Business community builds momentum

THE MOST COMMON question I get when I tell people about my job as the executive director of the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce is, “What does a chamber even do?”

During the last several years, the answer to that question has surely been challenging for even a seasoned chamber director. However, despite these challenges, my predecessor Julie Coupoulos and leaders at other Western Massachusetts chambers have forged ahead and laid some excellent groundwork. This is evidenced by the fact that even during my first five months, I received multiple inquiries a week from folks interested in starting a business, not knowing where to begin but to call the chamber for help. It’s a welcome confirmation that people do know a chamber exists to support a thriving business community by providing resources and making connections. Three years into the pandemic I am struck by all the momentum Chicopee business community shows, as we celebrated a handful of new businesses in 2022 and are looking to welcome even more this year.

I knew a pair of giant scissors was to become part of my chamber gear, and I’m grateful for the eager call I received from Jim Robinson to arrange my first ribbon cutting for JimBuddy’s Rec Shop in the fall. It sounds like I will get to use those big scissors even more as I review the list of Chicopee businesses set to open or begin development this coming year, from the Hot Table on Memorial Drive to the Baskin warehouse development on West Main Street to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts on East Main Street. I’ve quickly learned, too, that the Chicopee business community has some strong partners in the city, always on the lookout for opportunities to support and attract new business. And I’m grateful those