A letter from our Chamber leaders
OUR VISION is a prosperous community distinguished by creativity, inclusion, caring, and stewardship of place - for the benefit of all.
OUR MISSION is to be a catalyst for collaboration and innovation to create an inclusive and thriving economy and community.
These are the Vision and Mission statements that we adopted last year with the launch of our new strategic plan. As an organization that proclaims inclusion and diversity as key tenets, we cannot and will not stay silent about the senseless deaths of black men and women who have become victims of police brutality or racist vigilantes. There is little that can be said to quell the severe pain from the loss of life experienced by Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and countless named and unnamed black Americans who have lost their lives in the most violent and horrific ways.
This collective moment of grief and call for justice has gripped our nation and spurred organizations across our country and around the globe to consider and recognize how silence has perpetuated racism and anti-Blackness. We unite with the voices of many of our members and partners who share this belief.
Black Lives Matter.
We have witnessed many reflective statements and promising commitments over the past couple of weeks by small local businesses and large global corporations alike – all vowing to denounce racial injustice and promote racial harmony. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement and all organizations committed to diversity and inclusion, equality and justice. These statements and actions give us hope that a more connected future is possible.
We recognize that we, as a chamber, have an opportunity to address our own implicit biases that have inhibited significant progress on the diversity front. We understand that our promises of inclusion without direct action will not drive effective change and the kind of seismic shift that is needed to deal with systemic racism. As part of a community that prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive, we must be and do better as a catalyst for change.
The Chamber board and staff are actively listening, convening, and considering how our organization can be a leader in cultivating a community and local economy that truly benefits all. We are ready to put our resources to work in the name of effecting change and will be taking the following steps as we move forward from this moment:
• Strengthen partnerships with other organizations to create a heightened focus on entrepreneurship and innovation on behalf of minority business enterprises.
• Mobilize GNCC’s Community Engagement Committee to invite participation and engagement beyond our traditional membership on critical issues that have an impact on our entire community.
• Expand advocacy on legislative and economic issues that provide greater access to opportunities for black-owned and other disadvantaged businesses.
• Elevate local tourist attractions throughout Hampshire County that celebrate the historical and cultural significance and contributions of black people and other people of color.
• Partner with other non-profits to identify and implement innovative solutions to better reflect the diversity of the region and support anti-racism work.
• Champion opportunities for the community to engage in diversity training and education around issues of racial injustice and equity.
We know that change will not happen overnight. Progress will require sustained and determined focus and continued questioning of how and why we do the things we do. Our hope rests in knowing that if we work together, a more united community is possible.
In solidarity,
Members of the Staff and Board
Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce