Unified Industry Voice

Provided direct crisis response support and policy guidance to members during the onset of the pandemic, including successful advocacy for the classification of hospitality businesses as essential during the March 2020 shutdowns, enabling continued operations.

Researches and identifies top industry providers and negotiates member savings programs through partnerships with leading vendors to support the operational needs of hospitality and tourism businesses.

Represents over 1,000 hospitality industry members through legislative advocacy, lobbying in Albany, and direct engagement with state policymakers on issues including short-term rental regulations, ADA website compliance, data privacy, and financial recovery. Successfully advocated for the passage of legislation regulating short-term rentals and the restoration of $1 million annually to the Tourism Promotion Matching Grant Program.

Hosts annual lobby day events in Albany to enable direct engagement between members, industry partners, and state legislators, strengthening advocacy efforts and policy influence.

Organizes annual events, including legislative receptions, webinars, hospitality education programs, and community-minded gatherings, to facilitate networking and professional development among hospitality and tourism industry peers.

Offers in-person and virtual educational resources to keep members informed about compliance requirements, including regulatory updates to help protect businesses from fines and penalties, and guidance on federal and state programs such as PPP, SBA loans, and pandemic risk insurance.

Hosts an annual local civics competition for middle school students that includes an in-person event, awards recognition, and cash prizes of $125, $250, and $500 for third, second, and first place winners, respectively, to promote civic engagement.

Launches programs such as "Real Life Rosies" in partnership with MVCC and Working Solutions to promote manufacturing apprenticeships, and the "What’s Upstate?" project to attract, recruit, and retain talent in the Mohawk Valley region.

Establishes public policy positions and advocates for or against legislative measures at the local, regional, state, and federal levels to support the interests of the business community in the Greater Utica area.

Hosts the annual Jingle Jam fundraiser featuring music, food, drinks, and raffles, with proceeds directed to local organizations that provide food, clothing, and toys to families in need during the holidays.

Operates an ambassadors program focused on member communication, appreciation, retention, and engagement to strengthen the Chamber’s network and support system for local businesses.

Produces and distributes a weekly email publication featuring news and information from member organizations to over 6,000 subscribers, enhancing communication and engagement across the business network.

Runs a young professionals networking group for individuals aged 40 and under, offering professional development, networking, and community engagement opportunities. Organizes the Intern Night at the Utica Zoo and hosted the Utica Youth Empowerment Summit to support youth career development in the region.

Plans and hosts signature events such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies with media outreach, networking events for interns and young professionals, and community awareness events to celebrate local businesses and ideas. Also organizes the Unleash The Feast Summer Party as a culminating event for Oneida County Restaurant Week.

Offers a customizable à la carte menu of services and benefits for Chamber members, including annual access to Business After Hours events, universal credit dollars for sponsorships, and unlimited rental access to conference and education rooms to support member engagement and operational needs.

Facilitates community participation in the Boilermaker Road Race through sponsorships, volunteerism, and partnerships, and participates in planning for the race’s 50th anniversary in 2027.

Advances commercial growth and economic development in the Utica region by supporting the expansion of existing businesses, attracting new enterprises, and creating jobs. Provides direct support to member businesses through services and benefits that enhance their success as economic entities.

Engages in legislative lobbying and represents heavy construction contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry supporters to advocate for infrastructure funding, policy changes, and fair labor practices on Long Island.