Creating a strong and sustainable vision to build a community where we all can thrive

Happy “Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day!” Observed on the third Wednesday of October each year, today is a day to celebrate chambers across the county and their work to positively improve and impact local communities.

Here at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, we’re more than just mixers - and have been for more than 100 years. We’re committed to opening doors and closing deals to support and improve the communities where we live, work, and play. Check out the top five ways we’re leveraging a strong, sustainable vision to create a successful future for Saratoga County.

1.) Advocating for everyone to build a community where we can all thrive
​When we advocate for everyone, we all benefit. That’s why we take a wide-angle approach to our advocacy efforts. By being a visible and vocal organization across Saratoga County, we’re working to build a community that positively impacts not only our members, but our residents, out-of-town visitors, and businesses across the county.
 
Recently, we partnered with local officials and the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) to bring a new on-demand transit service to South Saratoga County called CDTA FLEX. Residents in Mechanicville, Halfmoon, and Clifton Park now have a safe, affordable, and convenient transportation option. Our goal is to ensure this initiative is successful so we can expand and provide transportation to the entire Saratoga County, helping to grow our local economy.

2.) Partnering with local officials and organizations to get things done
It takes a village, right? We sure think so! We understand that for impactful change to be made, we need to lean in and partner with others in the local community to make that change happen. Whether the local town supervisor, a downtown business owner, or a fellow organization, coming together to collaborate results in good outcomes for all.
 
In 2020, the local county board of supervisors created a Saratoga County Reopening Committee to help ensure a safe and successful reopening of the local economy. Chamber president Todd Shimkus was one of three private sector leaders appointed to the committee and served as the vice chair. Participation from both private and public sector leaders demonstrated the importance of the need for diverse voices at the table for a successful reopening.

3.) Delivering timely and useful information to inform our community of what matters
As an advocate for our community, we know how important access to information can be. That’s why we’re constantly communicating about the health of our county’s economy, upcoming events within the area, and opportunities for how you can get involved in making our county as vibrant as it can possibly be.
 
On a regular basis, we currently provide information to our residents, business owners, and others about the economic performance of our county, as well as new businesses joining our community.

4.) Initiating constructive community action to keep our county vibrant
We love Saratoga County! And we want every person who lives in, and visits, our county to feel the same. We are an active Chamber who stands up, rolls up our sleeves, and gets involved to ensure our county is a popular place to work, live, and play.
 
On February 29, 2020, we officially launched Leap of Kindness Day – an idea developed by the Saratoga County Chamber to make the most of an extra day during the 2020 Leap Year. Thousands of individuals and businesses across the county – and the world – participated in spreading some kindness and doing an extra deed for others.

5.) Supporting local day after day to keep businesses open
We love our local businesses and know how impactful our support can be. From ribbon cuttings, to general advocacy, to shopping local – and everything in between – our promotion and support of our locally owned businesses helps keep their doors open. Which we want for every single business in Saratoga County!

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber created a campaign called Save Our Locals to encourage residents and out-of-town visitors to support local businesses by shopping small and aid in additional economic recovery across the county. To this day, we continue to promote Save Our Locals to do our part in ensuring businesses can keep their doors open for as long as possible.

We love Saratoga County, and we’re proud of our proven track record of accomplishments we’ve achieved with our fellow partners. Today, tomorrow, and every day after, we look forward to continuing to play an integral role in creating a community where we all can thrive.

If you’d like more info on how to support the Chamber and its members, please email info@saratoga.org or call 518-584-3255.