The Chamber Foundation, Inc.

06/05/2026

Congratulations to the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2026! 🎓✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Christo’s Catering to celebrate the graduation of another outstanding class of community and business leaders. Over the past nine months, these individuals have dedicated themselves to learning more about Dutchess County, building meaningful relationships, and developing the skills needed to lead and serve our community.

The evening was also highlighted by the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award to David Orce of Adams Fairacre Farms, Inc., Leadership Dutchess Class of 2017, in recognition of his continued leadership and impact throughout the Hudson Valley.

We are proud to welcome the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2026 into a network of more than 900 program graduates who continue to make a difference in our region.

A special thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Central Hudson, and to our Program Sponsors, Children's Home of Poughkeepsie, M&T Bank, RBT CPAs, LLP, and Ulster Savings, for their continued support of Leadership Dutchess and the development of future community leaders.

Congratulations once again to the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2026! 👏

06/03/2026

Tomorrow night, we celebrate the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2026! 🎓✨

Join us at Christo’s Catering in Poughkeepsie as we recognize this outstanding group of professionals for their dedication, growth, and commitment to leadership throughout the past nine months.

The evening will feature a cocktail reception, gourmet stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, presentation of awards, and the recognition of our Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, David Orce of Adams Fairacre Farms, Inc. (Class of 2017).

Congratulations to the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2026. We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments tomorrow evening! 👏

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Central Hudson, and our Program Sponsors: Children's Home of Poughkeepsie, M&T Bank, RBT CPAs, LLP, and Ulster Savings.

05/29/2026

05/21/2026

Congratulations to the Executive Leadership Class of 2026! 🎓✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Curry Estate to celebrate this outstanding group of professionals and their accomplishments throughout the Executive Leadership program. The afternoon was filled with inspiration, recognition, and reflection as graduates were honored for their commitment to personal and professional growth.

We were also honored to hear from keynote speaker Krista Jones, Founder & Executive Director of Sparrow's Nest, whose message of leadership, resilience, and community impact left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

A special thank you to our Program Sponsors, Antalek & Moore Insurance, Fisch Solutions, Mountain View Strategic Wealth LLC, and WMCHealth / MidHudson Regional Hospital, for supporting the next generation of leaders in our region.

Congratulations again to the Executive Leadership Class of 2026! 👏

05/20/2026

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS AND STUDENTS: The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Program is a mentorship-based leadership development experience designed to help students strengthen their leadership skills, explore college and career opportunities, build professional connections, enhance their resumes, and gain confidence.



Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 program. This nine-month, after-school program meets once per month from September 2026 through May 2027 and is open to students attending any Dutchess County high school, as well as homeschooled students.



The application deadline is June 30, 2026. For additional information and to apply, visit: https://www.dcrcoc.org/the-chamber-foundation/youth-leadership/

05/15/2026

Thank you to Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley for highlighting the meaningful conversations and impact that came from this past February’s philanthropy panel with our Youth Leadership students! 💙

The article shares how students explored the importance of philanthropy, community involvement, and creating positive change throughout the Hudson Valley. We’re proud to see the next generation of leaders inspired to think critically about how they can make a difference in their communities.

Read the full article here: https://communityfoundationshv.org/news-publications/news/from-conversation-to-change/

05/15/2026

Prom Encore is TOMORROW night! ✨🎉

Join the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2026 for The Best Class Ever – Prom Encore on Saturday, May 16 from 6:00–10:00 PM at The Academy in Poughkeepsie.

This high school-inspired adult prom fundraiser brings together Leadership Dutchess alumni, community partners, and supporters for an unforgettable evening filled with class pride, fun, music, and nostalgia — all while supporting Leadership Dutchess scholarships.

Dust off your favorite prom attire and get ready for a night of vintage looks, modern glam, friendly competition, and memories in the making! 💃🕺

We can’t wait to see which class earns the title of Best Class Ever! 👑

05/15/2026

Hit the links for a great cause! ⛳🏌️

Join us on Monday, June 15 for The Chamber Foundation’s Annual Day of Golf Tournament at Red Hook Golf Club, benefiting the Norman and Rita Nussbickel Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Enjoy a full day on the course including breakfast, lunch, beverages, on-course activities, and a cocktail reception with light hors d’oeuvres, all while supporting scholarships for local students.

📍 Red Hook Golf Club
⏰ Check-In: 8:30 AM | Shotgun Start: 9:30 AM

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors for supporting this year’s tournament, including our Eagle Sponsor, N&S Supply.

Gather your foursome and join us for one of the Chamber Foundation’s favorite annual traditions!

05/12/2026

The Leadership Dutchess Class of 2026 spent May 7 exploring the many destinations, organizations, and experiences that help make Dutchess County such a unique place to live, work, and visit during this year’s Tourism Day! 🚌✨

Throughout the day, students traveled across the county learning firsthand about the impact of tourism, arts, agriculture, history, wellness, and cultural institutions on our local economy and community identity. Stops included Bard College, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, the Omega Institute, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Along the way, students heard from local leaders and industry professionals who shared insight into the importance of preserving, promoting, and investing in the destinations that continue to attract visitors from across the region and beyond.

Thank you to Destination Dutchess and all of the organizations, speakers, and partners who helped make Tourism Day such an informative and memorable experience for the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2026!