ERC5 looks to unite business, community

ANEW YEAR BRINGS us new opportunities. What does the outlook for 2023 look like? Well, I do see some bumps ahead, but I see successful businesses who are versed in adapting at a moment’s notice and are prepared to overcome challenges that may arise. We are stronger because of where we have been and what we have learned.

ALTHOUGH THE Chamber of Greater Easthampton had already been working on how we might evolve to better serve our membership and community at large, it became clear that one way we could do that was to refine a purpose-driven mission around economic development through such means as: professional development; leadership education; WorkHub on Union; relationship building; resource navigation; business resource connection; technical assistance; educational programing; marketing-promotion; and entrepreneurial support.

This is a big endeavor, but we are well on our way

For instance, we have launched our online marketplace, Easthampton Shop Where I Live. This is a very exciting, hyper-local ecommerce opportunity for chamber members as well as non-members providing Easthampton-based businesses or members of the creative community the opportunity to offer online shopping. Easthampton Shop Where I Live provides the customer with the ability to shop multiple Easthampton businesses with one cart, one check out.

When I last spoke of the WorkHub on Union project we were in the feasibility study phase of things. Well, I am excited to share that we are now in phase two of the project and actively seeking funding to proceed with the buildout of the Chamber’s co-workspace, with the intention of starting construction as soon as possible.

We are extremely excited about the WorkHub and the potential for expanded entrepreneurial and small business support and educational programing!

Mind Your Own Business, the chamber podcast, also enters into its fourth year as we head into 2023. This is where I get to have conversations with chamber members, entrepreneurs, local thought leaders and business leaders and all who have an interesting story to tell. My main drive is to get to know who they are, what they do and most importantly why they do it! So, if you haven’t already checked us out anywhere you get your podcasts! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Hampshire County Tourism Guide. I am extremely proud to be chair of the production committee and what we have consistently produced. This guide is displayed in 200-plus hotels, museums, attractions and more in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, including Grand Central Station. It is also included on area campuses for alumni, families, and conferences. There is also an online guide that anyone can access! It is our mission to promote as well as acquaint visitors both local and from afar with the wonders and excitement of Hampshire County! These are but a few of the programs the Chamber has been working on to ensure that our members, businesses, and entrepreneurs not only “survive” but indeed thrive while building the tools necessary for long-term sustainability and confidence when up against the next disruption how ever that may arise!

Maureen “Moe” Belliveau is executive director of the Chamber of Greater Easthampton. To learn more about the chamber and its work, go online to easthamptonchamber.org.

The East of the River FiveTown Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continued growth and building successful business and strong communities for a vibrant 2023. Our goal is to build communities that promote businesses, bring visitors to our area, in hopes that those visitors become residents and investors in the prosperity of the five towns we serve. We are proud of the growth and development of our businesses.

In 2022, we celebrated milestone anniversaries for our members, and we are proud to say that when time came for growth and expansion they stayed in the communities where they began their dream.

There is no business like small- to midsize businesses, and they are top on our agenda. We look for opportunities to leverage our platforms to promote their mission and vision. As we step into the new year we continue to partner with other chambers and look for resources that help enhances business in our community. Through our partnership with other chambers, we bring opportunities to learn, grow

Grace Barone

and connect with fellow business owners and community members. When communities flourish everybody wins. Uniting with our neighbors through the common bond of chamber crates a stronger voice for Western Massachusetts.

The ERC5 offers welcoming and purposeful opportunities to polish up on our businesses skills and catch up with other industry leaders through our signature events. We offer in person networking resources monthly. Networking events provide opportunities for us to come together, connect with friends, and engage in conversations that challenge us to think creatively.

ERC5 Chamber’s mission is to unite businesses and community. Our continued goal is to provide our businesses the resources they need to move forward, and the only way we can do this is with the continued support of the businesses and communities within the five towns we serve.

Grace Barone is executive director of the East of the River-Five Town Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the chamber and its work, go online to erc5.com.