Chamber to Host Cost Savings Member Benefits Expo

Hudson , NY – Is your business looking for ways to save on health insurance or cut costs on your energy bills? The Columbia County Chamber's Member Benefits Expo will answer all your questions and show you how you can save money.

The Expo will be held on Thursday, May 14 at Meadowgreens Restaurant. Erin Nevins, President of EP Nevins Insurance Agency will speak about sole proprietor health insurance products from 8:00 to 9:00 am. Then from 9:00 to 10:00 am Gordon Boyd from Energy Next will speak about how businesses can cut their gas and electric bills with an exclusive Chamber member program. You may attend both sessions or choose to attend either one. Non-members are also invited to attend.

The Benefits Expo is being held due to the overwhelming response from the Chamber membership survey that was conducted in January 2009. These two topics were at the top of the list when we asked members what impacted their businesses the most. “The Chamber is here to support members and we are holding the Benefits Expo to help members become aware of the cost saving programs the Chamber offers,” said Chamber Chairman Michael Sullivan. “It's extremely easy to take advantage of the Energy Alliance program. I'll even meet with a business and fill out the form,” added Sullivan.

The Chamber's member benefits help members stretch their dollars further by using a collective voice to negotiate lower costs. Sole proprietors' health insurance offerings include CDPHP, MVP Health Plan, Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, GHI-HMO Select and Guardian Dental Insurance. “I get my medical insurance through the Chamber,” says Arlene Boehm of Boehm Graphic Design, echoing the reason many small and home-based businesses join the Chamber. She has also benefited from the networking. “It has brought me business,” reports the graphic designer.

The Energy Alliance program, offered free of charge, can cut members' electricity and natural gas costs. Program participants pay only for the energy they use, and in most cases save at least their entire Chamber membership investment by enrolling in the program. Members just have to fill out a simple one-page form and give a copy of a current utility bill to the Chamber and they will take care of the rest. “The Energy Alliance program represents a significant savings for us, approximately $4,000 a year,” said Doug Geller of Petersen Geller Spurge, Inc. “The Energy Alliance program is one of many reasons we joined the Chamber and has made our membership extremely valuable.”

Meadowgreens Restaurant is located at 1238 Route 9H in Ghent . Please contact the Chamber by May 8th to reserve at (518) 828-4417.

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia County , providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members. Those seeking more information concerning the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.