Chamber News Release

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 25th, to celebrate the grand opening of their new office at 250 Clinton Square in downtown Rochester.

The event marked a significant milestone for Greater Rochester Chamber, which has been a cornerstone of the local business community since its founding in 1887. The new office, located in the heart of downtown, symbolizes a fresh chapter for the organization as it continues to foster economic growth and advocate for businesses across the nine-county Greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region. This move marks only the fifth relocation in Greater Rochester Chamber's long history.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local leaders, including Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, Assemblymember Harry Bronson, and Rob Sands, President of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, opened the program with remarks highlighting Greater Rochester Chamber’s ongoing commitment to the community and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Rob Sands took a moment to reflect on Greater Rochester Chamber's success in supporting the Rochester community. He emphasized that Greater Rochester Chamber stands out nationwide due to its unwavering commitment to the community and the exceptional leadership of our team. He remarked, “We’re very lucky to have the chamber that we have –probably the most successful chamber in the country, right here in New York. The success of the chamber is defined by how it supports the community, and the business community specifically. Bob and the Chamber team do an incredible job doing that.”

Assemblymember Harry Bronson spoke about Greater Rochester Chamber's efforts in workforce development and creating equitable opportunities. As former Chair of the Assembly Committee on Economic Development and current Labor Committee Chair, he emphasized the importance of supporting businesses in finding skilled workers and making policy decisions that foster inclusivity. He commended Greater Rochester Chamber for its ongoing work in elevating marginalized communities and supporting reentry initiatives.

City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans highlighted the strong relationship between Greater Rochester Chamber and local government. He praised Greater Rochester Chamber's involvement in major City discussions and initiatives, and its commitment to staying in downtown Rochester. The Mayor also appreciated Greater Rochester Chamber's role in supporting community development through partnerships and programs.

Mayor Malik Evans said, “Some of the biggest discussions that are taking place – Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has a seat at the table. I am very appreciative of the relationships we have with the Chamber, and appreciate the work that they do for our City.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “We’ve had four consecutive record years of bringing new investments into our county. The ability to partner and work with companies like Constellation Brands, fairlife, and Amazon, and all those companies that are building and growing some of the largest facilities they have in the world right here in Rochester, doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because we have an ecosystem here that can support them. This ecosystem includes public-private partnerships through COMIDA, partnerships with New York State, and organizations like Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. All the various entities and groups that are part of the Chamber contribute to this ecosystem, helping to create great results.”

County Executive Adam Bello specifically highlighted the recent innovative partnerships between Monroe County and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, such as the RETAIN program, which helps to keep young graduates in the area. Bello also emphasized Greater Rochester Chamber’s crucial role in the success of the MWBE program, which has registered numerous small businesses and facilitated important networking opportunities. Over the past two years, this program has generated tens of millions of dollars in new contracts and investments, including helping to create new businesses from the ground up.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “As we step into this new chapter, we remain committed to supporting our local businesses, fostering community partnerships, and driving positive change in the Greater Rochester region. We extend our thanks to all who attended and contributed to this significant milestone. The future looks bright for Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and we are excited to continue this journey together.”

The event concluded with an open house from 3 to 6 PM, attended by nearly 200 members.

About Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is a leading business organization dedicated to driving economic growth and fostering a thriving business environment in the Greater Rochester region. Established in 1887, Greater Rochester Chamber has a rich history of supporting local businesses, advocating for pro-business policies, and creating opportunities for economic development. The organization is committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth, ensuring that our region remains a vibrant and competitive place to live, work, and do business.