Opportunities for Leadership
Our Committees
The Chamber is here to help you connect and grow. Learn more about leadership and volunteer opportunities to serve on the GNCC board and/or our committees...
The GNCC depends on the expertise and connections that investors and community members bring to group work.
Whether volunteering as a board member or serving on one of our committees or contributing through round tables and task forces to address particular issues, the right opportunity is available to you.
Our Committees
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Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is the “mind” of the GNCC. Members are deeply familiar with the policies, tools and techniques of sound financial management. Each member of the committee takes pride in overseeing the financial health and stability of the GNCC today and into the future.
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Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee is the “body” of the GNCC. It is a group of individuals from the business and non-profit communities that includes Chamber Investors, Chamber Partners, and community members alike. If you have the desire and ability to focus with fellow community and business leaders on high-priority, current issues that affect the health and economic vitality of Northampton and the region, please join us!
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Investor and Community Relations Committee
The Investor and Community Relations Committee is the “spirit” of the GNCC and place where Ambassadors love to make connections by gaining new GNCC investors and supporting others’ business success.
Ambassadors tend to be outgoing, positive, creative, enthusiastic and involved. If this describes you, we invite you to join us!
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Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement & Equity (DICEE) Committee
The Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement & Equity (DICEE) Committee, the “soul” of the GNCC, spearheads broad-based, community initiatives and helps center our Diversity and Inclusion agenda. This dedicated team of volunteers seeks collaborations and activities that promote a greater sense of belonging among under-represented groups and a commitment to anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in our community. The CEC welcomes all volunteers who are passionate and proactive about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and who wish to deepen their involvement in the community.
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Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee serves to identify and recruit new GNCC Board members once/year. The Committee is active from August through December each year and works to achieve a Board that reflects the Greater Northampton community and follows the GNCC’s DEI values in everything that it does.
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Special Committees
Special Committees exist or may be formed to provide meaningful benefits to GNCC or support specific programs and activities. Two special committees (Governance Committee and Partners Program Committee) are ongoing while other special committees may be formed for a specific purpose or limited time.
Finance Committee
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Provide leadership, oversight, and guidance on all financial matters
Ensure compliance with internal controls to safeguard the GNCC’s assets and the handling of income and disbursements
Maintain financial balance to ensure solvency and a strong financial position
Partner with accounting vendors to ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations
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Financial Statements (monthly P&L and Balance Sheet; Annual Budget)
Form 990 Tax Filing
Annual Financial Review and/or Audit
Investment Policies/Principles
Internal Controls
Tracking and Reporting
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Financial Statements (monthly P&L and Balance Sheet; Annual Budget)
Form 990 Tax Filing
Annual Financial Review and/or Audit
Investment Policies/Principles
Tracking and Reporting
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Monthly
3rd Thursday (2nd Thursdays in November and December)
8:00-9:30 a.m.
Economic Development Committee
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Influence and advocate at local, regional and state level for a healthy economy and thriving community
Represent GNCC as a civic model that represents various, community-wide viewpoints and perspectives
Actively engage on big bet topics and provide a process for public awareness and discourse
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Vibrancy Project
Main Street Redesign
Legislative Affairs (Political Leaders, Issues, etc.)
Downtown Issues (commercial rents, vacant storefronts, cannabis, etc.)
Rail Service (Valley Flyer Pilot Program)
Retailers’ Issues
Registry of Deeds Building (future development)
Climate Resiliency (Role of Business Community)
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Forums to share timely and relevant local, regional and state information with business owners and the community
Thought leadership and positive influence on big community investments
Appropriate decision frameworks for addressing tough issues
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Monthly
3rd Friday
8:00-9:30 a.m.
Investor and Community Relations Committee
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Retain existing investors and develop new investors through one-on-one outreach and programming engagement
Recruit new investors by participating in targeted campaigns
Secure sponsorships for Arrive@5 and other events as requested
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Outreach to newest members – provide mentorship
Actively use best practices for member engagement
Play leading role in all aspects of Connect Campaign activities
Achieve membership goals through active recruiting
Greet, welcome and host Arrive@5 and other events
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Investor Acquisition, Development, and Retention
Networking Events (Planning and Execution)
Professional Development Activities
Light Fundraising
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Monthly
3rd Wednesday
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement & Equity (DICEE) Committee
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Create platforms that represent GNCC as an “Open Organization” and aims for “Greater Impact” in our community.
Edify GNCC’s role by supporting causes and attracting a broad segment of the community to engage in these.
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DEI strategies
Cause-related research
Community relationship building
Leadership development opportunities
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Community outreach
Engagement by residents and community leaders (non-traditional Chamber members)
Trust-based, community connections and coalitions
Strong network of community supporters
Advocacy for causes that community cares about (e.g., affordable housing, BIPOC and women-owned businesses)
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Monthly
2nd Thursday
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Nominations Committee
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Diversify the Board such that it reflects the Greater Northampton community and is well-balanced in terms of experience, skills, and industry sectors
Practice diversity, equity and inclusion in all activities and in all communications
Seek nominees from both inside and outside the GNCC
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Assess number of slots to fill on the Board in the coming year
Develop communications to recruit candidates from Board members, Investors and the greater community
Assess and agree upon candidates to interview
Develop interview questions and rating rubric
Interview candidates (2 members per interviewee); complete assessment; discuss and agree upon slate and alternates
Present slate of candidates to Board for approval
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Developing a healthy list of candidates from which to interview and select, sourced from both inside and outside the GNCC, including greater community members, reflecting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Presenting a slate of candidates plus two alternates to the Board of Directors in November for voting in December
Communicating to all candidates (whether selected or not) and encouraging them to get involved in other aspects of the GNCC
Improving the process and communications to continuously reflect and reinforce the GNCC values of DEI, and thereby encourage investment and/or participation
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Varies during Nominations Process (August-December)
Special Committees
Governance Committee
The role of the Governance Committee is to review, solicit, and propose amendments to the GNCC By-Laws that align with current operations, adopted policies and procedures, and the strategic plan. The Governance Committee may also be tasked with developing policies to improve internal controls and ensure compliance with sound operating principles and acceptable business practices.
Partners Program Committee
The Partners Program Committee is comprised of a group of dedicated stakeholders and thought leaders (referred to as “Chamber Partners”) who invest above and beyond their base dues to further advance GNCC’s mission for a thriving economy and community. The role of the Partners Program Committee is to recognize the Partners’ distinguished roles in our community by creating and developing unique, experiential events that celebrate their contributions and provide them with an invaluable return on investment.
