About the Chamber
Our Legacy Intertwines with Innovation
Since 1910, we have been the cornerstone for business prosperity and community enrichment in Albany. We connect businesses, build influence and lead with a forward-thinking approach. We achieve this through dynamic programming, valuable resources, unparalleled access and robust advocacy.
The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce leads with competency and character, and does so in a way that delivers results. It is through this that we gain, build and keep the trust of our member organizations, the Albany Area community and our partners throughout the state. Trust is central to what we do and how we do it.
At the heart of our endeavors is the commitment to build community. We collaborate with policymakers to shape intelligent strategies, partner with employers and educators to forge a workforce that’s modern and adaptable and tackle the most pressing challenges faced by businesses. Our actions are designed to pave the way for a thriving community — a place where individuals aspire to live and businesses are eager to invest.
While the nature of our work has evolved over the years, our core reason for existence remains unchanged. Learn more about #ImpactABY2026 strategic initiatives. Join us, and be part of shaping Albany’s future — one where tradition and progress go hand in hand.
What we believe shapes our actions and intentions:
- Do what’s right: Upholding integrity in every decision.
- Be boundlessly curious: Embracing the quest for knowledge and innovation.
- Have fun: Cultivating joy in our work and community.
- Believe in better: Striving for excellence in all we do.
- Be of service: Dedication to the needs of our members and community.
- Learn by doing: Fostering a culture of hands-on experience and growth.
- Invite others to the table: Ensuring inclusivity and diversity in our conversations.
- Best team ever: Building a supportive network of passionate professionals.
- Champion the mission: Driving forward with purpose and passion.
- Empower and entrust: Giving our members the confidence to lead and succeed.
- Design the path: Crafting innovative strategies for future success.
Who we are is a reflection of our commitment to our members and our community:
- We are conveners, connectors, and collaborators: Creating a nexus of opportunity and partnership.
- We are advocates and believers: Fiercely championing our members’ interests.
- We are nurturers and providers: Supplying the tools for businesses to thrive.
- We are activators and accelerators: Energizing progress and expediting growth.
- We are future-focused builders: Laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s achievements.
- We are impact: Leaving an indelible mark on our community and economy.
What we do is deliver results in a way that builds trust.
Through the power of our partnerships we strengthen the Albany Area’s regional assets and businesses, advocate for priorities and design the path.
We provide our members with connections that expand their networks, resources that support their growth, benefits that strengthen their bottom lines and programming that amplifies engagement and opportunities. Membership in the Albany Area Chamber is a direct investment in our work and signifies a strategic commitment to our collective mission.
- We help businesses connect, build, influence and lead
- We advocate for a superior region, advocating for transformative change
- We connect, inform and fight for business growth and Albany’s success
- We invest in Albany, dedicating resources to programs and initiatives that drive regional success.
- We take on the biggest challenges, so members can focus on growing their businesses
- We champion prosperity.
- We design the path of Albany’s future, guided by our vision of Remarkability.
Inclusivity Statement
We believe that we are stronger together. We believe that diversity is our strength, good business and a business imperative. We believe in inclusivity and in the equality of opportunity. We believe that together we thrive.
In support of this, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce:
- Positions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as crucial for the success of our mission; for business development and growth; for community success.
- Recognizes that through DE&I we expand our talent, resources and the business opportunities the Albany Area needs to prosper in the competitive global marketplace.
- Supports these values through our policies and practices, investor services and community engagement.
Download our DE&I Employer Resource Toolkit to help you get started or advance your DE&I efforts.
Chamber Programs
Albany Area Political Leadership Institute
The Albany Area Political Leadership Institute, hosted by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, is a trailblazing program that equips aspiring leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful governance. Through a comprehensive curriculum covering topics including “Government 101” and “Issues of Importance,” participants are prepared for service on local boards and in elected office. Graduates of the program emerge as well-informed, connected and ready to take on leadership roles, contributing to the vitality and direction of the Albany community. Learn More. Applications open annually in late summer.
Albany Under 40
Albany Under 40 ignites the spotlight on the rising stars of the Albany Area, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of young professionals who excel in their careers and are fervent advocates for community enrichment. This prestigious accolade applauds the trailblazers who stand out in their fields and, through their dedicated stewardship, are forging a more robust and thriving region for all. Follow us to access the open nominations and application period.
Albany-Dougherty Day in Atlanta
The Albany Area Chamber’s Albany-Dougherty Day in Atlanta is a signature event that unites Chamber members in a powerful display of advocacy and collaboration at the state capitol. This exclusive gathering is a strategic platform for members to voice the community’s priorities, forge partnerships, and demonstrate the impact of Albany’s leadership. By participating, members not only represent the interests of Albany but also reinforce the community’s commitment to progress and innovation.
Chamber Ambassadors
Step into the spotlight with the Albany Area Chamber’s A Team — an opportunity exclusive to Chamber members! As an Ambassador, you’ll be the cornerstone of community spirit, welcoming new faces and amplifying your business brand at high-profile events. Seize this chance to expand your network, elevate your industry presence, and lead with influence. Don’t miss out on the prestige and connections that await — apply now to be an Ambassador.
FLEX ABY
FLEX ABY is a dynamic collaboration between the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy), fostering youth entrepreneurship in the Albany Area. This innovative program guides students through the process of starting and scaling businesses, offering real-world experience and the chance to compete for seed loans (and prize money!) to grow their ventures. The local winner competes at the state competition. By nurturing the next generation of business leaders, FLEX ABY is cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and contributing to the economic vitality of the community.
Leadership Albany
Embark on a journey of growth with Leadership Albany and join a legacy of civic pioneers in Albany, Georgia. As part of this esteemed alumni network, you’ll connect with more than 800 leaders who are shaping the city’s future, enhancing your influence and creating a stronger community through collaboration and innovation. This network is not just a list of names; it’s a dynamic force of alumni who leverage their collective expertise to foster progress and mentor the next generation of trailblazers.
Propel (Women at Work)
The Propel program at the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic initiative that empowers and inspires women in business, providing them with the tools to design their future. Through engaging events and a supportive network, Propel connects members, fostering professional growth and leadership development. Stay ahead of the curve — follow the Chamber’s social media, subscribe to the newsletter and check the events page for the latest on Propel and other empowering programs.
Propel+ Youth Talent Initiative
The Propel+ program, spearheaded by the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, is a visionary initiative that champions the development of young female talent in the Albany Area. With a focus on high school students, Propel+ offers a year-long suite of workshops and mentorship opportunities, honing skills from professional etiquette to financial literacy. This program is a cornerstone of the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing a competitive workforce and fostering economic and social mobility in the community. Want to serve as a facilitator or mentor and shape the future? Contact Laura Russ at lruss@albanyga.com.
Washington, D.C., Fly In
The Albany Area Chamber’s Washington, D.C., Fly In is an exclusive opportunity for Chamber members to engage with national leaders and advocate for the region's interests. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the 2024 Fly In marked a record participation, highlighting Albany’s influence in the corridors of power. This strategic initiative fosters direct dialogue with key policymakers, ensuring that Albany’s voice is heard and its priorities are advanced in the nation’s capital.
The Albany Area Chamber Foundation
The Albany Area Chamber Foundation, founded in 1991, is a catalyst for transformative workforce, economic and entrepreneurial initiatives that provide impact beyond the business community’s normal reach. As the philanthropic arm of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, this 501©3 organization is a cornerstone for community advancement and innovation.
The Foundation is at the forefront of sculpting a modern, adaptive and globally-competitive workforce that can meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges. It’s not just about filling jobs—it’s about shaping futures. The Foundation’s current talent initiatives include execution of the Albany-Dougherty Talent Development Strategy 2.0; the Propel+ youth talent development initiative imparting Albany’s female students with employability skills and connecting them to business community via workshops and mentorship; Thrive, which supports students with disabilities who will seek employment after high school; and FLEX ABY, Albany’s youth entrepreneurship competition hosted in partnership with the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy and the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission.
