Meet the President

As one year blends into another, it is remarkable for me to reflect on the Chambers' record of achievement over the organizations 50 year lifespan. It has been a privilege to have this vantage point for 26 of those years and to witness just how profound and significant the leadership of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce has been.

Elsewhere on this website you will read about past accomplishments of the Chamber; the creation of Millard Fillmore Suburban, the Amherst Industrial Development Agency, the University of Buffalo and the support of thousands of small businesses who, today, make up the economic fabric of our community. We have also fought for and won battles to maintain the high quality of life enjoyed by the residents of Amherst. In recent years, we have expanded our view to include our impact on the region and our role as a regional hub. Our voice and our clout has extended way beyond the borders of Amherst.

Our recognition and clout in the marketplace is the result of the hard work, dedication and vision of our members, our staff and our volunteer leadership. No one component is solely responsible for our success. We embrace our members and their needs and mobilize programs and services to meet those needs. And all stakeholders in the Chamber communicate those needs and support our efforts. I have seen major changes in the organization during my tenure but the early leadership created a philosophy and culture of collaboration that has endured for decades.

In 2008 we will unveil our new logo and tagline. The tagline - The Amherst Chamber of Commerce: Your Circle of Influence - is consistent with our legacy of partnership and leadership. Our members own our organization and we provide them with tools for success. Within our circle you will find others that share your challenges and look to each other, with the Amherst Chamber of Commerce serving as the forum or vehicle, to provide the tools for you to overcome those challenges and increase your prosperity.

We are consistent in our message. We will continue to use the same words to describe our organization - prosperity, collaboration, leadership, influence, service. We will continue to welcome all into our Circle of Influence.

Sincerely,

Colleen C. DiPirro, President and CEO

cdipirro@amherstchamber.org