Chamber Committees and Chairs

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 Wade Lott (Mass Mutual) and  Cindi Vasta (Vanguard Energy Systems). 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 Barry Adelman (Y2 Marketing) and Eric Egeland (Capacity Business Consulting). For more information, contact Bill at billf@orangeny.com.
 

·        EXPO
Plans and carries this annual business exposition of 200 Chamber member businesses.

óMelissa McCoy (Elant, Inc.) and Tim Scannell (Mobile Life Support Servcies). For more information, contact Roseann at roseannb@orangeny.com.

 

·       Snow Ball

Plans and carries out this annual event which generally attracts more than 500 guests.
óSusan Crocker (Holbert’s Catering/BackYard Bistro) and Eric Maldonado (Verizon Wireless Zone). For more information, contact Carol at carols@orangeny.com.
 

·        Government Initiatives and Education
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 Scott Wohl (Builders Association of the Hudson Valley) and Rick Struck (Orange & Rockland Utilities). For more information, contact Carol at carols@orangeny.com.

·         Membership Development
Discusses and reviews ways in which to increase and enhance Chamber membership, planning programs and other events aimed at recruitment and retention of members.
óEric Fuentes (Orange & Rockland Utilities) and Melanie Richards (Prisms Promotions). For more information, contact Bill at billf@orangeny.com.

·         Membership Services
Researches new member services and programs and makes appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors.
óKaren Miller (Frontier Communications) and Josh Sommers (Focus Media, Inc.). For more information, contact Bill at billf@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 that provides low-interest loans and counseling for women- and minority-owned businesses.
óKenya Gipson (Clear Channel of the Hudson Valley) and Edison Guzman (A & E Advertising and Web Design). For more information, contact Carol at carols@orangeny.com.

·        Orange Open
Plans the annual golf tournament hosted in conjunction with the United Way of Orange and Dutchess Counties. Contact Ellen at ellend@orangeny.com.
 

·        Public Relations/Marketing
Develops marketing and media plan for the Chamber and consults on all the advertising and  promotional efforts for the Chamber.
ó Renee Bulla (Momenturm Advertising) and Niki Jones (Nicki Jones Agency). For more information, contact Ellen at ellend@orangeny.com.

·         Small Business Resource Committee
Presents programs of interest to owners of small businesses, through seminars, webinars, workshops ,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 Bill Sivillo (Captain's Club Cruises & Tours) and Bill Zurilla (Iqubed Advisors) For more information, contact Carol at carols@orangeny.com.

·         Women in Business Golf
Plans and carries out the annual event that includes a day of golf as well as a golf school.

ó Maggie Smith (First Federal Savings of Middletown) and Kathi Webber (Orange Regional Medical Center). For more information, contact Carol at carols@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 Lisa Montanaro (LM Organizing Solutions) and Eric Maldonado (Verizon Wireless Zone). For more information, contact Carol at carols@orangeny.com.