A 21st Century Chamber. A New Day. A New Way.

Our Strategic Plan

In recognition of The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) centennial, we celebrated this milestone by stepping boldly into the next century with a strategic plan that laid the foundation for the future success of our organization and our community.

We explored and reimagined what a 21st Century Chamber should be for Northampton, Hampshire County, businesses, non-profit organizations, and our community.

Our Strategic Priorities

The Health of the Economy & Community

Our local economy and community are inextricably intertwined. The health of one depends on the other. Everything the Chamber does and how we do it should reflect this truth.

The Chamber Must Include & Reflect The Community

A “membership” model does not best serve the community. As a 21st Century Chamber, the GNCC is open, inclusive, responsive, and cause-oriented.

Two core principles are at the center of our strategic plan.

Through discovery and examination, using data and imagination, we are guided by five strategic priorities that reflect the change we seek, in action and attitude. Our strategic plan provides a new framework and a new way to address the challenges and opportunities that lead to transformational change and a bold future.

Strong Business. Thriving Community.

Our renewed and expanded focus on entrepreneurship and innovation helps build a thriving and inclusive economy.

In Action, the Chamber...

  • is the authority on the economy – we measure and share information so that businesses and the community are better informed.

  • is an open organization that gives access to any business or organization that may benefit from our programs.

  • invests in programs that are proven to impact business growth and success.

  • advocates and influences policies that support business and enhances the community.

Strong Community. Access To Opportunity.

Our engagement with other organizations and shared resources help create the greatest positive impact on the well-being of our community.

In Action, the Chamber...

  • partners with others to measure and define the well‐being of the community.

  • mobilizes the business community to participate in initiatives that create and advance opportunity.

  • initiates collaborations that result in greater impact for the entire community.

  • adopts a regional outlook to strengthen nonprofit networks and shared vision.

Open Organization. Greater Impact.

Moving beyond a closed model, our governance and engagement emphasizes diversity and inclusion by inviting participation and perspectives that reflect our entire community.

In Action, the Chamber...

  • is a civic model for diversity and inclusion.

  • convenes forums of differing perspectives on issues.

  • engages beyond our traditional membership – invites residents and community leaders to support causes.

  • rallies around causes to attract a broad segment of interest in issues.

Nimble Operations. Sustainable Model.

The GNCC expands access and value to programs and services that fulfill our vision for a thriving economy and healthy community.

In Action, the Chamber...

  • adopts a culture of experimentation, research and outcome measurement to offer the most valuable services.

  • goes beyond being member-based to engage multiple viewpoints and foster a commitment to the local economy.

  • is flexible, nimble, and responsive.

  • promotes affordability by limiting barriers to benefits.

Clear Message. Broader Reach.

Our message that when the economy thrives, the community thrives is a catalyst for increasing support for local businesses and engagement with community causes.

In Action, the Chamber...

  • increases awareness by actively promoting the impact that businesses and the economy have on the well-being of the community.

  • provides information that helps businesses grow, informs the community, and provides access to regional offerings of programs.

  • creates and executes community-wide marketing programs and activities that support local businesses.

What We Accomplish

Informed by the strategic priorities, below are the ways that we create new pathways for engagement and connection, and achieve health and prosperity for businesses, non-profits, and the community as a whole.

  • Serve as a civic model for diversity and inclusion.

  • Invest in programs and advocate for policies to impact business success.

  • Initiate collaborations that result in greater community impact.

  • Share information that helps businesses grow and informs the community.

  • Advocate for economic growth that balances economic benefits with community values.

  • Open access to any business or organization that can benefit from our programs.