Since taking the helm of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce in 2021, Heather Bell has led the organization through a period of remarkable growth, expanding membership from just over 500 to nearly 1,200 businesses today.
“At that time, we had 524 members… now we’re edging on 1,200,” Bell said. “We’re very focused on value—value for investment in any way that we can do that.”
Her leadership has not only strengthened the Chamber’s reach but also earned statewide recognition. In 2025, the organization was named “Chamber of the Year” by the Business Council of New York State.
“Success means success,” she said. “I’m very, very proud of it… I get the opportunity to lead a team that shows up every day, passionately working for these members.”
A leader shaped by experience
Bell’s career spans corporate, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit sectors. She began in community and government relations at Heineken USA before launching her own successful event planning business. She later joined the YMCA, where she developed a deeper understanding of community needs.
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“One of the things that has followed me along my entire career is a chamber relationship,” she explained. “If you are engaged, it can certainly help your business grow and thrive.”
That firsthand experience shaped her approach when she joined the Chamber in 2020 as Director of Membership—just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We actually grew membership through the pandemic,” she said. “Because I was able to provide credible information, valuable information… and they saw that the chamber was where they should be getting those resources.”
Expanding support for businesses
Today, the Chamber serves as a regional hub, focusing on business growth across Orange County and neighboring areas.
“Our focus is broad… we want to look at the big picture,” Bell said. “Our focus is business growth and success—right down to ‘I’m thinking about starting a business.’”
Support comes in many forms, including education, networking, and visibility. The Chamber hosted more than 160 networking events last year and continues to expand its programming.
“We’re constantly contacting our members and asking them what we can do to help them,” she said. “There’s a lot of opportunity to get visibility for your business, but also to network.”
New initiatives include the “Meet the Member” video campaign and a Small Business Spotlight radio feature—both designed to promote local businesses at no cost to members.
Empowering entrepreneurs
A key initiative under Bell’s leadership is the Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Resource Center, which offers structured support for new business owners.
Participants commit to a year-long program that includes 15 consecutive weeks of training, followed by monthly sessions.
“If you have a 90 percent attendance… you get your chamber membership for free,” she explained. “If you have 100 percent attendance… you get your registration fee refunded. So the chamber really doesn’t make any money on it—if anything, we lose money.”
The goal, she emphasized, is long-term success for entrepreneurs rather than short-term profit.
Addressing challenges through advocacy
While businesses continue to grow, Bell acknowledged that challenges remain.
“It’s a very tumultuous time,” she said. “Workforce—finding a qualified workforce—is a big issue… and utilities right now are really devastating our business community.”
To address these concerns, the Chamber plays an active advocacy role at the local, state, and federal levels.
“We advocate a lot,” she said. “We work with our utility companies… we’re in constant communication about infrastructure and funding.”
One notable initiative is the Chamber’s Small Business Legislative Day, which brings lawmakers directly to local businesses.
“Instead of all of our members getting on a bus and going to Albany, we brought the legislators here,” she said. “Then we decided that we’re going to hold them accountable.”
Building community connections
Beyond advocacy, the Chamber works to strengthen ties between businesses, government, and the broader community.
“Everything that we do involves community,” Bell said. “It’s also a strategic partnership… bridging connections constantly.”
She highlighted collaborations with tourism agencies, workforce development boards, and Stewart International Airport as examples of regional cooperation aimed at long-term economic growth.
Vision for the future
Looking ahead, Bell envisions the Chamber as a central resource for businesses of all sizes.
“My vision is that we become the one-stop shop for businesses,” she said. “That nobody has to go on Google… they instantly say, ‘Let me contact the chamber.’”
Her advice to new entrepreneurs is simple and direct:
“Join the chamber,” she said. “We will help you navigate… whatever you need to start your business.”
With continued growth, expanded programming, and strong advocacy, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce is positioning itself as a key driver of economic development and community connection in the region.
