Signature Programs
Chamber programs address the organization's mission of informing and educating
the business community on current and future business trends and challenges.
BASICS is an acronym for Businesses and Schools Investing in Cooperative
Solutions. This nationally recognized program brings the business and education
communities closer together on issues that affect young people.
Breakfast Club is a monthly opportunity to welcome new Chamber Members,
network, and enjoy a brief educational and informative presentation on issues facing
Blair County's business community.
Business After Hours continues to be The Chamber's premier networking
event. Chamber Members host these monthly events at their businesses to encourage
networking in an informal atmosphere complemented by food and beverages.
Executive Roundtable is a committee within The Chamber created specifically
to develop programming for Chamber Members at the CEO level in businesses with at
least 50 employees. The Executive Roundtable meetings feature presentations on issues
of interest to business or to the Blair County community. Membership in the Executive
Roundtable is generally by invitation although interested CEOs may apply.
GRYP, Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals, is
an innovative program of The Chamber designed as a platform for young professionals.
GRYP provides networking, educational and social activities focusing on professional
and personal development.
"Issues" and "Blair County: It's Our Business" are television programs
produced by The Chamber to educate and inform the business community on topics of
interest or concern. Filming for both programs is conducted at the Altoona Public
Access Studio. The format is panel discussion. “Issues” is an hour-long program;
“Blair County: It's Our Business” runs for a duration of thirty minutes.
Leadership Blair County Adult prepares members of the community to embrace
the often-elusive aspect of “servant leadership.” The class is limited to 24 members
annually.
Leadership Blair County Youth is specifically designed for the development
of servant leadership in youth from eight Blair County schools. Like the Leadership
Blair County Adult program, LBCY is limited to 24 members annually.
President's Forum is The Chamber's formalized networking program for upper
management executives who meet specific business qualifications. Forum groups consist
of eight participants from diverse businesses who meet each month to discuss all
factors that influence the ability to effectively do business.
Safety Programs are held monthly, focusing on regulatory compliance, disaster
prevention, and, periodically, human-resource issues that involve health or safety.
REGIONAL PROGRAMS
Regional Leadership
A collaborative effort by five chambers of commerce located within the Alleghenies
region to identify challenges and opportunities associated with regional development.
The basis for the effort is a full-day workshop involving the Leadership classes
of the five chambers. The Blair County Chamber has participated in the program since
its inception in 2004.
Regional Purchasing
A collaborative effort by five chambers of commerce located within the Alleghenies
region to encourage businesses to purchase more products and services locally rather
than buying outside the region. The project, known as “Buy the Alleghenies,” was
initiated by the Blair County Chamber in 2005.
Regional BASICS
A collaborative effort by four chambers of commerce located within the Alleghenies
region to identify ways that the business and education communities can better meet
the needs of students as they undertake career exploration. BASICS — Businesses
And Schools Investing in Cooperative Solutions — was started by the Blair County
Chamber in 1994.