News
Jess Davis of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Graduates Institute for Organization Management (IOM)
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Jess Davis of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn
Michael Feiden has been named Businessperson of the Year
KINGSTON—Michael Feiden has been named Businessperson of the Year by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is Vice President of Earl B. Feiden’s Appliance at 661 Broadway, Kingston. The company is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Kingston and 100th year in business. Feiden will be honored, along with seven other local businesses and organizations, at the annual Ulster County Business Recognition Awards Dinner at Diamond Mills Hotel and BLACKBARN Hudson Valley in Saugerties
Internationally Recognized Human Rights Leader & Violence Interrupter, to speak at Black Business Community Celebration
KINGSTON—World-renowned human rights activist and anti-violence leader, Erica Ford, will be the guest speaker at the 5th annual Black Business Community Celebration on June 18 at Ulster Savings Bank at 180 Schwenk Drive.The program begins at 4:30 p.m. with an awards presentation, honoring five distinguished local Black business owners and community leaders. They include Eddie Parker, Black Business Excellent Award; Sharon Williams, Black Business Leadership Award; Mia Howard, Maude Bruce Community Award;
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Nominations Now Open for Best Local Businesses
The search is on for outstanding businesses, business leaders and organizations in Ulster County, as preparations are now underway for the Annual Ulster County Business Recognition Awards in October. Nomination forms including award criteria are available at the Ulster Chamber office at 214 Fair Street, Kingston or online at www.UlsterChamber.org. Categories include: Business of the YearSmall Business of the Year (25 or fewer employees)Businessperson or Entrepreneur of the YearTourism or Hospitality
Visual Branding That Builds Trust: A Practical Guide for Kingston Small Businesses
Research cited by the U.S. Small Business Administration shows that 75% of users judge a company's credibility by its website design — before reading a word about what you sell. For small businesses in Kingston and across Ulster County, that first impression often determines whether a potential customer stays or leaves. The good news: building a visual brand that signals reliability and trust doesn't require an agency or a large budget. It requires consistency, authenticity, and a few clear decisions
An Expo and a Mixer, All-in-One!
What do you get when you mix the Ulster Chamber’s highly successful Buy Local Expo with a popular Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer? You get an ExpoMixer, the first of its kind, in the Hudson Valley. As the Expo is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, the event is not only being re-branded but will also be bigger than ever. The ExpoMixer will be held at Diamond Mills in Saugerties on Wednesday, September 16th, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, again featuring nearly 100 exhibitors. In addition,
KDD Marketing Earns Two Industry Awards, Cementing its Hospitality Expertise
Continuing its streak of local and industry-level accolades, KDD Marketing recently earned two wins from the 23rd annual Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIA Awards). Acknowledged for its work with The Emerson, a Catskills-based resort and spa, the team ranked first in the website category and third for its integrated marketing campaign. The SIA Awards build on the agency’s recent industry recognition for its work with The Emerson, which also earned honors from the Davey Awards and the American Graphic
Outsourcing for Growth: How Business Owners Can Find the Right Marketing Professionals
Running a business means wearing a lot of hats, but when it comes to sales and marketing, trying to do everything yourself is like juggling with your eyes closed. Eventually, you drop the ball. That’s where outside professionals come in—consultants, agencies, and freelancers who specialize in helping companies grow. But hiring external talent isn’t just about finding someone with the right skills; it’s about finding the right fit for your business, your industry, and your long-term goals. If you’ve ever
Buying a Struggling Business? Here’s What You Really Need to Know
Buying a failing business can look like a shortcut to success. It’s already built. It has customers. There’s a story. But behind that veneer is a tangle of risks and decisions that demand precision, guts, and strategy. This isn’t about savior complexes or turnaround fantasies. It’s about reading the room, rebuilding trust, and adapting fast to the market you’re actually in—not the one that existed when the business was founded.Know What You’re Walking Into If a business is on the table because it’s
Picture-Perfect Listings: How to Capture Product Photos That Sell in Ulster County
When a potential buyer scrolls through your online store, their first impression happens in seconds — and it almost always starts with your product photos. For members of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, showcasing local goods with clear, engaging images can make the difference between “just browsing” and “add to cart.”TL;DR Use natural light and a steady hand (or tripod). Keep your background consistent and clutter-free. Highlight textures, details, and real-life use. Save
