CANTON – Staff, board members and volunteers from more than 35 non-profit organizations took advantage of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Non-Profit Conference at the Best Western University Inn recently.

The conference featured presentations from five keynote speakers who provided a variety of important information relevant to non profit organizations in St. Lawrence County, and beyond, said a press release from the chamber.

Laura Foster, director of Frederic Remington Art Museum, started the conference with a presentation on social media. She featured examples of how to attract a larger market by following social media trends and incorporating them into your posts.

Max DelSignore, assistant director of Northern New York Community Foundation, led an engaged audience in a conversation regarding stewardship and the importance of staying connected with your donors on how their donations are being put to use, the press release said.

Zachary Monroe, director of the Massena Boys & Girls Club, shared an example of how his organization practices stewardship, stating “When we receive a grant award, such as the one received by Alcoa 3 years in a row, we invite them to our programs and events that utilize their grant funding. They feel invested in our organization and can see for themselves the work we are doing with their assistance.”

Angela Gray, CPA/principal of Gray & Gray Associates, presented ‘What’s New in Taxes for Non-Profits,” where she reviewed last year’s tax changes regarding donations. She reassured the organizations that donor giving has not diminished as it was expected to under the new guidelines, the press release said.

Diane Leonard, president and owner of DH Leonard Consulting and Grant Writing Services, LLC presented ‘You Were Successful in Getting the Grant, Now What.” She provided tips for managing grant funds once you are awarded the grant and how to keep staff excited and engaged throughout the grant process.

Kelsey Rebmann, community program coordinator for Better Business Bureau of Upstate NY, finished the conference with an overview of the BBB’s “Charity Review” program that provides information to potential donors on the ethical practices and accountability of charities.

The chamber has posted the five presentations on their website SLCChamber.org for the public and chamber members to use as a resource.

The event was sponsored by St. Lawrence University and Northern New York Community Foundation.

Info: Mike Besaw at mike@SLCchamber.org.