August 1, 2003

Agenda update: Insurance Superintendent Greg Serio confirmed . . .

New York State Insurance Superintendent Greg Serio will be the keynote speaker at the CANYS Luncheon on Friday, September 19th at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing. At the request of the CANYS Board of Directors, Mr. Serio will be addressing current issues relating to health and other types of insurance. Many chambers have requested a session with Mr. Serio, so here's your chance to get the latest updates on sole proprietor health coverage, Association Health Plans, workers' compensation, and any other issues on your mind.

Mr. Serio joins confirmed speaker Preston Pulliams, SUNY Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges. Mr. Pulliams will be presenting on the ways chambers can maximize the relationships and resources of their local educational institutions. As part of the presentation, you’ll hear from some of the chambers who are already enjoying the benefits of partnership. Confirmed speakers include Marty DeLaney, President of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Jim Nolan of Sienna College, Rob Robinson, President & CEO of The Otsego County Chamber, Dr. John Clow of the Leatherstocking Center for Economic Education,and Jim Batsford, Executive Director of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce.

To accommodate anticipated programming, the CANYS Luncheon has expanded by one hour, and will now be held from Noon – 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 19th. Need another registration form? Click HERE.

CANYS Membership Meeting and Day at the Races . . .

Don't miss out on a fantastic opportunity to get a jump-start on upcoming legislation, network with other chamber professionals, energize and reward your chamber's staff members, and enjoy the best parts of the summer (a barbeque, steamboat cruise, and a luncheon at the Saratoga Racecourse)! Register TODAY for CANYS' Membership Meeting and Day at the Races! All chambers and all staff members are invited and encouraged to attend. For more information, please see the updated agenda and registration form. Please note that TODAY (August 1) is the last day to take advantage of the special $99 hotel room rate at the Queensbury Hotel. To book your room, call 518-792-1121 and use code “CANYS.”

Continuing education on Association Health Plans . . .

There has been no further movement of the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003 since the end of June. (The House passed H.R.660 on June 19th; its Senate counterpart, S.545, has been received in the Senate, read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.) In CANYS’ continuing effort to keep you informed of this legislation that could affect your chamber and health plans you may offer, below are some articles you might find educational. If you have trouble with any of these links, please visit www.canys.org.

• Labor Secretary Elaine Chao's remarks on passage of H.R. 660
• Congressional Budget Office report on H.R. 660
• House Speaker Dennis Hastert remarks on passage of H.R. 660, via NFIB
• Opinion article: "Proposal puts health plans out of reach," via BCBS

ACE award winners from the Empire State . . .

The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has announced this year’s winners of the “ACE” Awards. Awards for Communications Excellence (ACEs) recognize the chamber professionals who excel in the communications field. Awards are given out in the following categories: Electronic Communications, Graphic Design, Publications, Reports/Special Publications, Strategic Programs and Writing.

The following New York State chambers have won awards: Buffalo Niagara Partnership - Award of Excellence; Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce – Award of Excellence, Award of Merit (2), Honorable Mention; Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce - Award of Merit, Honorable Mention; Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce - Honorable Mention. Kudos to these great communicators! For more information on the ACE Awards, visit www.acce.org.

U.S. Chamber re-accreditation . . .

Congratulations are in order for two chambers who have successfully completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s re-accreditation process. Accreditation involved providing extensive background and supporting materials on a virtually all aspects of running and maintaining a top-notch chamber, including governance, finance, human resources & staff, government affairs, program development, communication, technology & facilities. The Plattsburgh - North County Chamber of Commerce, led by Garry Douglas, was awarded re-accreditation with Four Stars, and the Greater Southern Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce, led by Beth Coleman, was awarded re-accreditation with Four Stars. Congratulations to these outstanding chambers and their staffs! For more information on the accreditation process, visit http://www.uschamber.com/chambers/programs/accreditation/default

Tell us about it . . .

Do you know a former chamber executive who still wants to be a part of CANYS? The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that a new classification of membership has been established especially for "CANYS Alumni." Former chief executives may now continue their CANYS membership as an Associate Member. Associate membership brings with it the full benefits and obligations of chamber membership, on an individual level. To find out more, please e-mail maggie.moree@bcnys.org.

The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a President & CEO for strategic and administrative leadership of a dynamic not-for-profit organization. Candidates must possess strong skills in the following areas: written and verbal communications, strategic planning, financial management, supervision, volunteer management, member relations, tourism promotion, and marketing & special events. A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years progressive management experience at a Chamber organization or comparable business experience is required. Send a cover letter, resume and salary history by August 8th to Search Committee, Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce, 35 Lakefront Drive, Geneva, NY 14456. No calls please.

ACCE is currently decorating its new offices and is looking for skylines to grace its walls. Chambers are encouraged to send framed photography, prints or artwork of their skylines and or communities to display in ACCE's lobby. Thus far, ACCE has received art from Raleigh (NC), Albany (NY) and Johnson City (TN) among others. Items can be mailed to ACCE, 4875 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 250, Alexandria, VA 22304.

Got a question you’d like to ask other CANYS members? Job opening in your chamber? Great idea you'd like to share? Send it to maggie.moree@bcnys.org. Special note: the CANYS Chamber Connection is currently on its summer schedule and will next come out on August 22.