Why Join?

COVID-19 Response Feedback

The support we've received from the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Amherst BID has always been great, but the support we've received during the Covid-19 crisis has been overwhelming. The Virtual Tip Jar, postings of open businesses and the Downtown Amherst Foundation have all shown your commitment to Amherst businesses and individuals. This money will help to pay our suppliers and back rent and to keep moving forward.
- Collective Copies & The Levellers Press

When we opened our doors 14 years ago, we did so with the intention of sharing some of our favorite foods to a community we were new to. Over the years, you all welcomed us with love and this community became our family and we are tremendously grateful for the support that our family members have shown us during these trying times. Even though our doors are not open now, we will always have a table ready for you when they are.
- Crazy Noodles

Congratulations to the Amherst Area Chamber for quickly adapting to a new way of communicating with their members during COVID 19. You have helped us stay connected and informed - although we miss the in-person events, we deeply appreciate the weekly newsletters and virtual events that have kept us in touch and in the know. You didn’t miss a beat re-organizing to best meet the needs of your members during this difficult time, thank you!

- Greenfield Community College

Regarding the Relief & Resiliency Microgrant Program: Just five minutes before (receiving word of the grant), I was on a phone call discussing if Matt’s Barber Shop was going to make it or break it. The grant helps me think we’re going to make it. Thank you so much Amherst.
- Matt's Barber Shop

Complete New Member Application

The Power of Membership

Member-to-Member Support & Referral Network: Being part of Chamber means being part of a community of business leaders and decision-makers who seek to work together to build business and build community.
Marketing & Promotion: Through traditional (print, radio, public television) and digital marketing strategies including SEO optimization of the Chamber website and Membership Directory the Chamber gets your name out there and increases your impact (depth) and exposure (breath). Weekly Newsletter & at least twice weekly COVID-19 updates
Webinars & Workshops: Free or Member Pricing We also can provide one-on-one consultation services with the Chamber staff, through monthly office hours with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center staff (MSBDC), Valley Community Development small business development team, our local SCORE Chapter.
Personal & Professional Development Opportunities: From the Launching Women Luncheon Series to Sessions with Downtown Mindfulness and Diversity and Inclusion Workshop, the Chamber offers relevant training to cultivate personal and professional growth.
Programing & Events: Free or Member Pricing for leadership development, technical, and educational programing.
Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy: The Chamber leverages working relationships with local and state officials in our community, contact in or federal delegation, agencies, media contacts and community groups to bring about positive change that builds business and builds community. The Chamber also convenes critical conversation around issues and identifies policy priorities examples include our Annual Legislative Breakfast with noteworthy speakers, Economic Development Forum, Housing and Economic Development Forum.
Tourism: The Chamber tells the story of the Amherst area attracting tourism through the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council partnership with the Northampton and Easthampton Chambers to produce Visit Hampshire County! guides, website, and social media channels and Downtown Amherst Visitor’s Information Center.

Testimonials

Thank you! The Leverett Village Co-op joining the Chamber has been a wonderful way to attract more shoppers AND led to our being one of the winners of the WRSI advertising contest. So exciting! The post you shared on Facebook got about ten times more views than our regular posts and business increased after your email. Amazing.
- Leverett Village Co-op

My reason to join the Chamber: I grew up in my Long Island family business, with my parents and me always a part of how the chamber builds the community. So it felt natural to belong to the Amherst Area Chamber when I ran the Family Business Center, and now as an independent consultant, It takes a village to make a village, and I am part of that village. I enjoy the events, and it’s an easy way to build valuable relationships, and feel more part of the backbone of the town, And it’s so like life: you get out of it what you put in.
- Ira Bryck, Business Coach

Building Business. Building Community.

The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce is first and foremost a membership organization comprised of 365+ local businesses and non-profits.

Advocacy

Whether you need assistance navigating systems, are seeking a letter of support for a project, or advocating for policy change at the local or state level, you will always have an advocate in the Amherst Area Chamber. Your Chamber staff and Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy Committee are informed, engaged, advocating for economic development, and representing your interests. We are in the room and at the table. The Chamber proposes policy, advises officials and stakeholders at every level, and weighs in on proposed legislation and regulations. We are in your corner, fighting for you.

Seeking advocacy around an issue or a letter of support? Submit an inquiry here or contact Chamber staff directly.

Business Relocation & Co-Working Space

Relocating your business? The Chamber is the place to start.

Just getting your feet wet or simply need a space to get work done? AmherstWorks is a co-working space in the Amherst Area. Incubator space is currently being developed in Downtown Amherst.

The future is here. The Chamber can recommend real estate and development opportunities in the Amherst Area and connect you with the partners you need.

Certificates of Origin

A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an important international trade document that certifies that goods in a particular export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country. They declare the ‘nationality’ of the product and also serve as a declaration by the exporter to satisfy customs or trade requirements.

The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce can certify a Certificate of Origin for members in good standing in Massachusetts. Complete the Certificate of Origin Form and send it to info@amherstarea.com and an Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce staff members will follow up with you directly.

Additional Resources:

Submit a request below or contact Chamber staff directly for further assistance.

Economic Development Initiatives

Gift Card Program

Member-To-Member Discounts

Networking & Professional Development Opportunities

Referrals & Recommendations

You will be both recommenced and referred to fellow members and the community-at-large. The Chamber responds to the dozens of customer inquiries we receive monthly by phone, email, online, and that walk into our Visitors' Information Center. Make sure you are on our list! We work hard to ensure that your membership returns tangible visibility and sales to you and your organization.

The Chamber's Member Directory is a starting place. Feel free to reach out to Chamber staff directly for concierge services, referrals, and recommendations. Submit an inquiry here or contact Chamber staff directly.

Relocation Services

Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings, and More!

Small Business Assistance & Coaching

Seeking business advice? Our door is always open. As a member, the Chamber will provide you with professional development opportunities as well as coach you through business challenges and transitions.

The Chamber hosts monthly office hours with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) and can set you up with undergraduate and graduate-level student researchers and consultants from our institutions of higher ed.

Additionally, the can refer you to great local resources including professional coaches as well as our partners:

Small Business Development Team at Valley Community Development
Western Mass SCORE Chapter
Complete list of business development resources and coaches

At Chamber workshops, you will hear from experts on topics ranging from technical such as leveraging social media, email marketing, and to how to gain more leads with through your website and SEO to more general management and operations subjects such as our "9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back" series and "How to love your customer so they love you back" event. Get ready to grow!

Travel & Tourism Resources

Visibility & Marketing Opportunities

Make the Chamber part of your marketing strategy. We offer a variety of opportunities through traditional and digital marketing to increase the visibility (breadth) and impact (depth) of your marketing.

Visibility begins with membership. Member information is promoted on our digital platforms and on display in the Visitor Information Center. Search engine optimization (SEO) of the Chamber website and Member Directory places your name in front of targeted customers. Through Google Analytics and our CRM database, the Chamber can share stats and track your ROI.

Additional Marketing Opportunities:

Event Sponsorship
Downtown Amherst Banner Campaign
Create a Custom Marketing

Submit a request below or contact Chamber staff directly.

Also, check out fellow Chamber Members that are marketing gurus:

Profile Optimization

Reputation Building

Value of Membership

Membership dues are a commitment to and investment in the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. Dues enable us to fulfill our mission. Get started with the free "All In This Together" Membership and try the Chamber for a quarter. To learn more, call Executive Director Claudia Pazmany at 413-253-0700.