Amherst Chamber Of Commerce Inc

Williamsville, NY · Founded 1957

Fosters economic growth and business development in Western New York through advocacy, networking, and workforce initiatives

Primary audience
Business Community
Work area
Economic Development
Topic
Business Advocacy
Contact
Aj Baynes
Website Contact

About Organization

The Amherst Chamber of Commerce supports businesses and economic development across Western New York. Based in Williamsville, NY, the organization operates with 6 employees and generated $810,241 in revenue in 2023. Founded in 1957, the chamber provides access to policy initiatives, professional development, and business resources.

What They Focus On

Economic Development

Nurtures strong economic environment through policy advocacy, development initiatives, and strategic regional partnerships

Business Resources

Provides members access to networking opportunities, professional education, and workforce development programs

Regional Advocacy

Represents business interests in public policy discussions and promotes favorable economic conditions across Western New York

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$810K

-0.8% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$787K

+0.8% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$1.5M

+57.7% vs 2022

Employees (2023)

6

+20% vs 2022

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $810,241 $786,748 $1,459,297 6
2022 $817,057 $780,422 $925,081 5
2020 $582,576 $757,421 $648,794 6
2019 $795,603 $701,948 $745,410 6
2018 $795,058 $730,123 $726,595 8

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Member Engagement

    Connect businesses with chamber resources and identify specific needs for economic growth support

  • 02

    Policy Advocacy

    Represent member interests in public policy discussions and economic development initiatives regionally

  • 03

    Resource Delivery

    Provide access to workforce training, professional development, and networking opportunities for members

  • 04

    Economic Impact

    Measure and strengthen regional business environment through sustained partnerships and strategic initiatives

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Amherst Chamber Of Commerce Inc

Economic Development Access

Connects members with economic development opportunities and public policy initiatives throughout Western New York

Workforce Development

Provides training, education, and workforce development resources to support business growth and employee skills

Professional Networking

Facilitates connections between business leaders and organizations through networking events and collaborative opportunities

Business Education

Offers training programs and educational resources to enhance business operations and professional capabilities

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Amherst Chamber Of Commerce Inc.

Aj Baynes

Aj Baynes

President/CEO
Full-time
Compensation: $229,812
Christine Langenfeld

Christine Langenfeld

COO (Licensed NYS Health Insurance Broker)
1 hrs/week
Compensation: $110,000
Matthew Castaldo

Matthew Castaldo

Benefits Manager (Licensed NYS Health Insurance & Medicare Agent)
Penny LaPlaca

Penny LaPlaca

Benefits Specialist (Licensed NYS Health Insurance & Medicare Agent)
Tiffany Dillon

Tiffany Dillon

Member Services Manager (Gallup Certified Strengths Coach)
Lauren Harvey

Lauren Harvey

Membership & Marketing Coordinator

Milestones

1957

Chamber Founded

1957

Established to support business development and economic growth in the Amherst region

1991

Tax-Exempt Status Granted

1991

Received IRS recognition as a tax-exempt business league organization

2020

Pandemic Response

2020

Adapted programming and support services during economic challenges, with revenue declining to $582,576

2023

Revenue Stability

2023

Maintained consistent operations with $810,241 revenue serving regional business community

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AW
Aj Wright Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
AD
Andy Davis Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
AC
Anne Constantino Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
BL
Brendan Little Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
CB
Chrystie Barker Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
DF
David Flynn Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
DM
David Mingoia Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
DN
Dr Navyugjit Virk Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
EV
Earl V Wells III Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
EM
Elena Mendel Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week
EC
Elizabeth Carey Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
FL
Frank Lotempio III Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
FM
Frank M Comisso Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
HH
Holly Hubert Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
JP
Jeff Panza Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
JK
Jenna Kavanaugh Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
JB
Jody Briandi Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
JG
John Gavigan Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
JB
Judy Baumgartner Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
KP
Ken Pawlak Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
KC
Kyle Ciminelli Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
LD
Laura Dolan Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
LZ
Laura Zaepfel Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
LR
Luis Rodriguez Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
LW
Luke Woeppel Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
MG
Mark Gaulin Chair 1.00 hrs/week
MA
Michael A Anderson Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
MP
Michael Pietkiewicz Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
ND
Nick Darling Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
PC
Paul Coleman Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
PV
Paul Valley Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
PP
Pete Petrella Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
RB
Rachael Brown Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
RA
Rich Argentieri Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
SS
Sal Sciandra Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
SB
Steve Bertini Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
TG
Tom Garigen Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
WL
Walt Ludwig Board Member 1.00 hrs/week
WP
William P Johnson Board Member 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$357K

Highest Paid

$243K

Aj Baynes

Compensated Officers

2

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Aj Baynes President/CEO $229,812 $13,641 $243,453 40
Christine Langenfeld Director Of Marketing & Operations $110,000 $3,150 $113,150 1

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$69K

Total Forgiven

$69K

100% forgiven

Jobs Retained

5

Loan Details 1 loan

$68,830
Forgiven
Forgiven: $69,126 100%
Approved Mar 13, 2021
Lender Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
Jobs Reported 5
Forgiven On Aug 23, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$24K Grants Received
1 Organizations

Top Funders

1 total
IH
Independent Health Association Inc.
$24K

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Related Organizations

2 affiliated entities reported on IRS Form 990 Schedule R

2

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

1
Amherst Community Foundation
Williamsville, NY
To Provide Support To Other Charitable Organizations In Wny
501(c) 501(C)(3)

Disregarded Entities

1
Small Business Services Of Western New York LLC
Williamsville, NY
To Provide Group Rate Health Insurance Benefits To Members
DRE

Source: IRS Form 990, Schedule R (Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships)

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
2 Registrations
2 Clients
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 2 total

Chamber Of Commerce Hawaii/ Military Affairs Council
1 filing
Self
Chamber Of Commerce Of The U.s.a.
1 filing
Self

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Amherst Chamber Of Commerce Inc

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(716) 632-6905

Social

Visit Website
400 Essjay Road Suite 150 Williamsville, NY 14221