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Workforce and Economic Advancement

Economic Growth worth investing in: Develop, support and sustain the long-term economic vitality of Rensselaer County together.

Thank You to our WE Advance Investors!

The strength of WE Advance efforts relies on the investment and collaboration of investors and regional partners who strive to build a successful, sustainable economy in Rensselaer County. Investors consist of public and private businesses and organizations representing a wide variety of industries. If your company is looking to make a financial investment to help the Chamber be recognized as a credible, business-focused, economic development organization, please contact the Chamber at (518) 274-7020.

 

Visionary

Rifenburg is one of Upstate New York's oldest and largest family owned construction firms. Working across the Northeast, Rifenburg has become recognized as a leader in getting projects completed on-time and safely. In 2000, one of Rifenburg's largest projects was recognized by OSHA as a VPP site, one of only two such sites to get this distinction in the United States. With over 340 hardworking employees in the Northeast and our regional office in Raleigh, NC, Rifenburg can staff a project of any size. Specializing in earth moving and restoration of all kinds, Rifenburg makes quick work of landfill expansions and closures, site work, highway and bridge expansion and utility installations.

Champion

As a local financial institution for more than 135 years, Pioneer understands the importance of inspiring progress and building healthy communities. We’ve grown to become “More Than a Bank” with banking, insurance, employee benefits, and wealth management solutions across 22 Capital Region locations. Our team takes pride in developing deep connections with clients, taking the time to understand complex deals, and make decisions quickly so that important projects can get off the ground. Whether you’re an individual, a business, a municipality or public entity, Pioneer is willing to do what it takes to earn your business and help our neighborhoods and communities move All Together Forward.

The Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is dedicated to promoting economic development and vitality within Rensselaer County. Governed by a seven-member board, the IDA has the authority to offer sales and property tax incentives, grants and low-cost capital to attract and retain businesses.

$1,000 for your big idea No Equity Taken | No Pitch Decks | No Bureaucracy Just Belief Capital Good Neighbor Fund awards $1,000 micro-grants every quarter to early-stage entrepreneurs. Funding comes from local leaders who want to see a stronger entrepreneurship community. Apply today if a little bit of money and a whole lot of community support…
For 140 years, Together for Youth has believed in the power of people showing up for one another. On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, that spirit will come to life at Best Night Together, an evening that brings community members, leaders, partners, and supporters together around a shared commitment to New York’s youth and families. Held from 6 to 8:…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2026 Wynantskill Girl Scout earned $5,000 national scholarship for recycling project   ALBANY, N.Y. — A Wynantskill teen helped her school community improve recycling and waste disposal habits through her Girl Scout Gold Award project, an effort that also earned her the Girl Scouts of the USA National Gold Award…
Sep
10
Join us for a morning boost! Enjoy fresh coffee, snacks, and great conversation while learning how to make the most of your Chamber membership.  REGISTER…
Thursday, September 10, from 8:30am - 9:30am
Sep
13
Join us for our 2nd Annual Wellness Fair in Downtown Troy. We will gather our local community partners for this program and have organizations offering…
Sunday, September 13, from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sep
17
Save the date for our 36th Annual Van Rensselaer Awards Dinner on September 17th! These awards honor the outstanding businesses in our region that make…
Thursday, September 17th, 2026, from 5:30PM - 8:00PM