Get Involved
The Organization of the Organization
MEMBERS are the driving force behind the Chamber. Each year, with member input, the Chamber adopts a business plan to be carried out by over 350 members and the professional staff. Members choose to serve on the following committees and elect a Board of Directors.
Committees: The Planning & Action Level
Professional Development (PDC) offers seminars on workforce development, management, and productivity. Education is committed to young workforce development by creating and fostering connections between business and education communities. Encourages mentoring partnerships and presents a Career/Job Fair. PDC programs included The Disney Keys to Excellence; Jack Canfield’s Success Principles; Jay Rifenbary “No Excuses”; Harry “The Fish Guy” Paul; Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence; Glenn Shepard; The John R. Wooden Pyramid of Success; Emergent’s “Dynamic Team Performance” and “Why Team Performance Matters; Dr. Bob Nelson “Ways to Motivate Reward & Energize Employees”; Shane Meeker "The Power of Storytelling." Co-chaired by Dean M. Shlotzhauer Jr., of Community Bank, N.A. and Maria Vacca, Indium Corporation.
The committee assesses the skills, experience, and diversity needed for the board to effectively oversee the organization. It is responsible for identifying and evaluating candidates interested in joining the Board of Directors. Candidates are identified most often through networking or personal recommendations from Board Members. Chaired by Tiffany Abele, AmeriCU Credit Union.
Recruits and retains members through networking events such as Business After Hours, and recognition programs including Member of the Month awards, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and First Dollar of Profit award presentations. Chaired by Heather Willson of AmeriCU Credit Union.
Organizes major events (Parade and Symphony Pops Concert the last Saturday in July). Publicizes and promotes a multitude of citywide events and activities during Rome’s annual Honor America Days Celebration, in the July-August time frame, which helps boost pride, promote patriotism, and generate business; chaired by Chris Destito, Second Vice Chair, Rome Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Oversees the conception, planning, and execution of the Rome Chamber's major events. This includes our Annual Meeting, Candidate Forum, and Motown Melodies for the Rome Recovery. The Sports Networking Committee is a sub-committee under Special Events. Chaired by Wendy Calabrese, Kris-Tech Wire.
Organizes the annual Golf Tournament and Bowling Bonanza to give members the opportunity to network with other members in a social setting. Past outings have raised money for several Rome-based nonprofit organizations; chaired by Wesley Cupp of Rome Country Club.
Studies and speaks out on legislative issues/concerns, keeping in mind the interests of the employer community to remain competitive, maintain/increase employment, and make a profit; co-sponsors educational forums with the Professional & Business Women of Rome and holds periodic meetings with elected officials to provide members with the opportunity to meet and establish a dialogue with their elected representatives; chaired by Tom Rahn.
The Finance Committee oversees all aspects of the Chamber's finances. This includes budgeting, reporting, long-term planning, and compliance. Chaired by the Second Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Chris Destito, Crust Kitchen & Bar.
The Governance and By-Laws committee reviews governance policies, ensuring they align with legal, ethical, and operational standards. This can include board member conduct, conflict of interest policies, and bylaws review. Chaired by Jennifer DeWeerth, Mohawk Valley Community College.
In response to current issues, the Chamber Board of Directors also creates short-term ad hoc committees to address concerns and opportunities that may have a direct bearing on the membership’s ability to conduct business.