Courtesy Chamber of Southern Saratoga County
Ballston Spa National Bank President/CEO Chris Dowd continues his term as Chamber of Southern Saratoga County chair for 2021, as well as being a member of the Capital Region Chamber Executive Committee.
The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County (CSSC) affiliated with the Capital Region Chamber in 2020. Officials said CSSC spent the year offering support to those in the local business community who needed it the most, while tapping into the regional chamber’s advocacy, education, business growth resources and communications abilities.
Dowd has been with BSNB for 20 years this coming July. He was named its president/CEO in 2004.
CSSC said his role greatly helped the organization retain its local influence and impact while providing expanded programs, services and resources to members and the community at-large.
“Given how challenging 2020 was for most, I’m so pleased that the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County had the added resources and clout of the Regional Chamber to support our businesses and communities,” said Dowd. “Through hard work, innovation and determination, our county and region will emerge from the pandemic with strength, as our Chamber continues to be an essential partner in the recovery process.”
Dowd is joined by returning board members Lisa Avila, CEO of Kitware, secretary/treasurer; and board members Carmine DeCrescente III of DeCrescente Distributing Co., Willie Miranda of Miranda Real Estate/Insurance, and Michael York of the Lofts at Saratoga Blvd. New to the board this year is Nicole Snow, CEO of Darn Good Yarn, Inc. in Halfmoon.
CSSC board members, along with leaders of four other businesses located in Saratoga County, also serve on the Capital Region Chamber boar.
CSSC officials said new for 2021, the affiliation of the Center for Economic Growth with the Capital Region Chamber now connects local business interests with regional economic development efforts in a way never before experienced in the Capital Region.
The CSSC cited its accomplishments in 2020.
Its Malta Business Community Alliance committee facilitated the creation of a new website, MaltaNYBusiness.com, created by local businesspeople to promote aspects of the town.
The Saratoga County Community Development Program, funded in part by a grant from the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, continued its work of maintaining community structures and promoting county business to some 150,000 visitors at the Clifton Park Visitor Center (Exit 9 Rest Area on the Northway). The CSSC continued its strong advocacy for and promotion of local marine businesses, especially with the Canals having been closed for a major portion of the summer.
The Chamber was a sponsor of a number of virtual and COVID-modified events such as the virtual Saratoga County Fair, Ballston Spa community events, and those held by Halfmoon Celebrations.
Due to its affiliation with the Capital Region Chamber, hundreds of southern Saratoga County businesses received direct outreach and personalized support and technical assistance. Local charities such as the Southern Saratoga Chamber Angels received enhanced support. Despite the pandemic, the Angels assisted 35 more needy children than the previous year.
The office in Clifton Park (58 Clifton Country Road) is home to the Community Advancement department, led by Senior Vice President Pete Bardunias, and a Member Services team led by Vice President Marna Redding.
Other Clifton Park-based staff members include project manager Sheila Whinnery; director, signature events Debbie Erck, and marketing manager Taryn Farewell. Several part-time staff will serve at the Clifton Park Visitor Center once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County is the official Chamber of Commerce of the towns of Clifton Park and Halfmoon.