named programs · 2 · from sources
What they call their work
Additional Branch Membership
Allows existing member businesses to register additional locations for a flat annual fee
Business Membership Program
Offers tiered annual memberships for businesses of different sizes, nonprofits, and financial institutions, providing networking, visibility, and advocacy support
activities · 13 groups
What they do
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Member Business Referral & Discount Programs 3 activities
- Facilitates business referrals and tracks referral activitySupports business growth by facilitating referrals among members and between members and the community, with tracking managed through the Member Information Center.
- Operates membership program to support local businesses and community engagementProvides a structured membership program that connects local businesses and organizations in Guilderland and surrounding areas, offering networking, promotion, and resource-sharing opportunities.
- Promotes member businesses through online directory and digital platformsLists member businesses in an online directory with customizable landing pages, photos, business information, and external links, and amplifies member-submitted content via social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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Historic Site Designation Advocacy 1 activity
- Advocates for historic preservation in AltamontSupports preservation of historic properties in Altamont, including those listed on the Registry of Historical Buildings, to maintain community heritage.
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Visitor & Business Guide Distribution 1 activity
- Distributes printed and digital community guides and business directoriesDistributes 1,000 printed copies of the Annual Guide to Guilderland Business & Community Directory and provides a free information packet and digital guide featuring local businesses, communities, organizations, entertainment, and lifestyle topics for visitors and members.
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Business Community Advocacy 1 activity
- Engages in business advocacy at multiple government levelsRepresents member business interests before local, state, and federal policymakers to influence legislation and regulations affecting the business environment.
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Nature Preserve Management and Public Access 1 activity
- Manages parks and nature preserves for public recreation and conservationOperates and maintains the Pine Bush Nature Preserve, open year-round for hiking and cross-country skiing, and serves as a habitat for the Karner Blue butterfly; also maintains a system of parks offering year-round outdoor recreational opportunities.
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Summer Day Camp Programs 1 activity
- Operates youth summer camps with transportationRuns Summer Day Camp and Summer Sports Camps for children ages 5–12, offering sports, crafts, and recreational activities, with free bus transportation provided.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Organizes community events including Ladies Night OutPlans and executes community events such as the 2026 Ladies Night Out to foster engagement and support local businesses.
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Professional Networking Events 1 activity
- Organizes member networking events and professional groupsHosts four monthly networking groups — Friday Leads Group, Tuesday Leads Group, Young Professional Networking Group, and Women in Business — each limited to one representative per industry to foster business connections and lead generation.
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Organizational Newsletter Production and Distribution 1 activity
- Provides digital communications platform for membersOffers a free digital newsletter platform enabling members to share announcements, promotions, events, and business updates with the chamber network and broader community.
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Local History Preservation and Education 1 activity
- Provides information about historic Guilderland CenterShares information about Guilderland Center, a historic hamlet with industrial, natural, and historical attractions, to promote heritage and tourism.
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Business Improvement District Management 1 activity
- Supports Central Business District in AltamontPromotes and supports the Central Business District in Altamont, which features local shops, restaurants, and services within a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
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Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Support 1 activity
- Supports member business milestones with promotional eventsSupports member business milestones such as ribbon cuttings and grand openings by organizing ceremonies, inviting officials, issuing press releases, and providing ceremonial materials.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Lists community resources for members and residentsProvides contact information and listings for key community resources including Guilderland Central School District, Guilderland Food Pantry, Guilderland Public Library, The Fresh Air Fund, Albany Diocesan Cemeteries, and Home Instead Senior Care.
- Provides regional information for Voorheesville and Helderberg HilltownsOffers resources and information tailored to Voorheesville and the Hilltowns of the Helderberg Mountains to support community and economic development in those areas.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$182K
Contributions & grants$115K63%
Program service revenue$42K23%
Investment income$20%
Other revenue$26K
expenses
Total expenses$169K
Program expenses100%
Admin / overhead0%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$80K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$72K
Cash$39K
Investments$0
Liabilities$25K
Net assets$47K
Liquid reserves2.8 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +285.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandra Dollard | Executive Dir. | 35 | $60K |
board members · 13
- Brian Carr — Secretary
- Chris Manzella — Director
- DJ Panetta — Chair
- David Lewicki — Director
- Jenn Baniak-Hollands — Director
- Jennifer Smith — Director
- Jonathan Phillips — Director
- Laurie Beckman — Director
- Lisa Wolcott — Director
- Michele Puleo-O'Hare — Director
- Nancy Cobb — Vice Chair
- Rhonda Stansfield-Krutz — Treasurer
- Steve Wacksman — Director
relationships · 30
Who they work with
- Albany Diocesan Cemeteries Partner — Partner organization listed for cemetery services.
- Altamont Fire Department Partner — Local service organization within the community supported by chamber outreach.
- Altamont Free Library Partner — Partner organization involved in historic preservation of the Altamont train station.
- Altamont Police Department Partner — Local service organization within the community supported by chamber outreach.
- Altamont Reformed Church Partner — Religious organization located in the Altamont community.
- Berne Knox Westerlo School District Partner — Partner organization providing regional public education services.
- Constant Contact Partner — Provides a membership discount: Guilderland Chamber members receive 25% off services.
- Facebook Partner — Partners with Facebook for outreach and communication.
- Guilderland Central School District Partner — Partner organization listed as a community resource.
- Guilderland Food Pantry Partner — Partner organization listed as a community resource.
- Guilderland Industrial Development Agency Government — Statutory agency supporting economic development and job retention in the Town of Guilderland.
- Guilderland Public Library Partner — Partner organization listed as a community resource.
- Heldeberg Workshop Partner — Partner organization providing educational and community programs.
- Helderberg Ambulance Squad Partner — Partner organization providing emergency medical services.
- Home Instead Senior Care Partner — Partner organization listed for senior care services.
- Instagram Partner — Partners with Instagram for outreach and communication.
- St. John’s Lutheran Church Partner — Religious organization located in the Altamont community.
- St. Lucy & St. Bernedette Partner — Religious organization located in the Altamont community.
- Tara Kitchen Partner — Provides a membership discount: Guilderland Chamber members receive 10% off.
- Thacher State Park Partner — Partner organization managing state park and recreational resources.
- The Fresh Air Fund Partner — Partner organization providing youth programs, with local representative contact provided.
- Town of Berne Government — Local government entity within the chamber's service area.
- Town of Guilderland Government — Collaborates with the Town of Guilderland to promote local attractions and services in Guilderland Center.
- Town of Knox Government — Local government entity within the chamber's service area.
- Town of Westerlo Government — Local government entity within the chamber's service area.
- Tru by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall Partner — Recognized as a member of the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce
- Village of Altamont Partner — Collaborates on local business promotion and community development initiatives.
- Village of Voorheesville Partner — Partner organization providing municipal services and information.
- Voorheesville Library Partner — Partner organization providing library and community resources.
- Voorheesville School District Partner — Partner organization providing public education services.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Exclusivity-Driven Networking Modelmethodology: industry-exclusivity-in-networkingBy structuring networking events with industry exclusivity, the chamber increases the value of participation and reduces competitive friction, leading to stronger cross-sector relationships and broader business development.
- Membership-Based Economic Developmentmethodology: membership_modelBy organizing businesses into a membership network, the chamber fosters regional economic growth and business success because shared connections stimulate private investment, job retention, and collective advocacy.
- Place-Based Community Engagementmethodology: community-driven_developmentBy highlighting local historical, natural, and aesthetic assets, the chamber strengthens economic vitality because a distinctive, cohesive, and pedestrian-friendly business environment attracts residents, visitors, and investment.