What We Do

Business & Education Partnership Opportunities

Questar III BOCES is partnering with schools in Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene counties to develop collaborative opportunities between the business and education communities.

B.E.S.T: Business Employment Standards Transition

The Columbia-Greene B.E.S.T. program helps students develop the skills, behaviors and knowledge necessary for success in the workplace and/or college.

Based on standards set by area businesses, B.E.S.T. assesses students’ competence through their academic performance and attendance, and community and career exploration activities. Each student creates a portfolio that demonstrates the application of his or her skills. Businesses participate by providing guest speakers, hosting tours, mentoring and providing internships.

More Information from Questar

Local & State Programs

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Economic Development Partners

The Greene County Economic Development Corporation is empowered by the Greene County Legislature to:

• Establish programs to support the creation of employment opportunities primarily for low-income residents of Greene County and to provide entrepreneurial training to low-income residents of Greene County thereby encouraging the creation of businesses by low-income residents of Greene County, and;
• Encourage the restoration, rehabilitation, and sustainable use of vacant and underused properties within Greene County, and;
• Acquire by purchase, grant, gift or otherwise, real property within Greene County to improve, maintain, lease and sell, and;
• Apply for grants from state and federal agencies intended to fund rural economic development, and;
• Distribute such funding to Greene County businesses through grants and low-interest loans that facilitate growth and job creation within the county.

View Greene County’s Economic Profile

Buy in Greene / Invest in Greene

The Buy in Greene / Invest in Greene program encourages businesses to locate, grow or expand in Greene County, while encouraging residents to shop, dine and buy services locally. This program adds to the strength of our local economy by helping to create and sustain jobs, while increasing our tax base revenue and invigorating our main streets and business centers.

Buy in Greene Invest in Greene

A non-profit housing agency servicing Greene County that administers state and federal housing programs for the benefit of their clients and to improve the quality of live in Greene County Communities.

• Manages six locations that house seniors and disabled individuals
• Helps homeowners make needed repairs
• Help people become first-time homeowners
• Counsels homeowners and tenants of resolving housing issues

Find Out More

2025 – 2026 Application
Deadline: July 31, 2025

Lead Where You Live

Leadership Columbia-Greene is an immersive 8-month leadership experience for professionals who are ready to make meaningful impact – in their workplace, their community, and their own lives.

Developed by the Columbia and Greene County Chambers of Commerce in collaboration with Pam Doran of La Era Digital, this program blends modern leadership development with a deep connection to our local economy and civic life. Through interactive workshops and real-world case studies, participants grow their confidence, sharpen essential leadership skills, and build lasting connections with local changemakers.

Whether you’re an emerging leader, business owner, or nonprofit professional, Leadership Columbia-Greene will help you lead with clarity, creativity, and purpose.

Why This Program Is Different

• Locally Built: Created by and for Columbia & Greene County professionals.
• Future-Focused: Combines timeless leadership tools with tech-forward strategies.
• Intimate Format: Small cohort of 16 participants ensures a personalized, high-impact experience.
• Inclusive by Design: Open to leaders from every sector – business, nonprofit, government, education, and beyond.
• Action-Oriented: You’ll leave each session with tools, insights, and strategies you can use immediately.

Program Snapshot

• Schedule: First Tuesday of the month, October 2025 – May 2026
• Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: In-person sessions rotate between Columbia and Greene County
• Tuition: $1,600
• Deadline: July 31, 2025 (space is limited to 16 participants and may fill early)
• Application: Required, reviewed on a rolling basis

Who Should Apply?

• Business owners, team leaders, and nonprofit professionals
• Educators, municipal staff, and civic volunteers
• Professionals living or working in Columbia or Greene County
• Anyone ready to grow as a leader, build community, and drive change

What You’ll Gain

• A clearer sense of your personal leadership style
• Stronger communication, team management, and decision-making skills
• Tools for budgeting, strategic planning, and measuring impact
• Deeper knowledge of local economies and policy environments
• Strong peer relationships and mentorship connections
• A practical roadmap for leading with purpose in your organization and community

Our Program Designer

Pam Doran, founder of La Era Digital, has created a curriculum grounded in inclusivity, innovation, and practical skill-building. Her approach centers real-world leadership—not theory—empowering participants to lead with authenticity and impact across every part of their lives.

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Program Modules:

Each full-day session blends skilled facilitation, experienced guest speakers, real-world case studies, and AI-powered learning tools.

Module 1: Leadership Foundations & Self-Awareness

• Define your leadership style through self-assessments
• Explore emotional intelligence and decision-making case studies
• Practice motivational leadership strategies

Module 2: Team Leadership & Communication

• Manage group dynamics and delegate with impact
• Role-play tough conversations with AI tools like ChatGPT
• Practice public speaking and active listening

Module 3: Financial Acumen for Leaders

• Read financial statements and create budgets
• Participate in AI-enhanced budgeting simulations
• Learn from local funders, CFOs, and nonprofit finance leaders

Module 4: Economic Development & Local Industry

• Explore Columbia-Greene’s economic drivers: workforce, tourism, agriculture, innovation
• Understand how local government shapes business opportunity
• Connect with local employers and industry experts

Module 5: Civic Engagement & Community Service

• Plan a service project and connect with local nonprofits
• Examine business-civic partnerships
• Design your personal civic impact strategy

Module 6: Advocacy, Policy & Leadership Vision

• Navigate state and local policy as a leader
• Develop advocacy skills tailored to your organization’s mission
• Craft a personal leadership mission and vision statement

Module 7: Workplace Culture & Team Success

• Build inclusive, productive team cultures
• Learn how identity, communication, and belonging shape leadership
• Hear from local leaders creating strong organizational culture

Module 8: Strategic Planning & Measuring Impact

• Develop SMART goals and a leadership roadmap
• Explore AI tools for strategic thinking and pivot planning
• Practice how to assess, adapt, and grow your leadership

Ready to Apply or Learn More?

Download the application HERE
Questions? Contact us: info@greenecountychamber.com

Leadership Columbia-Greene
Presented by the Columbia and Greene County Chambers of Commerce

Invest in People. Strengthen Teams. Lead Locally.

Our Women in Business program is special. Featured four times yearly, each event is tailored towards today’s businesswomen and professionals. Attendees enjoy a networking dinner or lunch and great camaraderie along with a special guest speaker. Each speaker is a local businesswoman, discussing different themes and topics to provide a different point-of-view for our attendees. At every event, we select a Women in Business Honoree, in recognition of achievement and success as a woman professional, entrepreneur, and community leader.

Thank you to our 2025 Women in Business Sponsor

There’s No Place Like Greene County, NY

The 14 Catskill Mountain, Rural Valley, and Historic Hudson River towns in our county are truly unique.  The optimum combination of small-town charm, access to major markets, and a tourism-driven economy provide exceptional work-life balance and opportunities to succeed and grow your business.

Our community of members at the Greene County Chamber support and celebrate the businesses that provide the goods and services that enhance our lives here.  We all, in turn, promote Greene County as a destination for commerce, adventure, and relaxation.

To see what there is to do and see in Greene County, visit the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County.

Greene County Officials

Greene County is governed by a board of 14 legislators who represent constituents in the 9 election districts in the county.

• District 1 – Catskill
• District 2 – Coxsackie
• District 3 – Athens
• District 4 – Greenville
• District 5 – New Baltimore
• District 6 – Prattsville, Ashland, Windham, Jewett
• District 7 – Halcott, Lexington, Hunter
• District 8 – Cairo
• District 9 – Durham

Find Legislators

NYS Officials

Greene County is part of New York’s 41st State Senate District and the 102nd State Assembly District.

See Governor & Executive Leaders

Find Senators

Find Assembly Members

Congressional Officials

Greene County has 2 US Senators that represent the entire state and is part of the 19th Congressional District.

Find US Senators

Find House Representatives