Workforce and Economic Advancement | Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Economic Growth worth investing in: Develop, support and sustain the long-term economic vitality of Rensselaer County together.

Thank You to our WE Advance Investors!

The strength of WE Advance efforts relies on the investment and collaboration of investors and regional partners who strive to build a successful, sustainable economy in Rensselaer County. Investors consist of public and private businesses and organizations representing a wide variety of industries. If your company is looking to make a financial investment to help the Chamber be recognized as a credible, business-focused, economic development organization, please contact the Chamber at (518) 274-7020.

Visionary

KeyBank

KeyBank has been growing with New York State for more than 190 years. Since its founding in Albany, New York, in 1825, KeyBank has been helping the clients and communities thrive, from Western New York to the Capital Region and beyond. Today, the tradition of growth continues. KeyBank’s acquisition of First Niagara in 2016, made KeyBank the 13th largest U.S.-based commercial bank, with assets of approximately $136 billion.

Rifenburg Companies

Rifenburg is one of Upstate New York's oldest and largest family owned construction firms. Working across the Northeast, Rifenburg has become recognized as a leader in getting projects completed on-time and safely. In 2000, one of Rifenburg's largest projects was recognized by OSHA as a VPP site, one of only two such sites to get this distinction in the United States. With over 340 hardworking employees in the Northeast and our regional office in Raleigh, NC, Rifenburg can staff a project of any size. Specializing in earth moving and restoration of all kinds, Rifenburg makes quick work of landfill expansions and closures, site work, highway and bridge expansion and utility installations.

Champion

Pioneer Bank

Pioneer Bank was founded in 1889 to serve the city of Troy, New York and its residents. At that time, banks were created for the people of the community, to promote savings, encourage home ownership and provide financial support to help people build a better life. These are the founding principles behind the bank; a financial institution whose management decisions were made for the good of the customer and whose success benefited the entire community. Pioneer Bank continues to grow, expanding our capabilities and reach, but always with the same values and a deep respect for our founding principles. Today, Pioneer Bank offers our customers a comprehensive array of products and services, with competitive rates and the latest banking options.

WE Advance is tasked with:

> Retaining businesses who call the Tech Valley region home
> Helping businesses expand and grow (site locations, funding)
> Helping members navigate regulatory concerns and make municipal connections
> Keeping members apprised of public policy and how it affects their business
> Developing workforce development initiatives to support workers for changing competitive marketplace
> Coordinating ribbon cuttings & ground breaking celebrations
> Creating a platform for regional CEO’s to discuss workplace challenges and solutions
> Providing letters of support for Chamber members

Funded by a leading group of public and private sector companies, our Investors are committed to growing the region’s economy. With their help, WE ADvance has been leading collaborative efforts for more than 15 years to provide a single point of contact for business inquiries.

Receive help getting your business started or expanded by contacting us at 518.274.7020.