committee, 40 Under Forty, Headliner Awards, Legislative Action, or any one of the other 27 Chamber or Foundation committees – we thank you for your commitment to supporting events and initiatives that improve our community.  For those of you not involved at the committee level, I can tell you firsthand it is one of the most rewarding aspects of membership, a great way to build relationships and strengthen the community.

The Chamber is first and foremost an advocate; we are your union and voice.  As promised, the Legislative Action Committee took a stronger stance and became a louder voice on behalf of businesses. The committee began the year by assembling a comprehensive Legislative Action Agenda, which included addressing issues at all levels of government, but with an emphasis on matters affecting our region.  The committee was represented at 42 planning and town board meetings – showing support for members in various stages of the development and planning process.  After many years of our Chamber advocating for the abolishment of the Item Pricing Law in Dutchess County, our grocery store members are finally relieved of this burden. I want to commend County Executive, Marcus Molinaro and members of the County Legislature for continuing to move this agenda forward and thank those who supported the repeal of this outdated legislation.  We will continue to be a loud voice against illogical legislation and, as always, a proponent for improving the business environment in New York. Once again, a full listing of our legislative agenda can be found on the Chambers website.

One of the strongest assets of our Chamber is the Chamber Foundation under the leadership of Executive Director Nick Shannon. The Chamber Foundation continues its growth through an ongoing fundraising campaign to raise money for its Leadership and Mentorship programming and annual scholarship awards.  Since 2009, The Foundation has awarded over $320,000 in scholarships. To fund these scholarships, we look to the community to support our many events.  And new this year we are proud to produce an exciting commitment to education and entertainment for children entitled, ‘KidVenture’. The May 20th and 21st event will encourage exploration and discovery of the Hudson Valley, featuring; kid-friendly vendors, hands-on activities, demonstrations, performances, and much more.

Another new Foundation initiative has been established after recognizing the community need for executive level leadership planning and development – The Chamber Foundation is now accepting applications for an inaugural Executive Leadership Program to be launched in February.  When the Professional Development Committee came up with this idea, we looked to former board member, retired IBM executive, Sal Calta to help develop the program.  I would like to thank Sal and the rest of the planning committee – from Citrin Cooperman William Brenner; from Dutchess Community College, Dr. Pamela Edington; from MidHudson Regional Hospital, Paul Hochenberg; from Fortress Financial Advisory Bill Francis, formerly of Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, Steven Lant and from Westchester Medical Center, Kathleen Lynch Cartine – for their insight and expertise in executing this new program.

We are known regionally for creative program design in the Chamber Foundation, but our Chamber of Commerce has been recognized around the state for benchmark Workforce Development Programming.  Our partnership with the Department of Community and Family Services continues to thrive with a newly redeveloped Workforce Connections Program which will serve over 150 out-of-work participants – place them on a career path – ultimately building a stronger and more vibrant workforce.  In recognizing the success of our Career Action Center, in partnership with the City of Poughkeepsie School District and Dr. Nicole Williams, we will look to expand this effective model and student resource throughout other districts within Dutchess County.

I have a passion for this Chamber, its members and mission; we are all part of a winning lineup of business leaders and organizations who, together, do great things.
While these are only highlights and barely scratch the surface, you can easily understand why our team was recognized by the Business Council of New York State as the 2016 Chamber of the Year. 

I’d like to thank the Board of Directors, my executive team (Audra, Rich, Nick, and Louise) and the professional staff who I rely on every day for advice, and especially you, our members, for your continued support and faith in me to lead the business community. With the work we are doing, we will thrive and continue to be a driving force in our economy.