US Chamber

9/28/2009 - Sue O'Connor

No Affiliation Between U.S. Chamber of Commerce and

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MANCHESTER CT - SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 The Greater Manchester Chamber wants to make it totally clear: there is no affiliation or organizational relationship between the "U.S. Chamber of Commerce" and the GMCC.

In recent weeks area residents, and even some GMCC members, have been calling the Chamber asking about TV ads opposing health care reform being run by the U.S. Chamber. Sue O'Connor, the President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, has assured them, and assures all GMCC members and Manchester area residents, that the GMCC does not share that position and does not in any way support the U.S. Chamber's efforts.

"The GMCC ended its affiliation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce many years ago and there is presently no connection whatsoever between their organization and ours," she states. "In fact, the only similarities between the two organizations are the words 'Chamber of Commerce' in our names, and we have no control over that."

According to O'Connor the GMCC is "fiercely independent" and "supports no political party or ideology." O'Connor admits, however, that the Chamber is not apolitical. "The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce takes a stance on local issues, but only when we feel a strong need exists to protect the interests of our members, and/or to support our overriding goal of making Manchester an even better place to live, work and do business."

The Chamber's most recently expressed position on a local issue has been its strong support of the Broad Street Redevelopment Plan, which has also received unanimous support form the Town Board of Directors, Zoning Board, Housing Authority, Redevelopment Agency, and Economic Development Commission.

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