The Business Council announces 2012 Chamber of the Year Award winner

The Business Council of New York State, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2012 recipient of the Chamber of the Year Award. This award honoring an outstanding chamber organization and leadership team is presented this year to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. The award will be presented at The Business Council’s 2012 Annual Meeting, following dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

“The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, led by President Nancy Ploeger has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a tremendous commitment to its members,” said Heather Briccetti, president & CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “Getting the Empire State’s and New York City’s economies moving in the right direction means promoting local job creation and economic development. The Manhattan Chamber has been instrumental in the leadership of the 5 Boro Chamber of Commerce Coalitions and with 35 other City business organizations, creating a unified voice for the business community.”

“We are honored to be recognized by the Business Council and thank them for this award. The Business Council stands in support of the overall economic development for the state and creation and sustainability of a strong business community just as we try to do in Manhattan,” said Nancy Ploeger, president of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, “We are truly like-minded and our partnership with Heather Briccetti and her colleagues regarding state and New York City issues, once again shows the strength we have in working together for the betterment of our state’s businesses. Thank you for this exciting award!”

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is comprised of a cross section of member businesses ranging from sole proprietors to large corporations and conglomerates. With 10,000 members and subscribers, they represent the voice of over 100,000 companies in Manhattan and partner with over 300 diverse business organizations in New York City. Their members are part of one of the largest constituencies in the country representing approximately 1.6 million U.S. employees and approximately 4.5 million employees globally.  Locally, their member companies have over 165,000 employees. And, collectively, their member companies account for over $630 billion in annual revenues.

The 5 Boro Chamber of Commerce Coalition has taken positions to oppose the paid sick day legislation being considered by the New York City Council as well as a living wage bill and other legislation onerous to the small business community.

As President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Nancy seeks to ensure the chamber becomes the voice for New York City’s small businesses. She has launched a variety of economic development programs and committees and established the chamber’s relationships with government officials at all levels.

Nancy is one of the founding members of the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC).  With this program the chamber has become the catalyst which created and strengthened the global SME network of women business owners from across the globe.

The Chamber awards were created as part of The Business Council’s Thirtieth Anniversary celebration in 2010. Nominations were accepted at the discretion of The Business Council and judged by an independently chosen panel. Nominees were judged on the following criteria and attributes:

• Display a positive social conscience and commitment to pro-business activities within their community and the state;
• Deliver a high level of programs and services in their community and were active in state and local business advocacy;
• Show fiscal responsibility for their members and the community and had leadership whose talent, vision, expertise, dedication and performance defined them as outstanding Chamber leaders;
• Conduct business operations within New York State for the past twelve consecutive months prior to the date of their nomination; and
• Are members of The Business Council for the past twelve consecutive months prior to the date of their nomination.

The Business Council’s 2012 Annual Meeting will be held from Sept. 19-21 at The Sagamore Resort on Lake George. Don’t miss your chance to be there! For more information and to register for the Annual Meeting click here.