Accomplishments
Here are just a few of the ways
the Chamber has been working for the
business community over the past several months:
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to play a key role in marketing Stewart International
Airport to airlines that offer low fares and popular
destinations. Recent success includes Allegiant Air flying
non-stop to Orlando.
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As
registered NYS lobbyists, the Chamber President and Vice
President for Government Initiatives and Special Projects are
working with state legislators to bring about reform of New
York’s Workers’ Compensation program, as well as on other
issues of concern to the business community.
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Was
significantly involved in getting health insurance legislation
passed by New York State on behalf of small business owners.
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Facilitated $640,000 in grants through the Orange County
Business Development Corporation (OCBDC). OCBDC is a community
partner with New York Business Development Corp.
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Provided
29 loans totaling more than $300,000 through the Minority and
Women Business Revolving Loan Fund. Also administer loans
through the Mid-Hudson Revolving Loan Fund.
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Offer a
cooperative advertising program to members, providing discount
advertising opportunities on radio, cable television and in
print.
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Established an annual technology event (techXpo) that focuses
on helping small businesses learn more about how to use and
benefit from the latest technologies.
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Offer an
interactive website, featuring easy, direct links for more
than 20,000 visitors per month to member businesses.
The website also includes a community calendar, personal
reminders and online registration for events.
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Provide
free technical assistance for businesses through the Space
Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP), which uses the
engineering expertise of NASA and participating alliance
partners (NASA contractors and universities).
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Work with
dozens of regional organizations and community-based agencies
on programs and events that help create a better quality of
life for businesses and residents throughout the region.
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to offer a variety of affordable health, dental and vision
insurance programs.
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Offer a
Member Discount Program online, enabling members to offer
discounts to members and non-members alike, simply by making
an entry on their website listing.
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In
cooperation with the Orange County Employment and Training
Administration, supervise two Job Mentors who support
workforce training and development for local business.
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to present conferences, seminars and workshops that assist
members in a variety of business skills including e-commerce,
sales, marketing, hiring, business plans, financing and
others.
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Publicize
grand openings, member events, member news, and new and
renewing members in The Business Viewpoint, published
monthly and distributed to over 80,000 readers. |