With more than 300 members, the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce connects businesses, organizations, and partners to support Allegany County's business community. Operating since 1906, the Chamber has long served as a resource for public- and private-sector entities, helping members build meaningful relationships and contribute to strategic community progress. Although the Chamber has always focused on partnerships, advocacy, and promoting the region's commerce sector, it has recently adapted its approach to serve small businesses better while strengthening relationships across the region.

Over the past several years, shifts in the local economy have also reshaped the Chamber’s membership, with small businesses becoming an increasingly important part of the business community.

Large employers who support the Chamber are vital to the organization’s work; however, small businesses often have different needs and rely on the Chamber for different types of support. The Chamber has responded by rethinking its programs and working more closely with community partners to expand available resources and reduce duplication.

The Chamber offers a variety of opportunities for its small business members to connect, including monthly networking events, legislative programs, and annual events such as its golf tournament and crab feast. Its leadership development programs also help build connections and prepare future leaders. Leadership Allegany brings together community and business leaders to explore local issues, while Leadership Allegany Rising engages high school juniors from across the county through a seven-month program.

Beyond networking and leadership development, advocacy remains one of the Chamber's most important ways of supporting small businesses. The organization helps local enterprises understand policy issues that could affect their operations and gives them opportunities to make their voices heard at regional and state levels. McCoy explained that when a proposed bill could affect a particular industry, the Chamber can reach out to impacted businesses, explain the potential implications, and help them participate in the legislative process.

That same approach extends to how the Chamber connects businesses with other resources. Serving businesses effectively, however, does not mean every resource or service has to come directly from the Chamber. Increasingly, part of its role is helping businesses navigate the network of organizations, expertise, and programs already available in Allegany County. Collaboration with the Allegany County Department of Economic and Community Development (ACECD) has become a progressively important part of its approach. McCoy described the relationship as one built on open communication, shared goals, and a willingness to work together. 

“Our collaboration with the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce allows us to connect with businesses, better understand their needs, and coordinate resources that support their growth. By working together, we can make it easier for businesses to access the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed in Allegany County,"  said Nathan Price, Senior Project Manager for ACECD. Maintaining open communication about ongoing initiatives and business needs allows both organizations to identify opportunities for expanding their reach and delivering more coordinated support.

One example is a series of quarterly workshops developed through a partnership between the Chamber, ACECD, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The workshops address topics relevant to small businesses, including marketing and artificial intelligence, while connecting participants with resources and expertise available throughout the community. For a small business with limited staff and resources, access to practical guidance can make a meaningful difference. The workshops help business owners understand how to approach challenges like marketing strategically, rather than simply maintaining a social media presence without a clear plan.

One recent workshop highlighted the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science’s Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg and its potential applications for business. Another upcoming session at Frostburg State University will feature WFWM and the 3 State Community Media Center, showcasing university resources that businesses can use to improve communication and reach customers.

Emphasis on connecting businesses with the right resources continues throughout the member experience. When new members join, the Chamber offers ribbon-cutting ceremonies that bring together elected officials, community partners, board members, and other local businesses to welcome them. Throughout the first year of membership, the Chamber follows up with communications and invitations to help new businesses find relevant programs, events, and connections.

The Chamber also shares information through Chamber On-Air, its podcast featuring conversations with businesses and organizations across the region. Its first season included 13 episodes covering topics such as banking, finance, investment, manufacturing, nonprofits, and small businesses.

As Allegany County continues to evolve, McCoy sees opportunities across several sectors, including downtown development, healthcare, environmental industries, and tourism. Across these sectors, McCoy emphasized the importance of creating quality jobs and making it easier for businesses to access support.

Continued collaboration among economic development and business support organizations will be essential to that effort. By improving coordination, creating clearer pathways to resources, and following up with businesses, partners can help owners spend less time figuring out where to turn and more time moving their projects forward.

Read more about partnerships that are fueling Allegany County’s economy on the blog.