Chambers, CEG, Capital Region Global Business Network to Collaborate

17 Jun 2008

by: John Spadafora

Partnership will align area’s premier economic development organizations

(Albany) – The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Capital Region Global Business Network (GBN) to administer all GBN programs and activities, including promotion, registration and other event planning, effective July 1.

As an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization comprising manufacturers, service providers, as well as educators and economic developers, GBN’s focus is to assist any Capital Region organization or individual interested in learning more about global business.

The new partnership, which includes the Chamber of Schenectady County, the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), will align all of the premier economic development organizations in the area around the single issue of helping educate and provide networking opportunities for area companies interested in global trade.

Essentially, the GBN will become the Tech Valley Global Business Council and will be an integrated program similar to existing Chamber councils, with membership available to any members of the four area chambers or the CEG.

Over the years, GBN has provided practical guidance on such topics as the ins and outs of importing/exporting, setting up foreign entities, identifying markets for various products and international tax planning, to name a few. GBN hosts an annual awards dinner where they give “Globies” to recognize area businesses that demonstrate global trade best practices.

As a Council, GBN will have all administrative support related to event organization, promotion and financial accounting for Global Business Network Events. There will be a consistent phone staffed during business hours and a Web site incorporating new and current content, within the Chamber’s identity and infrastructure.

“Our board is excited about this development because collaborating with the chambers and the CEG will enable us to efficiently utilize existing resources to expand our programs for area companies,” said William Berezansky, GBN’s board president. “We’re the only organization in the Capital Region that focuses 100 percent on international business, and this partnership will provide the logistics for increased education and networking.”

Jerry Shaye, economic development program administrator for the Office of International Operations at Empire State Development Corporation, agrees that this collaborative agreement is a win-win situation for all parties involved.

“Our collaboration is not only good for GBN, but also for the chambers and the CEG by extending our reach into their built-in membership base,” he said. “This agreement will expand everyone’s perspective that Capital Region businesses are actively participating in the global economy.”