The following is a list of the committees that help the Orange County Chamber of Commerce operate successfully. Chamber members who want to take a more active role and get more out of their membership often join one or more of the following committees:

·          Ambassadors –
The link between the Chamber and its members. The Ambassadors act as “greeters” at Chamber functions and in many ways are the eyes and ears of the Chamber. They help new members feel welcome by introducing them to other members. Monthly Ambassador meetings also provide excellent networking opportunities for those on the committee.
ó Sharon Warantz (Jellybean Promotions) and Jay Shapiro (D&D Mailing). For more information, contact Roseann at roseannb@orangeny.com.
 

·          Consultants –
Provides educational services and resources through the Chamber, promotes networking and referrals among committee members and shares skills, knowledge and resources.
ó Michael Smith (Elant, Inc.). For more information, contact Dan at dano@orangeny.com.
 

·          Events -
ó Donna Johnson (DJ Consulting Services) – Overall Chair
Chamber Gala – Stacey Hillman (Downtown Breads & Bake Shop) and Janice Valentino (Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties)
Orange Open – Francis Lynn Brinkley (Walden Savings Bank) and Robert Krahulik (Bonacic, LoBiondo & Krahulik, L.L.P.)
Women in Business Golf – Kathy Fitzgerald (Provident Bank) and Mary Ann Butler (Mary Ann Butler Enterprises)
EXPO – Derek Benedict (Time Warner Cable Media Sales), Tony Martine (Homestead Depot) and Elizabeth Mansfield (Mansfield Commercial Real Estate).
For more information, contact Roseann at roseannb@orangeny.com.
 

·          Government Initiatives and Education –
The committee investigates issues of concern to the business community and makes appropriate recommendations to the Chamber’s Board of Directors regarding positions taken and actions needed.
ó Mike Turturro (Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell) and Alanna Smith (Orange-Ulster BOCES). For more information, contact Carol at carols@orangeny.com.
 

·          Membership Development and Services –
Committee researches new member services and programs and makes appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors. It also discusses and reviews ways in which to increase and enhance Chamber membership, planning membership drives and other events aimed at recruitment and retention of members.
óFrank Gerbes (RE/MAX Benchmark Realty Group) and Jennifer Mazzuca (Metro Party Planners). For more information, contact Dan at dano@orangeny.com.
 

·           Minority and Women Business –
Committee has identified issues of concern to women- and minority-owned businesses and developed programs to address these issues. Currently offers a Business Revolving Loan Fund and Mentorship Program that provides low-interest loans and counseling for women- and minority-owned businesses.
ó Kathy Fitzgerald (Provident Bank) and Edison Guzman (A & E Advertising and Web Design). For more information, contact Carol at carols@orangeny.com.
 

·          Public Relations/Marketing –
Committee develops marketing and media plan for the Chamber and consults on all the promotional efforts for the Chamber, including the Viewpoint publication.
ó Mary Ridings (Cumulus Broadcasting) and Janice Valentino (Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties). For more information, contact Ellen at ellend@orangeny.com.
 

·          Small Business Committee –
Committee presents programs of interest to owners of small businesses, through Small Business Roundtables, Business Networking events and others. Acts as a conduit for bringing concerns of the small business owner to the Board of Directors for appropriate action
ó Melanie Richards (Prisms Promotions) and Bill Sivillo (Captain's Club Cruises & Tours). For more information, contact Mary Jane at maryjanek@orangeny.com.
 

·          Southeast Regional Chamber Council –
Members consist of business owners in the southeast portion of Orange County. They develop programs and events of interest to the businesses in this area and bring their concerns to the attention of the Board of Directors.
óEric Fuentes (Orange & Rockland Utilities) and Charlie Pakula (General Nutrition Center). For more information, contact Dan at dano@orangeny.com.

·          Young Professionals- –
Businessmen and women between the ages of 21 an 40 meet to discuss ways in which they can interact with other members of the Chamber and the business community, as well as to share their talents and expertise with more established businesses.

         ó Carl Bonitz (PAETEC Communications) and Scott Wohl (Orange County Association of Realtors). For more information, contact Carol at carols@orangeny.com.