Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce: Bright Prospects for 2024
As 2023 comes to a close, many businesses reflect on the year’s accomplishments and begin to make plans for the next year. Budgets are being drafted, finalized, then visited again. Nonprofits and service organizations are making their final appeals. And businesses are wondering how they can do better next year.
But upon reflection of 2023, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is proud of our greater business community, and optimistic for 2024.
Within the ARCC membership, we have seen a lot of positive shifting in the business community. Businesses south of Saratoga Springs are choosing to build their business and connections in the North Country. Small businesses are expanding and opening additional locations. Entrepreneurs are popping up and taking a chance on their dreams. Conversations on workforce development, alternative hiring options, childcare, public transportation, and more are being had regularly with solutions on the horizon. These are all signs of a healthy business community, working collaboratively towards a better future.
2023 ARCC HIGHLIGHTS
The ARCC organizes many opportunities to connect, share resources, and collaborate for our member businesses. These include monthly networking mixers, focused meetings for our councils & committees, educational workshops, and celebrations of community. We welcomed over 3,000 attendees to
our events in 2023. We hosted over 32 ribbon cuttings in 2023, exceeding the number of celebrations we hosted in 2022. We also welcomed more new members in 2023 compared to 2022 and are enjoying an 89% retention rate.
The ARCC Business Expo, which was held in early November at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, was an incredible community-focused event that brought the community and businesses together for an evening of discovery, connections, and networking. We were fortunate to have 88 exhibitors, compared to 74 in 2022, ranging from all types of industries and business sizes. Even more exciting, 36 of the exhibitors were new to the event this year.
From nonprofits & human service organizations to health & wellness and professional services, the event was buzzing with activity. This year’s business showcase had something for everyone. Many businesses featured demos of their products, such as Mahoney Alarms, who had a great setup of their camera and security systems. Adirondack Winery, Lake George Wine Outlet, and Springbrook Hollow Distillery were all giving out samples of their beverages. And Park Street Hospitality delighted guests with some yummy Autumn-themed treats.
For the golf enthusiasts, PSG Golf set up a putting green, and The Luxury Box had a golf simulator. And for those who like their toys to drive, float, or ride, the Expo had a vehicle from Romeo Toyota of Glens Falls, and a boat & snowmobile from Pilot Knob Marina & Powersports.
Prior to the Business Expo, was our annual Business Awards, held in early October. This event is a true celebration of businesses and nonprofits in our region. The room was packed with over 200 attendees cheering on the nominees and celebrating the winners. This year, 38 businesses and nonprofits were nominated in 7 categories, making this award ceremony one of the biggest in recent years.
LOOKING FORWARD
The ARCC will continue to host our flagship events, council/committee meetings, and plenty of opportunities to network & connect, but we are looking forward to providing educational opportunities that are unique to our area.
In January, we will welcome a panel of speakers to discuss alternative hiring opportunities for businesses. Some may have heard of “second chance” or “fair chance” options for hiring, but don’t know the details. The ARCC, along with partner organizations, is assembling a panel that will educate our business community on alternative hiring opportunities they may not be aware of.
This is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024 at a location to be determined. Stay tuned to the ARCC website for announcements: www.adirondackchamber.org.
The ARCC is looking forward to continuing to bring resources, educational events, and opportunities to connect our business community in 2024 and for many years to come.