Our History: Founded on Strong Partnerships
The Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce was formed during the spring of 1986, when its two founders—the Southern Dutchess and Wappingers Falls Chambers of Commerce—joined forces to become one unified organization. The original partners have a long history dating back to the 1910s. The 1986 consolidation ensured rapid growth, created more opportunities for business-minded people to network, and created a stronger sense of community. Today, the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce is more than the sum of its parts, standing 1,000 members strong.
1910's
The Wappingers Falls Chamber of Commerce was organized in the Village of Wappingers Falls to promote industrial and business activities.
1923
The Wappingers Falls Chamber of Commerce was incorporated.
1930's
The Wappingers Falls Chamber of Commerce worked to expand industry in the Village of Wappingers Falls. It promoted the construction of sidewalks, gutters, and the paving of the streets.
1945
The Beacon Chamber of Commerce was formally initiated at a dinner at The Dutchess. The cost of the dinner was $1.75. All new members and prospective members were invited by the 11-member executive committee to attend and to elect the Board of Directors. The cost of membership was $25 per year. New members were required to apply for membership, and were voted in by the Board of Directors. Before the first meeting, membership was approximately 100. With donated office space and equipment, the Chamber staff was off to a flying start. The Executive Secretary accepted the post with only a nominal salary, and the stenographer was a volunteer. In less than six months, committees were addressing local issues. The Industrial Expansion Committee was educating businesses about the increased air express line (railway) benefits to industry and agriculture. The Civic Committee was exploring improvements with the approaches to the City. The Safety Committee was investigating a fire alarm box system for Beacon. The Housing committee was lobbying Dutchess County for funds to help alleviate the housing shortage in Beacon.
1946
The Beacon Chamber of Commerce was incorporated. In a letter from the Newburgh Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Chamber of Commerce was congratulated for its accomplishments.
1946
In April, Dutchess County Fair Officials invited Beacon’s young but growing Chamber of Commerce to participate on fair committees.Back to top of page
1953
Mr. Herman Osten, an active member of the Wappingers Falls Chamber of Commerce, was appointed to publish the bi-monthly tabloid paper, The Wappingers Falls Shopper, to spread local news and advertising. Within a year, Mr. Osten purchased the rights to the paper, which is now know as the Southern Dutchess News.
1954 to 1968
The Wappingers Falls Chamber of Commerce installed overhead lighting along Main Street during the Christmas holiday to bring shoppers to the Village for their gift giving needs.
1970's
The Wappingers Falls Chamber of Commerce established an office at 14 Mill Street that was staffed on a part time basis. Under the direction of Chamber President Norman Nussbickel, the Chamber became the social hub in the Village. Chamber membership grew from 25 to more than 200. Although its membership extended beyond the Village, the focus remained on developing business in the Village of Wappingers Falls.
1976
The Beacon Chamber of Commerce changed its name to the Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce.Back to top of page
1985
During the fall, the Boards of Directors of the two Chambers authorized the creation of a Joint Partnership Committee. Its objective was to explore methods of improving the relationships between the two Chambers of Commerce.
1986
In January, the Joint Partnership Committee recommends that the two organizations consolidate to create the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce. A letter of agreement and newly created by-laws were distributed to members of each Chamber and every member was urged to vote either at the meetings or by proxy.
1986
On the evening of March 5, the Southern Dutchess Chamber met at the Holiday Inn in Fishkill, and the Wappingers Falls Chamber met at Greenbaum & Gilhooleys.
1986
In April, the two Chambers began operating as the unified Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce.
