BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI

North Country This Week

MASSENA — St. Lawrence County Chamber Director Ben Dixon says exciting things are happening at the chamber now that Ogdensburg, Canton and Massena have voted to integrate with the county chamber.

At a Massena town council meeting on Sept. 20 Dixon told council members, highlighting strategic partnerships with organizations like Fish Massena and Explore Massena that allow them to work together to promote Massena.

“I want to give congratulations to both those entities for receiving the Chamber's best destination marketing initiative award at our annual tourism dinner this past year, well deserved,” Dixon said.

Dixon said the merger of the four chambers of commerce are nearly complete, with just official approval from the Department of State needed now.

The next step will be to canvas for community coordinators who would be placed locally to work as a liaison to the county chamber on behalf of local businesses.  

“That person would, you know, obviously be working with the business community here in Massena and promoting the community and all it has to offer. They'll also bring something special to the table in marketing and communication and or membership services delivery,” Dixon said.

Dixon said having boots on the ground locally will be a huge benefit to local businesses.

The county chamber will also see new members join its board of directors, including representatives who work for Liberty Utilities, the New York Power Authority and Alcoa.

Other work that is currently ongoing includes updates to membership categories, as well as categories for individuals and retirees who may not be involved with a specific business but wish to assist the new integrated chamber of commerce.

“We’re excited about that,” Dixon said.

Dixon also spoke of plans to revamp leadership circles and give recognition to larger contributors that have commonly been called “community builders” or “leadership circle” members.

Membership applications are also pouring in, with dozens of businesses signing onto the new integrated chamber.

Job descriptions are also being formulated for a community ambassador group for individuals who want to volunteer at chamber activities “to be the boots on the ground help…on things that are happening in the community.”

“We're moving forward. Thank you all for your patience as we do that. I know it's been a long process and there's a lot of steps involved to get it done. I'd love to wave the wand and have it going but we are, you know, at this point the train is getting some momentum here and it's very exciting,” Dixon said.