Overview

The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber represents 2,300 businesses and organizations of all types and sizes and from throughout the Capital Region that employ more than 105,000 area residents.

Vision Statement

New York's Tech Valley is a vibrant region in a competitive world.

Mission Statement

Be a catalyst for growth and prosperity for our members and the Capital Region by providing leadership, advocacy and services.

Organizational Values

Optimism, Leadership, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration and Member Service

Strategic Plan

The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce undertook a self-examination in 2009 to determine how it could achieve higher efficiency, sharper focus and greater impact to serve its members and advance regional economic prosperity. This 2010-2012 strategic plan is based on input and feedback received from one-on-one and group member meetings and a board planning retreat. Through the plan the organization broadens its scope to cultivate increased economic opportunities. Businesses have a key role to play by addressing economic issues and shaping community dynamics and influencing public policy. The Chamber commits to being a catalyst, a trusted convener and partner to galvanize regional business leadership in order for the Capital Region to realize it true economic potential.The plan is designed to provide a clear strategic direction for the organization.

Core Strategies of Strategic Plan

Leadership and Advocacy

Goal Statement: Forge a unified voice to advocate for policies and projects that will improve the business climate and enhance the economic vitality of the region

:: Create a strategic system to monitor, analyze, develop positions and lobby on public policy issues affecting the business climate
:: Provide leadership to foster a regional perspective from business and government to address issues that are vital for economic growth
:: Advocate for infrastructure investments and transformational projects
:: Collaborate with other organizations, assuming leadership when appropriate, to achieve public policy objectives

Business Growth

Goal Statement: Connect businesses with resources to empower economic success

:: Develop a business retention and expansion program to identify business concerns and trends and to support companies that have a disproportionally high impact on regional economy
:: Facilitate entrepreneurship, small business success and international trade by providing technical assistance, loans programs and targeted educational and recognition programming
:: Promote Tech Valley, sponsor and support initiatives that enhance education and the region's talent pipeline
:: Seek synergies and leverage governmental agencies and organizations engaged in economic development to maximize effectiveness

Membership Services

Goal Statement: Serve the diverse interests of member businesses by providing relevant programs, services and benefits

:: Develop and implement sales program that drives region-wide membership development and retention
:: Produce relevant, quality events and Council offerings to serve members' interests for information, visibility and networking
:: Offer resources to members that provide value, discounts and exclusivity
:: Evaluate and enhance member programs, benefits and Councils offerings

Communications

Goal Statement: Inform, and engage the business community and greater community in the Chamber's mission, goals and programs

:: Develop and implement an overarching strategic marketing communications plan for the organization
:: Create and communicate a member value proposition beyond direct member benefits
:: Develop and maintain printed and electronic communication tools that reinforce the proper positioning of the Chamber
:: Raise the profile of the Chamber through a proactive media relations and public relations approach

Finance and Administration

Goal Statement: Ensure financial resources, staff infrastructure and integrated systems for highly effective operations in order to successfully achieve strategic objectives

:: Explore and implement funding models to increase, diversify and strengthen financial base to ensure long-term sustainability
:: Develop and maintain a volunteer/staff model that maximizes the value and contribution of each party and enables agile decision making and implementation
:: Leverage technology to improve and enhance internal operations and member engagement
:: Develop and enhance a working environment conductive to maximum employee performance and satisfaction and reduced staff turnover