Upcoming Live Events Bringing Us Back Together

By Frank Castella Jr
President & CEO

Here in the Hudson Valley, we have so much to be grateful for and to look forward to this summer and fall. It is very exciting to see people live and in person again, attending so many of our Chamber events. Our calendar is full once again, giving members multiple opportunities to reach their audience, as well as make connections with each other.
 
One of the best ways to find out all that the Chamber can do for your organization is to attend the upcoming Master Your Membership event, taking place on Wednesday, August 4, at 9 am at The Brothers that just do Gutters on Rt. 55 in Poughkeepsie. You will get a chance to learn how the departments of membership, events, communications, The Chamber Foundation, and Workforce Development Center operate for the benefit of members. Information about all the services included with your membership dues will be provided and this is a great opportunity to ask questions. We want to thank SCORE for sponsoring this event.
 
Of course, don’t forget the 30^th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival will be bringing tourists to the area September 3-5 (see the special event guide inside this newsletter). This signature Hudson Valley event has fun for the entire family and fireworks each night! There are also opportunities to display as a vendor, or perhaps volunteer during the event. Members and sponsors can take advantage of the audience, and certainly our economy benefits throughout the weekend. This year’s event is presented by The Chamber Foundation and JPMorgan Chase, with event sponsors Bottini Fuel and Q92. A complete list of community sponsors as well as all the details and ticket information is available at www.balloonfesthv.com. I look forward to seeing you all there!
 
We welcome you to come and celebrate the top talent we have here in the region at the Hudson Valley’s Top Forty Under 40 Mover and Shaker Awards, which will take place on Thursday, September 23 at the ChangePoint Theatre in Poughkeepsie. It’s another great class of young professionals, who have chosen by their peers as future leaders of our business community. The awards ceremony, which is open to the public, is a celebration of these individuals and their accomplishments, and we thank event sponsors N&S Supply and Rhinebeck Bank. To see the complete list of honorees and other community sponsors, visit www.dcrcoc.org/40Under40.
 
There’s much more on our calendar as well, with monthly contact breakfasts, business education seminars, and also Women’s Leadership Alliance and Hudson Valley Young Professional events. We also have brought back our Business After Hours events, including a return of the popular Floating Business Break on October 6. This special networking event includes a tour on the Hudson, food, drink, and a great way to further connect with fellow Chamber members. This event will sell out, so make sure to get your tickets today!
 
As we all continue to come back together for gatherings, celebrations, and events, I look forward to seeing both old faces and new, and continuing to support our local Hudson Valley businesses. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Chamber, and remember to Think Local First!