Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce to Receive the Chamber of the Year Award from The Business Council of New York State
Award to be Presented at The Business Council’s Annual Awards Dinner
ALBANY, NY – The Business Council of New York State Inc. announced today that the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce will be awarded the annual Chuck Steiner Memorial Chamber of the Year Award. The award will be given by The Business Council on Thursday, September 24, at The Business Council’s Annual Meeting at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.
The Chamber of the Year is awarded annually to an outstanding organization and leadership team that makes doing business in New York State a better experience for its members. The award is named in honor of Chuck Steiner, who had a stellar 37-year career leading chambers in Niagara County and two in the Capital Region.
“The Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce continues to be a strong leader and advocate for the business community in New York’s Mohawk Valley and beyond,” said Heather Mulligan, President and CEO of the Business Council of New York State Inc. “Their ability to build strong partnerships, implement innovative programming, and create new opportunities have all been instrumental in allowing businesses to thrive, while also creating a dynamic and resilient economy. The Business Council of New York State is proud to work with The Greater Utica Chamber and congratulates them on this well-deserved recognition.”
“We are incredibly honored to be named the 2026 Chuck Steiner Chamber of the Year,” said Kari Puleo, Executive Director of the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the work our team, Board members, and community partners are doing every day to move our region forward. We’ve been intentional about redefining what a Chamber can and should be- not just an organization that serves businesses, but a convener, advocate, and partner that brings people together to solve challenges and create opportunities. From workforce and talent attraction initiatives like What’s Upstate and the Mohawk Valley Intern Experience, to Experience LeadHERship, the National Civics Bee, advocacy, and so much more, everything we do comes back to one question: ‘How does this make our region stronger?’ I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and even more excited about where we’re headed next.”
The Greater Utica Chamber has implemented several new initiatives and has achieved many recent successes, which led to this award. Some are listed below:
· Serving nearly 600 member businesses across New York's Mohawk Valley, they transformed into a regional leadership organization focused on strengthening the local economy, developing the workforce of tomorrow, advocating for pro-business public policy, and improving quality of life throughout the region.
·Building future leaders through initiatives such as “What's Upstate,” a regional talent attraction and retention platform developed in partnership with economic development organizations across Central New York.
· Their unwavering commitment to improving quality of life through meaningful community engagement - such as quarterly blood drives, Catalyst Young Professionals who volunteer and support organizations including the American Heart Association, Kelberman, United Way, Utica Zoo, the Boilermaker Road Race, Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, and numerous local nonprofits.
· Continues to serve as a National Civics Bee Regional Host. This year, they produced the state champion.
· The LeadHERship Program has rapidly become one of New York State's premier women's leadership conferences.
· Expanded its Government Affairs and Economic Development Council, providing members with direct access to policymakers while strengthening communication between business leaders and government.
· Established the Greater Utica Chamber Foundation, creating new opportunities to expand leadership development, workforce initiatives, educational programming, and charitable community investment.
The Business Council’s Annual Meeting
This year’s Annual Meeting will take place September 23 – 25 at The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing.
For more information, including registration & sponsorship opportunities, visit The Business Council’s Annual Meeting webpage.
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