February e-Newsletter

Chamber News 

Valentine’s Day Power Networking Luncheon - Thursday, February 12

As a reminder, the next Power Networking Luncheon will be held on Thursday, February 12, Noon to 2:00 p.m. at Red’s Restaurant, 12005 Route 9W, West Coxsackie, NY.  Expand your customer base and make dozens of new business connections in a series of well-structured, one-on-one exchanges.  Hone your “elevator speech” skills, while learning about other area businesses. (Power Networking Luncheons are based on the model of speed dating — but without the commitment.)  Reservations are required and payment is due in advance.  The cost is $15/GCCC members and $25/nonmembers.  RSVP by February 6 to tmcnally@greenecounty-chamber.com or call 518-943-4222.

Energy Alliance Passes Savings on to Chamber Members

The Chamber’s Energy Alliance program allows members to realize significant savings on their electricity and natural gas purchases.  Here’s how the program works:  The Chamber has partnered with EnergyNext, Inc. of Saratoga Springs, an energy buying agent. EneryNext works exclusively on behalf of business, municipal and institutional energy consumers and groups (such as Chambers) throughout New York. The firm develops energy commodity agreements for both electricity and natural gas, and monitors key state and federal regulatory proceedings.  In short, this program allows Chamber members to benefit from the purchasing power of a large group while having an expert energy agent negotiate on their behalf. As an example, a Chamber member will still have a local utility, such as Central Hudson, for the delivery portion of their energy, but they will have a supplier that EnergyNext, Inc. has selected on a competitive basis. According to Gordon Boyd of EnergyNext, participants can save a significant amount of their energy expense. Standard tax-paying businesses can save 5-8 percent of their overall expense or more. In some cases, members could save two to three times their annual Chamber membership investment. To determine if this program is right for you, the first step is to complete the Participation Authorization Form, and return it to the Chamber’s office. EnergyNext will review the information, and then provide you with a pricing offer and agreement, including a savings estimate for your account. (It is possible that EneryNext will not be able to save you money. You will be told if you are better off maintaining your original relationship with the utility.) There is no obligation to sign on, but if the offer is acceptable, you simply sign and return the form and start saving after the next meter reading. If you would like additional information, please contact tmcnally@greenecounty-chamber.com or call 518-943-4222.