The Discovery Process
We stretched our thinking, challenged our assumptions, and engaged and surveyed a wide array of stakeholders well beyond our membership — including businesses, nonprofits, and community residents.
We sought to increase engagement, accelerate progress, and fulfill our growth and prosperity mission by understanding and leveraging trends in technology, demographics, communication, and the ways people collaborate to support each other and our communities.
Below is a summary of the key findings of this process.
Global & Local Trends & Discoveries
Globalization and technology are reshaping local economies and organizations.
Globalization. Technology.
Values of diversity, fairness, and equity are highly valued and embedded in business practices.
Diversity. Inclusion.
Passion for causes is replacing loyalty to institutions.
Causes. Issues.
Polarization is fragmenting communities. Consequently, community issues are debated from the fringes.
Polarization. Fragmentation.
Consumers are easily disconnected from the impact their choices play in the health of our community.
Disconnected.
The Chamber membership model conveys exclusion, not inclusion and excludes talent and people who want to engage.
Outdated Model.
Many view the local business community as disengaged from the community.
Perception.
Previous
Next
The Community Vision for the Chamber
Communicate that a robust business community helps everyone. Cultivate a culture that supports small, independent businesses.
Communication. Education.
Encourage the balance of quality of life, business growth, environment, and culture.
Communication. Education.
Shine a bright light on the well-being of the community and the economy that drives it.
Communication. Education.
Attract, engage, and mentor the next generation of leaders.
Leadership.
Create opportunities for community leaders to connect, learn from one another, and work together for the greatest impact.
Convene. Connect.
Support innovation and promote startups and entrepreneurship.
Innovation. Entrepreneurship.
Strengthen its role in support of business success.
Innovation. Entrepreneurship.
Increase the vitality of downtown Northampton and promote its growth and development.
Strong Economy.
Previous
Next