Growing Business & Community - 2024 is here!

Many not for profit organizations operate on a calendar year for governance and financials. This means that a new budget and new board of director terms commence in January.   It’s a time for organizations to make a lot of “re” words happen – refresh, regroup, reorganize…the list goes on! 

After a busy second half of 2023, I had a chance to relax and take time off in December.  This gave me an opportunity to enjoy my family and focus on how I wanted the year to begin at the Chamber. The Executive Board met last week in preparation for our first meeting of the year which will take place this week.  A first of the year agenda is full of regrouping.  Many organizations go over meeting dates, policies, conflict of interest forms, committee structures and other aspects of board duty.  We do as much of that as we can prior to the first meeting so we can spend time on productive discussions. The chamber board of directors is made up of members in good standing who are volunteers.  They represent a variety of industries in the region and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

At the December membership meeting, the following members were voted in to serve new terms or as new board members / officers commencing in January.

3 Year Terms Commencing 2024
Bryan Plunkett - Equitable Advisors                          
Jim Fittante - Fittante Architecture P.C.  
Kyle Heath - KeyBank
Lisa Lannon - Lisa Lannon Licensed Real Estate Sales Person
Sara Liberale - Alpha Align Agency
Carolyn Moore - Catholic Health Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital & Health Center

Executive Board - 2 Year Term
Matt Villnave - Chairman
Jim Fittante  - 2nd Vice Chair

The full list of the current board of directors is available online at www.UpwardNiagara.com  A special thank you to our outgoing board members Fred Blue, Lucy Muto and Kris Trunzo for all of their time and dedication served on the board.   Bill Geiben will also be missed as an ex-officio liaison to the Town of Lewiston. 

Thank you to those who volunteer on boards of not for profit organizations. Your commitment to the mission of the organizations you support is important in creating the unique fabric of the communities we live, work and play in.

Jennifer Pauly
President
Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce