You Could Advertise here. Contact the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce at (978) 632-1780. Chamber Opposes Gas Tax The Chamber's Legislative Committee opposed a legislative recommendation to increase the Massachusett's Gas Tax by 49%, and the imposition of a "user" of 5 cents a mile to drive on major highways, saying the extra costs would be too much of a burden on small businesses and their employees at a time when when people are struggling to make ends meet. "This is a critical issue when you look at the impact it has on business and commuters," Ellis said. Legislative Agenda |
Consumers More Likely to Buy From Chamber Members A new national study reveals that membership in your local Chamber of Commerce can significantly boost consumer's confidence, favorability, awareness, and likelihood to patronize a business in the future. The report, released by the Shapiro Group, notes that in the Northeast, small businesses can see their business increase by as much as 63% as a result of their membership. (Chamber Value) |
Award Nominations Sought The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations of individuals to be honored for outstanding service and excellence in business. Members of the Chamber and community are invited and encouraged to submit nominations for the Chamber’s Community Service Award, Community Improvement Award, Business Person or Small Business of the Year Award, and Citizen of the Year Award. 2008 Awards |
Chamber Featured by State's Realiable Energy Alliance |
Healthy Habits 2008 - Incorporating Wellness Activities into your Business As part of the 2008 Healthy Habits Program, sponsored by Heywood Hospital, our Program on the Road will feature Guest Speaker Emily C. Eaton, M. Ed, Manager of Health Promotions for Fallon Community Health Plan. Ms. Eaton will speak on why every company should incorporate wellness activities and the essentials to creating a successful wellness program and give tips on simple activities any company can offer. Join us on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at the Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM for this informative program. Healthy Habits Program on the Road |
Massachusetts Schools Top Nation In a major analysis of state-by-state data, and using that data to construct innovative measures, the US Chamber of Commerce, along with partners including the Center for American Progress, launched a major initiative to dig into the nation's educational effectiveness. The results were staggering. However, not so surprising was Massachusetts' top ranking in 7 of the nine focus areas such as Academic Achievement, Academic Achievement of low-income and minority students, return on investment, truth in advertising about student proficiency, rigor of standards, postsecondary and workforce readiness, and 21st century teaching force. Leaders & Laggards: State Report Cards |
Volunteer Opportunities
As a member of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, there are many ways that you can become involved to keep our organization strong. Your active participation assures the success of the Chamber’s programs and continued economic growth for the community. Your involvement will also give you a sense of accomplishment and inner satisfaction from the knowledge that you are doing your share of an important job. Some of the programs/committees you can lend your expertise to are listed and briefly described below:
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE :
The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce is a key business retention and development resource in the Greater Gardner area. This committee works with city and town representatives to enhance the economic vitality of Greater Gardner through support to existing businesses and expansion of new businesses in the area.
AMBASSADORS:
The Ambassadors make up the welcoming committee of the Chamber. Ambassadors are the primary link between our membership and the Chamber. They assist new members in meeting established members at Chamber events and obtain input concerning Chamber programs and services, thereby encouraging new member participation. Ambassadors assist our professional staff with identifying and recruiting new members.MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE:
The Member Services Committee assists the professional staff in the development and introduction of Chamber services. This group identifies and researches potential new services for our members, determines need and interest of these services, and helps create the unique Chamber service for our members. In addition, this group reviews existing services on an on-going basis.MEMBER PROGRAM COMMITTEE:
These members assist the professional staff develop programs, speakers, networking opportunities, etc. to enhance the membership benefit while working to educate the membership on timely issues of business interest and increased visibility to the Greater Gardner community. Committee members will present programming opportunities that will provide direct assistance to our member business, provide education and information on subject matter which will affect member businesses, will promote local business to business relationships, enhance the vitality of the local market and/or will actively support local business interests.The Program Committee is directly responsible for several special projects annually including the Chamber’s $Super$ Raffle (our first fundraiser of the year), Silent Auction (our second fundraiser held at our Annual Outing and Golf Tournament), and our Annual Meeting and Awards Recognition Dinner.
BUSINESS & EDUCATION:
Working with local school districts to enhance the presence of the business community in the schools and participation in programs established to help students become familiar with workplace options is the primary focus of this committee. The group works to identify and recruit area employers to participate in various School-to-Career initiatives, assists with the development of policies which will ensure systemic change in our region school systems, and support on going School-to-Career programs and initiatives.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:
The Legislative Affairs Committee promotes the interests of our membership and the businesses within our service territory to public sector officials on the local, state and federal level. This committee is also responsible for the development of educational and informational programs for business and community leaders on important issues which effect businesses, and builds coalitions when appropriate.
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce is a key business retention and development resource in the Greater Gardner area. This committee works with city and town representatives to enhance the economic vitality of Greater Gardner through support to existing businesses and expansion of new businesses in the area.
IMAGE DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING:
Our Image Committee serves to increase awareness of the Chamber, community and opportunities available to businesses in the Greater Gardner area. This committee reviews our annual communications plan, marketing information about the Chamber and our service communities, and identifies new strategies for marketing for the Chamber and its programs.
ASHBURNHAM BUSINESS COUNCIL:
The Ashburnham Business Council (ABC) works to identify, discuss and respond to specific economic development and business development issues in the Town of Ashburnham. The group focuses on the revitalization of the commercial core and the continued support of community wide initiatives. The ABC also serves as the liaison between the Chamber staff and town government representatives.
WORKING WOMEN COMMITTEE:
Members of this committee promotes educational and professional development for woman business owners. This group identifies issues which are unique to women or minority owned businesses and works with the Member Services Committee and Member Program Committee to identify and develop programs tailored to the specific needs of women and minority owned business. The group also works to facilitate camaraderie and interaction between women business owners.