GUILDERLAND — The chamber of commerce here is kicking off its 50th anniversary celebration on Feb. 9, the day it was incorporated a half-century earlier, in 1972.

The celebration will last all year with new branding, events, programs, and a 50 New Member Challenge.

In late 1971, the process began to form the community’s first chamber of commerce. Business owners and associates from a variety of different industries started by going door-to-door to businesses in Guilderland to rally support, according to a release from the chamber.

By March of 1972, over 100 members had signed on. This year, in 2022, the chamber is hoping to recapture some of the comradery and community the founders of the organization built on by launching the 50 New Member Challenge with the goal of bringing in 50 new members.

Special perks and incentives will be offered for new members. A leaderboard on the chamber’s website will track new members and their ambassadors, and board members will be going door-to-door to businesses as the founders did in 1972.

Current members are also invited to create videos talking about why they are a member of the chamber or challenging other businesses to join. The chamber is partnering with local software company, VideoRequest by Insightpath, to make recording videos easy and quick.

A special referral incentive can be received by a member who refers businesses that turn into new members. For more info about the 50th Anniversary Celebration visit www.guilderlandchamber.com/50th

“Over the past couple of years, it’s been a difficult time for small businesses, nonprofits, and local chambers of commerce and we are excited to hit the ground running this year with our 50 New Member Challenge,” said Danielle Walsh, executive director at the Guilderland Chamber in the release. “2022 will be a year of celebration, connection, comradery, and storytelling at the GCC.”

“The board of directors is eager to bring in new members at the chamber, and to recapture members we lost during the pandemic. There is no better time to join the Chamber, and be a part of the future we are building here in Guilderland,” said Bridget Schultz, who chairs the chamber’s board. “On a personal note, I am also honored to walk in the footsteps of my father, Jim Schultz, who served as the board chair at the GCC when I was growing up.”