The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to creating and vigorously supporting an environment in which business can succeed and the quality of life is enhanced. With nearly 2,300 members, the Chamber is the largest business and professional organization in the Mid-Hudson region and one of the 10 largest in New York State.

As business and professional leaders - unified under the mission and vision of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce - we recognize and acknowledge that the vast majority of businesses and not-for-profit organizations and their respective executives operate with the highest standards of integrity and in an ethical and moral manner.

In order to withstand the negative characterizations resulting from the unethical actions of some, we offer the following standards, first for our organization and then respectfully, to our members:

• Create and encourage a positive work environment that allows all people, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability and any other protected classification, the opportunity to attain their human potential.
• Value employees by developing an open, fair and ethical work environment and encourage each employee to accept a degree of personal responsibility for the proper function and success of the organization, either business or not-for-profit.
• Respect professional relationships at all levels. In an era of virtual corporations, partnerships and extended collaborations, no company or organization is self-sufficient. Recognize that successful collaborations are built on trustworthiness, and trust is developed across the board.
• Seek to and strive to improve the quality of life within our communities; scrutinize the merits of change/growth, whether it is in caring for our environment, planning for the future or educating our children.
• Recognize that it is intrinsically good to do the right thing and to be ethical. Take satisfaction and pride not only in our work, but in our community. As professional and business leaders, reach out into the communities in which we do business and be a positive force in the community.

The essence of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce is derived from these ethical principles.

The Chamber was formed on October 1, 1997 by the consolidation of the former Orange County Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Each of these organizations had a century-long tradition of service to its members and the community at large.