The Chamber Foundation, Inc. Newsletter

spring 2015

Leadership Presenter Spotlight The Chamber Foundation’s leadership programming is proud to recruit a diverse population of presenters. They span a variety of professions, backgrounds and experiences, enhancing the programming and making each session unique and interesting. Sarah Angel Johnson is one of these special individuals.

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riginally from Honolulu, Sarah moved to New York in 1997 hired by IBM as a Software Engineer. Since then, she has become one of the youngest female executives known as an innovative trailblazer. Over the span of Sarah’s career, she has led IBM’s revolutionary initiative to engage 16,000 developers with customers which resulted in over $1.7 billion in revenue.

In 2014, Sarah made a significant career decision, joining the Girl Scouts of the USA taking their cookie program digital. As chief digital cookie executive, she is modernizing the way 2.3 million girls learn 21st century skills through a 21st century experience to become “rock star cookie bosses” selling over $750 million in cookies each year.

A leader in diversity training, Sarah annually presents on the topic of “Valuing Diversity” to the Leadership Dutchess classes. Scoring high ratings for her interactive and

stimulating presentation, students find Sarah to be dynamic, down to earth and most of all, interesting.

This past year, Sarah also presented to the Youth Leadership class.

“Our leadership programming strives to find presenters that bring leadership skills and real world experiences,” said Nicholas Shannon, executive director of The Chamber Foundation. “Sarah’s personality, along with her worldly knowledge and career development, are a perfect combination.”

By the time Sarah is done, she hopes each participant walks away knowing that diversity is more than what you see; diversity is about perspective and unspoken rules. “I learn something new every time,” says Sarah. “It’s not just me providing my own advice and guidance, but it’s also about mutual sharing and continuing to grow myself. I get that every time I present to the leadership classes.”

Join us as we drop over 2,000 baseballs onto Dutchess Stadium!

H me Run HelicopteR drop Wednesday, August 5 Hudson Valley Renegades vs. Tri-City ValleyCats 7:05 p.m.

Dutchess Stadium

You could win a grand prize of

2,000!

$

Ball purchase only: $10 each (You don’t have to be present to win. Must purchase ball in advance of the game.)

Game ticket with ball purchase: $15 (general admission seating) Go to ChamberFDN.org to purchase today!

TRIPLE PLAY SPONSORS:

CHOPPER SPONSOR:

TARGET SPONSOR:

LEGION FIREWORKS DOUBLE PLAY SPONSOR:

SINGLE PLAY SPONSORS:

SPECIAL THANKS: Hudson Valley Renegades and Independent Helicopters

*Sponsors as of 5/18/15

Foundation launches new mentorship program

I

spire each to plan for a positive future. Over time, both mentors and mentees will grow and learn from each other.

Currently the mentorship program has over 25 Poughkeepsie high school students paired with 14 mentors. Mentors’ professional backgrounds range from small business owners to bankers to the military. In January, an informal “get to know us” kick-off session was held at Vassar College.

Other session activities include attending the Makerbot Innovation Center at SUNY New Paltz, Construction Day at Rockland Community College, a college campus tour at Mercy College, Golf Mentoring Day at Vassar Golf Course and a trip to Bounce Tr a m p o l i n e Vassar College women’s basketball coach Candice Brown, mentor (left), Charlie Cooper, a bricklayer for Local 5 BrickSports in Poughlayers and Allied Craftworkers, and Celine Dion Smith. keepsie.

n January, The Chamber Foundation proudly launched the Chamber Foundation Mentorship program in partnership with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Career Action Center at Poughkeepsie High School. The program’s objective is to take many of the Foundation’s one day Youth Development initiatives and streamline them into monthly mentorship sessions. The Foundation’s goals are to connect students to community leaders who will in-

Staff Frank Castella, Jr., President & CEO (845) 454-1700 Ext. 1008 • frank@dcrcoc.org Audra B. Gerty, Vice President (845) 454-1700 Ext. 1007 • audra@dcrcoc.org Nicholas Shannon, Executive Director (845) 454-1700 Ext. 1026 • nick@chamberfdn.org Nancy DeWitt, Foundation Associate (845) 454-1700 Ext. 1025 • ndewitt@chamberfdn.org

Officers Bill Francis, Chair, Fortress Financial Advisory, LLC Tina Walz, Vice-Chair, M & T Bank Stacey Langenthal, Treasurer, Bank of Millbrook Anthony Morando, Secretary, Cuddy & Feder, LLP Stephen E. Diamond, Of Counsel, Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP

At the end of the game, a helicopter will hover over the field and drop the baseballs.

The ball that lands closest to the target wins!

GRAND SLAM SPONSOR:

The Chamber Foundation One Civic Center Plaza, Suite 400 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Board of Directors All proceeds benefit

,

Sarah Angel Johnson (center) and the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2015

Directors Amy Dittmar, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Maureen Kangas, Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel & Conference Center John E. Mack, Health Quest Peter Maher, Mid-Hudson Subaru Carmen McGill, Dutchess Community College Lisa Morris, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Barbara E. Ostrander, Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP Dr. Greer Rychcik, Hyde Park Central School District Charles “Chip” Simon, Taconic Advisors, Inc. Skip Weisman, Weisman Success Resources, Inc. associate board members Duval Hanchard, Dutchess Community College Student Kristen Huss, Hudson Valley Renegades

Mentors and students take a moment to pose for the camera at the Chamber Foundation Student Mentorship Program kickoff held at Vassar College.

During their time together, students and mentors are encouraged to create an open dialogue and spend time sharing information regarding academic challenges, career exploration and goal-setting.

Mentors should also provide encouragement for high school students to stay on track for graduation.

“I have worked very hard over the years to build my own professional career,” said Mark Copans, owner of Real Eye On Solutions and program mentor. “I remember how it feels to be young, know what you like to do,

and yet have no idea where that will lead you in life. The Chamber Foundation’s mentorship program has been a very rewarding experience because it gives us as mentors the opportunity to help these kids connect the dots and give them direction on where their life can lead.”

Special thank you to Program Sponsor TD Bank, and to the Poughkeepsie City School District for their assistance in making this mentorship program possible.

Please call (845) 454-1700 ext. 1026 to find out how you can become a mentor.

KeyBank donates $3,500 to Chamber Workforce programming

I

n March, KeyBank donated $3,500 to The Chamber Foundation in support of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Center’s iTrain Employment Mentoring Program.

The iTrain Employment Mentoring program was created in 2012 to address increasing economic challenges in Dutchess County.

With high competition for entry-level jobs, and employers reporting frustration at not being able to find skilled workers, development of the iTrain Emloyment Mentoring Program became a priority.

The iTrain Employment Mentoring Program provides a platform for personal and professional advancement. The mentee develops necessary skills while learning

how to manage interpersonal relationships in the workplace. This is done using partners both inside and outside of the Chamber and through internal workshops, trainings and one-on-one sessions.

In addition, a wage subsidy is offered to employers.

“The mentoring work done by

both The Chamber Foundation and the Workforce Development Center is an important component of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s economic development strategy,” said Frank Castella Jr., president and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure Dutchess County has the deepest and most skilled workforce possible to support the businesses in our region. This is another fine example of our Foundation partnering with Workforce Development for a great outcome.”

For more than 27 years, the Chamber’s Workforce Development Center has successfully linked businesses to the public workforce system. The center’s staff members strive to increase business access to qualified workers and ensure that income eligible residents are prepared for the workplace environment, its responsibilities and job retention. Their programs are run in cooperation with the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services.

spring 2015

Leadership Dutchess: More than a leadership program

DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota

Did you know that The Chamber Foundation’s scholarships are not funded by a single family or group of donors? Instead, our scholarships are fully funded by the yearly fundraising efforts of The Chamber Foundation including some of the events below...

Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services

Bowling Tournament supports scholarships

W

Corporate Sponsors: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Cosimo’s Restaurant Group

EmbroidMe The Gap, Inc. Health Quest Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union KeyBank LCS Facility Group M & T Bank Marshall & Sterling Insurance Meyer Contracting Corporation MidHudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center

O

n February 22, The Chamber Foundation held its annual Bowling Tournament at Mardi Bob Lanes in Poughkeepsie. With a sellout crowd of over 200 in attendance, the day was filled with prizes, music and fun. Trophies were awarded to the top placing teams with a “Bowl-Off” taking place between Gorman’s Garage and Freedom Financial Solutions, LLC to break their tying score of 766. Ultimately, Gorman’s Garage took home the win.

Congratulations to our top placing teams:

1st Place – Gorman’s Garage • 2nd Place – Freedom Financial Solutions, LLC 3rd Place – DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota • 4th Place - MPI

Charlie North retires

N & S Supply Orange County Trust Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies, Inc. Riverside Bank – a Division of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company TD Bank TEG Federal Credit Union Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home Ulster Savings Bank Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP

Audra Gerty, Nancy DeWitt, Frank Castella, Jr., Nicholas Shannon and (far right) Bill Francis take a picture with the winning team from Gorman’s Garage.

Charlie and Joanne North The Chamber Foundation celebrated the retirement of Charlie North on December 4 with nearly 500 of Charlie’s closest family and friends at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie. The evening featured great food, fireworks and music from The Bottoms Up Dixieland Jazz Band (led by Charlie’s son, Joe North!). Proceeds from the event benefited The Chamber Foundation, including the Charles S. North Scholarship for Music. A special thank you to Joe Daily for being the evening’s master of ceremonies!

Everson talks leadership In the fall, The Foundation held an ATHENA Leadership Luncheon at Dutchess Community College featuring Carolyn Everson, vice president of global marketing solutions Frank Castella, Jr. at Facebook. Carolyn and Carolyn Everson spoke of the tenets of the ATHENA Leadership Model, which identifies eight distinct attributes that reflect women’s contributions to leadership: authentic self, relationships, giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, fierce advocacy, celebration and joy. With nearly 200 in attendance, including past ATHENA honorees, the luncheon allowed many to reconnect, reflect and look ahead. Also at the ceremony, The Chamber Foundation awarded its 2014 ATHENA Adult Scholarship to Heather Hines.

Foundation scholarship helps student realize dream of attending Culinary Institute

G

By Rachel Hoover never creatively constrained and rowing up with Osteogen- was always creating something.

As I grew older I found anothsis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone syndrome, er realm of creativity: the kitchen.

Falling in love with never put a damper baking and my inon my childhood. Life terest in business, I was never filled with created Cakes That moments of things I Care. I started off by could not do, but a creating specialty whole other world of desserts for friends creative thinking of and wanted to exthe things that I knew I pand my purpose. could do. Having limCakes That Care runs ited mobility, either on the foundation of from a full length cast ongoing happiness. protecting my broken By feeding my pasleg or a sling holding Rachel at her externship at sion of baking and my delicate arm, I was Meadowood in St. Helena, CA

providing delicious desserts that delight my customers, I then donate a percentage of my profit to a charity in need.

Being a recipient of the Cosimo DiBrizzi Scholarship has been my saving grace for obtaining my goal. Committing to a life of a chef is choosing passion over money.

Trying to rise above the rest of my generation’s ever-growing school debt, I knew that I could not afford to have a lingering black cloud of debt over my head. While completing my application for the Cosimo DiBrizzi Scholarship, I faced a challenge with writing about personal life or family circumstances;

I never viewed my bone disease as a special circumstance, nor the tribulations my mother faced while fighting cancer. I never considered my father’s hard work a tribulation as he alone provided for his wife and three kids, paid medical bills and feared every day that he might lose his job at a company that brought him to the Hudson Valley 30 years ago.

I viewed such adversity as what it is, life.

With the help of The Chamber Foundation, I was able to reach my goal of being one of the many students walking proud in chef whites at the CIA.

Leadership Dutchess not only fosters the development of a group of professionals who grow and learn together over a nine-month period – it builds lasting connections and friendships that stand the test of time.

By Amy Dittmar

hen I entered the Leadership Dutchess program in 2010, I was still struggling to find my place in the community. As a recent transplant to the Hudson Valley, I became familiar with the areas along my commute and made friends at work, but it was a daunting task to expand beyond my comfort zone. I knew very little about the local establishments, organizations and networks that enrich the Hudson Valley.

As I progressed through the Leadership Dutchess program, each session provided exposure to different venues, organizations and speakers, and enhanced my personal communication skills and confidence by providing an opportunity to network. Throughout the sessions, my personal relationships kept

growing. I have since formed lasting connections with my Jim Bowers, Jr. (’14), Amy Dittmar (‘11), Nicholas Shannon (’12), Brian Kelly (’10) mentor, mentees, classmates, alumni and various supporters of the program that I met along valuable in allowing me to grow other ways.

Leadership Dutchess no within my profession and within the way. doubt serves to educate and the community.

By providing inAs a network, we have gone motivate participants to assume sight on a variety of topics such on to spend time together supleadership roles within our comas project management, stress porting each other’s civic and munity, but it does so much management, communications, professional endeavors. As more.

Leadership Dutchess also diversity and the local commufriends, we often share much provides immense personal ennity, Leadership Dutchess has more. Whether we gather to richment.

It provides fulfilling allowed me to go on to serve in celebrate birthdays, holidays or connections to places, organivarious volunpersonal milezations and people.

Today, the teer roles, on stones (or just Hudson Valley feels like home, boards, and a lunch, a laugh progress in my and the people I have met or a good time), career. I cur- through Leadership Dutchess I look forward DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS rently serve feel like family. I am eternally to each and evIN THE HUDSON VALLEY grateful to The Chamber Founas a Chamber ery interaction dation and the Leadership Foundation board member and with these bright and spirited Dutchess program for the wonas a volunteer for the Children’s people. derful network of kind, caring Home of Poughkeepsie and As an alumna, the professionand remarkable people it put have had opportunities to interal development that Leadership me in touch with. act with my community in many Dutchess provided me was in-

L D

Youth Leadership: Graduate gains perspective from volunteering internationally Youth Leadership students know the meaning of giving back to the community. Our graduates leave the program not only as future leaders, but better citizens inspired to continue learning and make a positive change. Here is Melody Fan’s (’14) story:

F

By Melody Fan

or people who have everything, understanding how to live without creature comforts is difficult. Despite seeing reports about the poor living conditions in the developing world, few of us truly understand it. This is why I chose to embark on a service trip to Dominican Republic with the Bridges to Community organization.

Far away from the blue water of the Caribbean coast, deep into the Dominican Republic where no tourist goes, lies the quiet village of Derrumbadero, where my group and I stayed to volunteer.

The people of Derrumbadero lead a simple life. They work hard every day on farms and in orchards, and

they sell their produce to make a living. But problems such as poor sanitation, water shortage, and illiteracy make life there very difficult. The electricity comes and goes, like the water supply. Many families live in shacks made of rusty metal sheets. Having new clothes to wear and eating three meals every day are luxuries they could not even dream of.

The goal of our trip was to construct a youth center that serves as a space for the children to play and learn when their school is not in session. We worked during the day as the sun beamed down on our backs and sweat streamed down our necks. But while we complained about the heat, we saw

children as young as 5 pushing the wheelbarrows and Scenes from Melody’s experience shoving the cement with enthusiasm; their strength no less than that of the adults.

The locals welcomed us with the brightest smiles and cheers as they offered us their best food despite what little they had. They told us about their farms and daily lives, and we told them about what the lives of these people and siAmerica is like. They asked, “Isn’t multaneously educates its volunAmerica a very wealthy country?” I teers. Every trip to the developing was reminded of all the food and countries creates progress and necessities I have at home, and unforgettable memories. Knowrealized my under-appreciation of ing that I have made a difference the comfortable life I have. in people’s lives and I left smiles I never knew of real pover- on their faces really motivates ty until I visited Derrumbadero. me to do more, and I will go back Bridges to Community improves again.

spring 2015

Leadership Dutchess: More than a leadership program

DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota

Did you know that The Chamber Foundation’s scholarships are not funded by a single family or group of donors? Instead, our scholarships are fully funded by the yearly fundraising efforts of The Chamber Foundation including some of the events below...

Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services

Bowling Tournament supports scholarships

W

Corporate Sponsors: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Cosimo’s Restaurant Group

EmbroidMe The Gap, Inc. Health Quest Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union KeyBank LCS Facility Group M & T Bank Marshall & Sterling Insurance Meyer Contracting Corporation MidHudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center

O

n February 22, The Chamber Foundation held its annual Bowling Tournament at Mardi Bob Lanes in Poughkeepsie. With a sellout crowd of over 200 in attendance, the day was filled with prizes, music and fun. Trophies were awarded to the top placing teams with a “Bowl-Off” taking place between Gorman’s Garage and Freedom Financial Solutions, LLC to break their tying score of 766. Ultimately, Gorman’s Garage took home the win.

Congratulations to our top placing teams:

1st Place – Gorman’s Garage • 2nd Place – Freedom Financial Solutions, LLC 3rd Place – DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota • 4th Place - MPI

Charlie North retires

N & S Supply Orange County Trust Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies, Inc. Riverside Bank – a Division of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company TD Bank TEG Federal Credit Union Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home Ulster Savings Bank Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP

Audra Gerty, Nancy DeWitt, Frank Castella, Jr., Nicholas Shannon and (far right) Bill Francis take a picture with the winning team from Gorman’s Garage.

Charlie and Joanne North The Chamber Foundation celebrated the retirement of Charlie North on December 4 with nearly 500 of Charlie’s closest family and friends at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie. The evening featured great food, fireworks and music from The Bottoms Up Dixieland Jazz Band (led by Charlie’s son, Joe North!). Proceeds from the event benefited The Chamber Foundation, including the Charles S. North Scholarship for Music. A special thank you to Joe Daily for being the evening’s master of ceremonies!

Everson talks leadership In the fall, The Foundation held an ATHENA Leadership Luncheon at Dutchess Community College featuring Carolyn Everson, vice president of global marketing solutions Frank Castella, Jr. at Facebook. Carolyn and Carolyn Everson spoke of the tenets of the ATHENA Leadership Model, which identifies eight distinct attributes that reflect women’s contributions to leadership: authentic self, relationships, giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, fierce advocacy, celebration and joy. With nearly 200 in attendance, including past ATHENA honorees, the luncheon allowed many to reconnect, reflect and look ahead. Also at the ceremony, The Chamber Foundation awarded its 2014 ATHENA Adult Scholarship to Heather Hines.

Foundation scholarship helps student realize dream of attending Culinary Institute

G

By Rachel Hoover never creatively constrained and rowing up with Osteogen- was always creating something.

As I grew older I found anothsis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone syndrome, er realm of creativity: the kitchen.

Falling in love with never put a damper baking and my inon my childhood. Life terest in business, I was never filled with created Cakes That moments of things I Care. I started off by could not do, but a creating specialty whole other world of desserts for friends creative thinking of and wanted to exthe things that I knew I pand my purpose. could do. Having limCakes That Care runs ited mobility, either on the foundation of from a full length cast ongoing happiness. protecting my broken By feeding my pasleg or a sling holding Rachel at her externship at sion of baking and my delicate arm, I was Meadowood in St. Helena, CA

providing delicious desserts that delight my customers, I then donate a percentage of my profit to a charity in need.

Being a recipient of the Cosimo DiBrizzi Scholarship has been my saving grace for obtaining my goal. Committing to a life of a chef is choosing passion over money.

Trying to rise above the rest of my generation’s ever-growing school debt, I knew that I could not afford to have a lingering black cloud of debt over my head. While completing my application for the Cosimo DiBrizzi Scholarship, I faced a challenge with writing about personal life or family circumstances;

I never viewed my bone disease as a special circumstance, nor the tribulations my mother faced while fighting cancer. I never considered my father’s hard work a tribulation as he alone provided for his wife and three kids, paid medical bills and feared every day that he might lose his job at a company that brought him to the Hudson Valley 30 years ago.

I viewed such adversity as what it is, life.

With the help of The Chamber Foundation, I was able to reach my goal of being one of the many students walking proud in chef whites at the CIA.

Leadership Dutchess not only fosters the development of a group of professionals who grow and learn together over a nine-month period – it builds lasting connections and friendships that stand the test of time.

By Amy Dittmar

hen I entered the Leadership Dutchess program in 2010, I was still struggling to find my place in the community. As a recent transplant to the Hudson Valley, I became familiar with the areas along my commute and made friends at work, but it was a daunting task to expand beyond my comfort zone. I knew very little about the local establishments, organizations and networks that enrich the Hudson Valley.

As I progressed through the Leadership Dutchess program, each session provided exposure to different venues, organizations and speakers, and enhanced my personal communication skills and confidence by providing an opportunity to network. Throughout the sessions, my personal relationships kept

growing. I have since formed lasting connections with my Jim Bowers, Jr. (’14), Amy Dittmar (‘11), Nicholas Shannon (’12), Brian Kelly (’10) mentor, mentees, classmates, alumni and various supporters of the program that I met along valuable in allowing me to grow other ways.

Leadership Dutchess no within my profession and within the way. doubt serves to educate and the community.

By providing inAs a network, we have gone motivate participants to assume sight on a variety of topics such on to spend time together supleadership roles within our comas project management, stress porting each other’s civic and munity, but it does so much management, communications, professional endeavors. As more.

Leadership Dutchess also diversity and the local commufriends, we often share much provides immense personal ennity, Leadership Dutchess has more. Whether we gather to richment.

It provides fulfilling allowed me to go on to serve in celebrate birthdays, holidays or connections to places, organivarious volunpersonal milezations and people.

Today, the teer roles, on stones (or just Hudson Valley feels like home, boards, and a lunch, a laugh progress in my and the people I have met or a good time), career. I cur- through Leadership Dutchess I look forward DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS rently serve feel like family. I am eternally to each and evIN THE HUDSON VALLEY grateful to The Chamber Founas a Chamber ery interaction dation and the Leadership Foundation board member and with these bright and spirited Dutchess program for the wonas a volunteer for the Children’s people. derful network of kind, caring Home of Poughkeepsie and As an alumna, the professionand remarkable people it put have had opportunities to interal development that Leadership me in touch with. act with my community in many Dutchess provided me was in-

L D

Youth Leadership: Graduate gains perspective from volunteering internationally Youth Leadership students know the meaning of giving back to the community. Our graduates leave the program not only as future leaders, but better citizens inspired to continue learning and make a positive change. Here is Melody Fan’s (’14) story:

F

By Melody Fan

or people who have everything, understanding how to live without creature comforts is difficult. Despite seeing reports about the poor living conditions in the developing world, few of us truly understand it. This is why I chose to embark on a service trip to Dominican Republic with the Bridges to Community organization.

Far away from the blue water of the Caribbean coast, deep into the Dominican Republic where no tourist goes, lies the quiet village of Derrumbadero, where my group and I stayed to volunteer.

The people of Derrumbadero lead a simple life. They work hard every day on farms and in orchards, and

they sell their produce to make a living. But problems such as poor sanitation, water shortage, and illiteracy make life there very difficult. The electricity comes and goes, like the water supply. Many families live in shacks made of rusty metal sheets. Having new clothes to wear and eating three meals every day are luxuries they could not even dream of.

The goal of our trip was to construct a youth center that serves as a space for the children to play and learn when their school is not in session. We worked during the day as the sun beamed down on our backs and sweat streamed down our necks. But while we complained about the heat, we saw

children as young as 5 pushing the wheelbarrows and Scenes from Melody’s experience shoving the cement with enthusiasm; their strength no less than that of the adults.

The locals welcomed us with the brightest smiles and cheers as they offered us their best food despite what little they had. They told us about their farms and daily lives, and we told them about what the lives of these people and siAmerica is like. They asked, “Isn’t multaneously educates its volunAmerica a very wealthy country?” I teers. Every trip to the developing was reminded of all the food and countries creates progress and necessities I have at home, and unforgettable memories. Knowrealized my under-appreciation of ing that I have made a difference the comfortable life I have. in people’s lives and I left smiles I never knew of real pover- on their faces really motivates ty until I visited Derrumbadero. me to do more, and I will go back Bridges to Community improves again.

spring 2015

Leadership Presenter Spotlight The Chamber Foundation’s leadership programming is proud to recruit a diverse population of presenters. They span a variety of professions, backgrounds and experiences, enhancing the programming and making each session unique and interesting. Sarah Angel Johnson is one of these special individuals.

O

riginally from Honolulu, Sarah moved to New York in 1997 hired by IBM as a Software Engineer. Since then, she has become one of the youngest female executives known as an innovative trailblazer. Over the span of Sarah’s career, she has led IBM’s revolutionary initiative to engage 16,000 developers with customers which resulted in over $1.7 billion in revenue.

In 2014, Sarah made a significant career decision, joining the Girl Scouts of the USA taking their cookie program digital. As chief digital cookie executive, she is modernizing the way 2.3 million girls learn 21st century skills through a 21st century experience to become “rock star cookie bosses” selling over $750 million in cookies each year.

A leader in diversity training, Sarah annually presents on the topic of “Valuing Diversity” to the Leadership Dutchess classes. Scoring high ratings for her interactive and

stimulating presentation, students find Sarah to be dynamic, down to earth and most of all, interesting.

This past year, Sarah also presented to the Youth Leadership class.

“Our leadership programming strives to find presenters that bring leadership skills and real world experiences,” said Nicholas Shannon, executive director of The Chamber Foundation. “Sarah’s personality, along with her worldly knowledge and career development, are a perfect combination.”

By the time Sarah is done, she hopes each participant walks away knowing that diversity is more than what you see; diversity is about perspective and unspoken rules. “I learn something new every time,” says Sarah. “It’s not just me providing my own advice and guidance, but it’s also about mutual sharing and continuing to grow myself. I get that every time I present to the leadership classes.”

Join us as we drop over 2,000 baseballs onto Dutchess Stadium!

H me Run HelicopteR drop Wednesday, August 5 Hudson Valley Renegades vs. Tri-City ValleyCats 7:05 p.m.

Dutchess Stadium

You could win a grand prize of

2,000!

$

Ball purchase only: $10 each (You don’t have to be present to win. Must purchase ball in advance of the game.)

Game ticket with ball purchase: $15 (general admission seating) Go to ChamberFDN.org to purchase today!

TRIPLE PLAY SPONSORS:

CHOPPER SPONSOR:

TARGET SPONSOR:

LEGION FIREWORKS DOUBLE PLAY SPONSOR:

SINGLE PLAY SPONSORS:

SPECIAL THANKS: Hudson Valley Renegades and Independent Helicopters

*Sponsors as of 5/18/15

Foundation launches new mentorship program

I

spire each to plan for a positive future. Over time, both mentors and mentees will grow and learn from each other.

Currently the mentorship program has over 25 Poughkeepsie high school students paired with 14 mentors. Mentors’ professional backgrounds range from small business owners to bankers to the military. In January, an informal “get to know us” kick-off session was held at Vassar College.

Other session activities include attending the Makerbot Innovation Center at SUNY New Paltz, Construction Day at Rockland Community College, a college campus tour at Mercy College, Golf Mentoring Day at Vassar Golf Course and a trip to Bounce Tr a m p o l i n e Vassar College women’s basketball coach Candice Brown, mentor (left), Charlie Cooper, a bricklayer for Local 5 BrickSports in Poughlayers and Allied Craftworkers, and Celine Dion Smith. keepsie.

n January, The Chamber Foundation proudly launched the Chamber Foundation Mentorship program in partnership with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Career Action Center at Poughkeepsie High School. The program’s objective is to take many of the Foundation’s one day Youth Development initiatives and streamline them into monthly mentorship sessions. The Foundation’s goals are to connect students to community leaders who will in-

Staff Frank Castella, Jr., President & CEO (845) 454-1700 Ext. 1008 • frank@dcrcoc.org Audra B. Gerty, Vice President (845) 454-1700 Ext. 1007 • audra@dcrcoc.org Nicholas Shannon, Executive Director (845) 454-1700 Ext. 1026 • nick@chamberfdn.org Nancy DeWitt, Foundation Associate (845) 454-1700 Ext. 1025 • ndewitt@chamberfdn.org

Officers Bill Francis, Chair, Fortress Financial Advisory, LLC Tina Walz, Vice-Chair, M & T Bank Stacey Langenthal, Treasurer, Bank of Millbrook Anthony Morando, Secretary, Cuddy & Feder, LLP Stephen E. Diamond, Of Counsel, Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP

At the end of the game, a helicopter will hover over the field and drop the baseballs.

The ball that lands closest to the target wins!

GRAND SLAM SPONSOR:

The Chamber Foundation One Civic Center Plaza, Suite 400 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Board of Directors All proceeds benefit

,

Sarah Angel Johnson (center) and the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2015

Directors Amy Dittmar, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Maureen Kangas, Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel & Conference Center John E. Mack, Health Quest Peter Maher, Mid-Hudson Subaru Carmen McGill, Dutchess Community College Lisa Morris, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Barbara E. Ostrander, Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP Dr. Greer Rychcik, Hyde Park Central School District Charles “Chip” Simon, Taconic Advisors, Inc. Skip Weisman, Weisman Success Resources, Inc. associate board members Duval Hanchard, Dutchess Community College Student Kristen Huss, Hudson Valley Renegades

Mentors and students take a moment to pose for the camera at the Chamber Foundation Student Mentorship Program kickoff held at Vassar College.

During their time together, students and mentors are encouraged to create an open dialogue and spend time sharing information regarding academic challenges, career exploration and goal-setting.

Mentors should also provide encouragement for high school students to stay on track for graduation.

“I have worked very hard over the years to build my own professional career,” said Mark Copans, owner of Real Eye On Solutions and program mentor. “I remember how it feels to be young, know what you like to do,

and yet have no idea where that will lead you in life. The Chamber Foundation’s mentorship program has been a very rewarding experience because it gives us as mentors the opportunity to help these kids connect the dots and give them direction on where their life can lead.”

Special thank you to Program Sponsor TD Bank, and to the Poughkeepsie City School District for their assistance in making this mentorship program possible.

Please call (845) 454-1700 ext. 1026 to find out how you can become a mentor.

KeyBank donates $3,500 to Chamber Workforce programming

I

n March, KeyBank donated $3,500 to The Chamber Foundation in support of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Center’s iTrain Employment Mentoring Program.

The iTrain Employment Mentoring program was created in 2012 to address increasing economic challenges in Dutchess County.

With high competition for entry-level jobs, and employers reporting frustration at not being able to find skilled workers, development of the iTrain Emloyment Mentoring Program became a priority.

The iTrain Employment Mentoring Program provides a platform for personal and professional advancement. The mentee develops necessary skills while learning

how to manage interpersonal relationships in the workplace. This is done using partners both inside and outside of the Chamber and through internal workshops, trainings and one-on-one sessions.

In addition, a wage subsidy is offered to employers.

“The mentoring work done by

both The Chamber Foundation and the Workforce Development Center is an important component of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s economic development strategy,” said Frank Castella Jr., president and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure Dutchess County has the deepest and most skilled workforce possible to support the businesses in our region. This is another fine example of our Foundation partnering with Workforce Development for a great outcome.”

For more than 27 years, the Chamber’s Workforce Development Center has successfully linked businesses to the public workforce system. The center’s staff members strive to increase business access to qualified workers and ensure that income eligible residents are prepared for the workplace environment, its responsibilities and job retention. Their programs are run in cooperation with the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services.