Visible & Vocal
JANUARY 2015
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
WE BELIEVE . . .
By Steve von Schenk
WE REALLY WERE
VISIBLE AND
VOCAL IN 2014
I was asked recently what surprised me the
most during my year as the volunteer Chair
of the Chamber's board of directors.
voices brought together as one allows us to
embrace opportunity and to get things
done.
My answer is that the Chamber, our volunteer leaders and our professional staff,
really are visible and vocal as promoters of
local businesses, our communities, and
various causes.
This past year for example, the chamber
board approved a new program implemented by our staff with help from the Veterans
Business Council to host the first ever Port
Call Saratoga event. This event allowed our
community during the City's Flag Day
Parade the honor of formally and enthusiastically welcoming hundreds of US Navy
Sailors to their new home "port" here in
Saratoga County.
I really was shocked to see the extraordinary level of involvement the Chamber has
in seeking to lead Saratoga County successfully into the future. This chamber is
not afraid to take a stand or to speak out
for what is good for our economy. Beyond
advocacy, our staff and board members
collectively serve on dozens of other
boards and committees. So when our
board and staff meet, we have the insight
and ideas that truly represents the many
diverse voices and interests that make up
our chamber of commerce. These unique
In 2014, the Chamber formed a Health and
Wellness Council that brought more than
100 people together to help us launch the
#healthysaratoga movement. This is a
council of experts from a wide range of
sectors with a shared passion to make
Saratoga County one of the healthiest places to live and work.
The Chamber is also now playing a key role
connecting our emerging tech sector with
resources, networking options and a support system to help technology focused
entrepreneurs to startup and succeed right
here in Saratoga County. Our networking
breakfast programs in September and
October, in fact, offered members a chance
to meet some of the leaders in this sector
and to learn about some of the tech startup success stories we have taking place in
Saratoga already.
It has really been an honor serving as the
Chair of the Board this past year. I very
much enjoyed this experience and meeting
so many of you. From this experience, I
must tell you all in closing that I am convinced the Chamber is leading us toward
an even better future and that when tomorrow arrives Saratoga County will be ready!
www.saratoga.org
MESSAGE FROM 2015 BOARD CHAIR
WE BELIEVE . . .
By Valerie Muratori
I was first elected to serve on the
Chamber's Board of Directors in 2010 and
formally joined the Board in 2011. I must
say it has been a great experience so far
offering me the chance to work with a lot
of talented people in our community and to
be a part of an effort to convene creative
ideas so that we can get things done.
The one thing I've seen by serving on the
Chamber's board is that we all benefit from
the Chamber's work to grow Saratoga
County's economy and to protect and
enhance our quality of life. Every great
community has a great chamber of commerce and ours has a history of success as
well as a vision for the future that is strong
and sustainable.
While trying to include as many diverse
voices as possible on the Board, we've also
nominated people who will speak out at
board meetings and use their voice to
guide our decisions.
WE ARE SETTING
THE PACE IN
2015
Our board meetings include lively discussions and debate as we work together to
figure out what new programs and initiatives the Chamber should champion. I
think we have one of the most diverse
boards of directors in all of the Capital
Region in terms of gender, age, race, ethnicity, economic sector, size of business
and location of each organization.
I think I can speak for everyone on the
Board in 2015 that we believe we are all
fortunate to live and work in Saratoga
County.
Sure no place is perfect, but I think you'd
be hard pressed to find an area with a better quality of life. One sign of our success
is that the Chamber hosted 80 ribbon cuttings in 2014 alone which demonstrates
just how many people see opportunities
here and are willing to invest in our future.
Heading into 2015, our Board will be looking to connect more people and more com-
munities to put everyone on the map. We'll
be making noise when we have to in order
to get things done. We will pull out all of
the stops to bring even more tourists into
Saratoga County.
We will be inviting our members to get
even more engaged in our organization.
Please know you have an open invitation to
share with us your ideas and concerns.
That is often how the Chamber and our
Board learns about a challenge or an
opportunity that we are uniquely positioned
to act on in a positive way.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve in
this leadership role and for your continued
support of the Saratoga County Chamber
of Commerce.
NEW MEMBERS - THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVESTMENT, November 18 - December 15, 2014
BWP Saratoga
Jeff Taylor
74 Weibel Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
763-2975
[email protected]
www.beerwinepizza.com
Elderplan Inc.
Deanna Stephenson
7 Cindy Lane
Clifton Park, New York 12065
390-3713
[email protected]
www.homefirst.org
Managed Long Term Care Health Plan
Kata Phusion Design
Travis Kline
52 Main Street
Queensbury, New York 12804
361-2542
[email protected]
www.kataphusindesign.com
Sustainable Design/Build/ Develop Compnay
Law Office of Heather A. Clickner
Heather Clickner
PO Box 782
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
256-3047
[email protected]
www.heatherannelaw.com
Family, Matrimonial, Traffic, and Immigration
Lily ~ Saratoga
Karen Canty / Maureen Donnally
6 Franklin Square
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
587-5017
www.lilysaratoga.com
North American Credit Card Association
Lorraine Rhodes
1019 Keyes Avenue
Schenectady, New York 12309
461-1084
[email protected]
www.nacca.com
Credit card and check processing service
Realty USA/ Jaylene Leonbruno
28 Division Street
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
744-0654
[email protected]
Realty USA/ Meghan O’ Connor
28 Division Street
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(315) 378-7710
[email protected]
New Construction Specialist
Robert J. Hay
Tina Munn
648 Maple Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
583-2025
www.hayagency.com
Roohan Realty/ Oliver Aldrich
519 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
421-2502
www.RoohanRealty.com
Specialized Residential Home Buying Experience
Serendipity Arts Studio
Patrice Mastrianni
26 Congress Street, Suite 26D
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
428-2500
[email protected]
www.serendipityartsstudio.com
Art & culinary classes for children and adults
Smashburger
Leo Butera
46 Marion Ave
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
[email protected]
Fresh smashed to order burgers and more
The Spa Studio
Erica Keays
43 SouthWestern Avenue
Glens Falls, New York 12801
745-6909
[email protected]
www.spastudioandsalon.com
Well Source Development
Jennifer Speenburgh
Clifton Park, NY 12065
779-4926
[email protected]
www.wellsourcedevelopment.com
ATC_Chamber Ad_Steve von Schenk_8x3-5_Layout 1 12/20/2014 4:10 PM Page 1
Vision. Leadership. Passion.
CONGRATULATIONS STEVE VON SCHENK
ON SERVING AS THE
2014 CHAIR OF THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER.
From your friends at The Adirondack Trust Company & Adirondack Trust Insurance Agency
Member FDIC. © 2014 The Adirondack Trust Company
U P C O M I N G
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WOMEN’S BUSINESS
GROUP
E V E N T S
Recognizing Perspective
Tuesday
9:00 - 10:00 am
Chamber Offices
28 Clinton Street
Saratoga Springs
No Charge
I N
J A N U A R Y
How we view any situation, challenge, relationship or communication is filtered through our own perspectives. This can sometimes create challenges
when working with other people. Recognizing our own perspectives and
realizing how to see others makes the difference. Join us for an interactive
workshop and discussion.
Thank you to Key4Women for
sponsoring the 2015 Women’s
Business Group.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
NETWORK
Tuesday
5:00 - 7:00 pm
The Wishing Well
745 Saratoga Road
Wilton
$10
Tom Roohan
Roohan Realty
The Saratoga Young Professionals Network will meet on Tuesday, January
13th at the Wishing Well Restaurant. Tom Roohan, Owner of Roohan
Realty, will be on hand as the guest speaker and will be available to network with throughout the event. Tom will speak about his involvement with
Saratoga throughout the past several years, give his take on where the city
and county are going while offering his
advice to the young professionals group
Thank you to The Adirondack Trust Company
for sponsoring the 2014 Saratoga
Young Professionals Network.
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STATE OF THE REGION
BREAKFAST
There’s no doubt about it: Airports have become pivotal to economic development and the competitive viability of communities across the country.
How Our Airport Gives Flight What is the Albany International Airport doing to position our region for
to Economic Development
desired airlines, flights and destination hubs? Learn the latest at the third
annual State of the Region breakfast, focused this year on the business of
our airport. Albany International Airport CEO John O’Donnell and Air
Service Strategy and Development Consultant Michael Lum will present an
in-depth look at national trends and the current status at Albany, along
with efforts underway to enhance air service for the Capital Region.
Thursday
7:30 - 9:30 am
Hilton Garden Inn
235 Hoosick Street
Troy
$25
This program is presented collaboratively by the Albany-Colonie Regional
Chamber, Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga
County Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber of Schenectady County.
Thank you to CDTA for sponsoring this event.
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You’re invited to join the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for an
97th Annual Dinner
Thursday
6:00 - 9:30 pm
Saratoga Springs City Center
522 Broadway
Saratoga Springs
$100 per person
A celebration of 2014 and a evening of celebration and recapping the 2014 year.
look forward to 2015
Steve von Schenk, President of the Adirondack Trust Company and 2014
Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, will be recognized for his
leadership and efforts during the 2014 year. In addition, 2015 incoming
Chair, Valerie Muratori, Executive Director of Saratoga Bridges, NYSARC,
Inc., Saratoga County Chapter, will be welcomed into her leadership role.
There will also be recognition of volunteers, members of the Board of
Directors and our special members celebrating 25 years of membership.
Thank you to The Adirondack Trust Company
for their Presenting Sponsorship of
our 97th Annual Dinner.
FUTURE EVENTS HEADS UP
February 3, Tuesday
Saratoga Young Professionals
5:00 - 7:00 pm
February 10, Tuesday
Womens Business Network
9:00 - 10:00 am
February 19, Thursday
Third Thursday Breakfast
7:30 - 9:00 am
February 26, Thursday
Orientation and Mixer
4:00 - 6:30 pm
To make a reservation, please contact the Saratoga County Chamber offices, 584-3255 or register online, www.saratoga.org.
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
28 Clinton Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
www.saratoga.org
Return Service Requested
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY
PERMIT NO.82
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to the
97th Annual Dinner Thursday, January 29
Cocktail Reception: 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Dinner & Program: 7:00 - 8:30 pm,
Dessert Reception: 8:30 - 9:30 pm
Price per person $100
You’re invited to join the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for an evening of celebration and recapping the 2014 year.
Steve von Schenk, President of the Adirondack Trust Company and 2014 Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, will be recognized for his
leadership and efforts during the 2014 year. In addition, 2015 incoming Chair, Valerie Muratori, Executive Director of Saratoga Bridges, NYSARC,
Inc., Saratoga County Chapter, will be welcomed into her leadership role. There will also be recognition of volunteers, members of the Board of
Directors and our special members celebrating 25 years of membership.
If you are interested in sponsoring this prestigious event, please contact Denise Romeo, [email protected].
Thank you to this year’s sponsors to date:
Presenting: Adirondack Trust Company
Table Sponsors: Adirondack Technical Solutions, BlueShield of Northeastern New York, Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC, Carter Conboy, CDPHP,
CDTA, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Hampton Inn and Suites - Downtown Saratoga, KeyBank N.A., M & T Bank, Munter Enterprises, Roohan Realty,
Saratoga Bridges, Saratoga Casino and Raceway, Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, Inc.,
Saratoga Eagle, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga National Bank & Trust Company, The Saratogian,
Stewart's Shops, Turner Construction, The Wesley Community
Reception Sponsors: 1st National Bank of Scotia, Ballston Spa National Bank, D.A. Collins Companies, Hedley and Co.,
Lavelle & Finn, Attorneys at Law, National Grid, Polyset Company
Member Anniversary Sponsors: Saratoga Community Federal Credit Union, Skidmore College, SMPR Title Agency, Inc.
www.facebook.com/saratoga.chamber
www.twitter.com/saratogachamber