GUILDERLAND — She used to be in the business of businesses in town.

But now, after 10 years directing the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce, Jane Schramm has resigned to direct Senior Services of Albany, a not-for-profit organization which provides services to the city and the county, including the Albany County Meals on Wheels program.
Schramm has been described as "the heart and soul" of the town’s chamber of commerce by her colleagues and she says business trends have changed over the last decade.
"Technology has changed business," Schramm said. "I remember when people had those huge, heavy cell phones and no one had a computer at home, or at least it was rare. People didn’t communicate via computer."

Now, Schramm says, three-quarters of Guilderland Chamber of Commerce members use e-mail as a primary communication tool.
"People do business a lot faster now," Schramm told The Enterprise.

Technology has also helped foster a strong community of entrepreneurs, according to Schramm.
"I’ve seen a lot more entrepreneurs, a lot more," she said. "I know it’s a national trend, but it’s a big group of folks here in Guilderland."

Her 10-year anniversary with the chamber would have been next month, but, Schramm said, she had an opportunity she just couldn’t pass up.
"I had a new opportunity come my way that piqued my interest"It’s a very good move," said Schramm. "I’m a firm believer that everything you’ve done in your life shapes where you are now."
Schramm said she has a "varied past" and was previously the volunteer coordinator for the city of Albany and had worked for the Capital District YMCA.

"Symbiotic relationship"
Recalling when she first applied to the Guilderland chamber, Schramm said, "I was working for the city and heard the position was open. I thought I’d see if it would be a good fit." The chamber’s office is "right down the road" from her home, she said.

Schramm says Guilderland is a great place for business.
"We have a highly educated population here. Guilderland people are very loyal to their businesses and Guilderland businesses support their community," said Schramm. "It’s a nice symbiotic relationship."
Schramm said the businesses that belong to the chamber are "not just there to make a buck."
"What I really got a sense of working with the chamber was that people want to belong, they want a sense of community," she said. "Some people think that chambers of commerce are all business and have no heart, that they are ruled by the all-mighty buck. There are a lot of good business people in Guilderland."

Spearheading many community events over the years, Schramm helped create and promote last summer’s Pigtacular that spurred a host of fiberglass pigs around Guilderland, all auctioned off for charities.

Schramm saw the chamber grow from 300 businesses to 650 business members during her tenure.
"Everything from the webmaster working out of his basement to Albany Molecular Research"it’s a very diverse membership," Schramm said.
The chamber provides networking opportunities for local businesses and offers the benefits of referrals and workshop groups, like "Women in Business" and a group of sole proprietors called "The Lone Rangers," Schramm said.
"Chambers of commerce are the conduit to help businesses succeed and get advice from other local business owners"and people in the community are comfortable going to a chamber for recommendations."
"A real people person"

Staffers at the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce say they miss Schramm, but that they wish her the best of luck.
"I’m happy for her but we’ll really miss her here," said Cyndy Myers, the chamber’s member services coordinator. "Of all the bosses I’ve ever had, Jane is the nicest, hardest worker I’ve ever met. She makes you feel like an equal, not an employee."

Myers said the chamber has not named a new executive director, but applications are now being accepted and interviews are being conducted.
"If you know of any really good people like Jane, send them our way," Myers told The Enterprise.
Myers summed up Schramm by saying, "Jane is the best boss I’ve ever had"She’s a real people person. I can’t say enough good things about her."

Schramm says the feeling is mutual.
"I’ve met some great people along the way," she said. "I miss the chamber and everyone there, but I still live in Guilderland and still get to interact with everyone, but just in a different capacity."

Schramm’s last event for the chamber was a fund-raiser at the Appel Inn in Guilderland Center. The event raised $7,000 for the Liza’s Legacy Foundation.
The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce is honoring Schramm’s service by holding "An Evening with Jane Schramm" on Wednesday, July 25, at the Italian-American Community Center in Albany. The evening will feature dinner with a cash bar and will cost $20. Organizers will accept an additional $5 to contribute to a gift being presented to Schramm that evening.

Those interested get additional information or make reservations by calling 456-6611.