North Country Chamber of Commerce to receive 2011 Chamber of the Year Award

ALBANY, NY (09/07/2011)(readMedia)-- The Business Council of New York State, Inc. is pleased to announce that the North Country Chamber of Commerce will receive a 2011 Chamber of the Year Award for improving the business climate both locally and in New York State. Platinum, Gold and Silver Chamber Awards are presented each year to exceptional chamber organizations and leadership teams.

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

"The North Country Chamber of Commerce, led by President and CEO Garry Douglas, has been extremely proactive in using a proximity to Canada to leverage local job creation and economic development," said Heather Briccetti, acting-president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. "This chamber has also secured millions in workforce development and transportation funding. We are proud to honor them with a 2011 Chamber of the Year Award."

"To receive this recognition from our partners at the Business Council is very gratifying indeed for our entire team and for all of our members," said Garry Douglas, President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "The North Country business community is today more united than ever and is making a difference through the Chamber not only in our own region but as a meaningful partner in efforts to revitalize and reform our state. We will accept this as encouragement to continue our commitment to regionalization, strategic economic development, government action and international partnership. Onward and upward!"

The North Country Chamber of Commerce, which is approaching its centennial, includes more than 4,100 businesses across Clinton, Franklin, Essex, Hamilton and northern Warren Counties. The Chamber founded and co-leads the Quebec-New York Corridor Coalition, which has helped Plattsburgh gain a reputation as "Montreal's U.S. suburb" and attracted dozens of Quebec-based manufacturers. Other endeavors by the Chamber include a broad program of support services for regional industry and manufacturers through the North Country Industry Council, health insurance services that meet the needs of 12 regional chambers and administration of the Adirondack Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau as a Chamber department.

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 North Country Chamber of Commerce meets all of the requirements for an outstanding 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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