It is an organization of business people within a regional community dedicated to creating and maintaining a favorable business climate and safeguarding the interests of its members.

The Chamber was founded in 1900.

The Chamber represents more than 1,200 diverse businesses and community organizations, employing nearly 47,000 professionals. From sole proprietors to corporations employing thousands of people, the Chamber serves all of its members with programs and services designed to inform, educate and assist them in reaching their full business potential.

The Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce is a business, civic and economic alliance that strives to enhance the economic vitality of Rensselaer County and the neighboring Gateway Communities of Cohoes, Green Island, Waterford and Watervliet. The Chamber also seeks to improve the quality of life in the community for both residents and businesses.

Although the Chamber works closely with all local and regional government agencies and municipalities, it is a private, non-profit association, governed by a board of directors. The Chamber is an active member of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council of New York State, the Center for Economic Growth and is a founding member of the Tech Valley Chamber Coalition, "Serving New York's Tech Valley."

The number one reason why businesses join the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce is for networking. Expanding your contacts in the regional business community is very important and the Chamber provides its members opportunities to do so on a weekly basis. In addition, the Chamber provides businesses with savings on health insurance and energy use, employee training opportunities and member-to-member discounts, all aimed at improving the bottom line of our members.

The Chamber is governed by a 29-member Board of Directors, elected by the entire membership to serve three-year terms.

Throughout the year the Chamber collects nominations for potential board members. A nominating committee then recommends a slate of candidates from across the region who represent diverse business industries and non-profit organizations. Finally, ballots are mailed to all active members of the Chamber who vote on the proposed candidates.

The Chamber currently employs one part-time and seven full-time staff members. They include the president, vice president, controller, director of business development, membership manager, executive assistant/office manager, programs & communications manager and accounting assistant.

50 percent of the Chamber’s overall operating revenue comes from membership dues, 40 percent is generated through Chamber programs and events, and the remaining 10 percent is derived from non-dues related revenue.

Yes! The Chamber offers a wide array of volunteer opportunities ranging from the popular Ambassador Committee to the Golf Classic and the Troy Victorian Stroll. Contact the Membership Director for ways to get involved today!

Yes, small business is our specialty; 85 percent of our membership consists of small businesses with 50 or fewer employees.  In addition, 72 percent of our membership has less than 20 employees.

Yes, the Chamber has a variety of health and dental plans to choose from for you and your employees. All of our health insurance options are administered locally by Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. in Troy, NY.

Chamber member dues are based on the number of employees at the business. Investment levels starts at $328 and include a wide range of services and benefits. Please contact the Chamber’s Membership Director for more information and to set up a meeting at your convenience.