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 Bob Glemming (Q-Search Marketing, Inc.) and Sharon Warantz (Jellybean Promotions). 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.) and Paul Campanella (Action Plus Project Management, 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)
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) and Tony Martine (APM Enterprises).
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.
ó Carl Bonitz (PAETEC Communications) and Frank Gerbes (RE/MAX Benchmark Realty Group). 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 (Sunrise Broadcasting/WGNY). 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 Joan Scumaci (Hudson Valley Awards) and Melanie Richards (Prisms Promotions). 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.
ó Tom Sullivan (Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Homes) and Charlie Pakula (General Nutrition Center). For more information, contact Dan at dano@orangeny.com.