Industry Councils

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce's cross-industry councils and peer groups serve as a powerful platform for our members to connect, learn from one another, and directly influence and shape the future of New York City.
The CEO Council serves as a preeminent forum for chief executives and top-tier business leaders across Manhattan's diverse industries. This exclusive group convenes regularly to engage in high-level discussions on critical economic trends, policy issues impacting the business landscape, and strategies for sustainable growth. Members benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities, direct access to influential policymakers, and the collaborative exchange of insights that drive innovation and foster a resilient business environment within New York City.
- Open to CEOs (or the equivalent) with >$10 million in annual revenue. Chamber membership level required to participate: Industry Insider or Chairman's Circle.
The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is the engine of the Chamber's advocacy, serving as our frontline for legislative intelligence and tactical advice. Comprised of a diverse group of member leaders, the GAC meets monthly to monitor critical issues at the city, state, and federal levels. The committee is responsible for analyzing emerging legislation, recommending official policy positions for the Chamber, and advising on the advocacy tactics needed for success. Through this essential work, the GAC ensures the voice of the Manhattan business community at City Hall and in Albany is strategic, unified, and effective.
The Chamber’s Innovation Roundtable curates intimate events that provide intel and high-level networking to growth-stage company founders in the three sectors driving New York City’s innovation economy: life sciences, tech, and the green economy. Current activities include:
- Curated discussions. In 2024, the Roundtable curated three sit-down morning meetings for ~50 attendees each on the following topics:
- The Future of NYC’s Entrepreneurial Tech Industry
- Capital Summit on The Skyline: Exploring Funding Sources for Growth
- Climate Week NYC: Climate Leadership and Sustainable Infrastructure
- Founders Lounge mixers. These evening mixers feature high-level guest speakers in a relaxing lounge environment. About 75 attendees.
The Roundtable co-chairs are Jason Dodier, CCO & Co-Founder of GRAIN EcoSystem and Jay Norris, CEO & Co-Founder of Guesst. Both are Chamber Board members.
Chamber membership level required to participate: Business Builder, Business Booster, Industry insider, or Chairman's Circle (NOT included at Networker membership level).
The Chamber's NYC Business Builders Connect group is a vital peer-to-peer community for members actively growing their ventures in New York City. This dynamic group meets online each month in a confidential and collaborative setting to share valuable insights, tackle pressing challenges, and learn directly from one another's firsthand experiences. It is a dedicated space designed to foster mutual support and accountability, helping NYC entrepreneurs solve problems faster, build stronger professional networks, and navigate the journey of business growth together.
This feature is available to Chamber members at the Business Builder level or above (so not available to Networker members).