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About The Greater Binghamton
Chambers |
| Broome
County, nestled among the evergreen foothills of the Catskill
Mountains, is known as the "valley of opportunity." Sparkling
waterways and attractive communities radiate a spirit of earnest
pride. Over the years, there have been numerous organizations
set up to improve the business sector and enhance a quality
of life many already believe to be idyllic. In 1965, the Broome
County Chamber of Commerce was established by uniting the individual
Chambers in Johnson City, Binghamton, Endicott, Vestal and Endwell.
By
1996, it was obvious that dramatic changes were needed to
best serve revitalization efforts. Economic challenges inspired
an initiative to unify all local community development efforts.
The full affiliation of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce
with the Broome
County Industrial Development Agency, and Partnership
2000 banded local development and promotional groups into
one formidable team. The Greater Binghamton Chamber had become the leading
economic development organization in Broome County.
Job
creation and retention is the primary focus of the Economic
Development division of The Greater Binghamton Chamber. Other priorities
include expansion of the workforce and attraction of skilled
labor to Broome County. As a result, a consortium of human
resource executives, known at the Recruitment Task Force,
takes a proactive role by conducting local job fairs, as well
as promoting outside the region the high quality of life and
jobs Broome County has to offer.
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 Encouraging
travelers to spend time in the area; promoting Broome County
as a destination for meetings, conventions, trade shows, and
major events; and bringing overnight guests to Broome County
area all priorities of the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In addition, the CVB markets the area to travelers and group
tours in an effort to generate economic activity for the area.
Staff produce and distribute thousands of tourism publications
annually, promote the county at national trade shows, attract
meeting planners to the region, and provide numerous free services
to groups meeting in Broome County. The Gateway Information
Center, located on I-81 and operated by The Greater
Binghamton Chamber,
assists hundreds of thousands of travelers annually, distributes
New York State tourism information, and showcases current events
to visitors |
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 A
goal of the Government Relations division is to advocate
for legislation favorable to a progressive business climate.
Serving as a liaison with local, state, and federal officials,
several committees work tirelessly to reduce state business
taxes and regulations, represent the county in Albany, and
host several legislative receptions a year. Infrastructure
and transportation issues are addressed with a concentration
on buildings and land, utilities, and transportation. In addition,
a Legislative Survey is conducted annually and a Legislative
Agenda is developed which highlights the priority legislative
issues for Chamber member businesses.
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 The Small Business
Council was established to work on their behalf and further
the development of all small businesses in Broome County.
Subcommittees address issues such as continuing education,
legislative concerns, networking opportunities, and recognition
of exemplary performance in the small business arena with
the Small Business Person and Small Business Advocate of the
Year awards.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber believes that the quality of life in a community
depends on the quality of local leadership. Broome Leadership
Institute (BLI) offers people with leadership drive and
commitment, the contacts, skills, and knowledge they need
to assume leadership roles in community organizations or elected
positions. The six-month program is designed to develop enthusiastic
and well-informed leaders who are committed to making positive
contributions to the community.
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| Providing
information, securing extensive media coverage, and maintaining
dialogue with local businesses and organizations is an ongoing
challenge of the Communications division. With the diverse
work and projects The Greater Binghamton Chamber accomplishes and is involved
in each year, it is vital that we share the message of our vision
for this community. Through public relations efforts, we inform
and educate the business community and public at-large on key
issues affecting the future of Broome County. Information is
provided, extensive media coverage is secured, and The Greater
Binghamton Chamber's position is enhanced as the leading business organization
in Broome County. Every month, the Chamber's key communications
publication (ChambeReport) is distributed to businesses and
organizations throughout Broome County and surrounding areas.
It contains news articles on key issues, vital business information,
up-to-date facts about Chamber functions, small business successes,
networking opportunities, economic development efforts, convention
and tourism events, and legislative breaking news. |
 Project Pride, a beautification and clean-up program
sponsored by The Greater Binghamton Chamber, is organized by a committee
of volunteers from the business and residential community. Their
mission is to improve the visual appearance of Broome County
and create a more positive impression by conducting community-wide
beautification projects. |
| Partnership
2000 is a group of leaders from all sectors of the community-business,
medical, education, industry, and government - working together
to strengthen the local economy through the creation and retention
of jobs. |
| Membership in The Greater Binghamton
Chamber is an investment that has prompted thousands of businesses,
organizations and individuals to join. By investing in the Chamber,
businesses have the opportunity to meet potential clients, expand
contacts, increase their management base, and become more involved
in the important issues that affect our business community. |
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The Greater Binghamton Chamber, by working in concert with the community, volunteer
committees, and task forces, undertakes aggressive programs
that are in the best interest of business and the community
as a whole. With this unique synergy, The Greater Binghamton
Chamber plays
a strategic role in helping shape and define Broome County's
future. |
How
To Join?
For information about how to become a member of The Greater
Binghamton Chamber, contact our Membership Representative at
(607) 772-8863 ext. 317 or e-mail at
membership@binghamtonchamber.com
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