It is my absolute pleasure to address you for the first time as the new Interim Executive Director of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce. My name is Craig Turner, and I am truly excited to be part of this incredible organization and look forward to working with all of you to ensure a strong, thriving future.
The goal: to keep the Niagara USA Chamber strong, and to position us for sustainable growth and long-term success.
We have a tremendous foundation – my charge from our board is to make it even stronger!
The first thing I’ll offer you is continuity: building on the great work that Kory Schuler has done over the last nine years at the chamber’s helm. I’ve actually been a board member for Niagara USA for the last seven of those years, and was honored to chair the chamber board in 2024. I’m thrilled to already know so many of our wonderful members, and can promise you the same level of engaging events and programs and a seamless transition in representing your voice in Albany, regionally and locally.
Here’s How We’ll Do It:
Connectivity
If you take a look at the Niagara USA Chamber Events Calendar, you’ll see a stacked lineup of events, and we’re just getting started. We’re committed to providing consistent, high-value opportunities for you to connect with the people, businesses, and industries that matter most to you. Networking, advocacy, and education will remain top priorities, ensuring that you have the resources and relationships needed to thrive. We’ll even throw in some exciting collaborations with other WNY organizations – you’ll see news on those soon!
Concerned about tariffs and our relationship with Canada? Join us Tuesday, 3/18 for our webinar: Strengthening Cross-Border Partnerships: Navigating U.S.-Canada Trade in the Buffalo Niagara Region
Inclusion
Niagara County is diverse – urban, suburban, and rural – each demographic with unique challenges and opportunities. The Niagara USA Chamber serves them all, and we are committed to making sure every voice is heard. Our mission is to bring the business community together, ensuring that you know what’s happening, how it affects you, and how you can engage.
Communication
The Niagara USA Chamber does incredible work for, and on behalf of, the Niagara business community, and we must tell our story effectively. That means using every communications channel at our disposal – newsletters, social media, PR, and direct outreach – to keep you educated, engaged, and aware of the value we deliver. Strong communication leads to a stronger Chamber, which leads to a stronger business community, and we are avid about making sure you always know what’s happening – and how to be part of it.
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The big question I get is, “Interim?” This is an interim role. How it lasts will be up to our board of directors. If you follow me on LinkedIn (please connect!), you’ll know that I’m president & founder of Momentum – a proud, longtime Niagara USA Chamber member! – and that we consult with chambers of commerce throughout North America. I’ve spent 20 years studying the science of business membership associations, and I am beyond excited to bring what I’ve learned to Niagara USA.
My experience has taught me a key truth: chambers that innovate, engage and communicate effectively will thrive! I am excited to work with all of our members, partners and stakeholders to accomplish this.
Looking ahead, I’ll ask of you three things:
- Connect with Elena Woods – our outstanding executive assistant – and me. Tell us what you’re hoping to get out of your membership, and let us go to work for you.
- Get to one of our events soon. If you need an easy entry point, the 3rd Thursday of every month we hold our Quick Connect Networking Lunch series, moving it around Niagara County. No agenda. Just come, meet people and do business.
- Look at the Niagara USA Chamber as a key tool for growing your business. We have collected the people, the information and the resources you need to take your business to the next level. Use them!
I’d love to hear from you. The new e-mail address is official – cturner@niagarachamber.org. Check in, tell me what you’re up to, and I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!
Connect with us on LinkedIn for news, updates and insights!