Legislative Efforts
The Chamber has a Legislative Steering Committee that serves as a proactive force in the Federal, State and City political arenas. Committee members reflect the diversity of the membership and offer a broad range of business and political expertise. The Legislative Steering Committee meets monthly.

City/Business Relations
The Chamber acts as the bridge between businesses and the City government. It meets regularly with the Mayor, and other City officials to address special business needs. Such things as economic development, cell tower and signage ordinance issues have been addressed. The Chamber works to advocate for new business development as well as business retention by organizing regular visits to Chamber members known as "Spotlight on Business" tours. These tours also present the opportunity to promote member business through follow-up articles in the local newspapers.

Membership Development
This Chamber realizes that strength is found in numbers. Board and members work to promote the Chamber's benefit to local businesses. As Chamber members, they communicate the value of membership to area businesses and work to bring new businesses into the organization as contributing members. The Membership Committee also hosts two annual membership drives.

Marketing & Networking Activities
The Chamber has planned a variety of social and networking opportunities for its membership. These programs work to enhance Chamber and community involvement. Business "After 5" Events, Membership Breakfasts, Legislative Gatherings and Golf Socials are a few of the programs that have been initiated to bring the business community together.

Public Relations Efforts
The Board has worked hard to increase public awareness of the Chamber as well as communicate the successes of local businesses. Such things as monthly newspaper articles and an annual business plan are developed to support this effort.

Business/Education Support
The Chamber realizes that today's students are tomorrow's work force. With this in mind, the Board has committed itself to working with "school to work" officials to offer partnerships, programs and services. The Chamber supports the High School's Career Center and offers annual scholarships to business students.

The Agawam Chamber of Commerce is over 200 businesses strong. Agawam is one of seven nearby Chambers of Commerce in Western Massachusetts that have affiliated under an umbrella organization, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.

Agawam, along with Hampden/Wilbraham, Ludlow, East Longmeadow/Longmeadow, Springfield, Westfield and West Springfield have combined resources. This affiliation gives all Chamber members a tremendous advantage in promoting their businesses.

As an affiliate, the Agawam Chamber has access to six other Chambers, more than 1,800 businesses from eight surrounding cities. Membership in the Agawam Chamber provides members with business support on a local level and with programs that meet local needs. By pooling the financial resources of 1,800 member businesses, the Agawam Chamber can afford the services of a legislative lobbyist who advocates in Boston and Washington on behalf of business interests, a small business expert who organizes programs that benefit business, and a communications specialist who creates monthly business publications, web sites, and an annual business directory

Involvement in programs such as the Annual Market Trade Show that showcases more than 400 businesses, "After 5" networking events that give business the opportunity to network directly with 300 other Chamber members, Breakfast programs that recognize the accomplishments of member firms, the Super 60 Program, the Small Business Awards Programs and Monthly Small Business Round Table Seminars as well as discount programs such as Priority Pass (giving Chamber members and their employees discounts to other Chamber member businesses, Long Distance and Cellular Savings, Natural Gas, Electrical Savings and a Credit Card Transaction Fee Discount Program make Chamber membership something you can't afford to be without!

Website designed and maintained by Penfield Productions, Ltd.
Website hosting by SAMnet.net