Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce honored with 2011 Chamber of the Year Award

ALBANY, NY (09/07/2011)(readMedia)-- The Business Council of New York State, Inc. is proud to present a 2011 Chamber of the Year Award to the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce (DCRCOC). Platinum, Gold and Silver Chamber Awards are presented each year to outstanding chamber organizations and leadership teams.

The award ceremony will be held during the The Business Council's Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

"We are proud to present a Chamber of the Year award to the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, under President and CEO Charles S. North," said Heather Briccetti, acting-President and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. "This is an organization that really fights for the Hudson Valley business community - this past summer, the Chamber launched an online petition demanding a repeal of the MTA payroll tax and a forensic audit of the MTA."

"As a chamber, we take advocacy on behalf of our members seriously," said Charles S. North, President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. "But that's not all that we do. From educational seminars to informative monthly contact breakfasts to collaborating with other organizations hosting civic events, as well as representing our members through legislative action, we're committed to doing anything and everything to assist the Hudson Valley's regional business community. It is an honor to be receiving this award and the recognition of our efforts from The Business Council."

The DCRCOC, which is the oldest and largest chamber in the region, represents more than 2,000 businesses and boasts 17 full-time staff members. They have numerous committees with specialized functions, including: the Hudson Valley Young Professionals, Living/Working Green, Women's Leadership Alliance and Community Service Organization Committee. The Chamber also works diligently to provide resources and events for small-business owners, and has partnered with organizations including SCORE (a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses) and the Small Business Association.

The Chamber awards were created as part of The Business Council's Thirtieth Anniversary celebration in 2010. Nominations were accepted at the discretion of The Business Council and judged by an independently chosen panel. The DCRCOC embodies all of the requirements for an exceptional chamber, which include being a member of The Business Council for the past twelve consecutive months prior to the date of their nomination, and:

• Displaying a positive social conscience and commitment to pro-business activities within their community and the state;
• Delivering a high level of programs and services in their community and being active in state and local business advocacy;
• Showing fiscal responsibility for their members and the community and having leadership whose talent, vision, expertise, dedication and performance define them as outstanding Chamber leaders; and
• Conducting business operations within New York State for the past twelve consecutive months prior to the date of their nomination.

The reservation deadline is fast approaching for The Business Council's Annual Meeting, which will be held from Sept. 21-23 at The Sagamore Resort on beautiful Lake George. Don't miss your chance to be there! Visit: www.bcnys.org/whatsnew/events/annualmeeting.htm

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