Mission Statement: To provide the membership and the Hudson Valley Community with educational opportunities to foster business and personal success.

The Professional Development Committee serves the membership and community of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce through:

• Workshops and Seminars

Learn new or needed skills, or improve your current business practices. Past Chamber workshops have included "Magnetic Customer Service," "The ABCs of PEOs," "QuickBooks Basics," and "Use the Internet to Advertise, Promote and Market Your Business Effectively."

Our next Professional Development Series Panel Discussion will be entitled "The Fine Art of Negotiation" which will be held on Friday, July 30, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at SUNY School of Business, VH Room 110, New Paltz.

We've all heard 'how to get to yes." Now let's hear about getting to a successful yes! This workshop, led by Christina Bark of Christina Bark & Associates, lays the foundation for negotiations that work long-term, helping to build an understanding of the negotiation process and prepare for successful negotiation management.

Sponsor: Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz
Time: 9:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m.
Place: SUNY New Paltz School of Business, VH Room 110, New Paltz
Cost: Complimentary to NPRCoC members; $15 non-members
Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org Please call the office (845-255-0243) to register.

You can also offer a workshop through the Chamber – an affordable way to share your knowledge, promote your business, and grow your network of resources. The Chamber works with you to promote your workshop electronically, in print and in person at Chamber events, and handles registration and inquiries.

• Educational Scholarships

The Professional Development Committee believes strongly in life-long learning and appreciates the financial challenges often encountered in continuing education. Since 2004 the Chamber and its Foundation have offered two educational scholarships annually to promote higher learning. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in 2010. Recipients of these scholarships have included high school students pursuing undergraduate degrees, an adult pursuing paramedic training, and an adult pursuing advanced studies in massage and alternative health therapies.THE 2010 APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, MAY 14.

Click here to download an application packet for the 2010 Educational Scholarship.

• Informational Forums

The Professional Development Committee has initiated two ongoing discussion groups through the Chamber – the Chamber Pundit Roundtable and the Bed & Breakfast Discussion Group – to facilitate sharing timely information and ideas among Chamber members who share a common business or interest. Each group meets on a monthly basis. If you would like to start a discussion group, contact the Professional Development Committee by e-mailing info@newpaltzchamber.org.