Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
Amy Smith, owner of the Saratoga Arms Hotel on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, became the new chair of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce board of directors on Jan. 1.
Her mother, Kathleen Smith, held the same leadership position in 1998, so the duo becomes the first mother-daughter combination to lead the Chamber board in its 105-year history.
“My family is grateful to live in and serve this incredible community,” said Smith. “We believe the Chamber played a key role in the city’s turnaround, especially during the recent pandemic. Numerous local businesses, nonprofits, local leaders, and residents count on the Chamber to be a visible and vocal leader.
“I’m honored to take on the responsibilities of this position as we look to move forward, from surviving to thriving, once again.”
Joining Smith on the board of directors are: Tara Pleat, of Wilcenski & Pleat, as immediate past-chair; Chad Kiesow, of Stewart’s Shops, as chair-elect for 2024; Randy Metevier, of Applied Materials, as vice chair; and Eric Hennessey, of UHY Advisors, as treasurer and secretary.
Smith appointed three local leaders to serve one-year terms on the 2023 board. They are Najja Thompson of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Maggie Fronk of Wellspring, and Johanna Friedman of the Saratoga Springs City School District.
The board has a total of 27 members.
Newly elected members who began three-year terms were Paul Loomis, of Gilbane Construction; Alexandra Gutelius, of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library; Tom Bellhouse, of West Point Thoroughbreds; Chris Lyons, of AIM Services; Jill Van Kuren, of Saratoga Hospital; Terri Stripling, of Ten80 Education, LLC; Nil Ghoshal, of Polyset; and Jacqui Conrad, of Skidmore College.
The remaining members of the board are Dennis Kiingati, of Hamlet and Ghost; Charlie Wait, of the Adirondack Trust Co.; Melissa Ward, of New Ward Development; Andy Wise, of Saratoga National Bank; Vince Laurenzo, of Quick Response; David Rosenberg, of Brix Wine and Liquor; Kim Ireland, of National Grid; Melissa Johnson, of Target Distribution Center; Heath Ames, of Cantina; John Rogan, of Saratoga Eagle; and Sue Commanda, of Hudson River Community Credit Union.
“In 2023, our Board’s focus will be maximizing member engagement, while also expanding programming for our impact sector,” Smith said. “We look forward to continuing the WNYT collaboration of its Upstate of Business segment, shining a spotlight on local businesses. We are proud to, once again, be Saratoga County’s tourism promotion agency. In addition, we will open participation to our Saratoga County Restaurant Week in March to all local restaurants at no charge, along with the return of the Chamber’s award-winning Love Our Locals $20.23 campaign set for next November and December.”
With offices in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has an annual budget of approximately $1.8 million and employs nine full-time staff members. The mission of the Chamber is to help local organizations and communities across Saratoga County succeed, grow, and thrive.