Here, progress isn't a solo climb.
Whether you're growing a business, leading a team, or just getting started in your career—you shouldn't have to navigate it all alone. Greater Rochester Chamber is here to back you. At the local and state level, we advocate for policies that protect your work, fuel your potential, and support the future of our region.
We advocate for the company we keep.
You might now always see the advocacy work we’re doing but you feel the results. Here are some ways we’ve worked behind the scenes to fi ght damaging legislation, unlock new opportunity, and keep our region competitive.
We've helped businesses save big.
Greater Rochester Chamber's extensive advocacy efforts helped secure $8 in State funding to pay off our outstanding Unemployment Insurance, saving every business in NYS - including yours - $400 per employee on average. Visit our UI FAQ to see how this benefits your organization.
❌ Fought back against the 21st Century Antitrust Act, which would have cut $20 billion in GDP and over 58,000 jobs in year one (A335/A2015)
❌ Blocked a $2–3 billion hit from the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act (S1464/A1749)
❌ Fought back the NY HEAT Act, shielding HVAC and construction firms from burdensome regulation (S2016/A4592)
❌ Prevented the costly expansion of prevailing wage laws for off-site custom fabrication (A6708/S6378)
❌ Prevented the costly expansion of prevailing wage laws for off-site custom fabrication (A6708/S6378)
❌ Stopped NYS from expanding short-term disability benefits by 600% (S172/A84)
We managed government oversight.
Supported alignment of staff-to-child ratios in childcare programs across NYS, expanding access to reliable and affordable childcare (S278/A612)
❌ Blocked the FAIR Act, saving New York's reputation as a commercial hub for job creation, capital investment, and entrepreneurship. (S8416/A8427)
❌ Fought against the Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, keeping supply chains intact for agtech businesses (S1239/A1556)
❌ Blocked the TEMP Act, protecting businesses against disruptive and unrealistic regulations on working conditions (S3412/A3527)
❌ Mitigated risks to the economic and healthcare stability of our region resulting from an expanded wrongful death statute (S4423/A6063)
We promoted local investment.
Supported the New York Land-Home Property Act, promoting investment in cost-effective, scalable housing options (A7512/S7120)
Learn more about how we've been fighting for your business this year in our End of Session Summary.
In our members’ words
“I became aware of the power of the advocacy arm of Greater Rochester Chamber when a carpet recycling bill making its way through the policy making process in Albany. Greater Rochester Chamber got me in front of key people in Albany to have meaningful conversations and they listened. I felt like Greater Rochester Chamber allowed me to be heard and to have an influence on the policy in the making."
Abby Reinhard, President and CEO, GP Flooring Solutions
“[Our experience advocating with Greater Rochester Chamber] has been extremely helpful, both in getting to know the New York State government and also getting them to know Wegmans and what we’re all about, including what our priorities are.”
Deana Percassi, Director of Public Relations, Wegmans Food Markets