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Heather Bell-Meyer Appointed as Permanent Orange County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
GOSHEN, N.Y. (May 20, 2021) – The Orange County Chamber of Commerce announced today that Heather
Bell-Meyer will continue to serve as President and CEO of the nonprofit organization in a permanent position effective immediately.
Bell-Meyer began serving as acting president and CEO in January 2021, previously holding the role of Director of Membership for the Chamber since 2019.
“The Orange County Chamber of Commerce represents a voice for all businesses within our local community, and that is not a responsibility I take lightly,” said Bell-Meyer. “As President and CEO, it is both my duty and my honor to support our local businesses and provide the resources and advocacy needed for them to succeed.”
Since joining the Chamber in 2019, Bell-Meyer has served as co-chair of the Workplace Wellness Committee as well as chairperson of the Ambassador Committee. Under her leadership, the Chamber re-created its Small Business Committee, which Bell-Meyer also chaired. Despite the pandemic, Bell-Meyer has strategically built membership in the organization while ensuring retention of existing members by strengthening relationships and providing value through a quality investment in their businesses.
“Heather’s commitment to local businesses is clear; she has been a valuable member of our community in both corporate and entrepreneurial positions, and has worked tirelessly to create environments in which other businesses in our region can thrive,” said Marcel Martino, Chairman of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. “To have Heather at the helm of the Chamber is a natural fit for both her spirit and professionalism.”
Bell-Meyer, a Hudson Valley native, has been an active member of the region’s business community for more than a decade. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Nyack College, Bell-Meyer began working for Heineken USA, Inc. in White Plains, N.Y., as a corporate relations specialist, focusing her efforts on community involvement, supporting Heineken’s many philanthropic programs as well as their government affairs efforts. In 2013, Bell-Meyer launched her own event-planning company, A Perfect Plan!, specializing in corporate events, charitable fundraising and social events.
In 2014, Bell-Meyer began working for the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester as an associate executive director, and later executive director for the White Plains branch. In that role, Bell-Meyer introduced new and innovative programming, resulting in increased enrollment and improved fundraising and networking outreach. Immediately prior to joining the Chamber, Bell-Meyer was serving as an executive consultant for the YWCA of Orange County.
“The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is a key economic development partner. I look forward to continuing to work with Heather and her team to help our local businesses be as successful as possible.” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus.
For more information on the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, please visit orangeny.com.
About the Orange County Chamber of Commerce
The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is proud to cultivate an environment in which all businesses succeed. As the leading supporter of business in the county, legislative advocates, connectors, and with exclusive member benefits, networking and marketing opportunities, seminars and more, the Orange County Chamber is one of the best investments a business can make in its development. Created in 1997 by the consolidation of the two largest chambers of commerce in Orange County, both predecessor chambers had a 100-year history of service to the business community. More information is available by calling 845-294-1700.
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Photo Credit: Keep it Classy Photography, Stephanie MacKay