Malta business group to integrate with Southern Saratoga County Chamber

MALTA, N.Y. >> The Malta Business and Professional Association will integrate with the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County in 2020.

In an effort to better serve their membership, the Malta Business and Professional Association’s board voted to accept a consolidation offer from the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County and recommend integration into that Chamber effective Jan. 1, 2020, according to a press release from both organizations.

“We are proud to represent the local business community,” MBPA president Michael York said in the release, “and constantly seek ways to improve our offerings to our members and make a better community for all who live and work here.”

CSSC president and CEO Pete Bardunias added, “Malta is a key

part of the Capital Region, a center of excellence for technology and an important economic driver for upstate New York. But it is also a locally focused, vibrant small town with bucolic parks, one of the most beautiful lakes in the state, and a burgeoning small business community. We believe that, together, we can best serve both big and small and continue its history a town with one of the best qualities of life in the entire Capital Region.”

The proposed integration, which will be voted on by the MBPA membership in September, will reshape the organization as part of the CSSC under its Saratoga County Community Development Program and focus resources of the larger chamber into the town in an unprecedented manner.

“For the first time, Malta will officially have a local Chamber of Commerce, one with the proven track record of helping develop and support local communities while possessing the regional clout necessary in today’s world to advocate for the business community while also promoting economically and environmentally sustainable practices,” the release stated.

This integration also comes along with a unique opportunity, due to the ongoing affiliation conversations between the CSSC and Capital Region Chamber. “The regional talks present a chance for Malta’s business community to impact the entire region but also bring business opportunity to us as well,” York said in the release “Having access to new advocacy and support programs will be a huge advantage for Malta businesses and can help startups and entrepreneurs achieve success right alongside established businesses and local not-forprofits which will similarly benefit.”

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County was formed in 1967 to serve the needs of the business community between the Bridges and Exit 13. It’s most recent work in Malta includes the installation of two benches on the Zim Smith Trail in Round Lake, and a self-contained kayak hub at the junction of that lake and Ballston Creek, through the work of a committee called the Round Lake Community Business Alliance.

The Malta BPA was formed in 1986 to help local businesses thrive and run local mixers and events. It has been instrumental in fighting for new form-based codes for development and to help make conditions better for businesses and residents alike as the town has grown over the years, the release said.

An announcement will be sent to the MBPA membership with details of the integration plan and setting the date for ratification.