Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

05/28/2026

New York State's $268 billion FY27 budget encompasses investments in infrastructure and economic development, childcare and workforce development, affordability measures, and more, all of which hold significant implications for our region's growth and prosperity. Today, Greater Rochester Chamber President & CEO Bob Duffy reacted with the following statement:

"New York State's enacted budget is one that delivers for Greater Rochester, and for communities like ours across New York State. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, Leader Stewart-Cousins, and our Greater Rochester delegation for their leadership in crafting a spending and priority plan that addresses New York's ongoing affordability crisis and other pressing needs. Thoughtful decisions to revise the CLCPA to reflect our current reality and support investment and development through SEQRA modernization and regulatory reforms will have significant ramifications all across New York State, helping us to capitalize on the generational opportunity ahead of us. And, investments including $225 million to support the Rochester Monroe Transformation Initiative, $75 million to develop High Falls State Park, and $20 million to pilot universal childcare in Monroe County, will be felt deeply in our local communities across Greater Rochester. We are encouraged by the results of this budget on our region, and are eager to continue collaboration and partnership to move our state towards its shared goals.”

In the coming days, we will continue to interpret and analyze how budget decisions affect and its business community. Get the details: https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/2026/05/28/greater-rochester-chamber-releases-statement-on-enacted-fy27-new-york-state-budget/

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05/27/2026

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Kate Beale to our team as Senior Director of Advocacy, Governmental Affairs, and Public Policy! Beale brings more than two decades of bipartisan policy leadership and a distinguished record of driving economic growth and shaping legislation at the highest levels of government.

We are thrilled to welcome Kate back to where she will amplify our voice as the Finger Lakes Region’s primary business advocate to bring influence and open doors for our members and the region we share. In her role, she will serve as a strategic resource for our business community on issues critical to business growth — including economic development, infrastructure investment, trade, workforce, and the regulatory environment.

Please join us in welcoming Kate! Full details: https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/2026/05/26/greater-rochester-chamber-of-commerce-welcomes-kate-beale-as-senior-director-of-advocacy-governmental-affairs-and-public-policy/

05/27/2026

Get ready for our 40th anniversary Top 100 Awards — and make sure your company is a part of the celebrations! Greater Rochester Chamber has issued a call for applications for this award program celebrating the fastest-growing companies in and is accepting applications through June 19.

Presented annually in partnership with KPMG and ESL Federal Credit Union, our Top 100 awards celebrate growth in good company with over 1,800 business leaders coming together to celebrate the collective achievements of our honorees. Greater Rochester is a region rising together, built on hard-working individuals and committed organizations. Make sure your company is on this year's list to recognize all of the hard work you and your team have put in!

Get the details and apply today: https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/2026/05/26/call-for-applications-2026-greater-rochester-chamber-top-100-awards/

05/27/2026

Greater Rochester Chamber has released the following statement on behalf of President & CEO Bob Duffy in response to reforms made to New York State’s 2019 CLCPA, voted on in the transportation and economic development budget bill today.👇

“Today, practicality and feasibility were prioritized with the changes passed to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act — changes based in reality that utilize an all-of-the-above approach to energy to prioritize affordable and reliable power for our homes and businesses. By adjusting timelines and aligning measurement protocols with international standards, New York State is setting itself up for long-term success, keeping businesses here to invest in people, communities, and innovation. Greater Rochester Chamber is grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for championing this effort, and to our partners in the legislature for their support for this common-sense policy reform.”

Get the details: https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/2026/05/27/greater-rochester-chamber-releases-statement-on-clcpa-changes-voted-on-in-new-york-state-budget/

05/26/2026

At Greater Rochester Chamber, our programs and events are where relationships begin, ideas take shape, and real progress gets its start. Whether you’re new to your career, leading a company, or building something in between, this is your place to connect with people who get it.

This June, we're hosting all kinds of events for all kinds of leaders looking to learn and grow. Here's what's coming up:

🥂 Greater ROC Young Professionals Social @ Center City Terrace | June 4: https://my.greaterrochesterchamber.com/calendar/Details/greater-roc-young-professionals-center-city-terrace-1665982?sourceTypeId=Website
💸 Small Business in Focus: Capital Strategies | June 9: https://my.greaterrochesterchamber.com/calendar/Details/small-business-in-focus-capital-strategies-navigating-grants-and-funding-opportunities-1708080?sourceTypeId=Website
🤝 2026 Greater Rochester Chamber MWBE Awards | June 11: https://my.greaterrochesterchamber.com/calendar/Details/2026-greater-rochester-chamber-mwbe-awards-and-monroe-county-mwbe-certification-celebration-1479934?sourceTypeId=Website
💫 Re:Gen Rising | June 24: https://my.greaterrochesterchamber.com/calendar/Details/re-gen-rising-1478763?sourceTypeId=Website

We hope to see you soon!

05/25/2026

Happy from Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce - today we honor and remember the brave individuals who have served our country. Wishing everyone a day of reflection, gratitude, and unity.

Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of the holiday.

05/20/2026

Welcome to Waymo, one of our newest Greater Rochester Chamber Partner-level members! We are proud to welcome them into our company.

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company on a mission to be the world's most trusted driver. The company operates Waymo One, the world's first fully autonomous ride-hailing service, which provides safe, private, and sustainable transportation 24/7. By utilizing the "Waymo Driver," the technology is designed to make roads safer and more accessible for everyone without the need for anyone in the driver's seat.

To learn more about Waymo, visit them online at Waymo.com! 🚗

05/15/2026

Close to 100 members and guests joined us for last night's Business Made Social event at Bonnie & Clyde Fairport. Located in the original Fairport Bank Building, Bonnie & Clyde combines historic charm with modern luxury — the perfect venue for members to form connections, build relationships, and fuel collective growth.

Huge thanks to our event sponsors, Fairport OCED, for sponsoring this evening’s event, and to everyone who joined us this evening to bring the energy. Want to join us at our next Business Made Social? Check out our events calendar to see all of our upcoming opportunities to connect: my.greaterrochesterchamber.com/calendar

05/12/2026

Meet the next wave of changemakers in . We're excited to announce twenty honorees for our 2026 Re:Gen Rising program – twenty young professionals who are redefining innovation, collaboration, and leadership while excelling in their careers and communities.

From non-profits to entrepreneurs to corporate icons, this year’s honorees are changing the game in all areas of our community. By showcasing their talent, impact, and excellence, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community. We can't wait to celebrate our honorees at a ceremony and reception on Wednesday, June 24!

Meet this year's full class of honorees: https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/2026/05/12/greater-rochester-chamber-of-commerce-announces-20-honorees-for-2026-regen-rising-program/

05/08/2026

Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to be under Faheem Masood's leadership as Chair of our Board of Directors. In a recent article for the Rochester Business Journal, our President & CEO Bob Duffy spoke about how throughout his career, Faheem has led with humanity, intentionality, and humanity. We're proud to be in his company, and proud to recognize the impact he has made on hashtag .

Read the full article: https://rbj.net/2026/04/30/celebrating-faheem-masood-the-best-of-greater-rochester-on-business/

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Faheem Masood, our former President and CEO, personifies what it means to be an exemplary leader. A recent byline penned by Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, wonderfully captures the essence of Faheem and his tenure at ESL. Thank you, Bob, for sharing what makes Faheem truly one of a kind!

We’ll always be grateful to Faheem for the role he played in helping shape the trajectory of ESL. As Bob noted, his leadership played an integral role in directing the growth of ESL while never losing sight of the importance of reinvesting in the Greater Rochester region. Not to mention, his ability to lead with humility, kindness, and thoughtfulness is an inspiration to us all.

Thank you for everything, Faheem! 🩵

Visit the RBJ website to read the full article: https://rbj.net/2026/04/30/celebrating-faheem-masood-the-best-of-greater-rochester-on-business/