Chamber initiatives offer ways to give thanks

Welcome to the season of giving thanks and giving to others. This month I’d like to highlight several events honoring those who look beyond themselves and help make the Hudson Valley a great place to live and work.
For the 17th year, the Hudson Valley Young Professionals Committee of the Chamber has brought back their Toy Drive for local children. November 10th - December 14th, donate new, unwrapped toys at participating Foam & Wash locations in Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls, at The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, or at the Chamber office. Not only will you be bringing joy to families here in the Hudson Valley, but you will get a FREE Simoniz Hot Wax & Shine on your car and smile on your face! Thank you to our supporters Guardian Self-Storage and Foam & Wash Car Wash. All the toys will be donated to Angels of Light to benefit families right here at home.

Your business can also make a difference by purchasing items for a family in need. The Adopt-a-Family program supports local individuals and families through The Chamber Foundation's Workforce Development Center Programs. The programs consist of Dutchess County Youth One Stop, Workforce Connections, Next Gen Career Academy, and the Career Action Center at the Poughkeepsie High School. All programs assist individuals with employment, education, and supportive services. During the holiday season we identify those that truly have a need to have their season brightened and pair them with businesses, organizations, clubs or individuals who sign up to donate items on their needs list. Register by November 10th to Adopt-a-Family and you will work with a Chamber staff member to make wishes come true! Adopt-a-Family is accepting specific gift items and monetary donations for supportive services throughout the year. Contact Ashley Adorno at aadorno@dcrcoc.org to participate.

Do you need a “Thank You” gift, or something special for the holidays? Of course, at the Chamber, we love the idea of Small Business Saturday, this year set for Saturday, November 25th. This is the best time to get acquainted with local businesses and all they have to offer. When you shop local, you keep neighborhood businesses alive, you keep local people employed, and generate sales tax revenue – all of which benefit our local economy and keep local organizations and the overall community thriving. Think Local First this holiday season and support our local businesses. The Chamber has made it easy for you to support local with a listing of the best businesses all in one place, our Business Directory: www.dcrcoc.org/directory

            The global movement of Giving Tuesday is on November 28th, a day to inspire people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. In our region, we are fortunate to have many worthy nonprofits. This includes our own nonprofit, The Chamber Foundation, which is the community development affiliate of the Chamber. Offering signature youth and professional leadership programming along with supportive services for workforce and a scholarship program, the Foundation is a regional leader in shaping the labor force of tomorrow. If you would like to donate for Giving Tuesday, or any time, see dcrcoc.org/donate-foundation.
And don’t forget about the ATHENA Leadership Awards reception on Wednesday, November 29 at Villa Borghese. Celebrate an evening of honorees who uplift women both personally and professionally and exemplify leadership. See the inside pages of the Hudson Valley Business Scene for full details.

I hope you will find ways to enjoy our beautiful Hudson Valley this season, and in the season’s spirit of giving and supporting, always remember to Think Local First!