On July 22nd, the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce represented the region on a national stage after being invited to speak at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ 2026 Annual Convention, held July 20–22 in New Orleans.
Julia Miranda-Roach, the Chamber’s Marketing & Communications Associate, participated in a panel focused on how small chambers can use social media to expand their reach, strengthen community connections, and help members share their unique entrepreneurial stories. The Chamber was also represented by Chair of the Board Justin Wingenroth, Executive Director Carole J. Voisey, and Member Relationship Manager Karen Vogel, who connected with chamber leaders from across the country and returned with new ideas to better support Hudson Valley businesses.
The invitation spotlighted the Chamber’s ability to create engaging, community-centered content while working within the resource constraints common to small organizations. It also reflected the collaborative spirit that defines the Hudson Valley, where businesses and community partners work together to elevate local stories. Social media has transformed how consumers discover and evaluate businesses. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, 62% of U.S. adult TikTok users said product reviews or recommendations were a reason they used the platform, as did 44% of Instagram users and 37% of Facebook users.
“Small chambers may not have the same resources as larger organizations, but that does not mean our stories should have less impact,” said Miranda-Roach. “Becoming a recognizable community voice starts with introducing audiences to the people behind our member businesses. They may know the name or recognize the face, but not the purpose driving the work. Social media allows us to tell those deeper stories, helping to keep people connected to the community around them.”
“Being invited to share our work with chamber professionals from across the country was an exciting recognition of what our team has accomplished,” said Voisey,. “It also gave us an opportunity to spotlight the Hudson Valley as a growing and innovative region with ideas that can help organizations and communities elsewhere.”
The conference gave Chamber representatives an opportunity not only to share what has worked in the Hudson Valley, but also to learn from chamber leaders addressing similar challenges across the country. The team returned with new ideas and practical strategies that can be adapted to strengthen the organization, better serve its members, and contribute to the wider Hudson Valley community.
The ACCE Annual Convention brings together chamber executives who are shaping the future of communities around the world. The 2026 convention featured educational sessions, peer discussions, and national speakers.
