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February 3, 2003 Welcome to the CANYS Chamber Connection . . .This newsletter is intended to be an occasional publication about and for CANYS members. It will provide useful information to help you remain strong and stay in business — by facilitating common approaches to shared challenges, opportunities and priorities. We want your input! If you have suggestions, please contact Maggie Moree at maggie.moree@bcnys.org. Message from the Chairman . . .Our CANYS organization is off to a fast start in 2003. A survey of our membership last fall and a good planning session in November has set the stage for some enhanced programming this year, in addition to our usual signature events. Bottom
line is that our Board of Directors and a number of our Chambers
came out of our January Leadership/Legislative Conference in Albany
with enthusiasm and a focus to make CANYS a stronger organization,
particularly in regards to our legislative/public policy program. CANYS has been challenged to assist The Business Council in generating 10,000 e-letters as part of this year’s budget watch. We won’t be able to make that goal without every Chamber buying into the concept, being prepared technically, and committing to making it happen. Please make this the priority in your public policy program this year. I thank the Board for their support and look forward to working with them this year. I’d also like to acknowledge Marsha Gordon and her organizing committee of Missy Millett, Chuck Steiner, Beth Coleman, David Shaffer, and Kim Filion for their efforts in planning the January Conference. They did a great job on short notice. Finally, thanks go out to David Cordeau, John D’Ambrosio, and Garry Douglas (who have left the Board) and Beth Coleman (who remains on as Immediate Past Chair) for their dedication and leadership over the years. As Chair, I will try my best to fill their shoes. They have left big footprints. Please don’t hesitate to call any Board member with ideas and do get involved in CANYS. As “the Mick” used to say — onward! —Ray San Fratello E-Advocacy Campaign: Jobs vs. Taxes . . .Our E-Advocacy campaign to State legislators is off to a good start — but we need lots more participation from every chamber. At press time, we had nearly 900 participants so far. In the first week, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber of Commerce of Orange County had the most active membership. Great job! Let’s see which other chambers can unseat our current champions! Send reminder messages (with the e-advocacy web link) to your members. Have your government affairs committee contact members by phone to make sure they’ve participated. Every single participant counts! Let’s make our voices heard at the Capitol! Small Business Day: March 25 . . .Each March over 400 small business owners and local chambers of commerce join together to lobby members of the state legislature on the issues that are of importance to them, and to the entire state. This year, we will focus on the high cost of health care and reforming the civil justice system. These issues are critical to the economic well being of the small business community. Join us in Albany on March 25, 2003 for Small Business Day. More CANYS Programs . . .Some of CANYS’ other program initiatives for 2003 include New York Lobby Day in Washington, re-issuing the CANYS Membership/Resource Directory, awarding an Institute Scholarship, holding a Fall Event in conjunction with The Business Council’s Annual Meeting, development of an Ambassador program to reach out to new chamber executives, and strengthening regional forums. Watch for more information on these programs coming soon. Ray San Fratello is willing to speak at any regional meeting with advance notice. E-mail Ray at rsanfratello@geneseeNY.com. Chamber Cheers . . .At the CANYS Legislative and Leadership conference in January, the board presented two individuals with special awards. Denise Murphy McGraw received recognition for her efforts in getting sole proprietor health care legislation passed, and Tammy Carnrike of the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce received the 2003 CANYS Excellence in Leadership Award. Without
Denise’s leadership, persistence, political savvy, contacts,
and constant communication with multiple constituencies, Sole Proprietor
legislation might not have happened. The CANYS Board recognized
her for all of her efforts, not only on this issue, but also for
her role as Director of Regional Affairs/CANYS Executive Director.
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