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Advocacy

The success of the local economy creates prosperity and opportunity that benefits all of us. The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce works to influence that success by assisting local businesses and non-profits. We generate projects that lead to growth that will support the character of our community, and we leverage the expertise of our organization to advise on policy decisions that impact the economic and social well-being of our community.

King Street rezoning

Several years ago, the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce participated in the exhaustive 18-month review of a one-mile stretch of King Street for rezoning.

From creating green spaces to accommodating pedestrians, from establishing bicycle access points to determining driveway access and frontage requirements, the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce was on the ground — measuring tape in hand — actively collaborating with partners on these important policy decisions.

Rich Horton, a Northampton native and Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce investor since 2008, talks about his experience on the King Street rezoning committee. 

A new storm water utility in Northampton

When the City of Northampton proposed a new storm water utility, the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce agreed with the need for the investment and then took the lead to represent commercial property interests on the design of the utility. 

The benefits of a storm water utility were clear. However, the original fee structure that was proposed placed 80 percent of the fee burden on commercial properties and 20 percent on residential. The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce not only hosted forums for property owners, but also seated 2 of our volunteers on the City Committee that ultimately defined the specifics of the fee structure. Through a collaborative, thoughtful process the City adopted a structure that fairly distributed the cost between residential and commercial properties.

Economic Development

We advocate. We educate. We innovate. We represent the interests of the local economy on public sector task forces and committees. We influence legislation to ensure support for businesses, non-profits and the economy overall. We inform members about key issues affecting their success and convene those who help engage and move issues forward. 

Elain Formica, co-founder of RideNoho and Chamber investor since 2011, shares her experience of working with the Hampshire Tourism Council to promote our community.

We grow the tourism economy by marketing our area to visitors

Hospitality and tourism support 4,139 jobs in the county, that’s about 46% of the total jobs.  It’s also growing fast, experiencing a 20% growth over the last decade.  The Chamber provides the leadership and organization for the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council (RTC) — a state-funded strategy to promote our region to visitors and increase spending in the county. The RTC is a collaboration of the Amherst, Easthampton and Northampton Chambers of Commerce.  Our tourism website supports more than $150,000 in annual marketing campaigns introducing potential travelers to our area.

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce is also represented on Northampton’s Casino Mitigation Committee, overseeing the creation of a marketing campaign for the city of Northampton.

Downtown Northampton's vitality depends on our community's support

 In 2015, the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce participated in a year-long process with stakeholders to form the Downtown Northampton Association (DNA), and adopted the DNA as our affiliate. The DNA provides the resources, including staffing, needed to make an impact on Downtown’s vitality. The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce contributes administrative services at no cost.

While discussions took place about a new Downtown organization, the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce stepped in and organized the 2015 events, programs and decorations to ensure a successful year.

The county's first economic development strategy focuses on growth and opportunity

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce led an initiative to transform how Hampshire County’s community leaders work together to advance our common interests. The result was a Hampshire County Agenda for Growth and Opportunity, a blueprint for growing existing and new businesses, sustaining the environment, building on the county’s cultural vibrancy, leveraging the diversity of talent, and sharing the benefits of prosperity to all those who live and work in Hampshire County. 

We led a process connecting more than 250 civic leaders, business owners, elected officials, nonprofit executives, and residents alike who shared an interest to leverage all of Hampshire County’s strengths with a stronger voice within the region – helping the county grow and enhancing opportunity for current and for future residents. 

We have ambitious plans to redevelop the 3-county fairgrounds

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce is a partner with the City of Northampton and the 3-County Fair Association to create a year-round, state-of-the-industry exhibition center at the 3-County Fairgrounds. A $4.0 million state grant financed the construction of 3 new horse barns, phase one of the $40 million redevelopment project. When the year-round exhibition building is built, it’s expected to generate an additional $35 million in local spending and $500,000 in new annual tax revenues.

Join Us.

Gain credibility, increase visibility, expand your network, have a voice, stay informed, and receive referrals. 

Best of all, gain the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce as your partner, adviser, and champion as your business or organization grows and changes.