The North Rockland Chamber of Commerce was formed in 2014 to provide a welcoming opportunity for businesses and residents to join together to promote prosperity and enhance the quality of life in North Rockland community.
History: The Greater Haverstraw Chamber of Commerce and the North Rockland Business Alliance, two separate Chambers of Commerce that were serving the region for the past several years, joined together in 2014 to form a unified organization. We are excited about our renewed focus, and look forward to bringing our members new programs and events in support of the business community.
This year is looking to be a growing year for many businesses. Already many statistical indicators show that the economy is vastly improving, and that this is a prime year for companies of all sizes to begin to grow once again.
Your membership with the North Rockland Chamber, will help to build the bonds between local businesspersons and the community around them.
We host networking events, in-service meetings, and conduct co-op advertising. Most importantly, we provide a forum for you to communicate your needs as a business, so that we can help you continue to grow.
You can become a part of this effort, by joining us!
Still undecided? That’s ok! Keep reading, to learn about all the great advantages we have created for you when you join the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce:
- Your business will be listed in our online Member Directory with a description, photo, logo, and link to your website (great for SEO!). You can log in and create your own entry and update it any time.
- Sm.Biz.Tues: Weekly meetings on Tuesday at Stony Point Pancake Factory to discuss local business matters and opportunities for our local businesses and retailers. It’s also an opportunity to spotlight your business at a meeting. (That’s Small Business Tuesday!)
- Social Media: Ability to promote your opinions about business on our private Facebook page for the North Rockland Chamber. Since 2018, it has been aimed to be a forum for respectful discussion of ideas for our local communities, amongst business professionals.
- Sponsorship opportunities for the Haverstraw Annual Food Crawl, Small Business Saturday, the North Rockland Car Show, and the annual Chamber Soiree, with invites to both Town Supervisors as guests.
- Posters to Parents Program: On a monthly basis, we send your flyers to North Rockland Central School District, which are emailed to the parents of students of NRHS, and more.
- Holiday, concerts, lights and banners, an effort fostered by the North Rockland Chamber in conjunction with The Towns of Haverstraw and Stony Point. Holidays in Haverstraw each year features the Rockland County Concert Band, and Holidays in Stony Point include an annual float parade, followed by an outdoor concert at Town Hall.
- Place an ad on Rockland News at a 20% discount. This is a deal for North Rockland Chamber of Commerce members only. The owner of the publication used to be on our Board for nearly 15 years. Over the years, Rockland News has continued to communicate many of our member’s events, coupon deals, and ribbon cuttings via Rockland News. As of 10/30/24, the publication receives 480k views per year.
- Reduced rates at Rockland Chamber Alliance events. (All seven active Chambers of Commerce: Nanuet, New City, North Rockland, Nyack, Pearl River, Sloatsburg, Suffern)
- Chamber After-Hours Events (at local restaurants, only): We promote the event, handle the invitations, and sometimes have Town Supervisors, officials, entertainers or other locals drop by for the event, which adds to its visibility.
- Opportunities to network with others in and around The Towns of Haverstraw and Stony Point to build your business. (Don’t underestimate this – It’s not who you know, it’s not what you know. It’s both, along with coming to our events to get to know new people in a relaxed environment.
- Direct access to Town, village and hamlet officials who can provide information on zoning and town and county issues that directly affect your business – we are your voice!
Current North Rockland Chamber of Commerce Board Members Include:
- Stephanie Melowsky (PCSB Bank), Board President
- Rocky Alexander (Rocks Kitchen), Board Member
- Ann Marie O’Looney (North Rockland Chiropractic), Board Member
- Mari Morrison Rodriguez (Inna Village), Board Member
- Lauren Isaacs-Schimko, Board Member
Staff and Volunteers Include:
- Tom Ossa (Rockland News, Rockland Web), Board Member, 2009-2017, and 2020-2024
- Presided over Hurricane Sandy grants, as well as the merging of two Chambers
- Left in 2017.
- Returned as President in late 2020.
- Rebuilt Board with talented, concerned professionals, stepped down immediately.
- Assumed Secretary and Grant-writing role, 2021-2024
- Alongside Board, successfully deployed Stony Music Fest, for a total of 10 years, from August 2015 to July 2024, primarily in Stony Point NY.
- Left Board at end of term in Dec. 2024
- Currently serves as volunteer. (Salary is $1 per year)
Special thanks to Luanne Konopko, Director Emeritus, and the founder of the entity for the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce.
If you would like to join this awesome Chamber, you can become a member.
Thanks, and we look forward to seeing your business grow alongside the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce for many years to come!