What have we been up to???
Here is your monthly presidents report!
President’s Report
Date: April & May 2018
New Members
Tech Forward INC
Astral Journeys -Psychic mediums, crystal sales, oils, readings and more ! Great addition to the chamber and a BIG advocate!
Weichert Realtor Jose Perez- New member to the chamber that is experienced and will be a great fit.
JDOG Junk Hauling
Jason News and Candy -Schenectady
Hashmi Jafri – And As Boutique, 1510 Central
SEFCU Mortgage Services
Homeward Suites /TRU Crossgates Mall Hotel
Delaware Engineering
Great Oaks Oral Surgery
I-AM Construction I-AM Construction of NY focus’ is on being efficient and working towards ensuring that your project is completed safely, in a timely and cost-effective manner, while helping you reach your W/MBE goals.
Ungerman Electric
Michael Angeleos Pain n Sip
Progress /New Business
ChamberMaster Program
Members can add their events to our page ,Make referrals, Contact other members,Create member to member deals ,Create HOT deals ( People LOVE getting a deal and that is a hot page to visit!) ,Post a job to the employment board, sell items …..And so much more.
We have hosted a few open hoses to assist in the setup and they have been PACKED! I did a few LIVE videos to reach some folks as well.
We are hosting a few more open houses , check out of events calendar.
First Friday Breakfast Mixers First Friday Breakfast Meetings – Hosted at the Route 20 Café every first Friday of the month from 8 – 9am. An informal networking meeting to help expand your referral base and introduce you to new connections. We have been getting GREAT feedback from these events. They are very informal and no pressure. Members and friends love to come and connect over coffee.
Business symposium- We are working closely with Keybank to put together a panel discussion on business development. How to structure in a exit strategy and planning your businesses future.
Hometown Hero Project –What an amazing project. We received so much press, honorable mentions and received a few new members as well! The businesses that participated were thrilled to be part of this project. They thanked us for hosting and leading this event. The turnout was higher then anticipated. This has driven more visitors to our park and local businesses. We have already received applications for 2019.
Golf- We will be teaming up with the Guilderland Food Pantry to co-host an event in August.
Opening Day @ Saratoga Track (tri Chamber event) We have secured the Paddock Tent OPENING day!!!!! This will be a tri-chamber event with Saratoga and Colonie. Now that we have secured the tent for opening day we will have first refusal for future years. This is a GREAT event to attend ! You will receive private betting booths, air conditioned tent, 2 lounges, 2 patios, FULL buffet, bar and fun! We were allotted 22 seats. A few are spoken for already! $125 Grab tickets fast, Only a few left.
Lease Space – The Chamber office is COMPLETELY leased! I also leased TechWorks My office. I will be moving out to the common area. This will generate more money for the chamber that we need!
Sponsorship- We are LOOKING for sponsors for the Gala on 6/2. Please help us secure more sponsors!.
Membership drive! I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather. Spring is here and its time to hit the pavement!
We have been super busy! The chamber is jammin!
We have been reaching so many new people in our area. The past few events the chamber hosted have been packed. People are commenting about how much they have been hearing about the chamber.
We need to use this publicity to our advantage!
Carol and I were discussing our membership base We need to get our numbers up!
I have been researching chambers globally and getting some great ideas on how we can grow.
This is where the board can assist.
We are asking all our board members to recruit at least 4 new members by the next board meeting…in May.
That is a very realistic number to achieve. Think about all the companies you work with , Business relationships you have, friends, family, neighbors…. there are new members waiting to hear from you!
Athos Mixer Great event! Met some old friends and made some new connections. Thank you all for coming out.
CMK Open House Ribbon Cutting-4 pm
World of Beer -Mixer
Proposal C – Please make yourself familiar with a new proposal that is in the Legislatures Hands. This would mandate Small business to start paying sick time. A copy is available for everyone to review. This holds businesses to a standard that is impossible to achieve.
I have been calling our elected leaders to discuss this proposal, as well as calling business owners in the area that this would DIRECTLY impact.
Please keep the thread going ! The public meeting is May 29.
Highest Regards ,
Michelle Viola Straight, CEO-President