Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We believe inclusivity is a fundamental principle of every great organization and community, enhancing the ability to respond and flourish more effectively to changing demographics and needs.
Vision
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is a leader, promoter, educator, and advocate that helps local organizations and communities throughout Saratoga County to succeed, grow, and thrive.
To achieve this mission, the Chamber shall champion a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment at all levels of the organization, including its Board, employees, partners, suppliers, sponsors, members, and volunteers. There should be no barriers to participation in any activity of the Chamber based on economic position, gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or ability.
We believe inclusivity is a fundamental principle of every great organization and community that enhances the ability to respond and flourish more effectively to changing demographics and needs.The Chamber's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force was formed to offer the Board of Directors practical strategies to center diversity as a strategy for growth and sustained success.
These efforts will initially focus on three target areas: workplace, workforce, and marketplace.When all members of our diverse community work together, Saratoga County is a better place to do business, live, work, and play.
Champion diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment at all levels of the organization.
Promote and advocate for policies and programs that help all local organizations to succeed, grow, and thrive.
Eliminate barriers to participation in any activities of the Chamber.
Center diversity as a strategy for growth and sustained success for the Chamber and our community focused on workplace, workforce, and marketplace.
Actions we will take...
1. Education – The Chamber shall share its vision and actions to model behavior other local organizations may wish to emulate, and it will offer educational programs focused on DEI best practices in the workplace, workforce, and marketplace.
2. Promotion – Via its websites and social media platforms, the Chamber will commit to a holistic representation of the business community.
3. Promotion - Via data collection efforts that will include surveys, visits, and personal outreach, the Chamber will be able to respond to requests of government agencies and private or nonprofit organizations seeking to connect and do business with underrepresented groups.
4. Representation – As it recruits staff, volunteers, Board members, sponsors, and members, the Chamber will reach out to underrepresented groups to increase diversity at all levels of the organization. The Chamber shall do the same as it seeks partners and suppliers for its own operational needs.
5. Events – The Chamber shall ensure diversity in our speakers, invited attendees, and host locations for all future events, festivals, and workshops.
6. Policies – The Chamber shall identify and work to remove barriers to participation all Chamber activities that come to light as we continue to listen, learn, and center diversity as a strategy for sustained success.
All are welcome to participate...
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce strives to help all local organizations within Saratoga County to succeed, grow, and thrive. Participation in our Saratoga County Restaurant Week promotion is open to any restaurant in Saratoga County, and there will always be a no-cost option to participate. Our SCORE small business advisors will meet with anyone interested in starting a business free-of-charge, and we annually host a "Reverse Job Fair" to support differently-abled adults looking for local employment opportunities. Our Love Our Locals promotion is also open to every locally owned business and impact sector organization in Saratoga County.
