Looking Ahead to 2007

As we look ahead to 2007, we would like to first take a look at the 2006 accomplishments of the Chamber under the leadership of Chairman Rick Bianchi.

2006 Recap

Outgoing Chairman Rick Bianchi of Shallo, Galluscio, Bianchi & Fucito, CPAs, PC has championed efforts to create a more active Chamber. Bianchi has served on the Board of Directors since 2000 and has also served as Treasurer for the Chamber. In Bianchi's tenure the Chamber has established itself as the leading voice for business in Columbia County . One of the keys to becoming engaged in issues was the reactivation of the Economic Development/ Government Affairs (ED/GA) Committee of the Chamber. Project sponsors present their plans to the committee monthly. This discussion often leads to recommendations for the developer and recommended action for the Chamber Board. Chamber support in 2006 has meant letters of support, attendance at town board meetings and discussing the merits of a project with the media.

In 2006 the Chamber supported workforce housing initiatives, rail trails, and educational programs for land use planning. In addition to increasing advocacy in 2006, the Chamber created new events such as the Buy Local Business Expo, developed new communication tools, and added over 150 members. The Chamber has also expanded their member benefit offerings to include a wider selection of health insurance plans.

The Chamber would like to thank Mr. Bianchi for all his hard work and dedication to the Chamber over the last six years. We look forward to Mr. Bianchi's continued involvement as a Board Director to help propel the Chamber to the highest level.

2007 Preview

Incoming Chairman John Maiuri of Dunn Builders Supply intends to keep the Chamber engaged in issues that affect local businesses. In the past two years as a Board Director, Maiuri has worked to advance the Chamber by investigating best practices of other Chambers, helping to create a year round Board nominating process and working to create an ED/GA Committee that tackles meaningful issues.

Maiuri will oversee a Chamber that improves current programs while identifying new offerings. One program that will be new to the Chamber in 2007 will be Leadership Columbia County. The administration of this long time program comes home to the Chamber where it started 17 years ago. According to Maiuri, “Creating community and business leaders is just one way the Chamber will add value to local business in 2007.” The Chamber will continue to improve on successful events such as the Crystal Apple Award Gala and the Buy Local Business Expo and develop additional benefits that make the Chamber an essential tool for all local businesses.

The Chamber looks forward to working with Mr. Maiuri in the coming two years to advance not only the Chamber, but also business in Columbia County.

2007 Directory and Community Guide

Members will be receiving the new 48 page full-color 2007 Directory and Community Guide. To advance economic growth and prosperity throughout Columbia County , the Chamber works to promote member companies, attract new businesses and encourage local businesses, residents, and those outside our area to purchase our member's goods and services. The Directory is distributed for a full year to over 3,500 businesses, recruiters, commercial and industrial prospects, residents and people visiting or relocating to the area. Please contact the Chamber if you would like additional copies of the Directory.

2007 Chamber Sponsorship

The Chamber is also pleased to announce high profile sponsorship opportunities available for 2007.  Don't miss this chance to promote your company to the Columbia County business community.   Event sponsorship enables the Chamber to provide quality programming for members and promotion for your business. Please contact the Chamber today for a sponsorship form or to discuss making sponsorship work for you.

We encourage you to be active in your Chamber in the coming year to maximize the value of your membership. Please call on your Chamber staff to assist you in choosing the issues, events, committees and promotional opportunities that are right for you.