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Workforce and Economic Advancement

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

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

As a local financial institution for more than 135 years, Pioneer understands the importance of inspiring progress and building healthy communities. We’ve grown to become “More Than a Bank” with banking, insurance, employee benefits, and wealth management solutions across 22 Capital Region locations. Our team takes pride in developing deep connections with clients, taking the time to understand complex deals, and make decisions quickly so that important projects can get off the ground. Whether you’re an individual, a business, a municipality or public entity, Pioneer is willing to do what it takes to earn your business and help our neighborhoods and communities move All Together Forward.

The Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is dedicated to promoting economic development and vitality within Rensselaer County. Governed by a seven-member board, the IDA has the authority to offer sales and property tax incentives, grants and low-cost capital to attract and retain businesses.

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 30, 2025) — Maria College has been awarded a five-year, nearly $5 million grant from the New York State Department of Health to enhance student support services and address the region’s critical nursing workforce shortage.   The funding, awarded through the department’s new Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP…
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, local officials, and community members gathered to recognize and congratulate Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC, on being added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry on September 18th. With roots dating back to 1813, the firm has provided more than 200 years of legal…
GlobalFoundries-Town of Malta Foundation Accepting Applications for 2025 Grants The Foundation has invested more than $2M in the Malta community in the last 15 years   Deadline for grant applications is November 7, 2025   MALTA, N.Y., September 15, 2025— GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF), announced that the GF-Town of Malta Foundation is proud to…
Sep
30
Join us for this special event will feature a light breakfast, networking, and panel discussion with Q & A from Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello,…
Tuesday, September 30th from 8:00am-9:30am
Oct
08
Join the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Colonie Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate our anniversaries with this very special…
October 8th, 5:00pm-7:30pm
Oct
08
The 1 Million Cups Monthly Meetings are happening throughout 2025 in the Chamber's 1st Floor Conference Room. Held every second Wednesday of the month,…
Wednesday, October 8, 9:00am-10:00am