Transcript Richard Kennedy, President of Worcester Regional Chamber of commerce

Mission Statement
To support existing businesses and promote economic development
in the Worcester region by being a bold, strong, articulate and
effective advocate. We will achieve this goal by aggressively and
proactively:
• Delivering valuable programming, support services, and growth
opportunities to our membership
• Supporting economic development initiatives that create balanced
regional growth
• Advocating public policy at all levels of government
• Maintaining a broad based, ethical, and financially sound
organization
A Regional Organization
• 3,300 Members Strong
• 5 Affiliate Chambers:
Auburn
Blackstone Valley
Holden Area
Tri-Community Area
Webster Dudley Oxford
Organizational Structure
• Non-profit, 501c(6)
• Not a municipal entity, not a charity
• Annual Budget = $1.7 million
• Funding Sources: Membership Dues,
Sponsorships, and Program and Event Fees
• Board of Directors
• Nine Staff Members
Programs, Events & Services
• Business After Hours
• The Breakfast Club
• WIN: Women's Information Network
• New England Business Expo
• Annual Business Meeting
• William J. Short Memorial Classic
Programs, Events & Services
• ChamberChoice
• Seminar Series
• Chamber Champions
• Business Owner’s Dialogue
• Referral Programs
• Health and Dental Insurance
Member Communications
• Website: worcesterchamber.org

• Region on the Move – TV Show
• Broadcast Emails
• Quarterly Newsletter
• Annual Membership Directory
• Invitations / Press Releases
• Advertising and Sponsorship
• Communicating with the Chamber
Business Resources
• Business Counseling
– SCORE, MSBDC, CWE, MLK, etc.
• Site Assistance
• Demographic Information
• Resource Library
• Local, State, Federal Assistance
• Local permitting and other “City Hall”
Assistance
Public Policy / Government Relations
• Health Care
• Unemployment Insurance
• Tax / Budget
• Transportation
- Commuter Rail
- Airport
• Central Mass Caucus
• Small Business Regional Town Meetings
• Speaker Forums
Economic Development
This is a time of tremendous
development in Worcester
and the region.
The Chamber is on the forefront
of much of the activity.
Economic Development Boards
orcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
W
Worcester Business Development Corporation
Choose Worcester, Inc.
Worcester Regional Research Bureau
Central Massachusetts Regional Employment Board
Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
Central Massachusetts Visitors and Convention Bureau
Destination Worcester
UniverCity Partnership
Regional Competitiveness Council
Common Pathways