Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Walters

The fund supports the Clinton Central School District, making it stronger. That attracts people moving into the community, and that spills over into business for the vendors.

For Jackie Walters, executive director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton College and the community work together year round.

On the job since 2015, Walters said she’s applied for only one grant from the Town-Gown Fund, $2,900 in 2017 for the Power of Produce Kids Club at the Farmers Market.

Previously, the Chamber received a $1,500 grant in 2006 to support the Art & Music Festival in late August, and $1,000 in 2011 for the same event.

“Overall, we consider Hamilton a major sponsor,” Walters said. “The College and six other sponsors each donate $1,500 yearly to support the Farmers Market, Art & Music Festival, Shoppers’ Stroll & Holiday Parade, and the Jingle Jog. The College also supports the Art Rocks chair program.”

In addition, Hamilton hosts Fall Fest, which includes a business scavenger hunt for the students. “This opportunity brings students into local businesses,” she said.

Walters said she’d have to think hard about a wish list leading to apply for a specific Town-Gown grant. “Working with our nonprofits, I know they need the support more,” she said. “I don’t want to take money away from another organization.”

When Hamilton does award a grant to a nonprofit on the Chamber’s 145-member roll, everyone wins, she noted.

“For example, the fund supports the Clinton Central School District, making it stronger,” Walters said. “That attracts people moving into the community, and that spills over into business for the vendors.”

Eight new businesses have been inspired to open despite the pandemic, and Walters said members have been pleased how well they’ve continued to do.

According to an Economic Impact Study prepared by the Center for Governmental Research for the Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities in New York, in 2019 Hamilton’s student and visitor impact, both locally and with spillover, was interpolated from a statewide estimate to be $20.5 million, and the College’s grand total economic impact both regionally and statewide amounted to $325.5 million. Overall employment, both direct and spillover, was estimated to be 1,790 jobs.

Walters said she doesn’t lose sight of that impact. “The community and the College rely and support each other,” Walters added. “We benefit mutually.”