The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce has a long history of serving the community and its visitors, having been founded in 1917. The Chamber is a hub for the local business community, providing opportunities for promotion and partnership, resources for learning, and serving as a driver of economic prosperity.
For businesses, the Chamber provides access and exposure through our prime locations of the Visitor Center and Information Kiosk, print and online promotional materials, and dynamic community and business events. Furthermore, the Chamber helps facilitate and enhance the visitor experience in our role as concierge and ambassador.
Additionally, the Chamber houses a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Cooperstown Foundation, whose mission is to provide educational opportunities and explore grant opportunities to improve our community and preserve our history.
Some of the business and community events that the Chamber is proud to offer include:
Community Events
Cooperstown Artisan Festival – Cooperstown has a rich artistic history and was host to an arts & crafts show for nearly 50 years. The Chamber is pleased to build upon that great history with this event, coming up on its fifth year in 2022, which serves to highlight and celebrate our local and regional artisan community, and encourage late-summer visitation to our business community. For two days, the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, the courtyard of the Otsego County Campus is transformed into an outdoor Artisan Festival. Vendors offer a beautiful and vast variety of 100% handcrafted products, and the festival additionally features local music, kids’ activities and more. Please visit cooperstownartisanfestival.info for more details!
Music on Main – In partnership with the Village of Cooperstown, the Chamber helps provide an opportunity for local musicians to play in downtown’s Pioneer Park each summer. This program showcases the talents of local musicians, encourages patronage of downtown businesses, and enriches our downtown experience.
Cooperstown Halloween Parade – This delightful offering, a longtime Cooperstown tradition, invites children to don their costumes and parade on Main Street. The parade typically begins in XX Park, and ends in front of the Chamber cottage, where treats are served. Many of our local Village businesses are also pleased to offer trick-or-treating opportunities.
Pop-Up Holiday Artisan Market – In partnership with Bassett Healthcare, the Chamber hosts a miniature market featuring several local and regional artisan vendors at the Bassett Clinic building in Cooperstown annually in early December. Open to the community, this event not only spotlights the talents of _____, but also provides a wonderful opportunity for holiday shopping for patients and their families, community members, and Bassett employees.
Business Events
Annual Meeting of Members and Business Hall of Fame Awards – Held annually, this event invites the Chamber membership to get together and network while
Business After Hours – Presented quarterly, “Business After Hours” events are each hosted by a different Chamber member business and provide an opportunity for networking and to learn more about the host business.
“Get to Know Cooperstown” Expo – In partnership with Bassett Healthcare, the Chamber invites its members to showcase their products and services in the Bassett Clinic building. This is a great opportunity for businesses looking to promote themselves more to the local and regional community.
Coffee With Coop – This morning educational series takes place annually each spring and features sessions designed for both business members and community members to be able to catch up with the developments and plans of different businesses, attractions and organizations after the winter months and ahead of the busy tourism season.
Lunch and Learns – These afternoon sessions often focus on topics designed to help businesses in the realms of human resources, governmental updates, financial…
Golf Tournament – The Chamber Golf Tournament provides an opportunity for networking and fun competition. This event is always held at a Chamber member golf course, and has been hosted by Leatherstocking Golf Course at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, or by the Otsego Golf Club, in past years.
Ribbon Cuttings – As new businesses open in our community, the Chamber is eager to celebrate them and welcome them to the business community by hosting a ribbon cutting.