What is a Chamber of Commerce?
What is the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, After All?
Not all small communities are structured the same.
Despite the perception of typical small communities, the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce is different in the way we look to unify our businesses through partnership. And this has garnered widespread support.
In Hartford, our Chamber is made up of over 100 Hartford-based businesses of various sizes, all geared toward a commitment in growth for today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Our members share many different values, but the common goal at the center of our Chamber’s mission: to promote economic growth within the city and the surrounding areas.
The promotion of economic growth remains the driving force.
Since the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce held their first meeting in January 2013, they have worked hard to diligently support their members through developmental education, networking, and leadership.
Impact within these three areas can have an exponential effect on a business district, revolutionizing an entire community from the inside out. After all, having smarter people who are connected with a shared vision is a tide that raises all boats in a community.
Prior to 2013, there was not a Chamber of Commerce that could assist with the management of the economic growth structure within our community of Hartford. Without this, it was difficult to set unified goals toward achieving economic growth.
With the establishment of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, our singular goal was to set to focus on sustainable growth.
Within the Chamber of Commerce, there are several committees that exist to give distinct focus to areas that benefit their members and the community at large. These groups are:
- Executive
- Marketing
- Events
- Ambassador
- Bylaw Committee
There are also a Board of Directors that are made up of business owners who are proven leaders; ready to share, support, and move Hartford forward and into the future.
Once involved in the Hartford Area Chamber, members can participate in discussions that impact local business, programming, teambuilding, and even help to shape policy in the best interest of their community.
Because the Chamber believes in moving Hartford forward, development, collaboration, and connection are key.
There are also many ways to get involved with other businesses, organizations, and individuals both within the Chamber itself and within the community of Hartford.
It all culminates to an annual meeting in November where each year, members can learn more about the year’s growth, challenges, and plans for the future (last year, this was held on November 13).
Monthly mixer meetings are also held to allow members to engage with each other about business and opportunities for outreach and partnership.
As a member of the Chamber, businesses also receive the ribbon cuttings! With these ceremonies, members are honored, supported, and celebrated by their peers.
For many businesses, this is a celebration of their vision, future, and foundation already laid to provide the community with a valuable product or service.
Not all of the Chamber happenings occur within the Chamber construct. The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar is a great way to find and cultivate community on a weekly basis.
Weekly Commerce and Coffee events enable Chamber of Commerce members to connect with people in the community in a casual environment.
If you want to stay up to date on the things that are happening within the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce or learn more about the businesses and individuals who run them, you can view their quarterly newsletters.
There is also a directory of Chamber members and businesses listed both on the back page of the newsletter and on the website.
The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce operates much like those first collectives established in the 1700’s; with a mission to promote the members of the Chamber and their community and put first their interests.
The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce and its members believe in Hartford and the diverse economic ecosystem that is flourishing within our community.
And now that you know, it’s time for you to take part.