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Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a business model that helps an organization be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practicing corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce views corporate social responsibility as more than “talking the talk.” We have made significant strides to serve as a gold standard for our members and the business community at large by substantively and meaningfully engaging in ongoing efforts to make our world safer and more sustainable.

Environmental Responsibility

Advocating for a
Sustainable Future

Greater Rochester Chamber works to support a more sustainable future by utilizing our connections on a state and federal level to support legislation working to protect the environment. Recently, Greater Rochester Chamber has advocated for investment in renewable energy and efficiencies to move energy resources to NYS including making NY a green hydrogen hub. We will continue pushing for additional investment in technology and green infrastructure which benefits our workforce, our economy, and our environment.

See our Advocacy Agenda »

AMPED

Greater Rochester Chamber supports the AMPED initiative, previously Go All Electric, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2027. Moving Rochester to an all-electric energy model is an important step toward this goal.

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Greater Rochester Chamber additionally helps to educate members on sustainability issues through series like biz.Exchange and signature events like ROC on Tech, which featured a dedicated sustainability panel in 2023.

Monroe County Climate Action Plan

Greater Rochester Chamber partnered with Monroe County to support the development of a Climate Action Plan to help prioritize strategies that will reduce GHG emissions, making our community more sustainable and resilient to the challenges posed by climate change.

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Philanthropic Responsibility

United Way of Greater Rochester & the Finger Lakes

Greater Rochester Chamber and its affiliates are proud to lead and participate in a number of initiatives designed to give back to our community. We are proud supporters of the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, and were recently awarded their 2021 Excellence Award for delivering remarkable results in a workplace campaign despite unprecedented community challenges. Our team has has 100% participation for the past 14 years, and regularly exceeds our fundraising goals. We also participate in the Day of Caring annually.

Learn more about the United Way »

SBC Cares

Greater Rochester Chamber's Small Business Council affiliate's annual Thanksgiving Food Drive has provided the cash equivalent of over $1,250,000 in food supplies to families in need for over 20 years.

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Sandy Parker Memorial Scholarship

To honor longtime Greater Rochester Chamber CEO and Rochester trailblazer, Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation created the Sandy Parker Memorial Scholarship.

Young Women of Distinction

Each Spring, Greater Rochester Chamber's Women’s Council affiliate presents the Young Women of Distinction Award in an effort to nurture Rochester’s next generation of women leaders and recognize the accomplishments of female high school seniors throughout for their leadership and community service.

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Ethical and Equitable Responsibility

Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation

Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that will enable Greater Rochester Chamber to continue to provide financial support for educational and equitable community development activities and programs including CampusROC and Veterans Connect; promote and develop economic, civil, cultural and social welfare through educational programs including our Chamber Academy; offer programs to encourage workforce development such as CLIMB; and enhance educational opportunities offered by school districts through programs such as the National Civics Bee.

Learn more about Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation »

Colors of Success DEI Programs

Greater Rochester Chamber offers a number of programs to recognize and educate on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, including the Colors of Success events series, Colors of Success DEI Leadership Award, DEI Leadership Exchange, & DEI Training.

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MWBE Recognition

Greater Rochester Chamber partnered with Monroe County to launch its MWBE certification program and offered a free year of membership to these newly certified MWBEs to uplift underrepresented voices in the business community.

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