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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.

In partnership with Albany County and the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority (ACPHLA), Hudson Valley Community College today announced a $1 million gift pledge from the Massry family to support its planned acquisition of the Massry Center for the Arts from the ACPHLA. The Authority announced it is issuing a required 90-day statement in…
(April 27, 2026) The Port of Albany-Rensselaer was the first port in New York state to volunteer and certify in the Green Marine program and has continued to meet the environmentally forward benchmarks with consistent and consecutive Green Marine certifications since 2016. This year, Port Director of Operations and Facilities John C. Kosa was…
Transaction Adds Nationwide Equipment Financing Platform with approximately $120 Million Loan Portfolio Albany, NY – Pioneer (NASDAQ: PBFS), a leading financial institution in New York’s Capital Region, today announced it has acquired 100% of the membership interests in Targeted Lending Co., LLC, (“Targeted Lending”), an independent equipment…
May
04
The Leadership Institute is an award-winning skills-based program that is applauded across the region. The program is heading into its 22nd year and we…
Monday, May 4, from 9:30am - 10:30am
May
07
We would like to invite all of our members to our Annual Dinner and Business Expo! Join us for a night to Market, Develop, and Connect with your fellow…
Thursday, May 7th, from 5pm - 7:30pm
May
13
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…
Wednesday, May 13, from 8:30am - 9:30am