Testimonials

The following are testimonials from our members. Read how the Chamber has helped them grow their business, and how we can help you!

The Chamber gives business owners in the area so many opportunities to get out in the public. It's really up to you to take your pick and go with it. Whether you can make an early morning networking breakfast or monthly evening social, there is something for everyone. The contact and support that is available to you is also pretty generous. 

For me, I dove in through the Present and Refer functions which helped me meet other local business owners, and also get comfortable speaking in front of others. Win win!

I am very thankful to the Chamber for keeping us notified on available resources as well. Due to an email from the Chamber I was able to apply for a re-opened Covid recovery grant. I would not have known about this if I hadn't received that notice. Luckily I did, and was approved and am able to build my business website to gain more clients! I'm so thankful for this.

Mary Therese Yamamoto
MTY Bookkeeping, Inc. - www.mtybooks.com

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"The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce has been the best business partner I could ever imagine. I remember thinking about joining the Chamber and wondering how they could possibly help me build my business.  The President of the Chamber actually met with me early on and was very interested in my business.   I was shocked that Frank was willing to meet with me himself.  He shared ideas for how I could grow my business and introduced me to key contacts in the community that could refer business to me. The President also invited me to guest star in a weekly radio show that they host on a key radio station in the Hudson Valley.  This was great exposure to a large radio audience at no cost! By attending Chamber events, I have made many key contacts for myself and my clients.  I have gathered so much knowledge that is helpful and made connections that help my clients overcome obstacles in their businesses.  There’s no way I can know everything that my clients need to support their business…but the contacts I make through the Chamber can cover those bases. The EVP of the Chamber has helped me sponsor events that maximize my exposure to key referral sources for my business.  He helped me figure out which events were best for my business and my budget. I am amazed at how much I learn by attending Chamber events!  I’ve been educated on so many important economic trends and changes in law and public policy effecting business owners, key strategies for controlling costs (i.e. healthcare).

I am also grateful that the Chamber is a really strong advocate for business owners in the Hudson Valley.  They get involved in educating their members and advocating for business owners on key legislation and forge strong relationships with lawmakers.    I came to the Chamber seven years ago with a very small business and one employee.  I now have seven employees and have ten times the revenue.  On top of everything else, I have made wonderful friends to last a lifetime. I never expected even one of these things to come out of my Chamber membership.  The sky is the limit if you attend events, seek out new contacts and join a subcommittee.  The entire Chamber staff will bend over backward to help you and your business."

                Maria Wainwright, Financial Consulting Bookeeping
Wainwright Financial Solutions Inc., - wainwrightfinancialsolutions.com

"I recently 'attended' the three candidate forums that applied to me. I was so impressed by how well they were run. They were organized and professional. The questions were well written and well presented by the moderator. I went into them already knowing who I would vote for and the forums did not change my mind, but I feel that I am now a much better informed voter for having taken the time to listen to these. I wanted to thank you for having these forums. They were a great service to the voters of our area. I greatly appreciate the time and effort that went into them."

 Kathy Meyerson, Co-Owner
Minuteman Press of Hyde Park and Red Hook - hp.minutemanpress.com

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"When I joined my current firm in 2012, The Hodgkins Agency, I was in charge of going to the Chamber events to help expand and grow our practice. From there it has been a great experience and has tremendously helped grow not only the firms client base but has greatly improved my own client base and helped me get connections I otherwise would have not been able to obtain. I first started by going to as many ribbon cuttings as my schedule allowed to meet local business owners and then became heavily involved with the HVYP (Hudson Valley Young Professionals). I can say that because of HVYPs, I was able to meet one of my best clients and also become good friends with many people. I have been on the advisory council for the HVYP for 3+ years and former chair for their Membership. It has helped me be able to give back to my community as well by connecting with various charitable organizations such as the Chamber Foundation. I believe had it not been for the Chamber I would have not achieved the great honor of a 40 under 40 nomination this past year."

                                                                        Devan Cleary, Financial Services Professional
The Hodgkins Agency - hodgkinsagency.com

“The first organization that Whalen Architecture joined when we opened was the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Though we have been members for only a few years, the number of contacts made and the opportunities to network with likeminded professionals has far exceeded our expectations. Being a member of the Ambassador Committee has not only been a privilege, but has also helped to grow our business with those in the construction industry and well beyond. The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to impress us with their dedication to their members and we look forward to many years of being members! ” 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Filomena Fanelli, CEO Founder

- Impact PR & Communications - prwithimpact.com

 

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"I have been a member of the Chamber since July 2011. My first event was a new member luncheon and, not only did I meet a lot of nice people, but I made a business connection and gained a new policyholder. That alone sold me on the importance of the Chamber and made me want to attend as many events as possible. Over the years, I have  made some wonderful connections that have been beneficial to me personally and for my business in personal lines insurance. In the process I have gained many new friends. I have such a large network now that if I can’t help a client with something I know someone who can and feel confident referring that person to them. It’s all about helping people and that’s the goal of the Chamber. I have found the staff members to be very helpful when I’ve needed an introduction to someone or wanted some advice as to how to best market my business. They are an invaluable resource. Everyone should take advantage of all the Chamber has to offer and find out more about them by attending that 1st event. I’m certainly glad I did."

Staci Cussick, Lead Sales Representative
Liberty Mutual Insurance libertymutual.com/StaciCussick

"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything that you and the Chamber have done for Residential Home Funding in Lagrange. From helping me to organize my ribbon cutting to providing me a forum to connect with other business professionals at the monthly Contact Breakfasts and After Hours events. The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping business develop relationships within the community. You have also given us a stage through your radio program and the business education seminar series to get the word out about RHF and to help me stand out as an authority networking in the business community. The Chamber has also benefitted me greatly through the leadership training programs offered by The Chamber Foundation. My son graduated from the Youth Leadership Program. I have attended the Executive Leadership Program and a member of my team will be going into the leadership Dutchess this year. Whether its a networking opportunity, an event to benefit the community, or a leadership training program, the Chamber is always there to help me grow my business. "

Adam Simpson
Residential Home Funding www.rhfunding.com

"The Chamber has played an integral part in the growth of my business. Introductions, relationships developed, as well as enduring friendships are some of the direct benefits to my business and my personal well being. Their events attract a wide variety of persons that are particularly appealing when shared with a “Buddy” or seasoned member. Additionally the Leadership Dutchess program is a valuable development tool for any Chamber member. In a business environment such as what we have in the Hudson Valley, it is vital for small businesses to support one another in order to keep a LOCAL focus. The Chamber’s presence and role, allows not only my business, but every other business that ability to be seen and recognized, and to participate on a level playing field. This role allows every business an opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the largest employers in the region and be counted."

Tony D’Aquanni
Branding Pros www.brandingpros.com

"Being part of the Chamber has given me with so much value for the amount of events that are provided for member and the quality of the events goes above and beyond the investment in the member fee. I have revived my investment in the Chamber many times over and being part of the ambassador committee and being able to add value to others is an honor."

Londina Cruz, Executive Director
John Maxwell Team Johnmaxwellteam.com

"It is very hard to over-estimate the contribution that the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce has made to the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum over the past several years. The Chamber is an extremely valuable resource for putting non-for-profits like Old Rhinebeck in touch with individuals who can help with the organization’s specialized mission, and exposing that mission to other individuals outside of the organization’s constituency. The Chamber’s reach within Dutchess County is very wide and the museum has benefitted from establishing relationships with individuals that will aid in Professional Development, Education, Marketing and bolstering volunteerism which is critical to the not-for-profit entity. The value of Membership in the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is proven every year. As priorities and need for attention shift over time within the organization chances are that the Chamber can offer assistance. I would encourage all members of the Chamber to support the monthly contact events and utilize this extremely valuable resource. These are attended by an extremely diverse representation of the business community and one is hard-pressed to not find a like- minded individual that is willing to share information, or suggest someone you should meet. The complexities of being a “living” museum are many and can result in immeasurable expenses. The chamber’s promotional assistance with our most recent fundraiser had a profound effect on attendance and contributed to a record setting event. Likewise, as the gold-standard of all event planners, their suggestions for our gala have us looking forward with enthusiasm to making the event even more effective and successful. The DCRCOC are consummate professionals. It is difficult not to get wrapped up in the enthusiasm they exhibit while going about their business. What is good for the Chamber is good for Dutchess County. "

Stewart Sommerville – Development Chairman 
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome oldrhinebeck.org

Joining the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce has been one of the best decisions I have made towards growing my business.  The staff of this organization goes out of the way on a regular basis in order to make sure that we are taking full advantage of everything they have to offer, which, by the way, is a lot.  

This is one of the most well run organizations I have ever encountered.  So much so that I have even used some principles from the chamber as examples to help other organizations I belong to run more effectively.  On top of that, the chamber staff consists of some of the smartest, most talented, funny, and all around good people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  Even before joining, they were all so welcoming and helpful.  Immediately upon joining, the staff all went out of their way to get to know me and to make sure that they are helping in any way they possibly could.

Mark Copans
Copans Marketing & Promotions pnphv.com/item/hand-in-hand-marketing-mark-copans