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A Message from the Chamber President
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Like for most around the nation and the world, we’re closing out 2020 not as we had envisioned. But I can say that the Albany Area Chamber will cross into 2021 with our purpose clearer and more valuable than ever, and our belief in the power of unity and partnerships even stronger.
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Every day, we take on the hard stuff so our members can focus on running their businesses. From lobbying Congress for small business protections and multiple rounds of emergency funds to working with state leadership in support of legislation and investments in local health care and education and business incentives − we’ve advocated for it and we’ve brought home the resources. Public safety, access to reliable Internet and upskilling our work force − we're in it.
And while we‘re fighting hard for resources and for progress, we’re not missing the chances to celebrate the good that happens every day. Read about our 2020 Small Business of the Year and 2020 Nonprofit of the Year on page 28.
The future is not clearer but our focus is. The Chamber’s new strategic plan, led by our Chairman Perry Revell and whose details have been firmed up amid the pandemic, is aggressive and targeted. It’s designed to bring possibilities to life. It's designed with strength, agility, vision and focus. It’s designed so we can better serve our members and continue taking on the hard stuff. We will be unveiling this strategy in the weeks to come.
We believe in business. We believe in Albany and the Albany Area. We believe in better. And we exist to deliver on these. We exist to support you − our members, our community. To build, together, a community in which businesses want to invest and people want to live. We are nurturers, we are believers, we are providers, we are future-focused builders. We do this for you and with you. We are grateful for your continued investment in the Albany Area Chamber. For your trust. And for the honor of being your champion.
The forthcoming year promises us more unknowns and no doubt twists and turns. My promise to you: Together, we've got this.
-BÁRBARA RIVERA HOLMES
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