Rochester Chamber's longtime leader announces retirement after 35 years at helm

Governor Kelly Ayotte presents a special commendation to Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Laura Ring at the State of the State forum at Frisbie Memorial Hospital conference center on Monday (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - After more than 35 years of service with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, its president and CEO, Laura Ring, has announced her retirement.
Ring made her retirement official in a recent newsletter to chamber members, stating she would be stepping down Dec. 31.
"After serving the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce for over 35 incredible years, with 33 years as your president/CEO, I have made the difficult but exciting decision to retire," she wrote. "Serving this organization and our fantastic business community has been one of the greatest and most fulfilling journeys of my life. It has been an honor to support, advocate for, and celebrate the businesses that make our community so vibrant and resilient."
In her announcement Ring said she was tremendously proud of the chamber's accomplishments over the years, crediting much of the success to businesses that are the lifeblood of the organization.
"Our Chamber is fortunate to have wonderful business people and staff who are dedicated to leading our organization," she said. "Together over the years, we have navigated challenges including economic ups and downs, several social issues, and pivoted through a worldwide pandemic."
Some of the notable accomplishments she referenced were the purchasing of their South Main Street headquarters and having if fully paid for many years ago, efforts in revitalizing the downtown and successful chamber events like the Raffle Bash, Business Expos and Christmastime events like the annual tree lighting and holiday parade.
While Ring is moving on to the next chapter in her life, she added that she will never forget the relationships she's built with business people, Rochester officials and employees she's worked with at the chamber.
"I will always hold the chamber, its members, and this incredible community close to my heart," she said.

Alan Johnson, senior enterpise account executive at breezeline and a former board chairman for the chamber, said he will miss Ring, whom he considers pivotal in helping him form lasting business partnerships.

"Laura has been an incredible asset for the chamber and community," he said. "She has helped me successfully make the business connections I needed many times."

Martha T. Soto, president of The Rochester Voice, which won the chamber's Business of the Year Award in 2021, added that Ring had a way of making you feel at ease.
"Even in a busy, bustling city like Rochester, when she spoke to you she made you and your business feel special," Soto said.