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About The Chamber
GREATER MASSENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
What We’re About…a brief overview
INCORPORATION – May 29, 1931
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVES
Promote Massena – Relocation packets, direct mail, newsletter, membership directory, website, community events, media advertising, and special interest directories.
Economic Growth – Promoting business-friendly policies and legislation working with local, regional, and statewide partners (Business Development Corporation, County Chamber, Chamber Alliance, NYS Business Council). Promoting tourism in and to our own community – Events, publications, directories, website, etc.
Partner with Local Government – Tourism promotion agent for town and village. Provide publicity services for town and village. Provide input and planning.
Information Clearinghouse – Coordinate and publish monthly/yearly calendar of events (paper and website), provide answers to questions posed by residents & visitors by phone, e-mail, or mail.
BENEFITS
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Membership Directory
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Massena Chamber Website Listing
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FREE Email Blasts
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Insurance Program
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Website Listings
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Low-Cost Advertising – Newsletter Inserts
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Monthly Newsletter & Calendar
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Networking Opportunities
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Member to Member Discount Cards
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Brochure & Business Card Racks
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Health Insurance Programs
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Referrals – Business, Visitor & Tourist
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Variety of Guides (Hotel & Dining, Insurance, etc.)
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Bulk Mailing Permit Usage
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WHAT’S IN THE OFFICE?
The Massena Chamber has brochures and information on most of the 50 States, NY counties and many local and regional attractions. If you are taking a trip, please stop in and pick up any free tourism information you would like including maps. Seasonal guides, maps, literature promoting many of our local tourism hot spots, and staff members eager to help. There are souvenir items are for sale (Postcards, Pins, ornaments, mugs, shirts and other items. We have conferencing facilities available that are perfect for small meetings and storage space for our records, office supplies, and event equipment.
WHO’S IN THE OFFICE? WHAT DO WE DO?
Executive Director – Oversees day to day operations of the chamber. Makes sure the policies of the Board of Directors (BOD) are carried out. Ensures the objectives and goals of the organization are met. Keeps members informed of what’s happening in the Chamber with state legislation, business issues, etc. through newsletter, e-mails, etc. Prepares annual budget and assures that the budget is followed in conjunction with Finance Committee. Retains and increases membership. Recruitment of new members and encouraging BOD to recruit new members. Develops membership programs that attract and retain members. Supervising event preparation and execution, serve on County Chamber BOD and Tourism Committee. Represents the Chamber in the media and at community events. Keeps the Chamber visible in the community.
Associate Director – Keeps books and financials records, accounts payable and receivable, produces newsletter and other correspondence, paper and computer filing systems, maintains membership records, prepared email blasts, acts as recording secretary for board meetings, prepares minutes, organizes and prepares bulk mailing, customer service on phone or in office, works with Executive Director and Event Coordinator organizing events. Assists Executive Director in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the organization.
Event Coordinator– Assists with office work, correspondence, record keeping, mailings, etc. at direction of Associate Director. Is primarily responsible for the ordering of new brochures and other materials for display in the office. Answers phone, e-mails, mail and in-person inquires, and works events. Coordinate with the Executive Director and Associate Director regarding all aspects of events hosted by the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Consists of 17 members. Eleven of these members are elected and the other six are appointed by local industry, agencies, and government. Appointees include representatives of ALCOA-Massena Operations, New York Power Authority, Massena Town Council and Massena Village Board of Trustees , St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and Whalen, Davey and Looney (Chamber accounting firm).Standing Committees – Executive/Finance Committee, Membership Committee, Tourism Committee, Public Relations Committee, Nominating Committee, and Special Event Committee.
Board Member Duties – Attend monthly meetings. Serve on at least one event committee. Volunteer to work events and encourage co-workers, friends, family, etc. to work them. Act as “Ambassadors” of the Chamber and community. Recruit new members (try for 2 a year, but more is better). Every so often, call and ask “What can I do?” Find out who of your fellow Chamber members are (Member Directory) and do business with them to the greatest extent possible. Encourage others to do the same.
ANNUAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – The Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce organizes and participates in numerous events throughout the year, however, these events would not be possible without the support (financial and volunteer) of businesses throughout Massena and the surrounding area. We offer our thanks to all who support the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce.
Winter Carnival – (January) A week long variety of family activities to help break up the long North Country winter. Activities include a parade downtown, dog sled races at Hawkins Point Visitors Center, a hockey tournament at the Massena Arena Annex and many more activities.
Annual Luncheon Meeting – (January) This meeting is open to all chamber members and is rotated between local service organizations, it includes our annual organizational meeting and election of officers.
Annual Dinner – (February - March) This is a semi-formal social evening for the business community. Guest speaker, auction and annual awards handed out.
Business After Hours – (March) Business after hours are a networking opportunity that are held quarterly and rotated between the service organizations and restaurants.
Membership Directory – (March or April) A membership directory is printed promoting the Massena Chamber Membership.
Easter Egg Hunt – (April) This event is co-sponsored with the Massena Kiwanis and is open to children 12 and under.
Golf Tournament – (May) Annual fundraising event held at the Massena Country Club.
Chamber Scholarship – (June) This scholarship is awarded to a deserving young man or woman pursuing higher education at a 4-year college or university, a 2-year college or a trade institution with a one-time award of $500.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Locks Visitors Center Gift Shop - (Memorial Day – Labor Day) The Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce operates the gift shop providing seasonal employment opportunities to local youth, retail opportunities to chamber members, sale of souvenirs, and tourist information brochures for visitors.
Heritage Festival – (June) Located at the Massena Arena. Consists of a parade through Downtown Massena and a craft show and entertainment at the Massena Arena,
Business After Hours – (June) Business after hours are a networking opportunity that are held quarterly and rotated between the service organizations and restaurants.
Farmer’s Market - (July-September) Held Downtown Massena on Thursdays and Sundays.
Concerts in the Park – (July & August) Free public concerts sponsored by local businesses normally held on Thursday or Friday evenings. Donations are accepted to benefit the seasonal holiday decorations in Downtown Massena and the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Downtown Block Dance & Car Show - (July) This event is free to the public and provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase their classic/antique vehicles, dance and enjoy the festivities.
Robert Thompson Annual Blues Bash – (July) This is event is free to the public and is sponsored by local businesses. The Blues Bash features many bands and is held at the Massena Spring’s Park.
NYPA Summer Spectacular - (July) A New York Power Authority event held at Hawkins Point Visitors Center where the Massena Chamber provides a food booth that is sponsored by the NYPA.
Car and Truck Show – (August) This event is held at the Barnhart Pavilion/Picnic area and has 27+ divisions with trophies awarded.
Harvest Festival – (September) This festival is free to the public and held on Main Street in downtown Massena. The festival is geared towards Harvest activities for youth, ex: Pumpkin painting, scarecrow making and includes a craft show.
WildLife Festival @ NYPA – (September) A New York Power Authority event held at Hawkins Point Visitors Center where the Massena Chamber provides a food booth that is sponsored by the NYPA.
Business After Hours – (October) Business after Hours are a networking opportunity that are held quarterly and rotated between the service organizations and restaurants.
Community Link Map – (Sales in October-November) This map is a large fold-out map of Massena and is distributed widely throughout the area. The map is supported by Chamber-member advertisers.
Santa Comes Downtown – (December) Santa arrives downtown via the Massena Volunteer Fire Department and children of all ages comes to tell him their Christmas wishes and enjoy some fun activities. This event is held at Dar’s Place on W. Orvis Street.
Holiday Decorating Contest – (December) This contest is open to all residents and business in Massena. During a 3 day timeframe volunteers visit the homes and businesses for the judging. Winners are recognized at the December Business After Hours.
Business After Hours – (December) Business after hours are a networking opportunity that are held quarterly and rotated between the service organizations and restaurants.
Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce Office Staff:
Michael Gleason, Executive Director
Penny Pullmain, Associate Director
Nancy Bassney, Event Coordinator
2011 Board of Directors:
Susan Flynn, President (Alcoa)
Eric Gustafson, 1st Vice President (Pease & Gustafson)
Susan Stiles – 2nd Vice President (Frenchies Chevrolet)
Mark Bogdan – 3rd Vice President (Mark Bogdan, CPA CSRP)
Miriam Catapano – Past President (Clopman’s Home Furnishings)
Chris Herrick – Treasurer (Whalen, Davey & Looney)
Jill Chamberlain, Board Member (New York Power Authority)
Tina Corcoran, Board Member (Massena Memorial Hospital)
Vicki Garcia, Board Member (St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation)
Joe Gray, Board Member (Massena Town Supervisor)
Michael Guimond, Board Member (Stephens Media Group – 1340WMSA, 101.5 The Fox, Mix 96.1)
Jim Hidy,Board Member (Mayor of Massena)
Kathy Smythe, Board Member (Community Bank)
Cindy St. Thomas, Board Member (North Country Agency)
David Staddon, Board Member (St. Regis Mohawk Tribe)
Jim Ward, Board Member (St. Lawrence Gas)
Lori Wilmshurst, Board Member (SeaComm Federal Credit Union)
