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Stronger Together: How Chamber Affinity Groups Build Connection and Community

Written by Amanda Blanton on . Posted in 2026, ARCC Spotlight, Business, Business Support Services, Community, Featured, March, Newspaper.

ARCC staff and members of the Veterans Business Network Leadership – ARCC Director of Membership Development Ava Kanninen, VBN Communications Dustin Hall (Amsure), ARCC President Tricia Rogers, VBN Chair Chris Thomas (Elite 9 Talent Solutions), VBN Vice Chair Kris Brunelle (White Glove Service), VBN Immediate Past Chair Sean Dion (Mr. Electric).

At its core, a Chamber of Commerce is about connections and bringing people together to strengthen businesses and the broader community. Affinity groups take that mission a step further, creating intentional spaces where members can engage around shared interests, industries, and experiences. They provide platforms for learning, leadership development, and collaboration, ultimately strengthening not just individual businesses, but the fabric of our entire business community.

The ARCC Women’s Business Council (WBC) was established in 2019 to provide opportunities for women-owned businesses, sole proprietorships, and women professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow. Over the years, the group has fine-tuned these opportunities to combine education and networking into an hour-long meeting hosted once a month at various locations. The WBC kicked off 2026 with an engaging panel discussion on the basics of HR and the benefits of outsourcing these services. In February, meeting attendees were treated to a special tour of the Feast of Fruits and Flowers exhibit featuring women still life painters of the seventeenth century and beyond, led by curator Bryn Schockmel. And as a bonus, the ladies were also led through the Fake Plants and Other Curiosities exhibit by curator Derin Tanyol. To bring the business community together, the WBC is planning a summit event open to all on May 6th at SUNY Adirondack, with a panel discussion focused on the applicable use of AI for small and mid-sized businesses.

The Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council (ANBC) of the Adirondack Regional Chamber has been supporting nonprofit organizations since 2013 by providing opportunities for peer-to-peer interactions, sharing of resources, and raising awareness. One of the most beneficial ideas to come out of this group is the monthly Nonprofit Chats—an informal gathering of nonprofits to learn and network. Giving nonprofits an opportunity to learn more about each other and discover ways to collaborate has resulted in some incredible partnerships in the region. In addition, most meetings are held at a nonprofit location, allowing attendees to learn about these organizations, tour facilities, and have unique experiences.

When a couple of veterans in business approached the ARCC in 2021, expressing the need to establish an affinity group for veterans, the Veterans Business Network (VBN) was established. Throughout the years, the leadership of this group established solutions to the needs of veteran-owned, veteran-friendly, and veteran entrepreneur businesses. Some of these solutions included seminars on benefits, networking opportunities, and the annual Veteran & First Responder Walk for Suicide Awareness, now planning for its sixth year. In 2026, the group has planned a fun outing at ADK Karting to build camaraderie and an educational event in May featuring speakers from the McNulty Veterans Business Outreach Center. Planning for the annual Walk is underway for mid-September in Glens Falls City Park.

February Nonprofit Chat, presented by the Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council
February Nonprofit Chat, presented by the Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council

Realizing that we spend about one-third of our lives at work (and for some, it may be more), the Workplace Health & Wellness Council is creating opportunities for people to step away from work for a bit and learn about the health and wellness resources available right here in our communities. Their Community Wellness Chats feature a different topic each meeting and invite attendees to connect with health and wellness professionals, ask questions, and gather resources to bring back to their workplaces. Additionally, an annual symposium event is planned, currently for April, which the public is invited to attend.

New for 2026, the ARCC is developing a Young Professionals Network to empower emerging leaders through education, connection, collaboration, and advocacy, therefore strengthening the future of our local business community. Led by a small leadership group of young professionals, plans are already underway to host quarterly networking opportunities, develop a mentorship program, and learn leadership skills.

As chambers evolve to meet the changing needs of today’s workforce and entrepreneurs, affinity groups represent a powerful model for engagement. When members find their people, real growth happens. Through affinity groups, the Chamber continues to foster relationships that extend beyond business—building a community rooted in connection, shared learning, and mutual support.