Guglielmo retires as Rome Area Chamber president

ROME, N.Y. — William Guglielmo has retired as president of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce after a nearly 50-year career with the organization.

He began working for the chamber in February 1973 as a staff assistant. Guglielmo also served as director of government affairs and membership development, administrator, executive VP, and finally president in 1996.

“Bill’s life work has been the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce and making Rome a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” John Calabrese, Rome Area Chamber board chairman, said in a release. “He is a pillar of the Rome community and, rest assured, any significant advancement that we have experienced in our community, Bill Guglielmo played a role in that advancement in a way that only Bill can.”

The chamber board is actively searching for the chamber’s next president.

Guglielmo, a Rome native and 1967 graduate of Rome Free Academy, earned an associate degree in business administration from SUNY Morrisville and a bachelor’s degree in management science from the University at Buffalo.

“During my 50-year career with the chamber, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the dedicated membership who volunteered their time, talent, and resources, offering programs to promote business opportunities and encourage economic growth in Rome and the region,” Guglielmo said in a letter to the executive board announcing his retirement. “It was an honor and a privilege to work alongside so many creative, dedicated, and sincere people. I will miss all of them dearly, and with very fond remembrances. Thank you for the opportunity to play a part in successfully advocating for the Rome business community.”

Incorporated in 1912, the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce works to protect the interests of area businesses and foster economic growth.