Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce
Podcast Series

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Chamber Events | Chamber Benefits & Programs | Entrepreneurial Assistance | GenNEXT Young Professionals
Small Business | Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Award Winners | Technically Speaking | Women of Excellence | Archive

Chamber Events

Albany Colonie Chamber Trip to China Information Session, Part One
The Albany Colonie Chamber is putting together a nine day all inclusive trip to experience the wonders of China in November. The Chamber is sponsoring this trip in cooperation with Citslinc International, Inc., a company with 28 years of experience in the China tour business. Citslinc President Leo Liu held an information session to discuss the trip and answer questions from those interested in this experience of a lifetime.

Albany Colonie Chamber Trip to China Information Session, Part Two
Citslinc President Leo Liu continues with the information session and answered questions from attendees.

Pitney Bowes President and CEO Murray Martin, Part One
Pitney Bowes, Martin's leadership, has tripled its international revenue, integrated more than 65 acquisitions (including Tech Valley-based MapInfo), increased organic growth and profitability and enhanced value for its customers across the globe. In his address to Chamber members, Martin discussed how he has kept Pitney Bowes at the forefront of its industry through a distributed and diverse work force and blending four generations of workers into a cohesive unit. TD Banknorth sponsored the event.

Pitney Bowes President and CEO Murray Martin, Part Two
In part two Martin took questions from Chamber members including how he has successfully integrated many companies with different cultures and how Pitney Bowes maintains diversity in its workforce and management teams.

Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan's State of the Town Address
In this annual report to Albany-Colonie Chamber members, newly elected Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan lays out her vision for economic development, fiscal accountability and responsible government in Colonie.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno
In his annual address to Albany-Colonie Chamber members, Sen. Bruno discusses Tech Valley's economic development and how a number of projects - both underway and in the works - will impact the region's businesses. As usual, Sen. Bruno delivered a lively, informative presentation and told Chamber members to prepare their firms for growth. This event was sponsored by Lemery Greisler LLC.

Hugh Johnson, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Johnson Illington Advisors, Delivers Economic Forecast, Part One
In part one, Johnson discusses the most important trends unfolding in the financial markets and how these will affect the economy, interest rates and stock prices. This event was sponsored by the New York Business Development Corporation and Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs, PC.

Hugh Johnson, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Johnson Illington Advisors, Delivers Economic Forecast, Part Two
In part two, Johnson talks about how investment portfolios should be managed based on his expectations for the economy.

Hugh Johnson, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Johnson Illington Advisors, Delivers Economic Forecast, Part Three
In part three, Johnson takes questions from the audience and concludes the program.

Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings Addresses Albany-Colonie Chamber Members, Part One
In part one, Mayor Jennings discusses recent developments in the city and what lies ahead for his initiatives to enhance the business climate and quality of life in the city. This event was sponsored by KeyBank.

Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings Addresses Albany-Colonie Chamber Members, Part Two
In part two, Mayor Jennings opens the floor to questions from Chamber members.

Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings Addresses Albany-Colonie Chamber Members, Part Three
In part three, the question and answer segment continues and the mayor concludes his program.

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Chamber Benefits & Programs

Toastmasters Lunchtime Club
The Toastmasters Lunchtime Club provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. The group helps professionals learn the art of public speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote success in business. The club is open to all Chamber members from inexperienced to seasoned speakers. In this episode, leaders of the Chamber’s Toastmasters Lunchtime Club discuss how the club has helped them grow personally and professionally and how Chamber members can get involved.

Chamber Member Benefits Overview
All employees of a company that is a member of the Chamber are able to enjoy the many benefits membership has to offer. In this episode, Chamber President Lyn Taylor discusses some of the popular benefits Chamber member employees take advantage of such as networking events, business seminars, member-to-member discounts, health insurance plans and cost-saving benefits.

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Entrepreneurial Assistance

Entrepreneurial Assistance Podcast Series: What is a Business Incubator?
In this episode, BJ Johnson, executive director of the U-Start Incubator Center for Entrepreneurism at Union College, talks about the role of a business incubator and how young companies may benefit from an incubator's services.

Entrepreneurial Assistance Podcast Series: Ideas That Help You Grow Your Business
In this episode, Melody Burns of Idea Practitioner LLC, talks about how to your ideas are one of the most valuable assets for your business.

Entrepreneurial Assistance Podcast Series: Tips for Increasing Your Sales
In this episode, Denise Horan of Integrated Sales and Management Consulting discusses ways new businesses can effectively boost revenues.

Entrepreneurial Assistance Podcast Series: Business Plan Elements
In this third episode of the series, Bill Polk of Business Advisory Services discusses how to develop a comprehensive business plan and why this is a fundamental part of starting a business.

Entrepreneurial Assistance Podcast Series: The Importance of Market Research
In this second episode of the series, Mogul Marketing's Cindy Hermann talks about how to conduct market research and why this is a critical step before launching a new business.

Entrepreneurial Assistance Podcast Series: Intro to EAP Program
In this first episode of the Entrepreneurial Assistance Podcast Series, EAP Coordinator Janet Tanguay describes how the program assists an entrepreneur in starting a business and offers some tips to lay the ground work for a new endeavor. Monthly episodes will delve deeper into the steps needed to start a business.

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GenNEXT Young Professionals

Discover Tech Valley, Rediscover Home
In this episode, Scott Keating, co-chair of the GenNEXT Council describes a new initiative - a collaboration between the council and area businesses and universities - to promote our region's revitalized economy, many cultural and entertainment options, high quality of life and family-oriented nature to young professionals who have moved out of the area.

GenNEXT Mentorship Program and GenNEXT Student Mentorship Program
The GenNEXT Council's Mentorship Program connects ambitious, young professionals with seasoned, high-level executives who assist them in their career and personal development. The Student Mentorship Program brings together emerging GenNEXT leaders with college students interested in pursuing a career in Tech Valley. By matching the region's energized, young professionals with some of its best and brightest students, the mentorship program plays a key role in encouraging tomorrow's graduates to envision Tech Valley as the best place to live, work and play. In this episode, leaders of the GenNEXT Council talk about their experiences as mentors and mentees and how the programs offer tremendous benefits to business executives, young professionals and students.

Former First Lady of New York Silda Wall Spitzer Speaks at the GenNEXT Conference "Four Generations of Giving."
Spitzer is also founder and chair of Children for Children. She opened the conference and praised the GenNEXT council - a joint initiative of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Schenectady County - for encouraging young workers to pursue career and educational opportunities in the region instead of elsewhere and to get involved with local nonprofit organizations.

Author and Generational Expert David Stillman Speaks at the GenNEXT Conference "Four Generations of Giving," Part One
In this episode, Stillman discusses how Traditionalists and Baby Boomers give their time and money to nonprofit organizations and how community groups can continue to engage these generations in their causes.

Author and Generational Expert David Stillman Speaks at the GenNEXT Conference "Four Generations of Giving," Part Two
In this episode, Stillman discusses how GenXers and Millenials are mostly ignored by nonprofit organizations who often fail to communicate properly with younger generations. But young professionals are willing to give their time and money to causes they trust.

GenNEXT Council: Tomorrow's Leaders Today
GenNEXT - a joint initiative of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber of Schenectady County - is a council for young professionals dedicated to grooming the next generation of Tech Valley's business and community leaders through engaging programs and events. In this episode, learn more about this dynamic group and its upcoming conference, Four Generations of Giving.

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Small Business

Small Business Podcast Series: About the Small Business Council
Kate Baker, business advisor with the Small Business Development Center and vice chair of the Chamber's Small Business Council, talks about the programs and opportunities the group provides to small business owners.

Small Business Podcast Series: Legal Considerations for Small Businesses
Frank Mayer, senior counsel to Bond, Schoeneck & King, discusses the legal issues that impact many small businesses on a daily basis including business insurance, choice of business entity, employment taxes, contracts, business acquisitions and real estate transactions.

Cotton Hill Studios – Entrepreneurial Excellence Award Winner
By staying up with the latest advances in technology and operating in a state-of-the-art facility, Cotton Hill has become one of the region’s leading full-service recording studios. In this episode, Ray Rettig, founder and president of Cotton Hill, talks about how the company embodies the entrepreneurial spirit.

Newkey Media Solutions – Tech Triumph Award Winner
Newkey Media Solutions mixes the old with the new. Utilizing the latest high-tech products combined with traditional design skills and business practices has placed Newkey Media Solutions among the top web design and multimedia production companies in the area. In this episode, Antoinette DiMascio, vice president and CFO of Newkey Media Solutions, talks about how the company maintains strong business ethics while staying on the leading edge of technology.

The Bradley Agency – Micro-enterprise Award Winner
After many years working for large insurance companies, Bernadette Fuller decided to start her own agency. In the past few years, she has established herself in the business community and achieved tremendous results. In this episode, Bernadette talks about starting her own company, cultivating strong relationships with her clients and encouraging repeat business.

Lavelle and Finn – Community Service Award Winner
By committing significant time and resources to numerous organizations, Lavelle and Finn has established itself as a community leader in the region. In this episode, Marty Finn, founding partner of Lavelle and Finn, talks about how the firm got started in community service and why they continue to maintain strong ties to community groups.

Frank Pitts, architecture + – Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
As founding partner and president of architecture+, Frank Pitts has gained national recognition for his architectural design and programming for behavioral, mental health and psychiatric hospitals and other healthcare facilities. In this episode, Frank talks about how his career in the architecture industry has evolved.

Walter Snyder Printer – Small Business of the Year Award Winner
In business for more than 112 years, Walter Snyder Printer is this year’s winner of the Barry L. Gold Memorial Small Business of the Year award. In this episode, Dona Snyder-Reardon, president of Walter Snyder Printer, talks about what has made the company successful for more than a century.

BullEx Digital Safety – Innovative Enterprise Award Winner
Founded just a couple of years ago by a group of Rensselaer graduates, BullEx Digital Safety has quickly risen to top of its industry with its unique live-fire simulators and extinguisher training systems. In this episode, Ryan O’Donnell, CEO of BullEX, talks about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and why this region is a great place to start and grow a business.

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Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Award Winners

Arnie and Judy Rothstein, Community Caregivers - Nonprofit Board Service Award
Arnie and Judy Rothstein have been recognized by the Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council for demonstrating effective nonprofit governance practices, exemplifying ethical voluntary leadership and creating a positive board culture that is reflective of their organization's values. The honor will be presented on Nov. 14 at the council's award luncheon. The major sponsor of the event is Bank of America. In this episode, Arnie and Judy talk about the role Community Caregivers plays in the community.

Time Warner Cable - Corporate Partner Award
Time Warner Cable has been recognized by the Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council for building successful partnerships with nonprofit organizations. The honor will be presented on Nov. 14 at the council's award luncheon. The major sponsor of the event is Bank of America. In this episode, Peter Taubkin, vice president of government relations and public affairs at Time Warner, talks about why Time Warner has placed a high priority on good corporate citizenship and public service.

Helen Hayes, St. Catherine's Center for Children - Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award
Helen Hayes, executive director of St. Catherine's Center for Children, has been recognized by the Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council for her years of service and exemplifying the knowledge, skills and leadership necessary for effective nonprofit management. The honor will be presented on Nov. 14 at the council's award luncheon. The major sponsor of the event is Bank of America. In this episode, Helen talks about the organization's long history of providing essential services to children and families in the Capital Region.

The Legal Project - Nonprofit Organization Award (1 - 74 employees)
The Legal Project has been recognized by the Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council for effectively collaborating with various sectors and other nonprofit organizations in the community. The honor will be presented on Nov. 14 at the council's award luncheon. The major sponsor of the event is Bank of America. In this episode, Lisa Frisch, executive director of The Legal Project, talks about the free legal services her organizations provide to the working poor, victims of domestic violence and other people who need legal help.

Equinox, Inc. - Nonprofit Organization Award (75+ employees)
Equinox has been recognized by the Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council for effectively collaborating with various sectors and other nonprofit organizations in the community. The honor will be presented on Nov. 14 at the council's award luncheon. The major sponsor of the event is Bank of America. In this episode, Mary Seely, executive director of Equinox, talks about how the organization's services have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of our community.

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Technically Speaking

Technically Speaking Podcast Series: Demystifying Six Sigma
In this episode, Vinny Sastri, president of Winovia LLC, explains Six Sigma and how businesses should assess whether Six Sigma is right for their organizations.

Technically Speaking Podcast Series: Identity Theft
In this episode of the Technically Speaking Podcast Series, Jon Lemelin, director at MAXIMUS Consulting, talks about how individuals and businesses can protect themselves from identity thieves and what actions to take if personal information is stolen.

Technically Speaking Podcast Series: Intro to TECHForce Council
In this first episode of the Technically Speaking Podcast Series, TECHForce Council Chair Jon Lemelin describes what the TECHForce Council is all about and how its initiatives will benefit all Albany-Colonie Chamber members.

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Women of Excellence

Meet the Women of Excellence, Part One
In this episode, the 2007 Women of Excellence award winners talked about the defining moments in their careers, what motivates them and how they try to achieve a work-life balance.

Meet the Women of Excellence, Part Two
In this episode, the 2007 Women of Excellence award winners talked about the defining moments in their careers, what motivates them and how they try to achieve a work-life balance.

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